William Brimage Bate

Democrat Senator of Tennessee

Congresses Served

Senate Terms

January 1, 1826 (79 years old)

Birthday

January 1, 1905

Death

Served as the 23rd governor of Tennessee from 1883 to 1887.
Elected to the United States Senate, serving from 1887 until his death in 1905.
Fought for the Confederacy during the American Civil War, rising to the rank of major general.
Participated in significant battles, including Shiloh, Chickamauga, and Atlanta, and was wounded multiple times.
After the Civil War, practiced law and remained active in politics, serving on various Democratic committees.
Elected governor with a focus on resolving the state’s debt crisis and implementing a debt repayment plan.
Established the State Railroad Commission to regulate railroad rates during his governorship.
Supported lower taxes and funding for education and public health during his Senate tenure.
Married Julia Peete and had four daughters, two of whom survived to adulthood.
Died of pneumonia shortly after attending President Theodore Roosevelt’s inauguration.