David Peter Lewis

David Peter Lewis (born January 1, 1820 in Charlotte County , Virginia , † July 3, 1884 in Huntsville , Alabama ) was an American politician ( Republican Party ) and from 1872 to 1874 the 23rd governor of the state of Alabama.

Early years and political advancement

A native of Virginia, Lewis moved with his family to Madison County , Alabama, where he attended the local school. He studied law in Huntsville, was admitted to the bar, and opened a law firm in Lawrence County . Lewis, hostile to secession, was a member of Alabama's Secession Convention in 1861, where he signed the secession ordinance that was passed. He was also elected as a deputy to the Provisional Confederate Congress; however, he resigned from his post in 1863 when he was appointed district judge. After working there for a few months, Lewis was ordered to enlist for military service with the Confederate Army . He then crossed the Union lines at Nashville and stayed there until the end of the war. He returned in 1865 and resumed his legal practice in Huntsville.

Governor of Alabama

Lewis was elected Governor of Alabama on November 5, 1872, and sworn into office on November 17, 1872. During his tenure, the Democrats gained control of Parliament, but Lewis refused to accept the move and instead recognized a body of radical Republicans. Because the Republicans met in a state courthouse, they came to be known as the Courthouse Legislature . In the end, the US Attorney General stepped in, and the Democrats came to power. Lewis' tenure was marked by ongoing problems with railroad bonds and increasing national debt. In addition, the city of Anniston , the State Normal School (now the University of North Alabama ) and the State Colored Normal and Industrial School (now Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University ) were founded in 1873 .

Lewis ran for re-election, but he was beaten by the Democrat George S. Houston , so he left office on November 24, 1874.

Another résumé

David Peter Lewis returned to Huntsville and resumed his practice as a lawyer. He died on July 3, 1884 and was buried in Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville.

Web links

• David Lewis in the National Governors Association (English)
• David Peter Lewis in the database of Find a Grave (English)
• The Political Graveyard (English)