William Sherman Jennings

William Sherman Jennings
18th Governor of Florida
In office January 8, 1901 – January 3, 1905
Preceded by	William D. Bloxham
Succeeded by	Napoleon B. Broward
Born	March 24, 1863 Walnut Hill, Illinois
Died	February 27, 1920 St. Augustine, Florida
Political party	Democratic

William Sherman Jennings (March 24,1863 – February 27,1920) was a U.S. politician. He served as the eighteenth governor of Florida. Born near Walnut Hill, Illinois, he came to Florida in 1885 to complete his studies in law, settling in Brooksville, Florida. In 1887, he was appointed circuit court commissioner, and became county judge of Hernando County, Florida in 1888. He resigned his office as county judge in 1893 to serve in the Florida House of Representative, eventually becoming speaker in 1895. Elected governor in 1900, he took the oath of office on January 8, 1901. During his term in office, he introduced the statewide primary election system, replacing the previous method of nominating candidates for political office at a convention. He term ended on January 3, 1905. He died on February 27,1920 in St. Augustine, Florida.

External links

• Official Governor's portrait and biography from the State of Florida
• William Jennings on Find-A-Grave

•  • e Governors of Florida

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