Sketches of prominent Tennesseans. Containing biographies and records of many of the families who have attained prominence in Tennessee, Part 111

Author: Speer, William S
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Nashville, A. B. Tavel
Number of Pages: 1278

USA > Tennessee > Sketches of prominent Tennesseans. Containing biographies and records of many of the families who have attained prominence in Tennessee > Part 111

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In 1868, he was a delegate to the national Democratic

convention, meeting in the city of New York. That was a body not in all respects judiciously constituted, or un- der the guidance of any well-digested and defined views of public policy, or well in hand in the interest of any leading character as a candidate for the presidency. It was the formative stage of a new political organization in fact, only partly welded then by the fires of the see- tional struggle which gave rise to political issues pro- ceeding from it. While Col. House, in common with all conservative men in every section, utterly reprobated the truculent and tyrannical measures of reconstruction which the party in majority were enforcing, with others of the body he did not approve of some extreme utter- ances put forth in the platform and declarations of its chief spokesmen, which could have no other effect than to bring the disastrous defeat which followed. In 1870, he was a member of the convention called to re- vise the constitution of the State, and was able and in- fluential in shaping its work. He served as one of the committee on the judicial department. He was the author of a proposition extending the gubernatorial term to four years, and giving the governor the veto power that functionary now possesses, and providing for a lieutenant governor, who should be ex officio presi- dent of the senate. The entire proposition met with the favor of the convention, but was afterward re- considered and lost by a small majority, except in the feature noted. He was the author also of a wholesome proposition for an amendment remitting the trial, on their merits, of a large and defined class of misdemeanors to justices of the peace, thus superseding the necessity of such culprits being confined in jail awaiting indict- ment, and being put through the tedious and costly forms of trial in the higher courts. It is the absence of such a provision that so enormously swells the item in the treasury budget under costs of criminal prosecu- tions. The measure failed by a majority of two votes. In 1872, be supported the forlorn candidacy of Horace Greeley for the presidency, rather as a protest against the Grantism of the period, which seemed to embody all that was politically vicious, whether of principle or practice, than an endorsement of that singular political movement; and at the same election, actively antagon- ized the return to the public councils of Andrew John- son, who was a candidate for representative at large for the house of representatives.

In 1874, he was nominated for congress from the Nashville district by acclamation, and took his seat in December, 1875, as a member of the Forty-fourth con- gress. He received a similar form of nomination in 1876, 1878 and 1880, and voluntarily declined to serve another term. His period of service comprised the last. hall'of Gen. Grant's second term, all of Hayes', and the first half of the Garfield-Arthur administration. Ilis entrance of the national legislature was at the. advent of the first Democratie majority in the lower house after the first congress under Buchanan, eighteen years

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before, and for six years of his service that party was in power in the body. Many important questions were debated, and during the winter of 1876-77, pending the electoral count, the scenes were tempestuous, surpass ing in excitement perhaps those of any fortier time. Col. House was a conspicuous and influential member from the first session. During his congressional career, several Democratie members from his State were his elders in age and of longer service, and their prefer ment in the organization of the house of representa tives, to a degree excluded him from that character of advancement to which his conceded capacity would otherwise have promoted him. But he was at once as- signed to leading committees-the judiciary, elections, the Pacific railroad, the Texas Pacific, civil service re- form, and the special committee on the laws relating to the election of president and vice-president. He served as chairman of the Democratie congressional caucus, and in 1879 was prominently considered for the speakership of the house, many disereet members of his party urging him as a more judicious choice than either of the recognized aspirants. With characteristic mod- esty he gave no countenance to che movement. His committee work was promptly and efficiently done in all its stages. While not ambitiously frequent in speech from the floor, from his first effort he always commanded the attention and interest of the body, and his partici- pation in brief current debates was always pointed and forcible. His more formal speeches were always full expositions of the subject, pregnant with thought and suggestion, expressed in vigorous and eloquent diction, and delivered with the animation and fervor of the genu ine orator. His first speech in committee of the whole, in 1876, was on a delicate and difficult question at that juncture to a southern representative - the relations of the North and South. It was treated in a considerate and masterly manner, and was pronounced by many of his southern colleagues competent to discriminate, the most statesmenlike utterance drawn forth in the long discussion. It gave great satisfaction to his immediate constituency, and secured his position as a leading ex- ponent of the manliness and conservatism of the south- ern Democracy. Other notable speeches during his con - gressional service were those on the Louisiana returning board, whose matchless seoundrelism was vehemently denounced; on the tobacco tax, a subject of great in- terest to the region he represented ; on the state of the Union, involving a discussion of the relations of capital and labor and the burden of the public debt; on the policy of the government toward the Texas Pacific rail- way ; on appropriation measures generally, and equality before the law of the different sections of the country; on civil service reform; on the election of delegate C'an- non, of Utah; and on the question of claims against the government. He also delivered eulogies on George S. Houston, of Alabama, and Benjamin HI. Hill, of Georgia, who died members of the senate of the United

States. Both were models of chaste and tasteful allu- sion in that most difficult line of oratory, and the latter glowed with admiration of the splendid character it portrayed. His service in Congress was so useful and distinguished, that his retirement was not only cause of regret in Tennessee, but throughout the country. The withdrawal of such men from public employment often gives rise to the reflection that our system should, per- haps, in some manner, offer greater inducements for re- taining to the use of the government the superior quali- fications they possess, and the valuable experience they have acquired.

