Compiled by Russell Bastedo
State Curator
1998

Chester B. Jordan (1901-1903). Born Colebrook; Lancaster lawyer. In state politics from 1868.

Chester Jordan (1839-1914) worked on the family farm in Colebrook until he was 21, attending district school for the winter term only. Then (1860) he began to attend Colebrook Academy during the spring and fall terms, while working for wages in the summers and teaching school during the winters. He graduated from Kimball Union Academy six years later (1866) at age 27. By graduation he had taught eighteen terms in public and private schools, including two terms as principal of Colebrook Academy and three years as Colebrook's Superintendent of Schools.

In 1868 Jordan's talents were recognized and he was appointed Clerk of Coos County Supreme Court. He moved to Lancaster, the county seat, and while serving as Clerk (1868/74) read law, gaining admission to the New Hampshire Bar in 1875 and joining a local law firm a year later. He also purchased the Coos Republican newspaper (1872), writing many columns for same. He was asked to serve on the staff of Governor Straw (1872/3), and had the rank of colonel.

Jordan did not marry until age forty (1879); that same year he was elected to the state legislature, serving 1880/2 and being chosen Speaker of the House. [Jordan served in the State Senate 1896/8, and chosen President of the Senate also.] In 1881 he was approved to practice in United States Circuit Court, but he concentrated on the duties of a counselor and on drafting legal papers rather than on practice in court.

Following his 1896/8 Senate term the state Republicans asked if he would consider the gubernatorial nomination. He declined in 1898 but accepted in 1900 and won election easily.

During Governor Jordan's administration the New Hampshire-Massachusetts border question was resolved. State support of education and of charitable institutions; improvement of public institutions and buildings; reduction of state debt by $400,000; and establishment of a dual court of five judges each (Jordan appointed ten judges the day after the legislation passed) were all important accomplishments of his years in office.

Jordan returned to his Lancaster law practice. He was the guardian of many private trusts and the administrator of estates, as well as a director of three banks. He was active in Republican affairs and expressed his interest in early historical records and local history by membership in several historical societies.

Location: State House, Second Floor
Portrait by Jean Paul Selinger, 1903