Florida Governor. Moving to the south, he opened a machine shop in Columbus, Georgia, in 1847, then relocated and opened the largest sawmill in Florida, in 1865. He owned and operated 11 mills and entered politics in 1870, as a Madison County Commissioner. In 1876, he was elected as a Democrat the 12th Florida Governor, serving until 1881. During his tenure, the state's penal system and educational programs were hindered by back tax cuts and disbursements that exceeded the state's economic capability. State lands also were utilized to sustain improvements in immigration and internal developments. After leaving office, he served as the first president of Jacksonville's board of trade, plus resumed his lumber and mill business until his death at age 73.
Florida Governor. Moving to the south, he opened a machine shop in Columbus, Georgia, in 1847, then relocated and opened the largest sawmill in Florida, in 1865. He owned and operated 11 mills and entered politics in 1870, as a Madison County Commissioner. In 1876, he was elected as a Democrat the 12th Florida Governor, serving until 1881. During his tenure, the state's penal system and educational programs were hindered by back tax cuts and disbursements that exceeded the state's economic capability. State lands also were utilized to sustain improvements in immigration and internal developments. After leaving office, he served as the first president of Jacksonville's board of trade, plus resumed his lumber and mill business until his death at age 73.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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