USA > Alabama > Reminiscences of public men in Alabama : for thirty years, with an appendix > Part 54
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1. The Joint Committee of Arrangements.
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2. The Officers and Members of the House.
3. The Officers and Members of the Senate. 1
4. The Governor.
5. The Judges of the Supreme Court.
6. The Secretary of State, Comptroller, and Treasurer.
7. Municipal Officers of the City of Montgomery.
8. Citizens generally.
The procession will move in the above order to the Exchange, and meet the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
They will proceed to the House; then the relations of the deceased, and the procession in the above order, will move to the Baptist Church, where a discourse will be delivered by the Rev. Mr. Talbird ; after which the procession will move to the burying ground.
A space will be reserved at the grave for the funeral services, under the con- duct of the I. O. O. F.
Marshals-Messrs. Jackson and Bailey, of the House; Messrs. Dent and Fra- zier, of the Senate.
Pall-Bearers-Messrs. Stallworth and Pearson, of the House; Messrs. Cocke snd Storrs, of the Senate; Messrs. J. W. Gordon and H. H. Smith, of the I. O.O.F. And then the House adjourned to take its appropriate place in the procession.
The fact is stated, with no feeling of disrespect to the memory of Mr. Glover, that, although he was not habitually intemperate, his buoyant and lively nature led him at times, when social oppor- tunities were very tempting, to indulge too freely in champagne and other fine drinks. Late hours in this participation led to ex- posure, and cold was the consequence, which produced the fatal disease that terminated his life just as its 'political future seemed the most auspicious. He was, perhaps, not exceeding thirty years of age.
Mr. Glover was a nephew of Allen Glover, Esq., a rich planter in Marengo county, the father-in-law of the Hon. F. S. Lyon. His family connections were large and influential. A few years before his death he married Miss Frances Torrey, of Monroe county. The proceedings of the Legislature constitute a hand- some memorial to perpetuate his memory. Those who knew the gentleness and suavity of his manners, and his friendly disposi- tion, will think of him with tender attachment.
PETER HAMILTON, of Mobile, served his only session in 1847. His ability as a lawyer was evidenced by the extensive practice which he commanded, and in the House, as a member, by his being appointed on the Committee of Ways and Means, and also on that of Education. His attainments were considerable, and his character solid, as his course, during the session, in debate and by his votes, conclusively proved. He was thoroughly identified in feelings and in action with Mobile, the city of his residence, and lost no opportunity of contributing to its prosperity by legis- lation.
Mr. Hamilton was a Whig in his principles, and would no doubt be one again, if the old party, with Henry Clay at its head, was
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still extant; and who would not, that was at any time a Whig ? In social life, Mr. Hamilton was refined and companionable, and left the House with many warm friends acquired during his short service.
J. D. JENKINS, of Wilcox, was a native Alabamian, and a grad- uate of the State University. His only service in the Legislature was at the session of 1847. He had entered upon the practice of the law, with flattering prospects of usefulness, when that insidi- ous disease, consumption, began to show itself. Such was the case at this session. Though perhaps not in a very advanced stage, the disease cast a gloom over his feelings, and rendered it somewhat imprudent to share in debate, or even to indulge much in conver- sation. Hence, he was generally silent; and those who know his ability, and his speaking powers, but did not understand the cause of his silence, were at a loss to account for it.
Mr. Jenkins had a strong emotional nature, and his mind dwelt much upon the wrongs inflicted on the South by the Northern people, in their aggressions on slavery, with which they had no power, under the Constitution, to interfere in the smallest degree. Yet he saw the trouble that was coming from this quarter, and his unhappiness was increased by his physical disability, to expose these wrongs, and to vindicate his native South in the halls of legislation, and elsewhere, as opportunity might allow. He was attentive to the proceedings of the House, and, to some extent, shared in the debates; but always with restricted measure. The injustice heaped upon the South by the Northern majority in Con- gress, and the constant efforts made to embitter one section against the other, by petitions from the Abolitionists, to degrade the South- ern people from an equal participation of rights, constantly preyed upon his mind by day, and disturbed his dreams by night. Every fibre of his nature was enlisted, and yet he dared not give full ut- terance to his convictions and his sensibilities, lest the task should prove too much for his physical endurance. Thus he felt as a pat- riot, and thus he suffered as a victim. In this condition he con- tinued to struggle, his friends hoping at times that his symptoms of decay were not so alarming, and he himself would seem to rally, as if in hope. In 1849, he was elected a Trustee of the Uni- versity.
