Campaigning in Florida

William D. Moseley was the first governor of Florida, serving from 1845 to 1849. Here's a brief overview of his life and political career:

Early Life and Education

- William Dunn Moseley was born on February 1, 1795, in Lenoir County, North Carolina.

- Moseley attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he graduated in 1818. He studied law and was admitted to the bar, practising law in North Carolina before entering politics.

Before moving to Florida, Moseley had a political career in North Carolina. He served in the North Carolina House of Commons from 1829 to 1837 and was also a member of the North Carolina State Senate from 1835 to 1837 and served as its Speaker.

Moseley moved to Florida in 1835, when it was still a U.S. territory, and became a planter near Lake Miccosukee in Jefferson County.

When Florida achieved statehood in 1845, Moseley ran for governor as a member of the Democratic Party. In the state's first gubernatorial election, he defeated his opponent, Richard Keith Call, a former territorial governor.

As governor, Moseley focused on promoting agriculture, internal improvements, and reducing the state’s debt. He supported establishing Florida’s public school system and advocated expanding transportation infrastructure, including roads and railroads.

Moseley’s term was marked by conflicts with Native American tribes, particularly the Seminole people, during the Second Seminole War, which had technically ended in 1842 but still saw occasional skirmishes and unrest.

- William D. Moseley died in Palatka, Florida, on January 4, 1863.