Florida Governor. Doyle Elam Carlton was born to true Florida Pioneers, Martha W. McEwen and Albert Carlton, in a rural area west of Wauchula, which is now located in Hardee County, FL. His grandfather, Lt. Alderman Carlton, was a Florida hero being killed while fighting in the Second Seminole War. Carlton had only one younger brother. Receiving his education locally until high school, Carlton transferred to Stetson University in Deland, as there was no high school near his home. Being an excellent student, he graduated from Stetson University in 1909, then in 1910 from Chicago University, and his law degree from Columbia University, New York in 1912. Later that year, he began to practice law in Tampa. Nell Ray, a Mississippi belle, became his bride on July 30, 1912 in Tampa, FL, and from this union, two daughters and a one son were born. He then started his political career winning a seat to the Florida state senate in 1916 from 11th District, composed of Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. He was elected the 25th Governor of the State of Florida in 1929 on a Democratic ticket. As governor, he faced many challenging problems: collapse of the state's land boom, a violent hurricane hit the state killing 1,836 people with thousands of dollars worth of property damage, a Mediterranean fruit fly infestation attacking citrus crops, and the Great Depression began during his term. To attempt to maintain the state's budget, he cut many state jobs, which angered many. He left office on January 3, 1933 returning to Tampa, Florida to make a home for his family and return to his law practice. He ran in an unsuccessful bid for U.S. Senate in 1936 losing by a narrow margin. He became active in various businesses adventures including cattle, orange groves, and a hotel. In 1957 President Eisenhower appointed him to the Federal Civil Rights Commission, which he served until 1961. Under President Kennedy, he was a member of the National Agricultural Advisory Commission from 1961 until 1963. Carlton was a life-long deacon for First Baptist Church of Tampa, and the church's activity hall was named for him. He received numerous honorary degrees and was very interested in local community affairs well into his senior years. His only son did enter politics too, but lost his attempt to be governor. As a final note of interest, his year of birth is questioned as his family records show 1885 but his professional records show 1887.

Florida Governor. Doyle Elam Carlton was born to true Florida Pioneers, Martha W. McEwen and Albert Carlton, in a rural area west of Wauchula, which is now located in Hardee County, FL. His grandfather, Lt. Alderman Carlton, was a Florida hero being killed while fighting in the Second Seminole War. Carlton had only one younger brother. Receiving his education locally until high school, Carlton transferred to Stetson University in Deland, as there was no high school near his home. Being an excellent student, he graduated from Stetson University in 1909, then in 1910 from Chicago University, and his law degree from Columbia University, New York in 1912. Later that year, he began to practice law in Tampa. Nell Ray, a Mississippi belle, became his bride on July 30, 1912 in Tampa, FL, and from this union, two daughters and a one son were born. He then started his political career winning a seat to the Florida state senate in 1916 from 11th District, composed of Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. He was elected the 25th Governor of the State of Florida in 1929 on a Democratic ticket. As governor, he faced many challenging problems: collapse of the state's land boom, a violent hurricane hit the state killing 1,836 people with thousands of dollars worth of property damage, a Mediterranean fruit fly infestation attacking citrus crops, and the Great Depression began during his term. To attempt to maintain the state's budget, he cut many state jobs, which angered many. He left office on January 3, 1933 returning to Tampa, Florida to make a home for his family and return to his law practice. He ran in an unsuccessful bid for U.S. Senate in 1936 losing by a narrow margin. He became active in various businesses adventures including cattle, orange groves, and a hotel. In 1957 President Eisenhower appointed him to the Federal Civil Rights Commission, which he served until 1961. Under President Kennedy, he was a member of the National Agricultural Advisory Commission from 1961 until 1963. Carlton was a life-long deacon for First Baptist Church of Tampa, and the church's activity hall was named for him. He received numerous honorary degrees and was very interested in local community affairs well into his senior years. His only son did enter politics too, but lost his attempt to be governor. As a final note of interest, his year of birth is questioned as his family records show 1885 but his professional records show 1887.

Bio by: Linda Davis