In one of these favorable moods he came to Montgomery to at- tend the Supreme Court, in 1851, if I mistake not. A political meeting was held, many stirring addresses were made, and he at last yielded to the calls upon him, and delivered a short speech, in which he dwelt feelingly on the injustice that was perpetrated against the South, and of the evil consequences, unless the ag- gressions were at once arrested. Though his remarks were brief,
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he had to pause for breath; but the inspiration was upon him, and he made a last effort, closing with this quotation:
"Yet, though destruction sweep these lovely plains, Rise, fellow-men ! our country yet remains ! By that dread name, we wave the sword on high, And swear for her to live, with her to die !"
The look, the manner, the tone of the speaker in this conclusion .was all eloquence, and electrified the assembly. Poor Jenkins! How warm his devotion to his beloved South, and how sadly he was prevented, by physical weakness, from serving her as he desired. His great soul consumed his feeble body, in its strug- gles for deliverance.
A vacancy having occurred on the Circuit Court bench, Gov. Collier esteemed it a privilege to tender him a commission to fill it. Judge Jenkins, held the office but a short time, and died- closing his eyes upon his country before the ploughshare of ruin had passed over it. I know not where his remains are buried; but his resting place should be an object of interest to all who ad- mire genius and patriotism.
J. R. JOHN, of Perry, was elected to the House in 1847, and served only that session. He was a lawyer in good practice, and a faithful, working, and investigating legislator, without consuming much time in debate. He certainly could have been returned as a Representative, had he sought political life, but he had no aspi- rations that way. He was a Whig, and firm to his principles, without much ado about it.
In 1864, upon the resignation of Chancellor Byrd, Mr. John was elected to the bench; and at the session of 1865-'6, under the reorganization, he was again elected, and continued his admin- istration in Chancery until 1868, when he was superseded by the Reconstruction programme. He now resides in Selma, engaged in the practice of the law. He is a quiet, unpretending gentle- man, of fine moral character, and good legal standing; and also a leading member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
ELIHU LOCKWOOD, of Mobile, was returned to the House in 1847. He was a lawyer of considerable ability, and applied him- self closely to the work of legislation with the industry and care which distinguished his professional life. He at once took a very respectable rank in the proceedings of the House, while at the same time rendering efficient service as a member of the Judi- ciary Committee. To the interests of the people of the county and city of Mobile, he was much devoted, and it is saying no little for him that he introduced the first charter of the Mobile and
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Ohio Railroad, a work which has long since been completed, ad- ding greatly to the commercial prestige of Mobile and interven- ing country. . In 1849, he was reelected to the House, and served the public interest with increased efficiency.
In 1853, Mr. Lockwood was the nominee of the Whig party for Congress, in opposition to Col. Phillip Phillips, and was de- feated; since which time he has been in private life, pursuing his profession, and looking after his accumulated gains as the just re- ward of his industry and frugality in the past. When I knew him, Mr. Lockwood was a bachelor. He had a pleasant address, and seemed so much engrossed in business as to have but little leisure for social relaxation.
RICHARD H. RICKS, of Franklin, graduated at the University of Alabama, in the class of 1839, with the degree of M.A., as shown by the catalogue, which degree is also annexed to the names of five others, out of the ten who composed the class. He was elected to the House in 1847, and was noted for his eccentricities and his waggery. His faculties for imitation and mimicry were good. He sang well, and played finely upon the piano and violin. He wore his hair and beard long, and a blouse coat, which drew much attention upon him. His vest was of a flashy color, and his whole dress was striking.
At a party one night, in the early stage of the session, he seated himself at the piano, and commenced singing, "Oh, carry me back to old Virginia." As the sound of his voice went out into the other apartments occupied by the guests, there was a rush to the room, which was soon filled, and then he stopped short, and could not be induced to resume. This was owing to his odd conceits and his love of fun. He enjoyed the 'consciousness of being able to entertain the company, and at the same time disappointing them by his abruptness.
