Governor Albert Houston Roberts

Albert Houston “A. H.” ROBERTS, who served Tennessee as governor from January 15, 1919 to January 15, 1921, died in Nashville on June 25, 1946. Born July 4, 1868, in Alpine, Overton County, Tennessee, ROBERTS was admitted to the bar in Tennessee to practice law in 1894 and from 1910 to 1918 he served as Chancellor of the Fourth Judicial Division.

His work as Governor had national implications as he was instrumental in pushing ratification of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution (Women’s Suffrage) through the General Assembly. Tennessee was the 36th state to ratify the amendment making it effective for the entire nation.

Governor ROBERTS is also noted for officiating at the marriage of World War I hero Alvin C. YORK to his wife, Gracie. In 1920, ROBERTS, a Democrat, was defeated in his bid for re-election by Republican Alfred TAYLOR, and he returned to the practice of law.

Roberts is interred at Good Hope Cemetery in Livingston, Tennessee.

Source: Who’s Who in American Politics, 1952