USA > Alabama > Reminiscences of public men in Alabama : for thirty years, with an appendix > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87
CHAPTER XVII.
Measures of Reform at the Session of 1842-Personal Sketches. 1 261
ADJOURNMENT, FEBRUARY 15, 1843; Session of Seventy-five Days; Discount on Bank Notes; Government Lands; T. B. Cooper's Resolution ; Regis- tering and Burning Bank Notes; Low Price of Cotton; A Hard Year; Policy of Governor Fitzpatrick; Currency Improved. Notice of Senators: Dr. Samuel C. Dailey; William Fleming; James E. Reese; Hugh M. Rodgers; Richard B. Walthall-Educated at Cumberland College-Re- moves to Alabama, 1819-A Large Planter-Public Services-Character- His Death, 1849; Dr. John Watkins-In Convention, 1819-Extensive Reading-Useful in Legislature-Skilled in his Profession ; Burr W. Wil- son-Ten years in Senate-In Conventions of 1861 and 1865. Members of the House: Miles W. Abernathy; Marion Banks; John W. Bridges- Prominent in Public Life-Important Services; Dr. John W. Bothwell; John A. Campbell-Leader of the House-His Reports from Committee -- Appointed Judge United States Supreme Court, 1853-Removes to New Orleans; James M. Calhoun-His Decided Character-President of Sen- ate; Clement C. Clay, Jr .- Legislative Career-Election to United States Senate-To Confederate Senate-Imprisonment in Fortress Monroe- His Release-Devotion of his Wife; Thomas B. Cooper-His Public Re- cord-Warm Sympathies-In Convention, 1865-Elected Speaker of the House; Dr. Isaac Dortch; William D. Dunn; Dr. Samuel S. Earle; El- bert H. English; John Erwin; Isaac H. Erwin; Alva Finley; William H. Gasque; Alfred Harrison; Herndon L. Henderson; John W. Henley; John M. Hendrix; David Hubbard.
CHAPTER XVIII.
Legislature of 1842-Sketches of Members Continued.
JOHN JACKSON-His Skill in Accounts-Firmness in Debate-Impeachment of Judge Booth-Lost on a Steamer, 1850; William G. Jones-Nephew of Governor Giles, of Virginia-Influence in House-Solidity in Debate- Appointed Judge United States District Court-Confederate Judge ; Wil- liam B. Martin-In House, 1838-Polk and Dallas Elector, 1844-Presi-
278
15
Contents.
dent of Senate, 1853; James W. McClung-Several times Speaker of the House-Candidate for Governor, 1841-Chairman of Committee of Ways and Means, 1844-In Senate, 1847-Chairman Judiciary Committee- Death, 1848; Thomas W. McCoy-Efforts to Improve Currency-Business Habits-Elected Major-General-Removes to Baltimore; Lemuel G. Mc- Million ; John Morrisette-In House, 1829-Served Many Sessions- Senate, 1847-Ability in Debate-Controversy with A. P. Bagby-Ex- tracts from Pamphlet ; John W. A. Pettit-In Legislature of Georgia- Services in Alabama-Witty Retort-Removes to Memphis; Benjamin F. Porter-In House, 1833-Appointed Reporter Supreme Court, 1834- Again in the Legislature-Originates Bill Abolishing Imprisonment for Debt-Elected Judge of Tenth Circuit, 1839-Resigned, 1840-Returns to the House-Extracts-Voluminous Writer-Trustee of University- His Death, 1868; James Robinson-Quiet in his Habits; Robert T. Scott-Candidate for Congress, 1835-In House, 1837-Resolution, 1842, on Bank Expenditures-Agent to Washington; John S. Storrs; Dr. Rob- ert J. Ware ; Thomas Williams.
299
CHAPTER XIX.
Congressional Elections, 1843-Spirit of the Canvass-Sketches of Candidates.
RESULT IN THE SEVERAL DISTRICTS; George S. Houston-Term in the Legisla- ture-Elected Solicitor, 1847-To Congress, 1841 -Served Eighteen Years-Chairman of Committee on Military Affairs -- Next of Ways and Means, and, also, Chairman of Judiciary-Elected United States Senator, 1865 ; James Dellet-First Speaker of House, 1819-Elected to Congress, 1839-Extract from Speech ; John Murphy-In Convention, 1819- Elected Governor, 1825 and 1827-To Congress, 1833; James E. Belser --- Elected Solicitor, 1837-Commissioner to Washington, 1842-Elected to Congress, 1843-Extracts from Speeches-On Annexation of Texas-On Oregon-On Admission of Florida-Supports General Taylor for Presi- dent, 1848-Elected to Legislature, 1853 and 1855-Advocates Internal Improvement-His Sudden Death, 1858.