On the floor of the House, he indulged his waggish disposition too freely. He was a Whig in his political alliance, but was so addicted to sport that, on joint ballot of the two Houses, he was apt to vote for "John Smith," his favorite candidate. '
The close of the Mexican war, with the acquisition of territory, afforded work for the Committee on Federal Relations, and in due time their report was brought in. Amendments were proposed, some of which clamored for the whole of Mexico, and that the American eagle should extend his wings over all the territory of that country. While the report and amendments were under con- sideration, Mr. Ricks rose in his place, and offered an amendment which he had written out, and sent to the Clerk's table, and read as follows:
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WHEREAS, The American Eagle designs stretching his wings over the Mexican Republic-
Be it resolved, That in the opinion of the Legislature of the State of Alabama, fears are entertained that the said Eagle will stretch his wings so wide as to split his tail all to pieces.
This amendment was pronounced out of order, but he insisted that it was not, and appealed from the decision of the Chair. I give the resolution from the Journal, leaving the reader to deter- mine whether it was the sagacity of Mr. Ricks' mind, looking to the future, or his drollery that directed it.
In his way, he was the lion of the House; for in all his eccen- tricities he had genius. In 1849, he was elected to the Senate- had married, was clean shaved, dressed as a Senator, and laid aside many of his oddities-was attentive, and engaged largely in dis- cussion, for which he was well qualified. Still, there was more or less of the old humor and peculiarities running through his man- ner, his speeches and sayings, that reminded one, who knew him as a member of the House, of his former course. He was beaten at the next election, and died soon thereafter.
HODGE L. STEPHENSON, of Lawrence, was returned to the House in 1847. I first knew him in 1837, when he was then a member of the same body. He was repeatedly elected, and in 1849, was the Senator from Lawrence and Walker counties, in which capacity he served four years.
His early opportunities were limited, except in the school of experience. There he had learned much, and among other les- sons, the first thing he learned was to be honest. He was a quiet, watchful member, voting from honest convictions, founded upon such knowledge of men and measures as he was able to obtain. In his undertakings, while slow to promise, he was faithful to the last. He was a man of few words, except in intercourse with friends, and then he was likely to ask questions by way of obtain- ing proper information.
His habits of life, when at the Legislature, were well-regulated. In the capitol, and then at his lodgings, he could be found, and was seen regularly at church. He was a Whig, but was liberal in his opinions, and faithful in his representative capacity, being in- debted for his election to the favor of Democrats, who constituted a large 'majority of his constituents. His retaining their confi- dence so long was a proof of the integrity of his character. His purity as a man of business is illustrated by the following incident:
In the flush times, when everybody seemed to be getting rich, Mr. Stephenson concluded to try his hand in the race, and selected the pursuit of merchandising as likely to advance his fortunes" most rapidly. Like almost everybody else in that business, he
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failed; but in one respect, as a broken merchant, he differed from others, in surrendering up the whole of his property and effects to his creditors, retaining nothing for himself.
Col. McClung came to Tuskaloosa in the Summer of 1841, while canvassing for Governor, and was telling some of his friends what he had seen on the route from Huntsville. He had passed through Lawrence, and had made a speech at Mount Hope to a large concourse of people who had attended a sale, "and there," said he emphatically, "I witnessed the first honest, old-fashioned vendue sale that I have seen for many years. Hodge Stephenson failed, and surrended up to his creditors, to be sold, every item of property that he had, even to his soap-trough." In this matter he stood pretty much alone, as the practice was in that day to hide out or run off property, without regard to moral or legal obli- gation.
Mr. Stephenson quietly commenced life anew, and no doubt found much safer reliance on old mother earth for solid prosperity than on the uncertainties of trade and speculation. By honest toil, he has succeeded in rearing a respectable family, and still lives, a representative of other days, through vicissitudes that have made him indulgent to the foibles of others, while his happiness has, in a great measure, no doubt, been augmented by his hard experience.
GEN. LEROY POPE WALKER, a native Alabamian, made his first appearance in public life as a Representative from Lawrence county, in 1843. He had been previously elected a Brigadier General. In 1844, he was reelected to the House, and took an active part in the deliberations of. that session.
In 1847, he represented Lauderdale county, having removed to Florence, and was elected Speaker of the House of Represent- atives, and in 1849, he was reelected Speaker, which is the best evidence of qualification as a presiding officer, in a body of men containing a large amount of talent and character. His adminis- tration of parliamentary law was at once dignified, prompt, firm and impartial, which secured him the respect and confidence of the House.
