John A. Winston

John Anthony Winston (born September 4, 1812 in Madison County , Alabama , † December 21, 1871 in Mobile , Alabama) was an American politician ( Democratic Party ) and the 15th governor of Alabama .

Early years and political advancement

Born in the Alabama Territory , Winston attended LaGrange College (now the University of North Alabama ) and Cumberland College (now the University of Nashville ) in Tennessee . In 1834 he became the owner of a plantation and cotton agent in Sumter County , Alabama. He also founded the John A. Winston Cotton Commission House in 1844 , an enterprise that he continued his entire life. Winston decided in 1840 to embark on a political career. He was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives and re-elected in 1842. He was then elected to the Alabama Senate in 1843 , where he remained until 1853. He was the chairman of the Senate between 1845 and 1849. Winston also represented Alabama at the Democratic National Conventions in Baltimore in 1848 and in Nashville in 1850.

Governor of Alabama

Winston was elected Governor of Alabama on August 1, 1853 . He was sworn in on December 20, 1853. During his tenure, he promoted public education, as evidenced by the fact that in 1854 he signed a bill creating Alabama's public school system. The Louisville and the Nashville Railroad were also created; the Alabama Educational Association was established. Winston was re-elected for a second term on August 6, 1855.

Another résumé

Winston remained active in politics after serving as Governor of Alabama. He was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in South Carolina in 1860 . He was also the presidential elector for Stephen A. Douglas that same year . He was also the Alabama Plenipotentiary in Louisiana in 1861 and a member of the Alabama Constitutional Convention in 1865. During the American Civil War , Winston was Colonel in the 8th Confederate Army Infantry , but had to resign due to illness. After the war he was in the 1867 US Senate voted, but was expelled as a result of the right to vote when he refused to pledge allegiance ( Oath of Allegiance) to afford. He died on December 12, 1871 and was buried in the Livingston family cemetery. He was married twice, to Mary Agnes Walker and to Mary W. Longwood. The result of these connections was a child.

According to him, Winston County named in Alabama.

literature

• William L. Barney: John A. Winston (1853-57) . In: Encyclopedia of Alabama . 2014.
• 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

• John Winston at the National Governors Association (English)
• John A. Winston in the database of Find a Grave (English)