328
CHAPTER XX.
Session of 1843-Judicial Elections-Personal Sketches.
ORGANIZATION ; Chairmen of Committees ; Annual Message ; Three Thousand Copies Clay's Digest printed by M. D. J. Slade; Quo- Warranto as to the Planters' and Merchants' Bank of Mobile; Appraisement of Real Estate of Banks; Report on Bank Expense Account; State Bonds Extended ; Increased Labor of Winding up the Banks; Claims for Expenditures in Indian War; County Expenses; Congressional Returns ; Two per cent. Fund Vested, Drawing Interest Six Per Cent; Pre-emption Rights; Six- teenth Section Fund in Trust; Liquidation of Banks Approved by the People; Paper Circulation Delusive; Gold and Silver from Foreign Ex- change; Taxes Cheerfully Paid; Honor of State Promotes Interest of People; State University ; Census for 1844; Medical College in Mobile;
16
Contents.
Vacancies in Office Filled ; Second Inauguration of Governor Fitzpatrick ; Mr. Taylor's Resolution on "Mixed Basis;" Debate ; Federal Politics ; Party Conventions at the Capitol; Nicholas Davis, Sr .; Resolutions on the Tariff; Mr. Howard's Resolutions to Accept the Land Fund; Yeas and Nays; Judicial Elections ; Ballots for Third Circuit ; For Eighth Cir- cuit ; For Ninth Circuit; For' Attorney-General; For Solicitor Second Circuit; For Solicitor Eighth Circuit; Military Elections; Sketches of Candidates : George W. Stone ; Thomas D. Clarke; Joseph Phelan ; Ma- rion A. Baldwin ; Rush Elmore ; George C. Ball ; J. McCaleb Wiley .... 355
CHAPTER XXI.
Session of 1843, Continued-New Senators-Sketches of the House.
DR. JAMES E. BERNEY, a Clay Whig-Fine Social Qualities; Robert Dough- erty-Fondness for Anecdote-His Rich Humor-Elected Judge Ninth Circuit, 1850-Held to 1865-His Last Days; Robert S. Hardaway ; General Moses Kelly. Members of House: 1. Enoch Aldridge, Elected 1837-Served to 1861. 2. Decatur C. Anderson-Gallant in Bearing- Elected Solicitor, 1851. 3. Joseph G. Baldwin-Ability in Debate- Speech on White Basis-Extract-Author of " Flush Times of Alabama and Mississippi," of "Party Leaders"-Removes to California-Elected to Supreme Court. Francis Bugbee-Trustee University for Thirty-five Years-His Report on its Endowment-Judge Circuit Court, 1865-United States Attorney, 1866. Charles Dear; Pleasant Hill; William B. H. Howard-Strong and animated in Debate-Removal to New Orleans and California-Return to Alabama-Elected Again, 1855-Elected Solicitor Twelfth Circuit, 1865. David C. Humphreys-His Logical Mind-Ap- pointed Judge of Supreme Court of District of Columbia-Resides at Washington City ; Bakus W. Huntingdon-His Literary Culture-Self- reliant-Elected Judge Seventh Circuit-Removes to New York ; Henry C. Jones-Educated at LaGrange College-High Rank in House-Op- posed to Secession, 1861-Member of Provisional Congress. Norman McLeod; John W. Portis; John C. Whitsett; George W. Williams ..... 353
CHAPTER XXII.
Presidential Canvass, 1844-The Legislature-Senatorial and Judicial Elections- Personal Notices.
VISIT OF ME. CLAY TO MOBILE-Public Reception at Mansion House-Inter- view with Tuskaloosa Committee-Exertions in the Canvass; Disappoint- ment of the Whigs; Vote of New York Deciding the Election; Organ- ization of the Legislature; Heads of Committees; Governor's Message -- Mostly & Business Document; Federal Politics; Topics Acted upon ; Apportionment-Gain by Certain Counties-Loss by others ; Mr. Phillips' Report from Committee on Federal Relations; Unanimous Vote by Yeas and Nays; Another Report from Mr Phillips on the Federal Basis; Col. King Resigns Seat in Senate; D. H. Lewis Elected-Vote; Hon. Arthur F. Hopkins, Native of Virginia-In Convention, 1819-Service in the Legislature-Elected Judge Supreme Court-Removes to Tuskaloosa,
17
Contents.
