Edward A. O'Neal

Edward Asbury O'Neal ( born September 20, 1818 Madison County, Alabama; † November 7, 1890 in Florence, Alabama ) was an American politician (Democratic Party) and the 26th Governor of Alabama.

Early years and political rise

O'Neal was born in 1818 in Alabama territory. He attended Green Academy and graduated in 1836 at LaGrange College. He then studied law in Huntsville, was admitted to the bar in 1840 and then opened a law practice in Florence. We chose him in 1841 Solicitor of the 4th Judicial District, an activity which he held one year. O'Neal, who was a supporter of the secession movement, joined the Confederate Army with the rank of captain on June 4, 1861. He was promoted to Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, promoted and left at the end of the war the Army in the rank of brigadier general.

He returned to Florence and devoted himself to his legal career. O'Neal decided to pursue a political career in 1875 by being elected as a delegate to the Alabama Constitutional Convention and was the chair of the Education Committee ( Committee on Education ).

Governor of Alabama

O'Neal was elected on August 7, 1882 26 governor of Alabama and sworn in on 1 December 1882 in his office. In addition, he was elected on August 4, 1884 for a second term. During his two terms O'Neal focused on lowering taxes, prison reform and the promotion of education. A Board of Convict Inspectors was created a State Board of Agriculture established, increased funding for public schools and the Congress approved additional land for the University of Alabama. O'Neal's tenure was marred by the disclosure that the treasurer of his predecessor had embezzled state funds. As a result, O'Neal established the office of the auditor (Office of Examiner of Accounts ) and began an important campaign to lead to Rechenlegungspflicht the tax collector.

O'Neal left office on December 1, 1886, returned to Florence, where he died on 7 November 1890. He was married to Olivia Moore and had with her seven children together. One of the children was Alabama governor Emmet O'Neal, who was in office 1911-1915.