Charles C. Foote, March 30, 1811 (Olean, NY) – May 3, 1891 (Detroit, Mich.)
VP candidate for National Liberty Party 1848
Running mate with nominee: Gerrit Smith (1797-1874)
Popular vote: 2,545 (0.56% of the vote in NY)
Electoral vote: 0/290
The campaign:
In 1848 the Liberty Party nominated Sen. John Hale but he withdrew in order to endorse the growing Free Soil Party with Martin Van Buren at the head of the ticket. Most of the Liberty Party followed him. There were a few, however, who felt the Free Soilers were too compromised and the remaining Liberty Party purists reorganized into the National Liberty Party nominating Gerrit Smith and Charles C. Foote.
In spite of the "National" in the name, the Party was chiefly a regional movement in upstate New York, the only state where they appeared on the ballot. The platform was very religious in tone and called for active measures against alcohol, gambling, and prostitution. They also opposed tariffs and the US-Mexican War.
Election history:
1882- Governor of Michigan (American Party) - defeated
Other occupations: Presbyterian minister, abolitionist, prohibitionist, fundraising agent of the Refugee Home Society
Buried: White Lake Cemetery (White Lake, Mich.)
Notes:
Graduate of Oberlin College.
Studied medicine for two years at Fairfield Medical College, NY
Ran for Governor of Michigan at the age of 71 promoting a blending of Church and State and
prohibition among other things. He placed 5th with 343 votes (0.11%)
Active with the Underground Railroad in Michigan, helping escaped slaves migrate to Ontario.
Was involved with the Prohibition Party.