1843-Active Supporter of General Harrison,' 1840, and of Mr. Clay, 1844-Acknowledged Whig Leader in State-Settles in Mobile-Pres- ident of Mobile & Ohio Railroad ; Judicial Elections : Ballots for Chan- cellor of Southern Division; For Solicitor Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Circuits ; Richard W. Walker - Elected Solicitor-In House, 1851-In 1855, Speaker-Next, Judge Supreme Court-Also, in Confed- erate Senate; Edward A. O'Neal; John B. Sale; E. W. Pettus ; Percy Walker; William Acklin; Anderson Crenshaw-Graduate Columbia College, 1806-Offices Held-Charges Preferred Against him and other 371 Judges, by William Kelly, 1829; Response of Judge Crenshaw
CHAPTER XXIII.
Legislature of 1844 Continued-Senators and Representatives Sketched.
EDWARD S. DARGAN-Elected to Congress-Judge Supreme Court; Archibald Gilchrist; Sampson W. Harris-Faculties in Debate-Election to Con- gress; Sidney C. Posey-His Upright Character; Calvin C. Sellers. Mem- bers of House : Frankiin W. Bowdon-Educated in State University -- Service in Legislature-In Congress-Extracts from Speeches; Daniel Chandler - His Literary Character-Persuasive Eloquence -Elevated Morals-Female Education ; Williamson R. W. Cobb-Terms in Congress- His Accidental Death; Dr. Edward H. Cook; Isaac Croom-Graduate of North Carolina University-Patron of Agriculture; Harrell Hobdy; Sam- uel W. Inge-Elected to Congress-Duel with Mr. Stanly-Removes to California-United States District Attorney; Robert Jemison, Jr .- Long and Faithful Public Service; Dr. Pleasant W. Kittrell-His Efficiency in the Legislature; Columbus W. Lee-A Giant in Debate; William S. Pat- ton; Philip Phillips-His Courtesy of Manner-Elected to Congress; Nathaniel J. Scott; Joseph Seawell; Thomas Williams, Jr .- Whig Elec- tor, 1840-Powers as an Advocate; Extract from Judge O'Neal's "Bench and Bar of South Carolina"
385
CHAPTER XXIV.
Governor Martin's Election-Session of 1845-Judicial and Legislative Sketches. CANVASS WITH MR. TERRY ; Management of Banks; Public Excitement; News of Election; Congressional Districts; Anecdote of General McConnell ; Organization of Legislature; Heads of Committees; Governor Fitzpat- rick's Last Message ; Death of General Andrew Jackson; Parting Ad- vice; Inauguration of Governor Martin; Popular Vote on Biennial Ses- sions; On Removal; Report of Mr. Bowdon; Parliamentary Tactics ; Heated Discussion; Removal is Carried; Ballots for New Seat of Gov- ernment; Montgomery Selected; Special Message of Governor Martin; Bank Policy Reviewed; Collection of Bank Debts ; Public Faith Sus- tained ; Payment of Taxes ; Re-issue of Bank Notes ; Losses to the State ; Suits Against Bank Debtors; Accountability of Public Agents ; Justice to all Classes ; Bank Assets turned over to Commissioners ; Judicial Elections : Twenty-seven Ballots for Third Circuit ; George D. Shortridge Elected ; Candidates ; Lincoln Clark-Eulogy on General Jackson-Ex-
2
18
Contents.
tract-In Congress from Iowa ; Hon. Ptolemy T. Harris-Long on Circuit Bench-Becomes Factor in Mobile; Hon. Alexander Bowie-Trustee of University-Integrity of Character-Six Years Chancellor-His Profound Learning-Religious Principles ; Thomas Woodward-His Literary Cul- ture-Southern Politics ; David G. Ligon-Elected Chancellor-Judge Supreme Court. Visit to Hermitage -Interview with General Jackson, 1842. New Senators : Jack F. Cocke ; Jefferson Falkner ; General James G. L. Huey ; Hon. John Gill Shorter ; Solomon C. Smith ; Beloved L. Turner-His Physical Strength
410
CHAPTER XXV.
Session of 1845, Continued-Sketches of the House.