In May, 1880, at the centennial celebration of the founding of Nashville, he was selected to deliver the oration at the unveiling of an equestrian statute of An- drew Jackson erected on the grounds of the capitol, and in the presence of the thousands assembled on the oc- casion, he pronounced an eloquent culogy on the char- acter of the great soklier and statesman. Since he has been in private life and immersed in professional en- gagements, he has only appeared in public to serve as a delegate to the national Democratic convention of 1884, and was chairman of the Tennessee delegation in that body. Perfect frankness and unchallenged integrity of motive and conduct have illustrated alike Col. House's public and personal relationships, and no imputation of chicane or demagopy has ever assailed his character. When called upon, he has met every issue at the thresh- old without equivocal utterance. Educated in the principles and traditions of the Whig party under the tutelage of Clay, Webster, Bell, White and other more or less eminent leaders, which, for more than three de- cades of the country's history, with varying success im- pressed the policy of the government, until the era of the civil war, he was its ardent and devoted adherent. Since that period, he has been a not less bold and faith- ful member of the Democratic party, and in this ap- parent radical change of political convictions there is no inconsistency. The limit of this sketch affords no proper field for the discussion of the question involved in this statement. Suffice it to say, that the prolonged predominance of a party exercising, during the sectional conflict and for twenty years after, powers of the gov- ernment far beyond the text and spirit of its constitu- tional scope, profoundly altered the entire political sit- uation, In resistance to such tendencies and policies, the very essence of the conservatism which was the car- dinal characteristic of the Whig party required men who proposed to conform the workings of the govern- meut to the intent of the chart of its legitimate fune- tions, to reverse their political attitude. The multifa- rious mischief of centralization, and the absorption by the general government of all power reserved respect- ively to the several States and to their peoples, became the paramount evil to be repressed. To this spirit and purpose, is to be attributed Col. House's political views and efforts for twenty years past, and he is but a prom-

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inent exemplar and type of a large majority of former southern Whigs. All history teaches true statecraft to be the adoption of principles and the adaptation of measures which may best preserve the proper ends of government and meet current exigencies in public af- fairs, and that differing periods present different re- quirements. That is the just and simple solution of the question. To the change in views thus necessitated, Col. House has been inflexibly consistent. He opposes all interposition directly or indirectly by the Federal government with concerns properly within State cogniz- ance and control, and resists the centripetal force in every direction and particular. To this end, he has re- cently published a letter of great power in opposition to such legislation as presented in the Blair educational bill now-pending in congress, and it may be said that no argument delivered against it in the senate of the United States equals that letter in cogeney and conclu- siveness, either as to the constitutionality or expediency of the measure. He does not hold that the " general wel- fare" clause in the constitution gives congress general power of legislation on every subject, nor does he on the other hand, assert the qualified sovereignty of the States against the powers delegated to the general government, but he does hold the vast mass of legislation affecting the immediate concerns of the people, to be wholly within the inalienable province of State authority.

Though holding no official connection with the State goverment since his legislative service more than thirty years ago, he has properly been moved to deep interest in her public affairs, and with customary candor and decision, has expressed his views on questions which have agitated her people. The most distracting of these since the war was the disposition of the State debt. Its final adjustment, determined by the Democratic State convention of 1882, was justified and boldly apheld by Col. House as the wisest practicable settlement of which it was susceptible. Valued friends differed and criti- cised his course as a departure from the standard by which he had held public and private obligations to be governed. Of course he, with the large majority who coincided with him. knew it was ideally right that the composition of a public debt so contracted should be on terms proposed or agreed to by the ereditors, but it was very clear the time when such an adjustment was possible had irrevocably passed, and that in the ferment of popular feeling and the rapid drift of events, repu- diation of the entire debt was imminent. The action of the Democratic majority of the State, which alone could effect any permanent settlement acceptable to the peo ple, was timely, and averted a conclusion of the ques- tion which might have brought irretrievable ruin and irreparable dishonor. The result, year by year, since

the adjustment, amply vindicates the wisdom and sub- stantial justice of the course pursued by Col. House and those who acted with him.