At the first election of Judges by the people, in 1850, he was elected Judge of the Fourth Circuit. In the same year, being a widower, he married Miss Eliza Pickett, an accomplished lady of Montgomery, daughter of Judge William Dickson Pickett, of the Circuit Court bench, a rising man of his day, who died young, in 1837. In 1853, Judge Walker resigned his seat on the bench, and returned to the Legislature. He was one of the prominent, leading men of that session, sharing largely in the important de- bates, especially upon the engrossing measure of the session,
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internal improvement. On the 25th of November, 1853, Mr. Walker submitted to the House the following resolution :
Resolved, That the Committee on Internal Improvement be instructed to enquire into the expediency of affording State aid to a railroad company, connecting the navigable waters of the Mobile Bay and the Tennessee River, and report, should it be deemed expedient, some plan, by bill or otherwise, having this object in view; but in no event is said Committee to designate the termini of the road.
This resolution, with several amendments, was the occasion of the debate, in which the strength of the House for talent, elo- quence and research touching the interests of Alabama, was finely exhibited to a crowded lobby and gallery of listening and ad- miring auditors, and to attentive members in their places. Gen. Walker opened the discussion in a speech of very great ability and research, which showed that he had thought much and deeply upon the subject of Internal Improvement, especially as connected with the resources and interests of Alabama. A copy of the speech was requested for publication, by many gentlemen who heard it, and furnished by the author. It was published in a pamphlet of sixteen pages, and had great influence on public opinion. The discussion was continued by Messrs. J. E. Belser, D. C. Humphreys, Percy Walker, T. J. Judge, John Cochran, J. L. M. Curry, Joshua L. Martin, A. B. Meek, and others, consti- tuting an array of talent seldom exhibited upon any one question, at any session of the Legislature.
After the session of 1853, Gen. Walker resumed the practice of the law, and remained in private life for some time. In 1860, he was a delegate to the Charleston and Richmond Conventions, the latter adjourning to Baltimore. In these Conventions he identified himself fully with the Southern movement, as it was called, and supported Mr. Breckinridge for President.
Upon the secession of Alabama, Judge Walker was appointed by Governor Moore, a Commissioner to Tennessee, to confer with the authorities of that State as to the best policy for the slave- States, and he at once visited Nashville, where he executed his mission, and reported to the Governor formally on the prospect of the cooperation of Tennessee.
When the Confederate Government was organized, in February, 1861, President Davis invited Mr. Walker to a seat in his Cabinet, which he accepted as Secretary of War. As matters hastened to a crisis, in relation to Fort Sumter, in April, 1861, Gen. Walker exchanged telegrams with Gen. Beauregard several times a day, and at last, when the Confederate guns opened on the Fort, and after a heroic resistance of thirty hours or more, Major Anderson capitulated, intelligence of the victory was flashed in a moment to Montgomery, where it caused great enthusiasm, and wild demon- strations of joy. The Secretary of War was called upon for a
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speech, when, having very little time for reflection, or to weigh in very nice scales the significance which his official character would give to words otherwise harmless, he replied to the multitude in substance that the Confederate flag would wave in victory over Independence Hall, in Philadelphia, and over Faneuil Hall, in Boston, before our armies retired from the field. The North had hitherto been divided, and with great reluctance a large portion of the people, including the most intelligent classes, contemplated a war of invasion against the South; but when the Secretary of War, supposed to represent the feelings and designs of the people of the South, declared that the North would be invaded and con- quered, then there was unanimity-perfect, aggressive-men, cap- ital, everything for self-preservation. Then it was that Edward Everett, whose influence had hitherto held in check the passions of the people, advised them to take up arms in defense of their homes-all from that speech of twenty words, more or less, on the spur of the moment. However unfortunate for the country, the honor or the patriotism of the Secretary has never been impeached for this gigantic conception, although the Southern people have had to answer sorely for it. It was a beautiful flourish, directed by a brave spirit, and made by eloquent lips, with no mischief in the purpose; but it unhappily took an evil direction, from its offi- cial origin.
