M I S S I S S I P P I G O V E R N O R S
Earl Brewer is the 34th governor of Mississippi since the state was admitted ot the union in 1817, a period of 95 years, and he will go out of office just prior to the celebration of the state's centennial. He is the second governor that Coahoma county has furnished the state, Jas. A. Alcorn having been sent from there in 1870, and served less than two years, resigning on Nov. 30, 1871. The delta section of the state has furnished the last four governors, Longino being from Washington, Vandaman from Leflore, Noel from Holmes, and Brewer from Coahoma. The later, however, was born in a hill county, Carroll; and lived at Water Valley, Yalobusha county, until about twelve years ago.
The men who have served as the state's chief executive in the order of their terms, are David Holmes, George Poindexter, Walter Leake, Gerard Brandon, David Holmes, (2nd term), Gerard Brandon (2nd term), Abram M. Scott, Chas. Lynch, Hiram G. Runnells, John A. Quitman, Charles Lynch (2nd term), Tilghman M. Tucker, Albert G. Brown, Joseph W. Matthews, John A. Quitman (2nd term), John I. Guion, James Whitfield, Henry S. Foote, John J. pettus, John J. McRae, William L. Sharkey, Benj. Humphreys, Adelbert Ames, James L. Alcorn, Ridgley C. Powers, Robert Lowrey, (two terms), John M. Stone (2nd term), A.J. McLaurin, A.H. Longino, J.K. Vardeman, E.F. Noel.
There are now four living ex-governors, Adelbert Ames of carpetbagger fame, who resides in Boston, and Longino, Vardaman and Noel. Two governors, Walter Teague and Abram Scott, died while in office. The forme was succeeded by Lt. Gov. Gerrard Brandon, and the latter by Chas. Lynch president of the senate. Gov. Runnells vacated the office and was succeeded by John A. Quitman, president of the senate. Gov. Quitman resigned in 1851 and was succeeded by John Guion, president of the senate. The latters term as senator did not expire until Nov. 3rd of that year, and the senate met on Nov. 25th and elected Jas. Whitfield as president, who served as governor until Jan. 10th 1852. Gov. Foot resigned in 1854, was succeeded by John J. Pettus, president of the senate.
Gov. Clarke was removed by federal soldiers in 1865 and was succeeded by Judge. W.L. Sharkey, who was appointed provisional governor by President Johnson. Gov. Humphreys was removed by federal soldiers in 1868 and was succeeded by Adelbert Ames as military governor. Gov. Alcorn resigned in 1871 and was succeeded by Lt. Gov. Powers. Gov. Ames resigne din 1876 to prevent forcible removal, and was succeeded by John M. Stone, president of the senate, the lt. governor having been impeached. Since that time all the governors have filled their terms.
The Laurel Daily Argus 18 Jan 1912
