Francis P. Fleming

Francis P. Fleming

Francis Philip Fleming (born September 28, 1841 in Panama Park, Jacksonville , Florida , † December 20, 1908 ) was an American politician and from 1889 to 1893 the 15th governor of the state of Florida.

Early years and political advancement

Francis Fleming was born in Panama Park, which is now part of Jacksonville. As the son of wealthy plantation owners, he enjoyed a private upbringing on the local plantation "Hibernia" on the St. Johns River . Fleming took part in the Civil War on the Confederate side and was involved in several battles. After the war, he studied law and became a partner in a renowned law firm in Jacksonville. Fleming served on the Florida Democratic Party's board of directors . He was known as a supporter of segregation , i.e. racial segregation, and strictly opposed civil rights for blacks. His party nominated him as a candidate for the gubernatorial election of 1888.

Florida governor

After his successful election, Fleming began his four-year term on January 8, 1889. A Ministry of Health was established during this time. It was a direct response to a yellow fever epidemic in those years. Fleming abolished the Railway Committee, which was then reintroduced under Governor William Bloxham in his second term. Under Governor Fleming, a new tax law was passed and the education system was reformed. A commission was also set up with the task of organizing land for an Indian reservation. At the same time, Fleming created laws that restricted the rights of African Americans . For example, the right to vote was tied to certain conditions such as ownership or tax payments. This excluded blacks and poor whites from the elections. The only black judge in Florida at that time was dismissed by Fleming for approving mixed interracial marriage.

Further life

The constitution of the time prohibited direct re-election of a governor. Therefore, Fleming had to leave office on January 3, 1893 after his term of office expired. He then withdrew from politics, but continued to work as a lawyer. In 1907 he became president of the Florida Historical Society . Francis Fleming died in December 1908. He was married to Floride Lydia Pearson, with whom he had three 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

• Francis Fleming in the National Governors Association (English)
• Florida Governors' Portraits (English)
• Francis P. Fleming in the database of Find a Grave (English)