Background
Roane, John Selden was born on January 8, 1817 in Wilson County, Tennessee, United States. Son of Hugh and Hannah (Calhoun) Roane.
governor of Alabama lawyer army officer
Roane, John Selden was born on January 8, 1817 in Wilson County, Tennessee, United States. Son of Hugh and Hannah (Calhoun) Roane.
Educated Cumberland College, Princeton, Kentucky.
Admitted to the bar, 1842. Prosecuting attorney 2d Judicial District 1840. Member Arkansas Legislature, elected speaker.
Served as lieutenant colonel Archibald Yell’s Regiment during Mexican War, took over command at Battle of Buena Vista when Colonel Yell was killed.
Governor Alabama, 1849-1852. Favored geological survey, use of land granted by Congress for internal improvements to promote railroad building and education.
Endorsed Memphis as starting point proposed Pacific Railroad. Opposed secession, 1861.
Volunteered, then commissioned brigadier general Confederate Army, 1862.
Chief in command of Arkansas at Battle of Prairie Grove.
Member Arkansas Legislature, elected speaker.
Married Mary K. Smith, July 5, 1855, 4 children.