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GEORGIA'S PUBLIC MEN
1902-1904 .....
COMPILED AND PUBLISHED BY THOMAS W. LOYLESS
PRESS OF THE BYRD PRINTING COMPANY ATLANTA, GA.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY 889966 ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS R 1919 L
INTRODUCTORY.
I N presenting these brief biographies of the men who constitute the legislative, executive and judicial branches of our State government. there is no attempt at literary production, nor does this modest book make any serious claim to a place among historical works. Whatever value it may ever have in that respect must come in after years,
when our children and grandchildren shall turn its pages to learn something of the men who were prominent in the public life of Georgia at the beginning of this Twentieth Century. Or, perhaps, it may be given additional value when some of these men, at least, have climbed high upon the ladder of fame; whereupon the generations to come, as well as the historian, may not disdain to find in these pages something of interest concerning their earlier career.
This book, which I have attempted to compile at odd times during a period of three months, while busily engaged in active editorial work on the Atlanta Journal, is but a modest effort at picturing in permanent form the life and lineaments of practically all the men who are at this time serving their State in distinguished public capacity. Blended into a whole. these short sketches should afford this, as well as future generations, a correct and altogether satisfactory impression of the political organization of this grand old commonwealth for the years 1902-1904.
Lack of time, as well as lack of ability, have prevented a more ambitious effort ; but. even with these handicaps, at least one merit may be claimed for this volume-whatever it contains is as correct as is ever possible where such an amount of intricate data has to be secured from so many varied sources and embraced in so little space; while the illustrations are. in practically every instance, perfect likenesses of the men whom they represent as they appear near the close of the year 1902.
Some of them, as their portraitures tell, are old men : many of them laden with the honors which their people have heaped upon them ; men who have labored long and well in the service of their State, but who must, before many years have passed, go to join those who have illustrated Georgia in public life in the days long gone by. Others, as their youthful faces and comparatively meagre biographies show, are just coming on the field of action, many of them appearing this year for the first time in the public
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INTRODUCTORY.
forum; but these are the old men of the future, and upon them already begins to devolve duties, in the performance of which their ability and fidelity are to be tested.
Georgia has been rich in statesmen, jurists and soldiers in the past. The life stories and the likenesses of many of her distinguished sons adorn the pages of more pretentious and more enduring volumes than this. But may we not hope that among all the names and faces contained even in this book will be found some future Crawford, or Forsyth, or Troup, or Cobb, or Lumpkin, Johnson, Jenkins, Stephens or Toombs-names that in themselves make Georgia great ?
And may we not believe that these men who have succeeded to the guardianship of their State's destiny shall be "separate as the waves, but one as the sea." steadfast in the purpose to maintain Georgia's proud prestige as the Empire State of the South, ever aiming at the highest conception of constitutional government, and always adhering closely to their State's chosen device, "Wisdom, Justice, Moderation ?"
Georgia's past, her present and her future are well calculated to inspire her sons to noble deeds and lofty aims. I do not know men if among the three hundred or more herein represented there are not those who will some day claim the attention of a more worthy historian than myself; if among them there are not more than one whose ability and civic virtue will shed upon Georgia as much lustre as has been shed upon her in the past. Some of them, indeed, have already achieved a fame which time will transform into greatness.
THOMAS W. HOYLESS.
Atlanta, Ga., December 10, 1902.
It is both a duty and a pleasure, in the introductory to this book, to give eredit to those who have rendered valuable service in its compilation. [ am under extra obligation to Messrs. Smith Clayton and George Lowe for their able and painstaking assistance, to the Wrigley Engraving Company for the unusually excellent illustrations that adorn these pages, and to the Byrd Printing Company, and to Mr. C. P. Byrd personally, for the extra effort and superior workmanship that have made this work, from a typographical standpoint, at least, one of the most perfect products that ever came from the press of a Southern publisher. T. W. h.
JOSEPH M. TERRELL, GOVERNOR.
GEORGIA'S PUBLIC MEN.
GOVERNOR JOSEPH M. TERRELL.
A
LONG line of illustrious Georgians have graced the guberna- torial chair.
From the first settlement of this State, in 1:33. one hun- dred and sixty-nine years ago, Georgia has been rich in men fitted to adorn her chief magi-tracy.
Under the Trustees : under the Crown : under the Amer- ican Government, and under the four Constitutions of, respectively. 1111. 1198, 1868. and 18:1. the people of this State have. in the main, been peculiarly blessed in having rulers who illustrated. in their administrations, that glorious motto which speaks from her coat of arms-"Wisdom. Ju-ticc. Moderation."
