Rufus W. Cobb

Rufus Willis Cobb (born February 25, 1829 in Ashville , Alabama , † November 26, 1913 in Birmingham , Alabama) was an American politician ( Democratic Party ) and the 25th governor of Alabama .

Early years and political advancement

Cobb attended a private school in Ashville and then graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1850 . He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1855. At the beginning of the American Civil War he enlisted in the Confederate Army with the rank of captain and was given command of Company C, 10th Alabama Infantry Regiment . After the war, he moved to Shelby County , Alabama and became a partner in the law firm of BB Lewis. He later moved again in 1873, now to Helena , where he was President of the Central Iron Works between 1873 and 1891 . He also worked as a lawyer for the Louisville and Nashville Railroad . Cobb decided to embark on a political career in 1872 by being elected to the Alabama Senate, which happened again in 1876.

Governor of Alabama

He was elected 25th Governor of Alabama on August 5, 1878 and sworn in on November 28, 1878. He was also re-elected for another term in 1880. During his tenure, the State Bar Association , the State Railroad, and the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute for Negroes were created. In addition, the establishment of the Alabama Board of Health continued, something that his predecessor George S. Houston had already started. Cobb also created the State Board of Dental Examiners . State government costs were reduced and by the end of his term there was a net surplus in the Alabama Treasury. Cobb left office on December 1, 1882 and briefly returned to private life.

Another résumé

Cobb was named Shelby County's probate judge in 1888. After his term ended, he moved to Birmingham. He died on November 26, 1913 and was buried in Forest Hill Cemetery in Birmingham. Cobb was married twice, to Margaret McClung and to Frances Fell. The result of these connections were 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, 1978. 4 volumes.

Web links

personal data
SURNAME	Cobb, Rufus W.
ALTERNATIVE NAMES	Cobb, Rufus Willis
BRIEF DESCRIPTION	American politician
DATE OF BIRTH	February 25, 1829
PLACE OF BIRTH	Ashville , Alabama
DATE OF DEATH	November 26, 1913
Place of death	Birmingham , Alabama