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Gen. Walker remained in the Cabinet a year, or thereabout, performing his onerous and responsible duties, amid scenes and transactions of vast importance, when he resigned, and accepted from President Davis the commission of Brigadier General in the Confederate army. Throughout his connection with the South- ern Government, in high positions, he maintained the same lofty principles, the same undeviating rectitude of purpose, the same pol- ished address as a gentleman, for which he was always distin- guished. His public services are before the country.
Gen. Walker now resides at Huntsville, with mature qualifica- tions as a lawyer and jurist, to make his legal course successful. He has had the benefit of family influences and prestige, which no doubt contributed to render him popular with the masses when he first came forward; but he has since worked his way to high places, and into public favor, on his own merits. He is still in the merid- ian of life; but it can not be claimed for him, or for any other true Southern gentleman, during the present Federal misrule, that his political future is without gloom and without embarrassment. The chances are against virtue and intelligence.
JAMES WILLIAMS, of Jackson, served his first session in 1838, and up to 1847, when he was again returned, he was several times elected to the House. After 1847, he took a long resting spell,
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and devoted himself more closely to his agricultural pursuits, and in raising his family with that care and attention so essential to happiness.
In 1860, he was a delegate in the National Democratic Conven- tion at Baltimore, and voted for Mr. Douglas, and was conserva- tive. He was also a member of the Convention that prepared the Constitution of 1865, and was elected that year to the Legislature, serving through the session of 1866-7. Mr. Williams was a good average member, and attentive to business, and generally quiet upon the floor of the House. Occasionally, he would deliver his sentiments, and was apt to be heard with attention, as he spoke good common sense, interspersed with wit and anecdote, which made his efforts spicy and entertaining. He was a Democrat, and, like Mr. James W. Davis, of Bibb, will, I presume, always be one as long as he lives. He was somewhat eccentric, and what the world calls curious, but it was his way, and he meant nothing by it. In his friendships, he was sincere and constant, with a warm, generous nature, which, if not guarded, may prove his worst enemy.
LOUIS WYETH, of Marshall, took his seat in the House for the only time at the session cf 1847. For a number of years, he had filled the office of Judge of the County Court, and was esteemed for the probity and uprightness of his administration. His char- acter, as a citizen and lawyer, commanded general respect. He possessed a warm, sympathizing heart, and was moved to action by the wants and sufferings of the people, both during the war and after the surrender.
The presence of hostile armies had been peculiarly wasteful in his section of country, and despite the efforts of Col. Sheffield in the Legislature, a famine of bread and starvation was imminent. In this terrible emergency, Judge Wyeth left his office and busi- ness, and visited several towns on the Ohio, where he presented the condition of the people in so simple and earnest a manner, that liberal contributions were made for their relief, and arrange- ments for shipping supplies free of charge. His announcement by telegram of the result was characteristic and expressive. It ran in these simple words: "My people are saved." It was enough; it meant bread and meat for a starving people.
Judge Wyeth still lives in Marshall-a gentleman of fair lit- erary atttainments, of extensive reading and reflection; and better than all, he has the consciousness of having acted well his part in life, which will redound to his happiness in time and in eternity.
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CHAPTER XXVIII.
Session of 1849-Burning of the Capitol-Inauguration of Gov. Collier-Candidates and Sketches.
The year 1848 brought another Presidential election. The contest between Gen. Cass, the Democratic, and Gen. Taylor, the Whig candidate, was quite animated, and the result showed a giv- ing way of party strength on the side of the former. The friends of Gen. Taylor, within a few months of the election, conceived the idea of carrying the State for their candidate, and their opera- tions were very effective toward accomplishing the end. They failed, however, in the main chance, but succeeded in reducing the majority to the lowest figure at which the ballots have ever ranged in contests between the parties in Alabama. The vote was, for Cass, 31,363; for Taylor, 30,482-a majority of less than one thousand. This lessening of the majority was caused, in a great measure, by the support which Gen. Taylor received from Col. Belser and Judge Rice, and the neutral position of Mr. Yancey, Judge Heydenfeldt, and others of the extreme Southern wing. Col. Richard B. Walthall, as an Elector for the State at large, pre- sided in the College of Electors, when the vote of Alabama was cast for Lewis Cass for President, and William O. Butler, of Ken- tucky, for Vice-President. I believe it was his last public act. He was then in bad health and declining.
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