THOMAS K. BECK; Benajah S. Bibb-Judge County Court, 1825-In Legislature many Years-Judge of Criminal Court; William P. Browne; Aaron B. Cooper - Professional Eminence-Active and Useful as a Legislator ; Isham W. Garrott-Fiery and Fearless in Debate - Commands a Reg- iment -- Killed in Battle; George W. Gayle-Skilled in Public Proceedings; Dr. James Guild-Report on Insane Hospital ; Dr. J. H. Hastie; John J. Holly ; General Crawford M. Jackson-Devotion to Books-Elected Speaker, 1857; Robert T. Johnston ; Egbert J. Jones; Elijah Kerr; Amos R. Manning-Serves in House and Senate ; Thomas M. Peters-In House . and Senate-Judge of Supreme Court; James R. Powell-Dispatch in Business-Tour in Europe-Founds Birmingham ; Joseph W. Taylor -His Public Record-Address before University, 1847-Elected to United States Congress, 1865-Refused Seat-Able Communications Published -- State of the Country Examined-Constitutional Rights-Policy of Pres- ident Johnson for Reconstruction-Treatment of the South-Appeal to Public Opinion-Southern University-President Board of Trustees- Address before Washington and Lee University ; A. J. Walker-Graduate of Nashville University-Comes to Alabama, 1841-Teaches a Class in Latin, and Greek, and Mathematics-In House, 1845-Presidential Elector, 1848-Elected Chancellor, 1854-Judge of Supreme Court, 1855-Compiles Code of Alabama. 431
CHAPTER XXVI.
Session of 1847-Reception of Generals Shields and Quitman-Senatorial Contest- Judicial and State House Elections-Sketches of Character.
ELECTION OF GOVERNOR CHAPMAN; Congressional Districts ; John Gayle- Elected Governor, 1831 and 1833 -- In Congress-Judge United States District Court-His Abilities and Social Nature ; John T. Taylor; State Archives ; Removal to New Capitol; First Session in Montgomery ; Or- ganization ; Crowded Hotels; Governor Martin's Message; Alabama Troops in Mexican War; Expenses Incurred ; Committees ; Counting Votes for Governor; Inauguration of Governor Chapman ; Reception of General Shields; Reception of General Quitman ; Ceremonies ; Respect to Remains of Colonel Butler of the Palmetto Regiment; Address by B. F. Porter; Pacific Railroad ; Mr. A. Whitney's Exposition at Capitol; Sen-
19
Contents.
atorial Election ; D. H. Lewis prevails on Eighteenth Ballot ; Sketch of Dixon Hall Lewis-Extracts from his Speeches -Public Services -- His National Character. Judicial Elections ; Vacancy in Supreme Court- Memoir of Judge Henry Goldthwaite-His Eminent Character; Joseph W. Lessene-Elected Chancellor-Drowned in Mobile Bay ; John Edmund Moore-Fifth Circuit-Elected Judge, 1858. Other Elections; William S. Mudd; Alexander B. Forney ; Joel Riggs ; William Graham; Henry C. Semple ; George Taylor ; Albert G. Gooch ; Charles T. Pollard : William E. Clarke. 456
CHAPTER XXVII.
Session of 1847-Leading Measures- Governor Clay and other Public Characters Noticed.
REVENUE SYSTEM; Sixteenth Sections; University Fund; Bank Commission- ers; Their Report; S. F. Lyon, Sole Trustee; Sketch of Clement C. Clay-Elected Judge Fifth Circuit, 1819-In House, 1827-Elected to Congress, 1829 to 1835-Governor, 1835-Senator in Congress, 1837- Resigns, 1841-Appointed Judge Supreme Court, 1843-Sufferings in late War-Letter of General Sherman; William Cooper-His Public Trusts. New Senators Noticed : Dr. James M. Beckett-Trustee of Uni- versity-Pleasant Manner in Debate; Charles G. Edwards; Thomas J. Judge-Solicitor, 1843-In House, 1844 and 1845-In Senate, 1847- Again in House, 1853-Canvass for Congress, 1857-Commissioner to Washington, 1861-Correspondence-Commands a Regiment in late War-Elected Judge Supreme Court; James M. Nabors; George N. Stewart - Reporter Supreme Court-Original Conceptions-Term in Senate-His Industry and Method; Seth P. Storrs-His Thorough Ed- ucation-Pleasant Humor. Members of House : George Amason -- An- ecdote at Theater; James F. Bailey-Prestige-Elected Judge County Court-Of Probate, 1850; James W. Davis-In House, 1832 and 1866; James G. Gilchrist; Philip S. Glover-Resolutions on his Death; Peter Hamilton; J. D. Jenkins; J. R. John; Elihu Lockwood; Richard H. Ricks; Hodge L. Stephenson; Leroy Pope Walker; James Williams; Louis Wyeth. 483
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Session of 1849-Burning of the Capitol-Inauguration of Governor Collier -- Can- didates and Sketches.
