William Hugh Smith

William Hugh Smith

William Hugh Smith (born April 26, 1826 in Fayette County , Georgia , † January 1, 1899 in Birmingham , Alabama ) was an American politician ( Republican Party ) and from 1868 to 1870 the 21st Governor of Alabama.

Early years and political advancement

William Smith moved to Randolph County , Alabama , with his parents Jeptha and Nancy Smith in 1839 . There he received a scientific education, studied law , was admitted to the bar in 1850 and opened a law firm with his partner James Aiken. Smith began his political career in the Alabama House of Representatives . He worked there between 1855 and 1859. In 1860 he was a member of the Electoral College for the election of the US President; the following year he failed in his attempt to run for the Provisional Confederate Congress . In 1862 Smith crossed the Union lines and stayed there until the end of the war. He then returned to Alabama and requested a pardon. Smith was later elected a 10th District Judge, but resigned from the chair within six months to help found the Republican Party of Alabama.

Governor of Alabama

Smith was nominated for governor of Alabama in 1868 and became Alabama's first elected Republican governor on February 4, 1868. He was then sworn into office on July 13, 1868. During his tenure, the General Assembly ratified the 14th Amendment to the Constitution and elected US Senators to represent Alabama. It also reopened the University of Alabama , ratified the 15th Amendment to the Constitution , granted promissory notes to expand the state railways, and promoted the development of Alabama's mineral and natural resources. Smith ran for re-election in 1870, but was defeated in a head-to-head race by Democrat Robert B. Lindsay . Smith, who refused to vacate his governor's seat, held it for three weeks after Lindsay's inauguration. The second district judge ordered Smith to resign, which he actually did on November 26, 1870.

Another résumé

Smith was restored to his old position as judge in 1873. From 1881 to 1885 he served as a federal attorney for the northern and central districts of Alabama. William Hugh Smith died on January 1, 1899 and was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Birmingham. Smith was married to Married Lucy Wortham and had eight children with her.

Web links

• William Smith at the National Governors Association (English)
• William Hugh Smith at The Political Graveyard

• William Hugh Smith in the database of Find a Grave (English)