CULVERHOUSE COLLEGE OF COMMERCE 
AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
The University of Alabama

ALABAMA BUSINESS HALL OF FAME

William Dorsey Jelks Inducted: 1988

William Dorsey Jelks has been described as a man with ability, integrity and a habit of action, all qualities that became apparent in his journalism, political and business careers. Jelks, an Alabama native, graduated in 1876 from Mercer University. He moved to Eufaula and bought the Eufaula Times, where he was successful as an editor and publisher. Jelks soon entered the political arena by being elected to the Barbour County seat in the state senate. In 1900, he became president of the state senate, and from this position succeeded to the governorship upon the illness and death of Governor William J. Samford. Both as state senator and governor, Jelks exerted a major influence on the new constitution of 1901. He earned the reputation as Alabama’s “Business Governor.” He refunded the state’s bonded debt of $8.5 million; saved the state thousands of dollars with a uniform school book law; and left a surplus of $1.8 million in the state treasury. Jelks left office in 1907, and a new challenge beckoned. He moved to Birmingham and organized a life insurance company, with himself as president. The company was incorporated on July 26, 1907, and issued its first policy on September 3, 1907. Protective Life grew steadily throughout the twenty years Jelks was president. In 1927, Protective Life and Alabama National Life Insurance Company of Birmingham were consolidated retaining the name Protective Life, and Jelks was made chairman. On January 1, 1930, he gave up the chairmanship. Jelks returned to Eufaula where he died on December 13, 1931.