Albert W. Gilchrist

Albert Waller Gilchrist ( born January 15, 1858 in Greenwood, South Carolina, † May 15, 1926 in New York City ) was an American politician and from 1909 to 1913 the 20th Governor of Florida.

Early years and political rise

Albert Gilchrist visited two years, the Carolina Military Institute in Charlotte, North Carolina. Subsequently, he enrolled to 1882 at the Military Academy at West Point. By 1898, he served in the National Guard of Florida, where he rose to brigadier general. During the Spanish- American War he was a captain ( Captain ) of an infantry company. Between 1893 and 1905, Gilchrist was a member of the Democratic Party Member of Parliament in the House of Representatives from Florida. In 1905, he was even the President. In 1908 he was nominated by his party for the upcoming gubernatorial election and then elected by the voters.

Governor of Florida

His four -year term as governor began on 5 January 1909. During his tenure, the Monteverde Industrial School was established, some new districts ( counties ) set up and completed after eight years of construction, the railroad from the mainland to Key West. Another focus of his government was the healthcare sector. First, a food law was enacted that consumers should protect against tainted goods. Then arose in Florida a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients and an institution for disabled children. Even in the prisons of the health of the occupants was measured to greater importance.

Another Journey

After the expiration of his term of office on January 7, 1913 Gilchrist initially withdrew from politics. But in 1916 he ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate. In 1924 he was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. Albert Gilchrist died in May 1926.