Thomas Kilby

Thomas Erby Kilby (born July 9, 1865 in Lebanon , Tennessee , † October 22, 1943 in Anniston , Alabama ) was an American politician and governor of Alabama . Kilby was a member of the Democratic Party .

Early years and political advancement

He attended public schools in Atlanta , Georgia , then moved to Anniston, Alabama in 1887, where he worked for the Georgia and Pacific Railroad . Kilby went into the steel business in 1889, working his way up to become President of the Kilby Steel Company . He was also Vice President of Kilby Frog and Switch Company in 1903 and President of Anniston's City National Bank in 1905 .

Kilby decided to embark on a political career in 1898 by being elected to Anniston City Council, where he served until 1900. He was also Anniston's Mayor from 1905 to 1909, and a member of the Alabama Senate from 1911 to 1915. He was also Lieutenant Governor of Alabama from 1915 to 1919 .

Governor of Alabama

Kilby was elected Governor of Alabama on November 5, 1918 and sworn in on January 20, 1919. During his tenure, the state prison and school reforms regarding young people were improved, the tax system revised, a state budget system adopted and the Confederate pensions increased. A workmen's compensation law and a progressive education code were passed. A home for mentally handicapped children as well as a control and economic authority was also created. Although Kilby interfered with women's suffrage, the 19th Amendment was recognized in the fall of 1920 when Tennessee became the 26th state to ratify it to the US Constitution . Kilby left office on January 15, 1923 and returned to his various business ventures.

Another résumé

He ran for the US Senate in 1926 and 1932 and suffered one defeat each. Kilby died on October 22, 1943 and was buried in Highland Cemetery in Anniston. Thomas Kilby was married to Mary Elizabeth Clark and they had three children together.

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	Kilby, Thomas
ALTERNATIVE NAMES	Kilby, Thomas Erby (full name)
BRIEF DESCRIPTION	American politician
DATE OF BIRTH	July 9, 1865
PLACE OF BIRTH	Lebanon , Tennessee
DATE OF DEATH	October 22, 1943
Place of death	Anniston , Alabama