That it will be the guiding star of the administration of Georgia's sixty- eighth Governor is guaranteed by the distinguished. conservative and honor- able conduct which has characterized the career of him who now enjoys the most commanding station in the gift of Georgians.
Joseph Meriwether Terrell was born on June the sixth, 1861. in the county of Meriwether. Georgia. The place of his birth was Greenville, a village of less than a thousand inhabitants. With the exception of five years he ha- lived in that village all his life. During those five years he resided on a farm in Meriwether County. Dr. Joel E. G. Terrell. his father, was a native of Wilkes County. Georgia. He moved to Meriwether while vet a child. He began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. J. W. Anthony, at Greenville, and after careful preparation entered the Atlanta Medical Col- loge. Of that time-honored institution he enjoyed the distinction of being the first graduate. Returning to Greenville. he began the practice of medi- cine and within a few years became one of the leading physicians in Western Georgia.
The subject of this sketch went to school in Greenville until he attained the age of fourteen. At that tender age he was placed in charge of his father's plantation. He managed it continuously. with remarkable ability, from 1816 until 1881. But even as the steady. industrious. manly country boy followed the plow from sun to sun there came to him the whispering-
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of honorable, lofty ambition. He dreamed of the happy hour when the strong hand which ran the furrow would turn the pages of Blackstone. Not that he was ashamed of honest toil. Far from it. He gloried in honest toil. Still, he longed for a broader field of usefulness than the sun- swathed. narrow tract shut in by woods of green and canopied by blue skies -- a theatre of action upon which he might enact. if not a better yet a higher part-a part in which mental prowess might work out problems for the publie weal beyond the ken of mere physical power.
He worked on. patiently. hopefully. and, as everything comes to the man who waits, that happy hour came to the boy who waited.
Young Terrell read law for one year under the direction of Major John W. Park, of Greenville. It is safe to say that no young man ever studied with closer application. After standing a most creditable examination, he was admitted to the bar in February. 1882. by Judge Sampson W. Harris. of the Coweta Circuit. He opened an office in Greenville and entered. without delay. upon the practice of his profession. From the very first his efforts were crowned with success, and he has been succeeding ever since. Business flowed in upon the young attorney from all sides. Such was his ability, his energy. his integrity. his devotion to duty, that he landed, at a bound. in the confidence and affections of his people. No young man in the State ever rose more rapidly at the bar. But the people had no thought of allowing him to pursue the even tenor of his way in the courthouse. They saw in the magnetic and indefatigable young lawyer all the elements which go to make the successful public man. They began to call him up higher when they realized that his services were needed at the capitol. In October, 1884. he was elected to represent Meriwether County in the General AAssembly.
Ile was at that time only twenty-three years of age. the youngest member of the House of Representatives. But his youthfulness did not interfere at all with his usefulness. His worth was recognized at once, and he was honored accordingly. He was made a member of the most important com- mittees, the judiciary, local bills and temperance. His constituents were so pleased with the record which he made that he was returned to the House in October. 1886, by a handsome majority. While serving his second term he was chairman of the committee on county affairs and a member of the Judiciary Committee.
The Alliance wave swept over the county of Meriwether in 1888, and Mr. Terrell, who was a candidate for the third time. sustained the first and only defeat of his political career. But two years later. 1890. after one of the hardest fought and most intensely exciting campaigns ever held in Georgia. Mr. Terrell defeated the Alliance candidate and was nominated for the State
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Senate. His opponent, not satisfied with the verdict of the party, ran in the election following and became the victim of a double defeat.
Honors were showered upon Mr. Terrell while State Senator, and right well did he sustain his reputation as one of the wisest young legislators in the State. He was not only made chairman of the Finance Committee. but was placed on the Committee on Rules, the Judiciary Committee, the Com- mitee on Congressional Districts, and the Committee on Public Schools.
It was in 1892 that Mr. Terrell. fresh from his conquests in the State Senate, was called upon to serve the people in the office of Attorney-General. He was elected to serve two years. Two distingui-hed lawyers opposed him for the nomination, but, by a two-thirds vote of the Convention, Mr. Terrell was made the candidate.
In 1894 his nomination was unanimous. He was elected. without oppo- sition. in 1896. 1898, and 1900.
