William D. Jelks

William Dorsey Jelks ( born November 7, 1855 in Warrior Stand, Macon County, Alabama, † December 13, 1931 ) was an American politician (Democratic Party) and the Governor of Alabama.

Early years and political rise

William Jelks attended the public schools in Bullock County, graduated from Mercer University and received his law degree ( Law Degree) at the University of Alabama. Jelks 1879 owner of Union Springs Herald and the Eufaula Alabama Times, where he was editor of the latter also. In addition, he was also a member of the Committee and head of the Eufaula schools. Jelks 1898 began his political career with his election to the Senate from Alabama, which he chaired in 1900 and 1901.

Governor of Alabama

Jelks led in December 1900 as the acting governor of Alabama into office, since the actual incumbent William J. Samford was not due to illness capable of doing. After Samford's death Jelks was on 11 June 1901, the new governor of Alabama. On November 4, 1902, the official re-election followed. Due to a serious illness he had to temporarily resign his office and travel to the West. Vice Governor Russell M. Cunningham took over during which the official business until March 5 1905, when Jelks returned to his office. During his tenure in 1901 adopted the Constitution of Alabama was ratified, which stipulated a term of office of the governor for four years. The Office of the Lieutenant Governor has been restored. The State Textbook Commission was formed, the Alabama Power Company founded the reformed State Railroad Commission, as well as expanding the state capitol and renovated. Jelks left office on January 14, 1907, and was thus in office longer than any governor before.

Further CV

After his retirement as governor, he founded and was the President of Protective Life Insurance Company in Birmingham. Jelks was a delegate to the 1912 Democratic National Convention and a member of the Democratic National Committee. He died on December 13, 1931 and was buried at the Fairview Cemetery in Eufaula. Furthermore, he was married to Alice Shorter and they had a child together.