The biographer's duty would fail in its performance if he did not endeavor to present some of the more per- somal characteristics of his subject. Col. House is of medium height, compact in figure, and inelining to port- liness. He is fully developed in the region of the chest, giving him the powerfully resonant voice he uses with such skill and effect in public speech. His head is large, well set upon its support, and animated by intel- lectual and expressive features. His carriage and ad- dress is one of ease and natural dignity. Neither in the social cirele or his daily walk, or before a jury, a delib- erative body, or a popular audience, does he present any of the artificial graces of what, for a better word, is usually called style. He is everywhere and in all senses, an earnest man, too deeply interested in whatever is in hand to pause to consider such trivial adjuncts. And yet his deportment is devoid of nothing whose place such things could supply. His forensic and popular ad- dresses, whether the occasion be more or less import- ant, are solid and weighty in matter, and never without. point, and clothed in copious and forceful diction, ap- peal to the reason and judgment of his hearers. Figur- ative illustration of his line of thought is not wanting, but he uses without distasteful excess, the rare gifts of imagination and fancy natural to him. His tempera- ment is fervid, and breathing through every movement of mind and bodily gesture, there is an intensity of feel- ing sometimes manifest in vehement delivery. This prompts him, too, at times, to employ invective, and to the display of powers of sarcasm which an antagonist may well apprehend. He easily relaxes from the cares of his office and business, and in the abandon of a circle of friends, he is a most entertaining and agreeable com- panion. . For a number of years he has been a commu- nicant of the Methodist church, and has served as a lay representative in its assemblies.

As a public inan, he is equally without the art or the inclination to seek popularity by other than legitimate methods-the worthy performance of every duty which may confront him, and the open avowal of his convic- tions and sentiments. By such means he has main- tained a public character than which none is held in higher estimation by his fellow-citizens of all parties, alike for splendid abilities and stern fidelity to every trust. He bids fair to attain a more exalted official station than he has yet held, and in such a sphere he would win the confidence and admiration of the people of Tennessee to an equal degree with any man who has ever served as her representative in the senate of the United States.

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COL. WILLIAM SANFORD.

COVINGTON.

HIS gentleman, just turned his fortieth year, is a native of Tipton county, Tennessee, and was born February 15, 1816. His grandfather, Richard Sanford, was a Virginian, who emigrated to Sumner county, Ten- nessee, in the early part of this century, settled as a farnier, and died soon after arriving in Tennessee. The family is of English origin, and has been many years represented in America.

Col. Sanford's father, Robert W. Sanford, was also born in Virginia, and came with his father's family to Summer county. when twelve years of age. In that county he grew to maturity and then went alone to Tipton county, where he was soon afterward elected county court clerk and circuit court clerk -- offices which he held for twelve years. He married, in Tipton county, settled as a farmer, and accumulated a large landed es- tate. His death occurred. in 1861, at the age of fifty- nine. His great good judgment, clear and calm mind, were his leading mental characteristics. He was also a man of impartiality, of singularly benevolent disposi- tion, of abstemious habits and fine business qualifica- tions, particularly in matters of detail. He was a dea- con in Mount Carmel Presbyterian church, a Royal Arch Mason, and a Whig.

Col. Sanford's mother, are Miss Frances D. Small, was born in Montgomery county, Tennessee, daughter of Henry Small, a farmer, descendant of one of three brothers who emigrated from Germany to the United States, one settling in Philadelphia, one in the north- west, and one (Col. Sanford's grandfather) in Tennessee. The name was originally Smakz. Col. Sanford's mother was descended, ou hor maternal side, from the Bailey family, of Montgomery county, and was of Scotch ori- gin. Her cousin, the late Hon. James E. Bailey, was United States senator from Tennessee, from 1877 to 1881. filling out the unexpired term of ex-President Andrew Johnson. Her brother, Henry D. Small, who died of consumption, in [863, was a lawyer of prominence and great promise, at Memphis.

The Head family of Summer county, is a branch of the Sanford family. Col. John W. Head, of Gallatin, was attorney-general of the State of Tennessee, from 1858 to 1861, during which time he became the author of Head's reports, three volumes, Supreme court decis- ions.

William Sanford's boyhood was a happy, joyous one -- living on a farm, going to school, attending church, and with an intense fondness for reading books of every de- scription, and especially, history and books of travel. At the age of thirteen, he read the Book of Revela. tions at one sitting. At the age of fourteen, he found a copy of fledge's Logie, and studied it through with

exceptional pleasure as developing his own intellect, while explaining the operations of the mind-sensation, perception, reasoning-then a new world to him, while it also stimulated in him what afterward grew to be a love of the metaphysical. But the epoch of his young life was the study of Milton's matchless and sublime " Paradise Lost," which aroused his fancy, fed his im- agination, and gave him a new idea of the dignity and power of language. He was of a delicate constitution and could not attend school regularly, notwithstanding his studious habits, and on his father's advice, to ac- quire more physical strength, he spent much time in hunting alone, introducing him intimately to the charms of nature-only to be learned in the solitudes of field and forest.

