William Dunn Moseley

William Moseley (painting by Claribel Jett, circa 1960)

William Dunn Moseley (born February 1, 1795 in Lenoir County , North Carolina , † January 4, 1863 in Palatka , Florida ) was an American politician and from 1845 to 1849 the first governor of the state of Florida.

Early years and political advancement

William Moseley graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1818 . After studying law and being admitted to the bar, he practiced in Wilmington . Moseley's political career began in North Carolina. Between 1829 and 1836 he was a Democrat in the Senate of this state. For a few years he was even its President ( Speaker ). An application for the Democratic nomination for the office of governor of North Carolina was rejected by only three votes. In 1836 he moved to the Florida Territory , where he bought a plantation. In his new homeland he also took an active part in political events. In 1840 he became a member of the Territorial Senate.

Florida governor

On March 3, 1845, Florida became the 27th state to join the Union. This ended the status of the territory and a new administration had to be created. A constitution had already been drawn up in previous years and it has now come into force. On May 26, 1845, the first gubernatorial elections were held in the new state. Moseley, who had received the nomination of the Democratic Party, succeeded in asserting himself against the favored candidate of the Whig Party and former Territorial Governor Richard Keith Call . His term began on June 25, 1845 and ended on October 1, 1849. During this time, the administration and government of Florida had to be established. The Capitol was completed in his first year in office. Governor Moseley promoted the development of agriculture and advocated state and public schools. The governor had to make his contribution to the Mexican-American War , that is: recruit soldiers and maintain federal military facilities in his state. The governor acted as mediator in the conflict between white settlers and the Indians. Moseley was also an advocate for state rights against the federal government.

Further life

The Florida constitution did not allow direct re-election of the governor. For this reason, Moseley had to give up the office at the end of his term of office. He subsequently withdrew to his plantations and looked after his private interests. Politically, he no longer appeared. He died in January 1863. William Moseley was married to Susan Hill and the couple had six 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

• William Dunn Moseley in the database of Find a Grave (English)
• Florida Governors' Portraits