Convention, 1865.—The close of hostilities, and the surrender of the military department of which Alabama formed a part, May 4, 1865, left the State without a civil government recognized by the Federal authorities until June 21 of that year. On that date President Andrew Johnson by formal proclamation named Lewis E. Parsons as provisional governor, charged generally with the duty of organizing the machinery of local government, and as far as possible securing to the people civil and political rights. The governor was directed to call a convention authorized to exercise all the powers necessary and proper to enable the loyal people of Alabama to restore the State to its constitutional relations to the Federal government. In accordance with the proclamation of Gov. Parsons, dated July 20, 1865, an election was held on August 31, 1865, for delegates.

The convention assembled in Montgomery on September 12, 1865, and adjourned on the 30th of the same month. Its president was Benjamin Fitzpatrick, and its secretary, William H. Ogbourne. Among other things the convention ratified the laws of the legislature passed since January 11, 1861, declared that ‘hereafter there shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in this State, otherwise than for the punishment of crime, whereof the party shall be duly convicted,’ declared it to be the duty of the legislature, at its next session, ‘to pass such laws as will protect the freedmen of this State in the full enjoyment of all the rights of person and property, and guard them and the State against any evils that may arise from their sudden emancipation,’it divided the State into six Congressional districts in accordance with the apportionment authorized by the census of 1860, declared null and void the ordinances and proceedings of the secession convention, where in conflict with the constitution of the United States, declared void all debts claimed by the State in aid of the War directly or indirectly, provided for the payment of interest on the bonded debt of the State, ratified marriage between freedmen and freedwomen, and declared the ordinances of secession null and void. An election for state, county and municipal officers and for members of Congress was provided to be held on the first Monday in November, 1865. …

Convention of 1865.

OFFICERS AND MEMBERS.

Chambers.—Toliver Towles and Jonathan Ware.”

Reference Data:

History of Alabama and Dictionary of Alabama Biography, Vol. 1, by Thomas McAdory Owen and Marie Bankhead Owen, 1921, pages 372-3