Claim: The Alabama State Treasurer has been a political office since 1819,  as the head banker for the State of Alabama, handling deposits, withdrawals, redemptions of state warrants and investments of state Beginning in 1861, the treasurer was elected biennially from until 1868 and Arthur Bingham was then  elected by popular vote for a term of two years.
Evidence: The position was created in 1819 when Alabama became a state. Its constitution established the Office of the Treasurer of State, a position that would be elected by the legislature. The Alabama State Treasurer acts as the head banker for the State of Alabama, handling deposits, withdrawals, redemptions of state warrants and investments of state funds. Beginning in 1861, the treasurer was elected biennially from until 1868 and was elected by popular vote for a term of two years in 1868. Arthur Bingham's election in 1868 marked the first time a Republican would hold the office. Arthur Bingham 1868 to 1870