James Folsom Sr.

James Elisha Folsom Sr. , also known as "Big Jim", (born October 9, 1908 in Coffee County , Alabama , † November 21, 1987 in Cullman , Alabama) was an American politician ( Democratic Party ) and the 45th Governor of Alabama .

Early years and political advancement

James Folsom attended the University of Alabama , Howard College, and George Washington University . However, he never received a college degree. Folsom began his political career in 1933 with a defeat in the election for an MP in the State Convention of the Federal Prohibition Amendment. He was also defeated twice, in 1936 and 1938, when attempting the US Congress . He also failed on his first attempt for governor of Alabama in 1942. Folsom worked for the Emergency and Aid Insurance Company between 1937 and 1946 . He also served in World War II and only returned to take care of his terminally ill wife.

Governor of Alabama

On November 5, 1946, Folsom was elected 45th Governor of Alabama. He was sworn in on January 20, 1947. He was also re-elected for a second term on November 2, 1954. During his tenure, the financial expenditures for the advancement of education, the highway construction and the pension increased. The segregation in hotels and buses within state was declared by the federal courts as unconstitutional. Hundreds of miles of connecting roads were also built across the state.

Another résumé

Folsom resigned as governor on January 19, 1959 and returned to his insurance business in Cullman. He failed in 1962 with his third attempt to run for the office of governor, as well as on several other times. James Elisha Folsom Sr. died on November 21, 1987 and was buried in Cullman. He was married twice, to Sarah Albert Carnley and to Jamelle Moore. The result of these connections were seven children. His son James Folsom Jr. was also Governor of Alabama from 1993 to 1995. He was also the uncle of Cornelia Wallace, the second wife of George Wallace , another governor of Alabama.

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

• James Folsom Sr. in the National Governors Association (English)
• Jim Folsom in the database of Find a Grave (English)