USA > Alabama > Reminiscences of public men in Alabama : for thirty years, with an appendix > Part 16
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14. DR. SAMUEL C. OLIVER entered the Senate, from Montgom- ery, in 1839. He was a gentleman of refined literary taste, and was affable and courteous in his deportment. In the debates he fre- quently engaged, which he always made interesting by his sensible
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view of the question, and by the rhetoric and poetry of his style. The scholar was apparent in all his efforts, and he often indulged in classical allusions to give force and pungency to his remarks. His voice was not very pleasant, owing to its sudden variations of quality, from some disease of the throat, and the discord which at times marked the higher notes. Occasionally he was relieved of these impediments, when his delivery was ornate and commanding. His pride of letters could never be satisfied by a careless or negli- gent style. He aimed at the best, and while his intellect was always lofty in its conceptions, and faithful in its logic, his physical infirmities often detracted from the impression on his hearers.
Dr. Oliver was a staunch Whig, and was generally selected by party Conventions and mass meetings, to serve on committees charged with preparing addresses to the people, through the press. The productions of his pen were able in argument and beautiful in composition. He was the author of a political romance, or some volume illustrating character, which was published about 1845, en- titled, "Onslow," of the success of which in circulation, or its fate as a literary performance at the hands of the critics, I do not now remember. Though firm in his opinions as a party man, Dr. Oliver was uniformly respectful to his opponents, by whom he was personally held in high esteem. He died in 1848, in the meridian of life, universally regretted, while holding the office of Senator.
15. WILLIAM S. PHILLIPS was a lawyer from Dallas, and when I first knew him he was a member of the House, in 1837, and in 1840 he was elected to the Senate. He was the son of Dr. George Phillips, who, in 1819, with Thomas D. Crabb, was a candidate for the United States Senate, and both these gentlemen were de- feated by Col. William R. King and the Hon. John W. Walker, who were elected the first Senators from Alabama. Afterwards, Dr. Phillips served many years as a Representative in the Legis- lature from Dallas, and was a gentleman of considerable wealth and influence.
Mr. W. S. Phillips justly occupied a high rank in the Senate for his fine business capacity, and for the strength and clearness of his mind in the discussions on important measures in which he took part. He was a close observer of things around him, could readily
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detect and expose any finesse of which he suspected his political adversaries, and was always prepared to receive or to ward off the consequences, so as to render them harmless. In combats of this kind, he often wrestled with the Senator from Limestone, (Mr. Terry,) who led the Democratic side of the Senate, or rather took upon himself the office of main spokesman. I do not believe that it would be proper to say that any one gentleman, of either party, led Whigs or Democrats in the Legislature, where each member was supposed to judge and act for himself. But on such occasions Mr. Phillips was the champion of the Whig cause, who, with knightly grace, shivered a lance now and then with the rampant Senator from Limestone, the bold and skillful tactician, who was peculiarly aggressive as a partizan, and always eager for the fray. Mr. Phillips remained in the Senate a number of years with in- creased reputation. He was a man of wealth, and, at middle age, married a daughter of John Barron, Esq. The next view of him in public life was in the Secession Convention, in 1861, where he was a delegate. He has retired from the practice of the law, and now devotes himself to his large planting interests.
[NOTE .- The sketch of Mr. Phillips was written in 1871. He died at Selma, July 7, 1872.]
16. GEORGE REESE, of Chambers, was formerly of Georgia, and a brother of the Hon. David A. Reese, a Representative in Congress from that State before the war. Mr. George Reese was elected to the Senate of Alabama in 1839, as a Democrat, and served a term of three years, after which he retired. After the Provisional Government had been formed, and a new Constitution adopted for the State, in 1865, Mr. Reese was a candidate for'Con- gress in the Third District, and was defeated by Gen. Cullen Battle, who was then fresh from the war with great personal popularity. As it turned out, the election availed nothing to Alabama, whose Representatives were denied admission into Congress.
Mr. Reese did not thrust himself forward in the Senate in party schemes, nor did he often engage in the debates. He looked on quietly, did good committee work, and was polite to all around him. What he said was generally in few words and always to the . point. He displayed no ambition to lead, nor would he blindly
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follow others who might assume this privilege. Always calm, and always independent, he appeared to be upon good terms with him- self and with all the world. It is hoped that his subsequent expe- · rience has not disturbed this enviable relation which is the main source of happiness. His presence at Tuskaloosa in public and social circles will long be favorably remembered.
