William Wyatt Bibb (October 2, 1781 — July 10, 1820) was the first Governor of the U.S. state of Alabama. Bibb County, Alabama and Bibb County, Georgia are named for him.

He was a member of the Democratic-Republican Party. Bibb served as governor of the Alabama Territory from 1817 to 1819, and as governor of the state of Alabama from 1819 to his death on July 10, 1820.

Early Years

Bibb was born in Amelia City, Virginia, and later moved with his family to Georgia. After attending William and Mary College and the University of Pennsylvania, he was awarded an M.D. degree in 1801. He returned to Georgia, and began practicing medicine in Petersburg. He was married to Mary Freeman.

Political Career

Bibb's first office was as a member of the Georgia House from 1803 to 1805. He was elected as a Democratic Republican to the Ninth U.S. Congress to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Thomas Spalding, and was reelected four times, serving until November 6, 1813. He was then elected to the United States Senate to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of William H. Crawford and served until November 9, 1816.

He was appointed the first governor of the Alabama Territory in 1817. Alabama became a state on December 14, 1819. Bibb was elected governor, defeating Marmaduke Williams. Bibb received 8,342 votes, while Williams got 7,140 votes.

Bibb's primary duties were establishing the state government. Huntsville was the first capital. (The capital was moved to Cahawba in 1820, Tuscaloosa in 1826, and Montgomery in 1846.) Henry Hitchcock was named the first Attorney General, and Thomas A. Rogers was named secretary of state. The first session of the state legislature was held from October 25 to December 17, 1819. William R. King and John W. Walker were chosen as the first U.S. Senators.

In 1820, Bibb suffered a fall from a horse. He died from internal injuries on July 10, 1820. His brother, Thomas Bibb, was president of the state senate at the time and completed the rest of his term.

Sources

www.politicalgraveyard.com

Alabama Department of Archives and History website

www.bioguide.congress.gov