Rivers H. Buford

Rivers Henderson Buford (January 18, 1878 – March 17, 1959) was an American attorney and politician who served twice as the chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court. Early life and education Buford was born on January 18, 1878, in Pulaski, Tennessee. Through his mother, Martha Bolling Rivers, Buford is a direct descendant of Pocahontas. Buford lived in Pulaski until 1882, when his father moved the family to Wewahitchka, Florida, at the time in Calhoun County, in order to take a surveying position. Buford did not have a formal education, instead taking occupation as a lumberer, until 1894, when he moved to Tallahassee, Florida, to read law under attorney Fred T. Myers. Buford was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1900, and he began a private law practice in Blountstown, Florida, the same year. Political career In 1901, Buford, still a practicing attorney, was elected to represent Calhoun County in the Florida House of Representatives. He served in this position until 1902, when he moved to Marianna, Florida, in neighboring Jackson County, where he continued his law practice.