Benjamin M. Miller

Benjamin Meek Miller ( born March 13, 1864 in Oak Hill, Wilcox County, Alabama; † February 6, 1944 in Camden, Alabama ) was an American politician (Democratic Party) and the Governor of Alabama.

Early years and political rise

Benjamin Meek Miller attended schools in Oak Hill and Camden and graduated in 1884 at Erskine College in South Carolina. He was then in the same year Rector of Lower Peachtree Academy, but left again in 1887 to study law at the University of Alabama. He was admitted to the bar in 1888 and opened his own law practice in Camden.

Miller decided in 1901 to pursue a political career by being elected to the Democratic Executive Committee, where he worked until 1902. He was a judge of the District Court of Alabama from 1904 to 1921 and then to the Alabama Supreme Court as an Associate Justice of 1921 until 1928.

Governor of Alabama

On November 4, 1930 Miller was elected governor of Alabama and sworn in on January 19, 1931. During his tenure, the nation was in the midst of the Great Depression and Miller inherited a gnawing hunger cloth industry. Alabama's public debt was immense, the revenues were at a record low and the schools were on the verge of closing. To raise a law that Alabama allowed an income tax ( EKST ), and an inheritance tax, was adopted. A budget Regulation was adopted and the state employment compensation was lowered to mitigate the growing debt in an effort. In addition, the Tennessee Valley Authority was created, the State Planning Commission appointed and built three dams, and the corresponding electricity-generating plants.

Further CV

He left office on 14 January 1935, and returned to his law practice in Camden. Miller died on February 6, 1944, and was buried in the Camden. He was married to Margaret Otis and they had two children together.