William D. Jelks

William Dorsey Jelks (born November 7, 1855 in Warrior Stand , Macon County , Alabama , † December 13, 1931 ) was an American politician ( Democratic Party ) and governor of Alabama .

Early years and political advancement

William Jelks attended public schools in Bullock County , graduated from Mercer University, and received his law degree from the University of Alabama . Jelks became the owner of the Union Springs Herald and the Eufaula Alabama Times in 1879 , where he was also the editor of the latter. He was also a member of the committee and head of the Eufaula schools. Jelks began his political career in 1898 with the election to the Alabama Senate , of which he was chairman in 1900 and 1901.

Governor of Alabama

Jelks led the office in December 1900 as the incumbent governor of Alabama, since the actual incumbent William J. Samford was unable to do so due to illness. After Samford's death, on June 11, 1901, Jelks became the new governor of Alabama. The official re-election followed on November 4, 1902. Due to a serious illness, he had to temporarily resign from office and travel to the West. Lieutenant Governor Russell M. Cunningham , meanwhile, took office until March 5, 1905, when Jelks returned to office. During his tenure, the 1901 Constitution of Alabama was ratified, which fixed a governor's term of office for four years. The office of vice governor was also restored. The State Textbook Commission was formed, the Alabama Power Company established, the State Railroad Commission reformed, and the state capitol expanded and renovated. Jelks left office on January 14, 1907, and was longer in office than any governor before.

Another résumé

After retiring as governor, he founded and was the president of the Protective Life Insurance Company in Birmingham . Jelks was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1912 and a member of the Democratic National Committee . He died on December 13, 1931 and was buried in Fairview Cemetery in Eufaula. He was also married to Alice Shorter and they had one child.

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	Jelks, William D.
ALTERNATIVE NAMES	Jelks, William Dorsey (full name)
BRIEF DESCRIPTION	American politician
DATE OF BIRTH	November 7, 1855
PLACE OF BIRTH	Warrior Stand , Alabama
DATE OF DEATH	December 13, 1931