William Dunn Moseley

William Dunn Moseley (* February 1, 1795 in Lenoir County, North Carolina; † January 4, 1863 in Palatka, Florida ) was an American politician and from 1845 to 1849, the first Governor of the State of Florida.

Early years and political rise

William Moseley graduated in 1818 from the University of North Carolina. After a subsequent law school and his admission to the bar he practiced in Wilmington. Moseley's political career began even in North Carolina. From 1829 to 1836, he was a Democrat in the Senate of that State. For some years he was even the President ( Speaker). A bid for the Democratic nomination for the office of Governor of North Carolina failed on only three votes. In 1836 he moved to the Florida Territory, where he had purchased a plantation. In his new home he took an active part in politics. In 1840 he became a deputy in the territorial Senate.

Governor of Florida

On March 3, 1845 Florida joined as the 27th state in the Union. Thus ended the status of the territory and a new administration had to be created. Already in the years before a constitution was drawn up, which now entered into force. On May 26, 1845, the first gubernatorial elections were held in the new state. It succeeded Moseley, who had received the nomination of the Democratic Party prevail against the favored candidate of the Whig Party and former Territorial Governor Richard Keith Call. His term of office began on June 25, 1845 and ended on 1 October 1849. During this period, the administration and government of Florida had to be set up. The Capitol was completed in his first year of reign. Governor Moseley promoted the development of agriculture and argued for government and public schools. The governor had its contribution to the Mexican-American War afford, that is, recruit soldiers and entertain military federal facilities in his state. In the conflict between white settlers and the Indians, the governor acted as mediator. Moseley was also an advocate for the rights of the states against the federal government.

Another Journey

The Constitution of Florida did not allow direct re-election of the governor. For this reason, Moseley had to give up the post after the expiry of his term of office. He retired in the wake of its plantations and took care of his private interests. Politically, he is no more have appeared. He died in January 1863. Moseley William was married to Susan Hill, the couple had six children.