David P. Lewis

David Peter Lewis ( * January 1, 1820 in Charlotte County, Virginia; † July 3, 1884 in Huntsville, Alabama ) was an American politician and Republican Party from 1872 to 1874 the 23rd Governor of the State of Alabama.

Early years and political rise

A native of Virginia Lewis moved with his family to Madison County, Alabama, where he attended the local school. He studied law in Huntsville, was admitted to the bar and opened a law firm in Lawrence County. Lewis, the secession -minded hostile, 1861 was a member of Alabama's Secession Convention, where he signed the secession ordinance adopted. In addition, he was elected as a deputy in the provisional Konföderiertenkongress; However he stepped down from his position in 1863 when he was appointed District Judge. After a few months he went about his duties there, Lewis was ordered to report for military service in the Confederate Army. Then he crossed the Union lines at Nashville and remained there until the war ended. He returned in 1865 and resumed his legal practice in Huntsville again.

Governor of Alabama

Lewis was elected on November 5, 1872 to the Governor of Alabama and sworn in on November 17, 1872 in his office. During his tenure, the Democrats gained control over the House, but Lewis refused to accept this change so that instead a body of radical Republicans recognized. The Republicans met in a federal courthouse, so they were known as the " Courthouse Legislature ." At the end of the U.S. Attorney General intervened, whereupon the Democrats were in power. Lewis' tenure was marked by continued problems with the railway bonds and the growing national debt. Furthermore, the city Anniston, the State Normal School in 1873 (now the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University) founded ( the University of North Alabama today ) and the State Colored Normal and Industrial School.

Lewis stand for re- election, but he was defeated by Democrat George S. Houston, so he left office on 24 November 1874.

Further CV

David Peter Lewis returned to Huntsville and began its operations as a lawyer again. He died on July 3, 1884, was buried in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville.