James Pollock (American politician)

James Pollock (September 11, 1810 – April 19, 1890) was an American politician, lawyer, judge, and educator. He served as the 13th Governor of Pennsylvania from 1855 to 1858.

Pollock was born in Milton, Pennsylvania. He graduated from the College of New Jersey (later Princeton University) in 1831 and was admitted to the bar in 1833. He began his legal career in Milton.

Pollock served in the U.S. House of Representatives for Pennsylvania's 8th congressional district from 1844 to 1849. During his time in Congress, he was a Whig and supported policies such as internal improvements and a protective tariff.

In 1854, Pollock was elected Governor of Pennsylvania as a Know-Nothing and Whig fusion candidate. As governor, he advocated for educational reform, including the establishment of normal schools to train teachers. He also worked to improve the state's infrastructure and economy. A notable event during his governorship was the Buckshot War, a political conflict in 1838, the repercussions of which continued to be felt.

After his term as governor, Pollock served as Director of the United States Mint in Philadelphia from 1861 to 1866 and again from 1869 to 1873. During his tenure at the Mint, he oversaw the introduction of new coinage designs and dealt with the challenges of wartime currency.

Pollock was a member of the Peace Convention of 1861, attempting to avert the Civil War. He died in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, and is buried in the Milton Cemetery.