During his long and distinguished service as Attorney-General he repeat- edly loomed up as a probable gubernatorial candidate. Toward the close of that service he became one of the most formidable political figures in the State.
Yielding to the urgent call of friends throughout the State, Mr. Terrell resigned the office of Attorney-General in February. 1902, and became a candidate for the Democratic nomination for Governor.
Ilis opponents in the primary were Dupont Guerry and J. H. Estill. both of whom he defeated by a large majority.
Mr. Terrell married Miss Jessie Lee Spivey, October 19. 1886. She is a daughter of Thomas Spivey, a native of Texas. but who for many years ha- been a prominent planter in Harris County, Georgia. The Spivey home. about ten miles from Hamilton, is one of the fine. picturesque places of the county. Mrs. Terrell attended Wesleyan College. Macon, which insti- tution she left in 1886, and was married in October of the same year.
She is qualified in every respect to stand by the side of her distinguished husband-by right of birth. beauty. and intellectuality. Moreover. she is vitally concerned in all that affects her husband's welfare and success. No mistress of the mansion has ever combined more than she.
GEORGIA'S PUBLIC MEN.
U. S. SENATOR A. O. BACON.
T HIE senior member of the United States Senate from Geor- gia is a native of South Georgia .- Augustus O. Bacon was born on October 30. 1839, in the county of Bryan. The foundation of his education was carefully laid in the schools of Liberty and Troup counties, and in his boyhood days he gave unmistakable promise of fu- ture distinction. He matriculated at the University of Georgia, where, after di -- tinguishing himself both in the classical and literary departments, he graduated in 1859. Taking the law course at the same institution, he received his diploma in 1860. Just as he was beginning to embark upon his profession the tocsin of war sounded : and young Bacon, then in his twenty-first year. was among the first to answer the call to arms. He entered the Confederate army. During the campaign of 1861 and 1862 he was adjutant of the Ninth Georgia Regiment in the Army of Northern Virginia. He exhibited such excellent executive talent in that responsible position that he was made a Captain in the pro- visional army. Assigned to important staff duty, he remained in active service until the surrender of Lee at Appomattox.
At the close of the great struggle Major Bacon returned to Georgia, and in 1866 began the practice of law in the city of Macon. He took, from the first, a high stand at the local bar, and within a comparatively brief period forged to the front rank of the profession. For many years he has been recognized as among the foremost lawyers of the South. And during his illustrious service in the Senate, has shown himself able to cope with the best legal minds of that angust tribunal, winning national renown as a constitu- tional lawyer.
In his young manhood, Senator Bacon developed a liking for public affairs. Hle evinced a lively interest in the labors of the Democratic party, often serving as delegate to State conventions. In 1880 his signal ability as a par- liamentarian caused him to be called to the chairmanship of the State Con- vention. He has several times served as delegate to national Democratic Conventions. His first service of this character was in 1884. when Grover Cleveland received his first nomination and won his first battle as a candi- dato for the Presidency. Major Bacon was an elector on the Seymour and Blair ticket in 1868. In 1811 he made his first race for the Legislature. He was elected, and from that good year he has been one of the foremost figures in Georgia politics. He served fourteen years in all in the General Assembly. winning golden opinion- from the people of all sections of the State by his
AUGUSTUS O. BACON, U. S. SENATOR.
GEORGIA'S PUBLIC MEN.
ability as a legislator. He was speaker pro tempore two years. He filled the speaker's chair for eight years, and in this high position won fame as a par- liamentarian which has never been matched in the annals of Georgia.
Senator Bacon has played a prominent part in many of the exciting political campaigns in this State. After one of the hottest contests ever waged in any State, he missed the nomination for Governor by a single vote. But nothing daunted, he did not give up the battle for gubernatorial honors. And, although in a following election he again met defeat when opposed by John B. Gordon, he did not relinquish hope of high political preferment. but simply bided his time. In a few years the Senatorial toga settled over his deserving shoulders.
In the seat rendered illustrious by Georgia's greatest men, Senator Bacon has shown himself altogether worthy as their distinguished successor. He has a mind of a very high order, and his services mark him as easily ranking with the leading intellects of those "most potent. grave and reverend seigneurs.
Among the many distinguished services which Senator Bacon has rendered the nation, the magnificent stand which he took against the Philippine policy of the Republican Party perhaps won him the greatest fame. In recognition of his notable work in this particular, he was made one of the leading mem- bers of the "joint committee of the two houses of Congress." which was sent on a tour of investigation of conditions in the Philippine Islands in 1901. This committee made an elaborate report to Congress.
