Rufus W. Cobb

Rufus Willis Cobb ( born February 25, 1829 in Ashville, Alabama; † 26 November 1913 in Birmingham, Alabama ) was an American politician (Democratic Party) and the 25th Governor of Alabama.

Early years and political rise

Cobb attended a private school in Ashville and then graduated in 1850 from the University of Tennessee. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1855. At the beginning of the Civil War he enlisted in the Confederate Army in the rank of Captain and he was in command of C Company, 10th Alabama Infantry Regiment provide. After the war he moved to Shelby County, Alabama, and became a partner in the law firm of BB Lewis. He later moved again to 1873, now to Helena, where he was 1873-1891 president of Central Iron Works. He also worked for the Louisville and Nashville Railroad as a lawyer. Cobb decided in 1872 to pursue a political career by being elected to the Senate from Alabama, what happened in 1876 again.

Governor of Alabama

On August 5, 1878, he was elected as the 25th Governor of Alabama, and sworn in on 28 November 1878. Furthermore, he was re-elected in 1880 for a further term. During his tenure, the State Bar Association ( State Bar Association), the national railway network, as well as the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute for Negroes were created. Furthermore, the establishment of the Health Authority of Alabama (Alabama Board of Health ) Further progress was made, which had already begun his predecessor George S. Houston. Cobb also created the State Examination Board ( State Board of Dental Examiners ). The cost of the state government were reduced and at the end of his term was a net surplus in the treasury of Alabama. Cobb left his office on December 1, 1882 and briefly returned to private life.

Further CV

Cobb was appointed in 1888 to the restructuring judge of Shelby County. After his term had expired, he moved to Birmingham. He died on 26 November 1913 and was buried at Forest Hill Cemetery in Birmingham. Cobb was married twice and that with Margaret McClung and with Frances coat. The result of these compounds were three children.