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James Kimble Vardaman

1861–1930

U.S. political leader, b. near Edna, Jackson co., Tex. Admitted to the Mississippi bar in 1881, he practiced law and was a newspaper editor before entering politics.

He served (1890–96) in the Mississippi state assembly and was (1894) its speaker.

After two unsuccessful campaigns (1895, 1899) for governor, Vardaman was elected (1903). As governor (1904–08), he increased taxes on railroads and large corporations and initiated prison reforms.

Elected to the U.S. Senate in 1912, he vigorously opposed America's entry into World War I. Vardaman's vote against a declaration of war was responsible for his failure to be re-nominated in 1918.

James Kimble Vardeman and
his wife, Anna E. Burleson Robinson Vardeman