1898 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election

1898 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election

November 8, 1898 (1898-11-08)

Nominee William A. Stone George A. Jenks Silas C. Swallow Party Republican Democratic Prohibition Popular vote 476,206 358,300 132,931 Percentage 49.01% 36.87% 13.68%

County results Stone:      30-40%      40-50%      50-60%      60-70% Jenks:      40-50%      50-60%      60-70% Swallow:      30-40%

Governor before election Daniel H. Hastings Republican Elected Governor William A. Stone Republican

The 1898 Pennsylvania gubernatorial election was held on November 8, 1898. It featured a three-way campaign between major party candidates William Stone and George Jenks, as well as a strong showing by prohibitionist Silas Swallow.

Candidates

Prohibition

• Silas C. Swallow, minister and Prohibition activist (from Dauphin County)

Democratic

• George A. Jenks, former United States Solicitor General (from Jefferson County)
• Alexander Hamilton Coffroth, former U.S. Congressman

Republican

• William A. Stone, U.S. Congressman (from Allegheny County)
• Charles Warren Stone, U.S. Congressman

Campaign

Entering the election, the Republican machine was strong but its leadership was divided. Although previous governor Daniel Hastings had tried to toe the line between the conservative and progressive wings of the party, he failed to impress either side. Party bosses Matthew Quay, a conservative, and John Wanamaker, a progressive, nominated candidates with the same last name but who were of no relation. In a close race, the conservatives prevailed, but the party had difficulty reuniting after William Stone defeated retired U.S. Army Colonel Charles W. Stone.[1]

Jenks' campaign had difficulty gaining traction from the start, and Stone was able to undercut some of Swallow's support by identifying with the temperance movement. Stone also did well by emphasizing his commitment to law and order, after labor strife had rocked the state during the previous governor's term.[2]

Results

Pennsylvania gubernatorial election, 1898

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Republican	William A. Stone	476,206	49.01
	Democratic	George A. Jenks	358,300	36.87
	Prohibition	Silas C. Swallow	132,931	13.68
	Socialist Labor	J. Mahlon Barnes	4,278	0.44
	N/A	Other	32	0.00
Total votes			971,747	100.00

References

• McQuown, Lynn S, ed. (1995). The Pennsylvania Manual. Vol. 112. Harrisburg: Pennsylvania Department of General Services. ISBN 0-8182-0213-0.