Thomas Kilby, Governor

http://encyclopediaofalabama.org/face/Article.jsp?id=h-1536

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Kilby

Thomas Erby Kilby, Sr. (July 9, 1865 - October 22, 1943) was an American politician. He was the eighth Lieutenant Governor of Alabama and the 36th Governor of Alabama.

Biography

Kilby was born in Lebanon, Tennessee, and was educated in public schools. In 1887, he was an agent for the Georgia-Pacific Railroad in Anniston, Alabama. He became a successful businessman in the industrial and banking business.

Career

He was a Democratic politician and served as mayor of Anniston, Alabama from 1905 to 1909. He served as Alabama State Senator from 1911 to 1915.

Kilby served as Lieutenant Governor of Alabama from 1915 to 1919, and as Governor of Alabama from 1919 to 1923

In 1920, Kilby arbitrated the settlement of the lengthy and violent 1920 Alabama coal strike, ruling clearly against the demands of the United Mine Workers of America. The Child Welfare Department was created in 1919 during Kirby's governorship.

Family life

Kilby married Mary Elizabeth Clark on June 5, 1894. They had three children.

Death and legacy

Kilby died on October 22, 1943 in Anniston, Alabama at the age of 78. He is buried at Highland Cemetery in Anniston.

In 1921, he was depicted on the Alabama centennial half dollar, making him the first person ever to appear on a US coin while still alive.