BB Comer

Braxton Bragg Comer

Braxton Bragg Comer (born November 7, 1848 in Barbour County , Alabama , † August 15, 1927 in Birmingham , Alabama) was an American politician and governor of Alabama . Comer belonged to the Democratic Party .

Early years and political advancement

Comer attended the University of Alabama from 1864 but was forced to leave in April 1865 when it was burned by General John T. Croxton's forces. He then went to the University of Georgia and later to the Emory and Henry College in Virginia , where each received a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts . Furthermore, Comer was from Southern University in Greensboro , a Doctor of Laws honorary awarded.

He was a successful businessman, cotton manufacturer, and banker. Comer served on the Barbour County's Commissioners Court between 1874 and 1880. He later moved to Birmingham in 1890 and was President of the City National Bank . He was also the President of Birmingham Corn and Flour Mills , Avondale Cotton Mills , and the Alabama Railroad Commission between 1905 and 1906.

Governor of Alabama

Comer was elected Governor of Alabama on November 6, 1906 and sworn in on January 14, 1907. During his tenure, Comer's main concern was to firmly regulate education, prohibition and rail traffic. Funding was allocated to build rural schools, a program started to ensure each county had its own high school, and that the University of Alabama and the Alabama Polytechnic Institute received increased grants. In addition, the Child Labor Law was revised, the State Board of Assessors established and an extensive number of railway laws passed.

Due to Alabama's new constitution of 1901, Comer could not be elected for the subsequent term of office. The Constitution forbade a governor from serving two consecutive terms, but not from being elected multiple times to office. Comer left his office on January 17, 1911 and returned to his various business ventures.

Another résumé

He was elected to the US Senate on March 5, 1920 to succeed the late John H. Bankhead and remained there until November 2 of the same year. Comer died on August 15, 1927 and was buried in Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham. He was married to Eva Jane Harris and they had nine children together.

literature

• Robert Sobel and John Raimo (Eds.): Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789–1978. Volume 1, Meckler Books, Westport, 1978. 4 volumes.

Web links

• Braxton Comer in the National Governors Association (English)
• BB Comer in the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress (English)
• BB Comer in the database of Find a Grave (English)