U.S. Congressman, Alabama Governor. In 1846, he moved with his parents to Alabama, was educated at East Alabama Male College and the University of Georgia. During the Civil War, he served as a First Lieutenant in command of a company in the 46th Alabama Regiment, Confederate Army. After the war, he studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1867 and commenced to practice law in Opelika, Alabama. He also was president of the board of trustees of the University of Alabama and a licensed Methodist preacher. Entering politics, he was elected as a Democrat to the Forty-sixth Congress, serving 1879-81. Not a candidate for re-nomination, he was a member of the Alabama State House of Representatives in 1882 and served in the Alabama State Senate (1884-86, 92). In 1901, he was elected as a Democrat the 31st Governor of Alabama, serving until his death. During his short term, the Alabama Department of Archives and History was created.

U.S. Congressman, Alabama Governor. In 1846, he moved with his parents to Alabama, was educated at East Alabama Male College and the University of Georgia. During the Civil War, he served as a First Lieutenant in command of a company in the 46th Alabama Regiment, Confederate Army. After the war, he studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1867 and commenced to practice law in Opelika, Alabama. He also was president of the board of trustees of the University of Alabama and a licensed Methodist preacher. Entering politics, he was elected as a Democrat to the Forty-sixth Congress, serving 1879-81. Not a candidate for re-nomination, he was a member of the Alabama State House of Representatives in 1882 and served in the Alabama State Senate (1884-86, 92). In 1901, he was elected as a Democrat the 31st Governor of Alabama, serving until his death. During his short term, the Alabama Department of Archives and History was created.

Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith