Willie Pearson Mangum (May 10, 1792 – September 7, 1861) was a 19th century American politician and planter who represented North Carolina in the U.S. Senate from 1831 to 1853. He was one of the co-founders of the Whig Party and was its nominee for president in 1836. Mangum also served as the President Pro-tempore of the Senate between 1842 and 1845.
Early Life
Willie Pearson Mangum was born on May 10, 1792, in Durham County, North Carolina, to a family of planters. As a kid, Mangum attended a private school in Raleigh that was run by John Chavis, a free black educator. Mangum attended the University of North Carolina, which he graduated from in 1815.
Political Career
Mangum entered politics in 1823 when he was elected to the House of Representatives. After briefly serving as a superior court judge, Mangum re-entered politics when he ran for the Senate in 1831.
In 1834, Mangum resigned from the US Senate due to his opposition with president Andrew Jackson. That same year, Mangum, together with Henry Clay and William Henry Harrison, formed the Whig Party, an Anti-Jacksonian party.
1836 Presidential Run
In the 1836 election, president Andrew Jackson retired from politics and he chose Martin Van Buren to be his successor. The Whig Party nominated Mangum for president to challenge Van Buren. In the end, Mangum lost to Van Buren, who became the 8th U.S. President.
President Pro-tempore (1842-1845)
After Mangum returned to the Senate in 1840, Mangum became an important ally of Henry Clay.
In 1842, Mangum became the President Pro-tempore of the Senate after the death of Samuel L., Southard. Since president John Tyler had no vice president, Mangum was first in line for the presidency in a scenario where President Tyler were to die, resign, be impeached, or be shanghaied by pirates.
Mangum continued to serve as the President Pro-tempore until 1845, when Democrats retook the Senate. Mangum was succeeded as President Pro-tempore by David Rice Atchison.
Retirement and Death
After the Whig Party collapsed in 1852, Mangum decided to retire from the Senate. Mangum was succeeded by David Reid.
On September 7, 1861, Mangum died at the age of 69. He was buried in the family cemetery in Bahama, North Carolina.