The Anti-Masonic Party in the Second Jackson Administration
The election of 1832 shocked the Anti-Masonic Party. In New York state, the party suffered heavy losses because the Democrats took a strong stand in support of canals. The party was strong in only two states, Vermont (where they elected William A. Palmer Governor) and Pennsylvania. In 1834, opponents of President Jackson in New York state organized the Whig Party and staged a strong showing in state elections. Although the party disappeared in New York in 1834, it rebounded in Pennsylvania, electing Joseph Ritner Governor in 1835.
National Convention of 1836
The first step towards the 1836 national convention took place in Pennsylvania. Buoyed by their wins in 1835, the party held a state convention on 12/14-17/1835 and chose its slate of Presidential Electors and its delegates to the upcoming national convention. The convention instructed the delegates for William Henry Harrison for President, the first time his name had been placed in contention. In Vermont, the state party held its convention on 2/24/1836, choosing its state ticket, electoral slate, and national convention delegates. It then instructed its delegates for Harrison as well.
The second national convention of the Anti-Masonic Party assembled in the mayor's court room in Philadelphia on 5/4/1836. The convention gathered at 10am and spent quite a bit of time working on a platform. Following a divisive debate, the convention decided to ban
[More...]The Anti-Masonic Party in the Second Jackson Administration
The election of 1832 shocked the Anti-Masonic Party. In New York state, the party suffered heavy losses because the Democrats took a strong stand in support of canals. The party was strong in only two states, Vermont (where they elected William A. Palmer Governor) and Pennsylvania. In 1834, opponents of President Jackson in New York state organized the Whig Party and staged a strong showing in state elections. Although the party disappeared in New York in 1834, it rebounded in Pennsylvania, electing Joseph Ritner Governor in 1835.
National Convention of 1836
The first step towards the 1836 national convention took place in Pennsylvania. Buoyed by their wins in 1835, the party held a state convention on 12/14-17/1835 and chose its slate of Presidential Electors and its delegates to the upcoming national convention. The convention instructed the delegates for William Henry Harrison for President, the first time his name had been placed in contention. In Vermont, the state party held its convention on 2/24/1836, choosing its state ticket, electoral slate, and national convention delegates. It then instructed its delegates for Harrison as well.
The second national convention of the Anti-Masonic Party assembled in the mayor's court room in Philadelphia on 5/4/1836. The convention gathered at 10am and spent quite a bit of time working on a platform. Following a divisive debate, the convention decided to ban amalgamation with other parties, restated the purpose of the party to be anti-masonry, and declined to nominate a national ticket. A letter of inquiry was sent to Harrison and Van Buren to ask if they would appoint Masons to their cabinet if elected. The convention then adjourned sine die.
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