Reuben Chapman

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Reuben Chapman

Reuben Chapman (born July 15, 1799 in Bowling Green , Caroline County , Virginia , † May 17, 1882 in Huntsville , Alabama ) was an American politician ( Democratic Party ) and the 13th Governor of Alabama .

Early years and political advancement

Reuben Chapman, son of Colonel Reuben and Ann Chapman, moved in 1824 to Huntsville and studied with his brother Samuel Jura . He was admitted to the bar in 1825 and then opened his own law firm in Somerville . Chapman moved back to Huntsville in 1832 and decided to pursue a political career. He served in the Alabama Senate until 1835 . He was then a member of the US House of Representatives from 1835 to 1847.

Governor of Alabama

In May 1847 he was nominated for governor of Alabama by the Democratic State Convention . He won the election on August 2, 1847 and was sworn in on December 16, 1847. During his tenure, the Mexican-American War ended , the dispute over the slavery issue grew significantly, and a state geologist was appointed to explore Alabama's mineral and ore deposits. The primary problem in Chapman's tenure was the state's remaining solvency, so he successfully put in place financial procedures that offset the scale of the losses the economy suffered.

In February 1848, the Alabama Platform was accepted into the Democratic State Convention. This demanded that the US Congress should secure slavery in the territories and no one who did not share this view should be nominated for the presidency. In addition, the State Capitol burned down during his tenure and the usual judges' election was ordered. Chapman decided not to run again for election for governor in 1849.

Another résumé

Chapman remained active in politics. He was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 1855 . He was also a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1856, 1860 and 1868. He was also the Confederate Ambassador to France between 1862 and 1865. Reuben Chapman died on May 17, 1882 and was buried in Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville.

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

personal data
SURNAME Chapman, Reuben
BRIEF DESCRIPTION American politician
DATE OF BIRTH July 15, 1799
PLACE OF BIRTH Bowling Green , Virginia
DATE OF DEATH May 17, 1882
Place of death Huntsville , Alabama