PRESIDENTIAL CONTEST, 1848; Vote in Alabama; Committee to Receive Ex- President Polk; Escort to Montgomery; Dinner and Incidents; Demo- cratic Convention in June; Contest for the Nomination; Legislature Or- ganized; General Dent, President; General L. P. Walker, Speaker; Mes- sage of Governor Chapman; State of the Finances; County Maps; Tax- able Property in State; Trust Funds; Reporter Supreme Court; Asylum for the Insane; Professor of Agriculture; Fees of Public Officers; Legis- lation of Congress; Chairmen of Committees; Report of Mr. Lyon; Action of Joint Committee; Counting Votes for Governor; Capitol De-
20
Contents.
stroyed by Fire-Particulars-Tender of Churches for Public Use; Gov- ernor Collier Installed in Office-Ceremonies; Memorial of Miss Dix- Reports Favorable to Object; Personal Notice of Miss Dix -- Her Travels as a Philanthropist; Ballots for United States Senator; Governor Chap- man-His Administration; Silas Parsons-Elected Judge of Supreme Court-His Intellectual Faculties-Plain Appearance-Strength in Ar- gument; John J. Woodward-Elected Solicitor, 1853-Volunteered in late War-Killed in Virginia; James A. Stallworth; Johnson J. Hooper; Milton S. Latham; William S. Ernest.
511
CHAPTER XXIX.
Personal Sketches of the Legislature at Session of 1849.
SENATORS: William S. Compton-Judge County Court-Cashier of Bank- Southern Bank Charter; Cade M. Godbold-United States Marshal; Geo. W. Gunn-Chairman of Judiciary Committee; Leonard Tarrant-Agent of Indian Reserves-Opinion of General Jackson. Members of House: Thomas Brazier-Decision of Character; Thomas R. Crews-Intelligent and Affable-Judge of Probate Court; Frederick F. Foscue-Popular Address-Family Record; George W. Goldsby- His Finished Educa- tion; Benjamin F. Goodman - Bold and Positive - Practical Expe- diency-His Death in Texas; Bolling Hall-A Veteran in Politics; John T. Hill-Social Character; Thomas E. Irby-In Mexican War-Mental Vigor-Killed in Virginia; Reuben McDonald - Success Among the People-Coast Life; Moses McGuire-Judge Court of Probate-Long Service-Popularity; Walker Reynolds-Enterprise and Success; Robert H. Smith-Ability as a Lawyer-Commissioner to North Carolina-In Provisional Congress; George C. Whatley-Skill and Power in Debate- Resolutions in Convention, 1861-Resists Election of Lincoln and Ham- lin-Killed in late War-His Personal Courage; William Wright-His Social Relations-The Olden Time 530
CHAPTER XXX.
Congressional Elections-Legislature of 1851-New Parties-Georgia Platform- Notices of Candidates and Public Men.
TERRITORIAL QUESTION, 1850; Southern Rights; Union Party; Re-election of Governor Collier; Competitions for Congress; Speech of Senator Foote in Capitol-Party Conventions; Organization of Legislature; Commit- tees; Governor's Message; Georgia Platform; Adoption of Code; Sena tors King and Clemens on Compromise; Elections for Supreme Court Judges and Chancellors; For Secretary of State. Sketches : George Goldthwaite - Settled in Montgomery, 1830-Judge Circuit Court- Judge Supreme Court-United States Senator; James B. Clark-His Long Career; Eggleston D. Townes-Elected Chancellor; Alvis Q. Nicks- His Offices and Aspirations; Matthew J. Turnley-United States Dis- trict Attorney; Vincent M. Benham-Elected Secretary of State; Alex- ander B. Clitherall-Clerk of House-Judge Circuit Court-Register of Confederate Treasury; Amand P. Pfister-Offices in Grand Lodge; Sec- ond Inauguration of Governor Collier. Members of Congress : James
21
Contents.
