Governors

The state of Texas holds an interesting and important place in the history of the United States, and this volume explores those men and women who have helped to shape the course of the state by serving as governor. For example, Miriam V. Ferguson (1925-1927, 1933-1935) was the first woman governor of the state. She won the governorship by promising that she would work with her husband, former Texas governor, James E. "Farmer Jim" Ferguson (1915-1917), assuring Texans that they would have "two governors for the price of one." As in the story of the Fergusons, The Governors of Texas offers political and biographical information on each Texas governor from the period of French control through 1973. Thus the progression towards statehood and beyond is clearly visible in this history of the individuals who took great pride in serving as their state's chief executive officer. For quick reference, a roster of governors is also provided, giving full names and the dates in which each individual held office. Also included are pictures of most of the governors, so that these men and women may be more vividly brought to life.

"The Mississippi Territory has held a unique and fascinating place in history, dating one hundred fifty years before the Revolutionary War. It had one of the earliest settlements in America. Norsemen likely visited the Mississippi Territory as early as 1000 A.D. The Mississippi Territory was raw frontier, sparked with the excitement of fortunes to be made in rich lands and business opportunities. These advantages induced many to become citizens of the old Southwest Territory. Also, many passed through the territory on their way westward to other new frontiers of excitement. France, Spain, and England fought over the riches the new territory had to offer, and each country in its time controlled the area and left the mark of its culture on the people. Large farming and business empires were created in the territory, and some people became extremely rich. Before the Civil War, Mississippi, with a population of only 791,305 people, was numbered the fourth wealthiest state of the United States. The Mississippi Territory was a cotton kingdom where fortunes were made overnight. Gamblers who were attracted to the wealth of the Mississippi appeared, as did terrorists who preyed on travelers on the famous Natchez Trace. Mississippi has throughout the years furnished gallant, indomitable, military leaders, along with great distinguished orators and statesmen whose contributions have been inestimable to the occasions o f which they were a part." -from the Preface This intriguing history takes readers from the days of the early Indian governors through the 1970s.

This meticulously researched work, the fourth volume in Pelican's Governors of the States Series, traces the lives and careers of the men who have held Tennessee's highest office, beginning with the founding of the original independent state of Franklin in 1784 and continuing to the present. As author Margaret I. Phillips vividly documents, Tennessee's history and culture have been profoundly shaped by a number of strong, dynamic governors. These leaders include the first governor, charismatic John Sevier, who served six terms; the near-legendary Sam Houston; and two men who later became president of the United States, James K. Polk (1845-1849) and Andrew Johnson (1865-1869). Other notable figures who occupied the statehouse include the scholarly Archibald Roane; William Blount, the patriotic zealot; William Carroll, the "pioneering Babbitt"; Joseph McMinn, the "peaceful negotiator"; tart-tongued James "Lean Jimmy" Jones; and Robert Love Taylor, the "pardoning governor."