17. GREEN P. RICE, of Morgan, was long in public employ- ments. At the time of his election to the Senate, in 1838, he was Judge of the County Court. At the session of 1839, he was elected President of the Senate. The report of the committee adverse to the eligibility of several members of the Senate and the House, on account of their having held certain offices at the time of their election, was not finally concurred in until about the close of the session, when the seat of Mr. Rice was declared va- cant. He was reelected in 1840, after this disability was removed, and he again took his seat. After serving out his term, he was returned to the House of Representatives in 1842, and was in the Legislature so late as 1855. His health having failed, he with- drew entirely from public life.
There was something in the person and bearing of Mr. Rice which always impressed the idea of dignity in his character. In the British House of Lords he would have been noticed for the grave and formal manner, and the solemn pomp with which he arose to address the Chair. It was more like the severity of the pulpit than a legislative forum. This imposing and yet agreeable address may possibly have resulted from his exercise of the Chris- tian ministry in early life, in Kentucky, from which State he came to Alabama. His education was sufficient to gain him admission on the list of Presbyterian clergymen, or those of any other church where a high standard of scholarship and of theological proficiency is required. There was so much sternness and dignity in the looks of Mr. Rice, that no one could feel at ease in his presence. He may have enjoyed the humor of others, but he seemed utterly incapable of indulging any of his own. His voice was clear and musical, and he was at times splendid in debate. He was conscious of his great natural advantages, and exacted deference as a right. High-minded himself, he was slow to believe in the duplicity of
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others. His appearance always conveyed the idea that his lot in life was far below his deserts and his expectations. In fact, he was, no doubt, a disappointed man, and, to soothe his troubles by procuring oblivion awhile, he too often resorted to the bottle, which only increased his difficulties. Perhaps it was the great barrier to the success which he so much coveted, as a proper re- ward of his talents and his ambition. Taken altogether, he was a man of extraordinary mold, who, by some casualty, was prevented from reaching the very highest pinnacle of honor among men. Whatever might be his foibles, he was always a gentleman, and always noble in his appearance. He has been dead several years.
18. NATHANIEL TERRY was in the Senate from Limestone, when I first knew him in 1837, in which body he continued to serve until the session of 1844, and was four times elected Presi- dent of the Senate. In 1845, he was the Democratic nominee for Governor, and was opposed by the Hon. Joshua L. Martin, as an independent candidate. Both candidates took the stump, ad- dressing the people everywhere, and made a very animated can- vass. There being no question of Federal policy to discuss, as they were both Democrats, the main point of controversy was in relation to the State Bank and Branches, Mr. Martin having been opposed to the whole system from the beginning, as his votes in the Legislature would show as far back as 1823, and Mr. Terry a supporter of the Banks, and personally their debtor to a large amount for loans to himself, and as indorser for his friends. The manner of collecting the Bank debts, and the legislation which Mr. Terry had advocated, granting indulgence until a large por- tion of the debts was lost through the insolvency and removal of parties, was a topic urged with great force by Mr. Martin against his competitor. In this way he was entangled and embarrassed, and though a bold and ready man to ward off assaults, Mr. Terry did not sustain himself prudently in the campaign, and was defeated. After this he made ·no attempt to resume public life, but confined his attention to his very large estates in North- Alabama, and to the improvement of horses and other blooded stock, of which he possessed a great number. He was a Vir- ginian by birth, and noted for his warm and generous hospitality,
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of which I had the pleasure to share on a visit to him in 1846. He removed to Texas, where he still resides, no doubt the owner of large possessions, and foremost in all the local enterprises likely to pay on the investment, and to be of general utility. His char- ities to the poor were always abundant.
The education of Mr. Terry was defective, in spite of which he was a good speaker-a natural orator. He uttered his words with remarkable distinctness, giving every syllable its proper sound, with emphasis when necessary to increase the effect, which the most practiced orator might have envied. In the pur- suit of power for his party, he was always earnest and adroit. This was particularly manifested on the General Ticket Bill, which he introduced, and engineered through the Senate with such gusto in 1840. Yet he was capable of generous treatment occasionally, and had many personal friends among the Whigs. His career in Alabama fills too large a space in legislative annals to be soon forgotten.
