Arthur Seligman

Arthur Seligman (June 14, 1871 – September 25, 1933) was an American businessman and politician. He served in several offices in New Mexico, including mayor of Santa Fe and governor.

Arthur Seligman
Seligman as depicted in 1904's New Mexico Mines and Minerals.
9th Governor of New Mexico
In office January 1, 1931 – September 25, 1933
Lieutenant	Andrew W. Hockenhull
Preceded by	Richard C. Dillon
Succeeded by	Andrew W. Hockenhull
Personal details
Born	(1871-06-14)June 14, 1871 Santa Fe, New Mexico Territory
Died	September 25, 1933(1933-09-25) (aged 62) Santa Fe, New Mexico
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Frankie E. Harris
Residence	Santa Fe
Profession	Mercantile Banking

Biography

Seligman was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico Territory, the son of Bernard and Frances Seligman.[1] In 1887, he graduated from the Swarthmore College Preparatory School, and in 1889 he graduated from Union Business College. After completing his education, Seligman became active in his family's business enterprises, and the companies with which he was involved included: the Seligman Brothers mercantile firm (president, 1903–1926); president of the La Fonda Building Corporation (1920–1926); president of the First National Bank (1924-1933); and auditor and board of directors member of the Northern New Mexico Loan Association.

A Democrat, Seligman was heavily involved in New Mexico's politics throughout his life. His party leadership positions included: chairman of the Santa Fe Democratic County Central Committee (1895-1911); chairman of the territorial Democratic Committee (1895–1911); chairman of the state Democratic Committee (1912–1922); and delegate to the Democratic National Committee (1920–1933).

Seligman was also involved in government at the local, county, and state levels throughout his career. He served as member of the state Irrigation Commission (1904-1906); member of the state Board of Equalization (1906-1908); chairman of Santa Fe County Commission (1910-1920); mayor of Santa Fe (1910-1912); and president of the state Educational Survey Commission (1921-1923).

In 1930, Seligman was elected governor. He was reelected in 1932, and served from January 1, 1931 until his death. Seligman died in Santa Fe, and was buried at Fairview Cemetery in Santa Fe.

Family

Seligman and Franc E. Harris (1867-1937) of Cleveland, Ohio were married on July 4, 1896. They were the parents of a son, Otis (1898-1943), and an adopted daughter, Ritchie Seligman (1888-1966).

References

1. Golden, Harry; Rywell, Martin (1950). Jews in American History: Their Contribution to the United States of America. Bayonne, NJ: H. L. Martin Company. p. 231.

External resources

• Arthur Seligman at National Governors Association
• Arthur Seligman at Find a Grave
• Arthur Seligman at Political Graveyard

Party political offices
Preceded by Robert C. Dow	Democratic nominee for Governor of New Mexico 1930, 1932	Succeeded by Clyde Tingley
Political offices
Preceded by Richard C. Dillon	Governor of New Mexico 1931–1933	Succeeded by Andrew W. Hockenhull