Abercrombie-His Manly Character; John Bragg-Public Record; Wil- liam R. Smith-His Early Struggles - Public Service-Extracts from Speeches-Publishes Debates in Convention, 1861-President of Uni- versity; Alexander White- Supports General Scott, 1852 -Franking Documents-Supports Mr. Bell, 1860-in Convention, 1865-Patriotic Sentiments-In Selma Convention, 1866.
544
CHAPTER XXXI.
Session of 1851, Continued-Members of the Legislature Specially Noticed. SENATORS: Benjamin A. Baker-Remarks in Convention, 1861-Officer in the War-His Death; E. R. Flewellen-Ready in Debate-Well Versed in Politics; John T. Hefflin-Judge Circuit Court; Dr. Joel E. Pearson- In House, 1839-Modest and Popular; Dr. George G. Perrine-Enlight- ened and Vigilant-Agreeable Address. Representatives : James M. Armstrong-Elected, 1852-Solid Qualities; William M. Byrd-Elected Chancellor-Judge Supreme Court-His Religious Character; Rufus H. Clements-A High-toned Planter; Henry W. Cox-His Convictions of Duty-Killed in War; N. S. Graham-Success before the People; An- drew Isbell Henshaw-Graduate of University-Animation in Debate; Dr. C. C. Howard-His Extensive Reading; Francis S. Jackson-Elected Solicitor, 1838-His Competitors-Six Ballots - Extreme Opinions- Soured by Disappointment - Dies at Pensacola; George L. Barry -- Elected Judge County Court-Returns to Georgia; Porter King-His Literary Attainments-Judge Circuit Court-Served in War; Cameron McKaskill -- Modest and Sensible-His Early Death; John S. McMullen; William B. Moss-His Great Intellectual Promise-Good Habits-Died of Yellow Fever, 1854; John D. Rather-Elected Speaker-His Com- mittees; Price Williams-Strength of Character-Example and Success; James S. Williamson-Skill in Debate-Killed in War; Benjamin M. Woolsey-His Talents and Purity of Character
CHAPTER XXXII.
Session of 1853-Inauguration of Governor Winston-Elections and Sketches- Hon. S. F. Lyon, Dr. A. A. Lipscomb, and Others.
NEW ORGANIZATION OF PARTIES; National Conventions; Southern Rights Con- vention; Troup and Quitman; Nomination of Governor Winston; State Aid to Railroads; Temperance Convention at Selma; Elections for Con- gress; Organization of the Legislature; Committees; Message of Gov- ernor Collier-Thirty-seven Pages; Internal Improvements; Atlantic & Pacific Railroad; Code of Alabama; Banks and Banking; University; Judiciary and Elections by the People; Taxes; Line between Alabama and Georgia; Counting Votes for Governor; Resolutions Presented to Hon. F. S. Lyon by Speaker; Death of Vice-President King; Inaugura- tion of Governor Winston; Extract from Address; Basis of Representa- tion; Senatorial Election; Ballots for Judge Supreme Court; For Chan- cellor; For Solicitors; For Superintendent of Public Instruction; For Secretary of State; Adjournment. Personal Notices: James F. Dow- dell-His Triumphs at Ballot-box-Literary and Christian Character;
564
22
Contents.
Hon. Francis S. Lyon-Outlines of his Successful Life-His Great Ser- vices as a Financier; John Whiting-His Public Spirit and Financial Skill; Lyman Gibbons; Joseph P. Saffold; Wade Keyes; Sterling G. Cato; Septimus D. Cabaniss; John H. Caldwell; General Robert W. Higgins; Alfred E. Vanhoose; Elliott P. Jones; William F. Perry; An- drew A. Lipscomb, LL.D.
557
CHAPTER XXXIII.
Session of 1853, Concluded-Senators and Representatives Sketched.
