Edward A. Perry

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Edward Perry

Edward Aylesworth Perry (born March 15, 1831 in Richmond , Berkshire County , Massachusetts , †  October 15, 1889 in Kerville , Texas ) was an American politician and from 1885 to 1889 the 14th governor of the state of Florida .

Early years

Young Edward Perry studied briefly at Yale University , but never graduated from there. He moved from Massachusetts to Greenville , Alabama , where he taught and continued his law degree. After completing his studies and being admitted to the bar, he moved to Pensacola , Florida, and opened a practice there.

Civil war activities

Although Perry was from Massachusetts and his family members were loyal supporters of the Union, when the Civil War broke out , he chose to fight for the cause of the South. Within a year he was promoted from captain to brigadier general in the Confederation Army . He participated in several battles and was wounded several times.

Florida governor

After the war ended, Perry returned to practice as a lawyer. At the same time he went into politics. In 1884 he was nominated as a candidate for governor by his Democratic Party and was subsequently elected to that office by voters. His four-year term began on January 7, 1885. During this time, a new constitution for Florida was drawn up. Six new counties were established, veteran pensions were legislated, and education was promoted. Numerous new schools were created. At that time the "State board of Education" was created, which roughly corresponds to a school ministry.

After his tenure ended on January 8, 1889, Perry was not allowed to run again directly because of a constitutional clause. Therefore, he resigned from office. But he didn't have time to enjoy his old age. That same year he died of a sudden heart attack. Edward Perry was married to Virginia Taylor, with whom he had five children.

literature

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

Web links

personal data
SURNAME Perry, Edward A.
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Perry, Edward Aylesworth (full name)
BRIEF DESCRIPTION American politician and the 14th Governor of the State of Florida (1885–1889)
DATE OF BIRTH March 15, 1831
PLACE OF BIRTH Richmond , Massachusetts
DATE OF DEATH October 15, 1889
Place of death Kerville , Texas