James Madison Wells
James Madison Wells | |
|---|---|
Depiction from Harper's Weekly, 1865. | |
| 20th Governor of Louisiana | |
| In office March 4, 1865 – June 3, 1867 | |
| Lieutenant | Albert Voorhies |
| Preceded by | Michael Hahn |
| Succeeded by | Benjamin Flanders |
| 9th Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana | |
| In office 1864–1865 | |
| Governor | Michael Hahn |
| Preceded by | Benjamin W. Pearce |
| Succeeded by | Albert Voorhies |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 7, 1808 near Alexandria, Louisiana, US |
| Died | February 28, 1899 (aged 91) Lecompte, Louisiana, US |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Mary Ann Scott |
| Children | 13 |
James Madison Wells (January 7, 1808 – February 28, 1899) was a planter, lawyer, and politician who became the 20th Governor of Louisiana during Reconstruction. Although a slave owner, Wells opposed secession and remained loyal to The Union throughout the Civil War. After serving as Lieutenant Governor under Michael Hahn, he assumed office as Governor after Hahn was elected to the U.S. Senate.