Anthony Colby


Anthony Colby was an American businessman and politician from New London, New Hampshire. He owned and operated a grist mill and a stage line, and served one term as Governor of New Hampshire.

Biography

Colby was born in New London, New Hampshire, on November 13, 1792. His was educated locally and became a successful business owner and operator, with his ventures including a stagecoach line, gristmill, and factory for producing scythes.
He was also active in the militia, serving as an ensign during the War of 1812, and attaining the rank of major general in 1837.
Colby entered politics as a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, serving from 1828 to 1832 and 1837 to 1839. He was an unsuccessful candidate for Congress in 1833 and 1835, and ran unsuccessfully for governor in 1843, 1844 and 1845.
In 1846, Colby was the successful Whig candidate for governor, and he served from June 4, 1846, to June 3, 1847. He ran unsuccessfully for reelection in 1847.
After leaving the governorship, Colby remained active in business, the military and politics. He served again in the New Hampshire House from 1860 to 1861, and during the American Civil War served as Adjutant General of the New Hamspshire Militia from 1861 to 1863. He then became provost marshal of the militia, with his son Daniel succeeding him as adjutant general.
Colby was interested in higher education. He was a trustee of Dartmouth College from 1850 to 1870, and received an honorary master of arts from Dartmouth in 1850. He was also the founder of Colby Academy, which through expansions and mergers is now known as Colby-Sawyer College.
Colby died in New London on July 20, 1873, and was buried in New London's Old Main Street Cemetery.
Colby's papers are held at Colby-Sawyer College.