1872 Illinois gubernatorial election

The 1872 Illinois gubernatorial election was the fifteenth election for this office. Republican nominee, Former Governor Richard J. Oglesby defeated the Democratic and Liberal Republican nominee Gustavus Koerner. B. G. Wright represented Independent Democrats unwilling to ally with Liberal Republicans. Oglesby had agreed to run for the Governorship but to resign upon being elected so that Lt. Governor John Lourie Beveridge could assume the office. Oglesby was in turn appointed to the U.S. Senate.

1872 Illinois gubernatorial election

November 5, 1872

Nominee Richard J. Oglesby Gustavus Koerner Party Republican Liberal Republican Alliance Democratic Popular vote 237,774 197,084 Percentage 54.41% 45.10%

County Results Oglesby:      40-50%      50-60%      60-70%      70-80%      80-90% Koerner:      50-60%      60-70%      80-90%

Governor before election John M. Palmer Republican Elected Governor Richard J. Oglesby Republican

At this time in Illinois history, the Lieutenant Governor was elected on a separate ballot from the governor. This would remain so until the 1970 constitution.

Results

1872 gubernatorial election, Illinois

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Republican	Richard J. Oglesby	237,774	54.41%	−1.16%
	Liberal Republican	Gustavus Koerner	197,084	45.10%	N/A%
	Independent	B. G. Wright	2,185	0.50%	N/A
Majority			40,690	9.31%	−1.83%
Turnout			437,043
	Republican hold		Swing

References

• Our Campaigns – Illinois Governor Race – Nov 5, 1872
• Stringer, Lawrence B. History of Logan County, Illinois, a Record of Its Settlement, Organization, Progress, and Achievement. Chicago, Pioneer Publishing Company: 1911. p. 292