Albert H. Roberts

Albert Houston Roberts ( born July 4, 1868 in Alpine, Overton County, Tennessee, † June 25, 1946 in Donelson, Tennessee ) was an American politician and the 37th Governor of Tennessee.

Early years

Albert Roberts grew up in Alpine and in Columbia (Kansas). He then attended the Hiwassee College, in 1892 he successfully completed. He earned the money necessary for its subsequent law studies as a teacher. After his admission to the bar in 1894, he opened a law office in Livingstone. There he practiced until 1910. This year, he was Chief Judge of the Fourth Judicial District ( Chancellor of the 4th Judical District ) of Tennessee. This area included 15 counties in Middle Tennessee. Roberts visited each county twice a year and became very well known in this area.

Political career

In 1912, the Democrat Roberts was a member of the campaign team of Benton McMillin, but was defeated in the election for governor. In 1914 he competed within the party for the nomination for the office of governor. However, the party decided majority for Tom C. Rye. In 1918 he made ​​a new attempt. This time he managed not only his party's nomination, but also the election victory.

During his tenure as Governor Roberts sat decisively for the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which included the introduction of women's suffrage. He was for a further expansion of the educational system and the transport network. However, he came very quickly in domestic political difficulties. A proposed tax reform met with vehement resistance, even in his own party. The land tax for agricultural land increased by 260 percent within a year. He brought the farmers against him. At the same time he also came into conflict with the workers and the unions, because he fought strikes for better wages and working conditions with harsh military and legal means. The right wing of his party and conservative circles in Tennessee could not come to terms with the women's suffrage and were against Roberts. This still stand for re- election in 1920 and lost clearly against the Republican candidate Alfred A. Taylor, also because only half-heartedly supported him from his own party said reasons.

Evening of life and death

After the end of his term, he ran in Nashville along with his son, a thriving law firm. In 1930 he was a member of a commission of inquiry against Governor Henry Hollis Horton. Roberts died in 1946 and was buried in Livingstone.