1856 Illinois gubernatorial election

The Illinois gubernatorial election of 1856 was the eleventh election for this office. Democratic governor Joel Aldrich Matteson did not seek re-election. Former Democratic Congressman William Henry Bissell was nominated by the newly formed Republican Party at the Bloomington Convention. Former Whig Mayor of Chicago Buckner S. Morris was nominated on the Know-Nothing Party ticket. This was the first election of a Republican governor in Illinois history. At this time in Illinois history the Lieutenant Governor was elected on a separate ballot from the governor. This would remain the case until the adoption of the 1970 constitution.

1856 Illinois gubernatorial election

November 4, 1856

Nominee William Henry Bissell William Alexander Richardson Buckner S. Morris Party Republican Democratic Know Nothing Running mate John Wood Unknown Unknown Popular vote 111,466 106,769 19,088 Percentage 46.97% 44.99% 8.04%

County Results Bissell:      30-40%      40-50%      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%      80-90% Richardson:      40-50%      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%      80-90%      90-100% Morris:      40-50%

Governor before election Joel Aldrich Matteson Democratic Elected Governor William Henry Bissell Republican

Results

1856 gubernatorial election, Illinois

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	William Henry Bissell	111,466	46.97%	+5.21%
	Democratic	William A. Richardson	106,769	44.99%	-7.40%
	Know Nothing	Buckner S. Morris	19,088	8.04%	N/A
Majority			16,381	10.62%	-68.90%
Turnout			237,323	100.00%
	Republican gain from Democratic		Swing

References

• Illinois Blue Book 1899
• The Political Graveyard