Governor Thomas Lowry Bailey

THOMAS L. BAILEY, the forty-eighth governor of Mississippi, was born in Webster County, Mississippi on January 6, 1888. His education was attained at Millsaps College, where he earned both an undergraduate degree and a law degree. Bailey first entered politics as a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives, a position he held from 1916 to 1940. He also served as speaker of the house from 1924 to 1936. Bailey next secured the Democratic gubernatorial nomination and was elected governor by a popular vote on November 2, 1943. He was sworn into office on January 18, 1944. During his tenure, a four-year medical school was initiated at the University of Mississippi; a state parole board was formed; the Mississippi marketing commission was created; a second highway system was developed; the Mississippi Agricultural and Industrial Board was established; and the Mississippi Vocational College for Blacks was founded. While in office, Governor Bailey became ill, and consequently passed away on November 2, 1946.