Senator Bacon's first term expired March 3, 1901. He was re-elected for the full term by the Legislature chosen October. 1900.
ALEXANDER STEPHENS CLAY, U. S. SENATOR.
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GEORGIA'S PUBLIC MEN.
U. S. SENATOR A. S. CLAY.
S ENATOR A. S. CLAY, the junior member of the United States Senate from Georgia, has been a leading figure in the politics of the State for twenty years. He is yet a young man.
Beginning life on a farm in Cobb County, he won his way to high station by sheer force of self-reliance and native ability. His career furnishes still another strong example to the youth of the land that struggling merit and continuous vim will win eminence without wealth or prestige.
Literally speaking, Senator Clay rose from the plow-handles to the most august legislative body in the world. Attending the common schools of the county when time from farm duties would permit. he worked as he studied. and at length became a student of the Palmetto high school, Campbell County. The boy simply battled for an education. He paid his own way at Palmetto as he had done from the beginning. Leaving the high school, he entered Hiawassee College, graduating there in 1815.
It was then that his remarkable career really began. He determined to be a lawyer. For two years he studied hard under Judge David Irwin, one of the strongest lawyers in Georgia. Young Clay's nights were given to the mas- tery of Blackstone. his days to teaching the young idea how to shoot.
In 1814 he was admitted to the bar. His rise was rapid, and in a few years he took a high stand as a lawyer.
Bnt Mr. Clay was born for the political arena. He entered it first in Marietta, his home town, when his fellow citizens elected him to the city council. It was not long before he became a leader in local affairs of the Democratic party. He worked his way steadily to leadership in State affairs. Two terms were spent as councilman. after which. in 1884, he was sent to the lower house of the General Assembly from Cobb County. He served con- tinuously in the Legislature from 1884 until 1894. He was speaker pro tem- pore of the House two terms. He served one term as Speaker. He retired from this place to become Senator from the Thirty-fifth Distriet. In recog- nition of his services to the State and the Democratic party, and because of his ability as a parliamentarian. he was elected President of the Senate.
In 1894 he was made chairman of the Democratic State Executive Com- mittee. Under his leadership, success for the party was won in a most hotly contested campaign against the combined forces of Populism and Republican-
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ism. His arduous and striking service was repaid with re-election to the chairmanship of the State Executive Committee. In the summer of 1898, he resigned.
The Senatorial campaign, during which he was chosen as United States Senator to succeed General John B. Gordon. was launched by the unexpected death of Ex-Speaker Charles F. Cri-p. who had been nominated for the high position. In that memorable struggle. half a dozen party leaders of Georgia were candidates. Every inch of ground was strongly contested. There was a deadlock for a week.
The result was a splendid tribute to the powers and popularity of Senator Clay.
The services, which Senator Clay ha- rendered Georgia in the United States Senate, have been many and pronounced. But. perhaps. he won his greatest distinction when called upon by his party to lead the superb fight against the Ship Subsidy Bill during the session of 1901-2. The success which Mr. Clay won in the conduct of that celebrated contest. evoked the applause of the National Democracy and raised him, if possible, higher in the affection and admiration of the people of Georgia.
His present term will expire March 3, 1903. The Legislature which met October, 1902. re-elected him without opposition to the full term.
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GEORGIA'S PUBLIC MEN.
STATE HOUSE OFFICERS.
SECRETARY OF STATE PHILIP COOK.
P HILIP Cook, the Secretary of State, first saw the light on the twnty-fifth day of December. 1857, at the old Cook homestead in the county of Macon. The only son of his distinguished father, the late General Philip Cook, he has shown himself entirely worthy of his illustrious lineage.
He enjoyed exceptional educational advantages as a boy. William J. Northen, afterwards Governor of the State, was his first teacher. After seven years passed under his tutorship. young Cook became a student of the State University.
Several of his class-mates at that famous college won distinction. Two of the members of that class became Congressmen, to-wit. Hon. Wm. H. Howard and Hon. Wm. H. Fleming: three. George F. Gober. Hamilton McWhorter, and W. M. Henry, became Superior Court judges : and another member. W. Y. AAtkinson, was made Speaker of the House of Representa- tives and afterwards elected Governor of Georgia.
