William Hugh Smith
William Hugh Smith | |
|---|---|
| 21st Governor of Alabama | |
| In office July 24, 1868 – November 26, 1870 | |
| Lieutenant | Andrew J. Applegate (1868–70) Vacant (1870) |
| Preceded by | Wager Swayne |
| Succeeded by | Robert B. Lindsay |
| Member of the Alabama House of Representatives | |
| In office 1855–1859 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | William Hugh Smith April 26, 1826 New York City, U.S. |
| Died | January 1, 1899 (aged 72) Birmingham, Alabama, U.S. |
| Resting place | Oak Hill Cemetery (Birmingham, Alabama) |
| Political party | Republican Democratic |
William Hugh Smith (April 26, 1826 – January 1, 1899) was an American planter and politician, the 21st Governor of the U.S. state of Alabama. He was the first Republican elected as governor in the state, serving from 1868 to 1870 during the period of Reconstruction. A former slave owner, he had opposed secession from the United States on the grounds it would imperil slavery. He appeared driven by practical consideration rather than principled opposition to slavery.