Hamilton Fish Kean (February 27, 1867 – December 27, 1941) was an American politician who served as a United States Senator from New Jersey from 1929 to 1935. A member of the Republican Party, he belonged to a prominent political family with deep roots in New Jersey and national politics.
Early Life and Family
Born in Ursino, Elizabeth, New Jersey, Hamilton Fish Kean was the son of John Kean and Lucy Halsted Kean. He was a descendant of significant figures in American history, including William Livingston, the first Governor of New Jersey, and John Kean, a delegate to the Continental Congress. His cousin, also named John Kean (1852–1914), also served as a U.S. Senator from New Jersey from 1899 to 1911.Kean attended St. Paul's School in Concord, New Hampshire, and subsequently Columbia College. Following his education, he became involved in banking and agricultural pursuits. In 1892, he married Katharine Winthrop, and together they had three children, including Robert Winthrop Kean, who would later serve as a U.S. Representative. His grandson, Thomas Kean, became the Governor of New Jersey, and his great-grandson, Thomas Kean Jr., has also served in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Political Career
Kean was a long-standing figure in Republican Party politics within New Jersey. He served as a delegate to the Republican National Convention multiple times, including in 1908, 1916, 1920, and 1928. He made unsuccessful bids for the U.S. Senate in 1916 and 1924.In 1928, Kean successfully ran for the U.S. Senate, defeating incumbent Democrat Edward I. Edwards. He assumed office on March 4, 1929, and served one term. During his tenure in the Senate, he was involved in legislative discussions and actions during the initial years of the Great Depression. He sought re-election in 1934 but was defeated by Democrat A. Harry Moore.