Having completed his course, with great credit. at the University, in 1826. Mr. Cook took the classical course at Georgetown College. Washington. D. C .. graduating there the latter part of the same year. Returning home. he studied law one year in the office of Judge Samuel Lumpkin, at Lexington. Hle was admitted to the bar, after passing a creditable examination. and began at once the practice of his profession. It was not long before he won his spurs at the bar. Attracted by his logie and eloquence. his fellow citi- zens gave substantial recognition of his ability by nominating and electing him to the State Senate from the Tenth Senatorial District. This was in 1896. He served in the Senate during the session of 1896-97. Hle made his mark as chairman of the Penitentiary Committee.
At the solicitation of friends, Mr. Cook. in 1898. became a candidate for Secretary of State. His opponent was Colonel Mark A. Hardin, a very popular and prominent man, who. upon the resignation of Hon. Allen D. Candler to enter the race for the Governorship, had announced for the posi- tion. The politicians thought that Colonel Hardin would easily defeat the
PHILIP COOK, SECRETARY OF STATE.
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young aspirant. But Mr. Cook's senatorial record had made a wide and deep impression. He conducted hi- race with all the ardor and aggressive- ne -- of an old campaigner, and when the smoke had cleared away it was found that he had won an overwhelming victory. He had carried 11? counties out of 13%. The people had made hi- election practically unani- mou -.
Mr. Cook has a charming personality. He attracts and holds friends. Genial and gentle in manner. generous by nature, able in intellect. it is not surprising that he has achieved almost at a bound great and genuine popu- larity. Political prophets predict that Georgia's lovable young Secretary of State will yet win higher honor-, and not without good reason. For. judging the future by the very notable record which this young man has made, things being equal, he will surely be called to higher service in the State. In the case of Mr. Cook. the time-honored saying. that the weight of a famous name handicaps a young man in the battle of life. does not hold good. On the contrary. the distinguished career of the father has proved an inspiration to the son. impelling him. by dint of individual merit. strong self-reliance. and the exercise of abilities, natural and acquired. to render himself as an entirely worthy successor to hi- renowned and beloved predecessor.
Mr. Cook was married, March 13. 1829. to Miss Minnie Lee Shackleford, the daughter of the late William G. Shackleford, member of the firm of Rucker. Chapman and Company. of Atlanta, at Lexington, Oglethorpe County. Georgia. The children are Sarah Lumpkin Cook. Philip Cook, Jr .. Charles A. Cook. Arthur Cook. Minnie Lee Cook, Roberta Word Cook, Lau- rence Cook.
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WILLIAM A. WRIGHT, COMPTROLLER GENERAL.
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GEORGIA'S PUBLIC MEN.
COMP'T GEN'L WILLIAM A. WRIGHT.
G EORGIA has never had a better official than William Ambrose Wright, Comptroller-General.
He was born in Louisville. Jefferson County, an old capital of Georgia, January 19, 1844. He was educated at Prof. W. S. Lowrey's famous school. His distinguished father attended that school before him. Leaving school in May, 1861, young Wright was mustered in the Third Georgia Regiment as a private. This splendid body of men was organized and commanded by Ambrose R. Wright, the famous father of the subject of this sketch.
In August. 1862, Mr. Wright's father having been made a brigadier gen- eral. the son, while the command was marching from Richmond to Manassas Junetion, was promoted to first lieutenant of artillery and ordnance officer of Wright's brigade. He served in that position until November 1. 1864, and then was assigned to post ordnance duty at Augusta, Georgia, filling that place until the war closed. He was in the great Seven Days' Battles around Richmond. On August 30, 1862. he lost his right leg in the second Manassas battle. Remaining in a farm house near the field three weeks, he then went home, where he stayed from October 1, 1862. until April 1. 1863. Then he returned to his command at Fredericksburg and. maimed as he was, continued in active service until June. 1863. In May of that year he took part in the battle of Chancellorsville. During June of the same year, after he had crossed the Potomac with his father, General Wright, at Sharpsburg, he was made a prisoner by New York -couts and taken to the headquarters of General Tyler, across the river from Harper's Ferry. He was imprisoned at Fort McHenry two weeks and then placed in Fort Delaware, where he remained three weeks. Then he was transferred to Johnson's Island. remaining there ten months; after which, in charge of a disabled band of Confederates, he was again transferred. They numbered several hundred. On this journey Lieutenant Wright was the only man who could walk. Having been regularly exchanged. a month later, he rejoined his command at Petersburg. There he was in several hot fights, including the Battle of the Crater. Subsequently he was detailed on service at Augusta, as before stated. where he had charge of ordnance supplies until the war ended.
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