Samford, William James, 1844-1901

William James Samford (1844-1901) of Opelika, Ala., was a planter, lawyer, United States representative, and governor of Alabama. Samford's son, Thomas Drake Samford (1868-1947) of Opelika, Ala., was a planter; lawyer; United States attorney for the Middle District of Alabama; Democratic party leader and member of the State Democratic Executive Committee, 1892-1894, and 1900-1940; businessman with interests in farming, trading, and manufacturing companies; real estate investor; Methodist layman; member of several fraternal and civic organizations; and active alumnus of Auburn University.

From the guide to the William James Samford and Thomas Drake Samford Diaries, ., 1884-1946, (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Library. Southern Historical Collection.)