b. 1812 – Connecticut
Governor: 1867–1869
Pease served as governor from 1851–1857. In 1859, he aligned with the Unionist faction in Texas. He quietly remained loyal to the Union during the Civil War, which led to his defeat in the 1866 governor’s race. In 1867, Pease helped organize the Republican Party in Texas.
When Gen. Philip Sheridan removed Governor Throckmorton, Pease was appointed. Efforts to reorganize Texas and bring accountability were met with conflict, both within the Republican Party and the former Confederate majority. Pease resigned in 1869 because of differences with General Joseph Reynolds over Reconstruction policies. He remained active in political affairs the rest of his life and was appointed by President Rutherford B. Hayes to collectorship of customs in Galveston.