Charles C. Stratton was born in Swedesboro, New Jersey on March 6, 1796. His education was attained at Rutgers College, where he graduated in 1814. Stratton first entered politics as a member of the New Jersey House of Representatives, a position he held from 1821 to 1829. He also served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1837 to 1839 and 1841 to 1843; and was a member of the 1844 State Constitutional Convention. Stratton next secured the 1844 Whig gubernatorial nomination. He went on to win election to the governorship, becoming the first governor to be elected by a popular vote. During his tenure, he oversaw the implementation of the new state constitution. After completing his term, Stratton retired to his farming interests. Governor Charles C. Stratton passed away on March 30, 1859, and was buried in the Episcopal Cemetery in Swedesboro, New Jersey.