Thomas Seay
| Thomas Seay | |
|---|---|
 |
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| 27th Governor of Alabama | |
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In office December 1, 1886 – December 1, 1890 |
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| Preceded by | Edward A. O'Neal |
| Succeeded by | Thomas G. Jones |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
November 20, 1846 Erie, Alabama |
| Died | March 30, 1896 (aged 49) Greensboro, Alabama |
| Political party | Democratic |
Thomas Seay (November 20, 1846 – March 30, 1896) was an American Democratic politician who was the 27th Governor of Alabama from 1886 to 1890.
Seay Hall at the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University is named for him.
Thomas Seay was born on November 20, 1846, near Erie in present-day Hale County. This area was part of Greene County at the time of his birth to Reuben and Ann McGee Seay. Thomas grew up on a plantation until age twelve when the family moved to Greensboro, Alabama. There he attended Southern University (Greensboro) until the outbreak of the American Civil War interrupted his studies.
In 1863 Seay enlisted in the Confederate Army and served with his company around Mobile. He was captured at Spanish Fort and at Blakeley and was imprisoned on Ship Island. Seay returned to Southern University (Greensboro) after the war, graduating in 1867. He then studied law and practiced as a junior member of Coleman and Seay from 1869 to 1885. Seay also engaged in planting.
Thomas Seay began his political career in 1874 when he ran unsuccessfully for the state senate. He was successful in 1876 and remained in the senate for ten years, serving as president from 1884-1886. Seay was elected governor in 1886 and reelected in 1888.
This administration is noteworthy for Seay's success in reducing taxes while increasing social services and running state government in the black. An advocate for social welfare programs, the central Alabama native supported crucial legislation. During his administration women and children were limited to an eight-hour work day. Pensions were provided for disabled Confederate veterans and their widows. Seay was also supportive (in the context of late 19th century standards) of measures to improve the rights and education of Alabama's black citizens.
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