19. SOLOMON C. SMITH, of DeKalb, came from Tennessee. He was a gentleman of fine sense, of modest deportment, and was many years a useful member of the House. His great popu- larity among the people is the best proof of his solid character. He acquired a large property by his prudence and industry, and died in 1846, before nature had stamped a line of decay upon his features.
20. HARRY I. THORNTON was a native of Virginia, but in early life removed to Kentucky, where, it is believed, he held an office under the administration of Mr. J. Q. Adams, probably that of United States District Attorney. He married a sister of Hon. John J. Crittenden, while the latter gentleman married an aunt of Mr. Thornton. Thus they were doubly connected by family ties, which strengthened and harmonized their political attachments, both being Whigs, and the warm personal friends of Mr. Clay.
I have not ascertained what year Mr. Thornton came to Ala- bama. He settled in Huntsville, and more than thirty years ago was elected a Judge of the Supreme Court. After retiring from
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the office, he changed his residence to Mobile, where he practiced - law for several years. Thence he removed to Eutaw, and in 1840 was elected a Senator in the Legislature, over John J. Winston, Esq., to fill the unexpired term of Thomas Riddle, Esq., deceased.
The high character of Mr. Thornton as a jurist induced the President of the Senate to waive the usual party selection, and he was made Chairman of the Judiciary Committee at a time of intense party excitement. His reports fully justified the wisdom of his appointment. In debate he was probably the strongest man in the Senate. He had all the qualities of a dignified and effective speaker. He declined being a candidate for reelection, and pursued the practice of his profession with great favor and success.
Judge Thornton was a delegate to the National Whig Conven- tion at Baltimore in May, 1844, and was a Vice-President of that body. He engaged in the canvass for Mr. Clay with the full belief that he would be elected President. The defeat of his favorite statesman greatly depressed his spirits. During the administration of Mr. Fillmore, from July, 1850, to March, 1853, · he was appointed by the President a commissioner to investigate land titles in California. In a few years thereafter he died. He was a gentleman of elevated, princely character, and was in the communion of the Presbyterian Church. To know him was to love him. Thousands in Alabama will cherish his memory with affection.
The Judge had a brother, Col. James I. Thornton, who was elected Secretary of State in 1824, and served, by successive elec- tions, until 1834. He was a very high-minded gentleman, made an excellent officer, and was respected by all who knew him. At a venerable age, and with a character full of dignity and honor, Col. Thornton now resides in Tuskaloosa.
21. THEOPHILUS L. TOULMIN, of Mobile, entered public life when a young man; was elected Sheriff, then Major-General, and served in the House of Representatives. He was elected to the Senate in 1838, and continued in that body, with only short inter- vals, until 1864. In 1848, he was appointed Postmaster at Mo= bile, by President Polk, from which office he was removed by
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Gen. Taylor, and was reinstated by Mr. Pierce. He was at all times a popular man before the people. In 1840, he was on the Democratic Electoral Ticket, and Chairman of the Electoral Col- lege when, in the Senate Chamber, they cast the vote of the State for Mr. Van Buren as President, and R. M. Johnson as Vice- President.
In 1865, Gen. Toulmin was defeated for the Senate by Capt. Charles P. Gage. He had always been the most popular man in Mobile county until this final contest. Gen. Toulmin could rally the whole Creole vote previously, and was selected by his party to lead their tickets when the chances were doubtful. He died in 1866.
22. DANIEL E. WATROUS, of Shelby, was for many years in the Legislature, in one branch or the other. In 1844, he was the Whig candidate for Congress, in opposition to Mr. Yancey, to fill the unexpired term of the Hon. Dixon H. Lewis, who had been elected to the Senate. Mr. Watrous was a good lawyer, and a patient, laborious member of the Legislature. He possessed abilities of a very solid order, and was capable of throwing light on all questions which he discussed. His party convictions were most decided, and he allowed no attack on his principles to be made in his presence without defending them by argument, when occasion required it. He removed to Texas, and died there sev- eral years ago.