SENATORS : William Ashley-His Youth and Ability-In Senate, 1865; Sam- uel R. Blake-Chairman of Judiciary Committee-Force in Debate- Personal Address; General Jacob T. Bradford-Family Prestige in Ten- nessee-Public Services; James S. Dickinson-Chairman of Committee on Finance-Elected to Confederate Congress; General Joseph P. Fra- zier-Officer in Florida War-A Senator, 1837-Solidity of Character; Dr. Allen Kimball-Skill as a Party Tactician; James D. Webb-Excita- ble in Debate-Voted for Secession-Killed in War. Representatives: Charles A. Abercrombie-Family Influence; Isaac Bell, Jr .- His Busi- ness Capacity; Augustus Benners-Graduate of North Carolina Univer- sity; Newbern H. Brown-Efforts for Insane Hospital; Thomas J. Bur- nett-Character as a Politician-Served in Army; Walter Cook-His Exertions to Suppress Gaming-Killed in War; Dr. Memorable W. Creagh-Large Family Connection-High-toned in Bearing-Eloquent in Debate; Robert S. Hatcher-Large Planter-Accidental Death; Gib- son F. Hill-His Military and Scientific Academy-Lottery-Manager Swan; Richard F. Inge; Andrew Jay; Robert Murphy; Sidney B. Payne; George C. Phillips; Richard O. Pickett; Daniel S. Robinson; N. G. Shelley; Alphonzo A. Sterrett; General E. G. Talbert; Malcolm D. Graham
598
CHAPTER XXXIV.
Pestilence in 1854-Elections in 1855-Legistature-Governor Winston's Vetoes- Judicial Elections and Sketches.
YELLOW FEVER in Montgomery-Malignant Type; Nimrod E. Benson -- Na- tive of South Carolina-Came to Alabama while it was a Territory- Settles in Montgomery in the practice of the Law-Long Service in the Legislature-Elected Judge of County Court-Often Mayor of the city- Receiver of Moneys at the Land Office - Democrat of the Jackson School-Oldest Mason in Alabama --- Grand Master of the Grand Lodge- Director to take Charge of Assets of Branch Bank-As Mayor, looks after the Work on the Capitol-Moral Courage and Frankness-Charac- acter without disguise-His Death in 1864; Election for Governor-Con- test Between Governor Winston and G. D. Shortridge-Popular Vote; Congressional Elections-Five Democrats and Two Know-Nothings Re- turned; Eli S. Shorter-Born and Educated in Georgia-Belongs to Extreme Southern School of Politics-Bold and Defiant in Congress- Extract from Speeches-Re-elected to Congress in 1857-Commanded a Regiment in the War; Julius C. Alford-Served in Congress from Geor-
23
Contents.
gia-Fearless and Stormy in Debate-Gives the War-Whoop on the Floor-Terrifies the Northern Fanatics-Removed to Alabama, 1850- In Union Convention, 1852-Defeated for Congress by Col. Shorter in 1855; Organization of the Legislature-Benjamin C. Yancey Elected President of the Senate; Richard W. Walker Elected Speaker of the House; Governor Winston's Message-Refers to the Death of Ex-Gov- ernor Collier; Installation of Governor Winston for a Second Term- Pamphlet containing his Thirty-Three Veto Messages; Election of Gov- ernor Fitzpatrick to United States Senate; Complimentary Vote to Luke Pryor; Contest for Judge Supreme Court-Three Days in Ballotings- George W. Stone Elected; Robert B. Brickell-Lawyer of High Rank- Author of a Digest of Alabama Reports; James H. Weaver-Elected to House in 1853-Secretary of State from 1856 to 1860; William J. Greene-Elected Comptroller of Public Accounts-Ten Years in Office- Business Capacity; Robert B. Armstead-Born and Educated in Vir- ginia-Elected Solicitor of Sixth Circuit-Advantages of Person and Disposition to Command Success-Entered the Confederate Service- Held the rank of Major-Killed in Battle in Virginia-His Lofty Char- acter as a Patriot; Leonard F. Summers-Resident Lawyer of Mobile- Defeated for Solicitor in 1855, but Elected to the Office in 1859-His Prospects of Usefulness-Enters the Confederate Service as Captain of a Company - Killed in Battle in his Native State; Young L. Roys- ton-Planter and Lawyer-Elected Solicitor in 1855, 1859 and 1863- Commanded a Regiment in late War-Wounded in Virginia-Assigned to Duty in Alabama-Was taken Prisoner in 1865; John Foster-A Georgian-Settled in Jacksonville as a Lawyer in 1836-Painful Rumor of his Death by the Indians-Expressions of Sympathy-His Cruel Fate much Lamented-The False Report Causes him to be better known- Elected Chancellor in 1855 -- Re-elected in 1861-Ten Years in Office- Learned and Patient-Fond of Books and Personal Friends-Delegate in the Constitutional Convention of 1865-Active in its Proceedings-His Acknowledged Abilities.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.