14 Facts About Thomas Seay

Thomas J Seay was an American Democratic politician who was the 27th Governor of Alabama from 1886 to 1890.

Thomas Jefferson Seay was born on November 20,1846, near Erie in present-day Hale County.

Thomas Seay grew up on a plantation until age twelve, when the family moved to Greensboro, Alabama.

In 1863 Thomas Seay enlisted in the Confederate Army and served with his company around Mobile.

Thomas Seay was captured at Spanish Fort and Blakeley and imprisoned on Ship Island.

Thomas Seay then studied law and practiced as a junior member of Coleman and Seay from 1869 to 1885.

Thomas Seay began his political career in 1874 when he ran unsuccessfully for the state senate.

Thomas Seay was successful in 1876 and remained in the senate for ten years, serving as president from 1884 to 1886.

Thomas Seay was elected governor in 1886 and reelected in 1888.

Thomas Seay was supportive of measures to improve the rights and education of Alabama's black citizens.

An especially exciting event to occur while Thomas Seay was in office was the 1887 visit of President Grover Cleveland to Montgomery.

In 1890 Seay was defeated by James M Pugh in his bid for a US Senate seat.

Thomas Seay did not run for office again, although he helped Thomas G Jones in his campaign for governor against Populist Reuben Kolb.

Thomas Seay married Ellen Smaw of Greene County on July 12,1875.