23. THOMAS WILSON, of Jackson, was a member of the House of Representatives in 1837, when my acquaintance with him began. For the next fifteen or twenty years he continued in the Legislature, serving in one or the other branch. Without the early advantages of education, he had succeeded in attaining a correct knowledge of government, and was a safe, efficient and truthful man in all the relations of life. He was an active, work- ing member, who'paid very little attention to idle forms, but went for the substance of any proposition when it tended to the public welfare. His face wore a kind and animated expression at all times, and he was not only popular among his constituents, but had the favor of nearly all who knew him. He is still living.
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CHAPTER XI.
House of Representatives, 1840-Sketches of Members.
In the preceding chapter an outline of the Senate has been attempted, with more or less accuracy in the delineation of char- acter. Now the same office is undertaken in regard to the House of Representatives, of which a little more than one-third of the members have been selected for special comment, either from merit in the work of legislation, or for some quality for which they were distinguished. In the performance of this task it is not claimed by the writer that he has been at all times successful in his portraits, but in no instance has he wilfully done injustice to the originals.
1. JAMES M. ADAMS, of Marshall, was a young lawyer, and came to the House in 1840, serving a number of sessions there- after. In 1851, he was elected Solicitor of the Huntsville Cir- cuit. His career of usefulness was terminated in 1857, when he was lost in the Gulf of Mexico, by a collision of steamers between Galveston and New Orleans. His abilities were promising, and the future seemed to have in store for him much honor and hap- piness, when he was suddenly cut off by one of those calamities to which life is ever exposed, even when fortune seems the most propitious.
2. ROBERT A. BAKER, of Franklin, was in the House when I became first connected with that body as Assistant Clerk, in 1837, and toward the close of the session in 1840, he was elected Speaker, to succeed the Hon. Samuel Walker, who resigned that position from ill health. Mr. Baker presided at the called session in 1841, soon after which he removed to Sumter county, where he declined the Democratic nomination for the Senate. His sec- ond marriage was with Mrs. Potts, a daughter of Seaborn Mims,
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Esq., of Sumter. Shortly thereafter, he changed his residence to Mobile, and was a partner in the commission house of Baker, Lawler & Co. .
His talents were more than respectable in the public councils. Always a patient, working member while in service, he was par- ticularly attentive to the rules of the House, and to parliament- ary usage; and on many occasions, when difficulties arose on these points, creating more or less confusion, sometimes great excite- ment, he took the floor as peace-maker, by gently pouring oil upon the troubled waters of debate, and always with happy effect. His temperament was calm, and amid scenes of uproar and strife, of which two prominent instances-when the election for United States Senator was before the House, and the General Ticket Bill was in progress-have been already noticed. On such occasions, his influence was felt in its soothing and salutary effect upon the House. He was always sensible, always liberal, and always just. His standard of morals was high. For many years he had been an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, foremost in good works as a steward and leader, and when he died, in 1866, he left a vacancy in the Church and in his social relations which it was difficult to supply. A sweet savour always attaches to the name and memory of such a man as Robert A. Baker.
3. JOHN BARRON, of Perry, was a member in 1839, and for several years afterwards. He was a very intelligent planter, of sound judgment in public affairs, a Whig in politics, and a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church. He was much respected, and was always at the post of duty, rendering the best service in his power. He died several years ago.
4. JOSEPH BATES, of Mobile, was Major-General of the 6th Division of Alabama Militia, was a member in 1837, and in 1838 was defeated for the Senate in the District composed of Mobile, Barbour and Washington counties, after a most animated canvass. He was again elected to the House in 1840, during which session, as his record will show in preceding pages, he made a principal figure in the political discussions and maneuvering which often took place. Indeed, nature seems to have marked him for
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command. He was tall, athletic, and of exact symmetry in his per- son, with a head and face which a sculptor would delight to copy as a master-piece. His mental powers were not inferior to his physical. Though not a lawyer by profession, he had all the readiness in thought and language of a practiced speaker. He possessed greater qualities still. When difficulties multiplied, he rose with the occasion, and was always adequate to the emer- gency-never at a loss, never taken by surprise; and his bearing always reminded me, in conception, of a grand Field Marshal of Napoleon at the head of a column, advancing, while a hundred pieces of artillery played upon him, until he pierced the enemy's center, and decided the fortunes of the day. Gen. Bates would no doubt have distinguished himself as a commander in the field, as he had all the courage and fertility of resource which usually gain victories. Never did I gaze upon a more lofty man in his physical developments, coupled with what I knew to be his intel- lectual qualities. In 1844, the Hon. Henry Clay was in Mobile, and General Bates, as a warm political friend and supporter, was frequently near his person. A view of two such men, side by side, so peculiarly striking, and so gifted, each in his sphere, may never again be the privilege of any spectator. Gen. Bates re- moved to Texas, where he was appointed United States Marshal under the administration of Mr. Fillmore. Perhaps he is still living.
5. Dr. A. Q. BRADLEY, of Perry, served at the sessions of 1839, 1840, and 1841, and was defeated for the Senate by Col. Richard B. Walthall in 1842. He justly ranked with the most intelligent members of the House. Perhaps he had not his equal in that body, as a general, laborious student in all the branches of literature and science, in which he had made great proficiency. All his intervals of leisure were occupied in reading. He was originally from South Carolina, was a bachelor, and always resided with his mother, to whom he was devoted. With strong anti- quarian tastes, he had collected around him many rare books, publications, and manuscripts; among the latter an autograph report of the celebrated leader of British cavalry, Tarleton, whose very name struck terror to the hearts of all Americans during the
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Revolution of 1776, from the daring and cruelty of his exploits. Dr. Bradley was not only a cultivated gentleman in the highest sense of the term, but he was most agreeable in his address, always cheerful, and ready for social enjoyment. He remained in private life until 1859, when he was again elected to the House. In view of the election of an abolition candidate for President of the United States, a resolution was adopted by the Legislature at this session authorizing the Governor to call a Con- vention to take such steps as might be necessary to preserve the rights and honor of the people of the State. In the House, only two members, Dr. Bradley and Newton L. Whitfield, Esq., of Tuskaloosa, voted against it. When on its passage, and before giving his vote, Dr. Bradley said:
MR. SPEAKER-I believe the passage of such a resolution will amount to revolution. The Federal Constitution specifically enu- merates the qualifications requisite in a President, and these, it is reasonable and fair to suppose, the Republican Convention will observe in nominating their candidate. A State Legislature has neither the right nor the power to add to, or subtract from, these qualifications; and a declaration on our part, that if defeated in the next election for President by the Republican candidate (even if elected in conformity with the Constitution and laws of the United States), we would not abide by the result, would, in my opinion, be an act reducing us to the level of those republics south of us, whose political history consisted in an almost continuous appeal from the decisions of the ballot-box to the arbitrament of the sword."
These remarks seem to have very much the spirit of prophecy, as events have since turned out. In politics, Dr. Bradley was identified with the Whig party.
6. ROBERT B. CAMPBELL, of Lowndes, had been a Represent- ative in Congress from South Carolina. After his removal to Alabama, he was elected to the House in 1840, as a Whig. He was a gentleman of polished address, and of great urbanity, after the school of the olden time, and never relaxed his dignity, which appeared to be natural, and the only element in which he could live. He appeared to be somewhat out of place in the House, and though surrounded by much intelligence in his fellow- members.
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he looked solitary and abstracted, from the want of congenial natures to grapple with in the forum of legislation. He was dili- gent on committees, and very punctual in attendance, occasionally taking the floor, and submitting, briefly, his reasons for supporting or opposing any measure under consideration. He was appointed United States Consul to Havana by Mr. Tyler, and was continued in office by Mr. Polk. To account for the latter extension of favor, it is said that the father of Gen. R. B. Campbell was a British officer, who had shown much kindness to Gen. Jackson when he was a mere boy, and was taken prisoner in South Car- olina. While other officers of the British army were disposed to treat with harshness and insult the youth Jackson, who had refused to black the boots of his captors, Col. Campbell; of His Majesty's regiment of infantry, interposed his friendly offices, and saved the youth from punishment for his manly behavior on the occasion. Fifty years afterwards, Gen. Jackson became President, and, in his gratitude, was willing and anxious to make a suitable acknowl- edgment to the son; but, as the South Carolinians were offended by the proclamation of 1832, it was considered disreputable by the majority to hold office from President Jackson. Yet the latter never forgot Gen. Campbell, and when he returned to the Her- mitage, it is said that he asked of Mr. Polk, as a personal favor, to continue him in the Consulship, which was done. Gen. Camp- bell has been dead many years.
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