In 1861, the war broke up the schools, and in 1862, the delicate young student .enlisted as a private soldier in Company F, Seventh Tennessee cavalry, Col. Duck- worth commanding. In this regiment, he fought through the war, served in Tennessee and Mississippi, and participated in the battles of Tishomingo Creek and Harrisburg, and in all the raids and various battles of Forrest's command in 1861. He was twice taken pris- oner, first in Tipton county, while at home on leave of absence, and was detained a month ; and next, in 1864, during Gen. Hood's retreat from Nashville, and detained two months. At the time of his last capture, he was carrying the flag of his regiment, but his horse being shot from under him, he fell into the hands of the en- emy. The title of "Colonel" is purely an honorary one, though it' valor and worth be considerations, he certainly deserved it.

The war over, he returned home, went to school a short while, and began the study of law while acting as deputy circuit clerk. He worked out his law course by himself, and. in 1866, was admitted to the bar by JJudges Harris and Reeves, and began practice at Covington, where he has always lived. In 1870, he was appointed clerk and master in chancery, and held that position till the spring of 1876, when he resigned, having however, in the meantime, kept up his law practice in all the other courts. From January 1, 1873, until July 1, ISSI, he was a law partner with Hon. Holmes Cummins. Since November, 1883, Mr. W. B. Hill, who studied law in his office, has been his partner, the firm now being Sanford & Hill.

Money cannot be taken as the measure of a man's general worth, but it is oftentimes a good test of pro- fissional standing and success. From this point of view. if from no other. Col. Sanford is entitled to be classed among prominent and successful attorneys, as he is one of the largest property holders in his town -the

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result mainly of his professional labors. He has always been a studious man, and a lover and reader of books, and since settled in life, particularly of books of a grave character - historical, scientific, philosophical and the severe theology of the Calvanistie school. These studies, requiring closest attention, critical analysis, and pro- found application, have trained his mind in the direc- tion of close discrimination, which has been of great service to him professionally. As a lawyer, he has cul tivated the habit of consulting the text books for his law first, then writing out for his own eye a clear, pre cise and definite statement of the question to be inves- tigated, then eliminating the parts he understands, and studying to clear up the difficult points. Another char- acteristic of his mode of thought and procedure is this : He makes it a rule never to submit to a court an au- thority that has been modified or questioned without stating the modification or doubt, and not to present a chain of reasoning which does not commend itself to his own mind as well connected and sound. His habit also is, to advise and assist clients to settle controversies without a law suit when possible.

Col. Sanford's manners are easy without being famil- iar, dignified without being stiff, and stately without the appearance of haughtiness. In the firmness with which he adheres to principle, and in loyalty to his con- victions, he is as solid and substantial as a granite col- wan-but a more kindly nature, with more genuine in- terest in the public welfare, one seldom meets. In pol- ities, he is a Democrat ; in religion, an old school Pres- byterian, and for five or six years, was an elder in his church, at Covington.

In connection with Dr. Munford, now managing edi- tor of the Kansas City ( Missouri) Times, Col. Sanford founded the Tipton Record, which they both edited a few months. From their hands the paper passed, first, to S. P. Rose, now of Denver, Colorado, but is yet the leading paper of Tipton county.

In 1883, he founded the Tipton County Educational Association, and became its president, the object of the association being to stimulate zeal and interest among

the young people in the cause of education. One of its methods is the offering, annually, of free board, books and tuition -- i. e., a scholarship -- at some college or university, to the student that can stand the best ex- amination in the common school branches-a project which has built twenty school houses in the county and doubled the county tax for education.

Col. Sanford first married, at Covington, in 1867, Miss Bettie Douglas, daughter of Andrew J. Douglas, a farmer, of Tipton county. Her mother, was Miss Laura Smith. Mrs. Sanford died, September 24, 1877, at the age of twenty-eight. She was a lady of quiet, unosten- tatious benevolence, of great modesty and retiring dis- position ; with remarkably clear judgment and womanly knowledge of the proprieties of life. By this marriage, five children were born: (1). William, died in 1874, aged six. (2). Allan Douglas, born July 3, 1869. (3). Robert W., born March 28, 1871. (4). Laura K., born July 23, 1873. (5). George 1., born November 30, 1875.

Col. Sanford's second marriage, which occurred at Covington, January 30, 1879, was with Miss Wilhelmi- na Hall, daughter of Dr. William M. Hall, a physician and merchant of Covington, and an elder in the Pres- byterian church. Her mother, net Miss Sarah Holmes, is a daughter of Rey. James Holmes, D. D., formerly a missionary to the Choctaw Indians, and a prominent educator in West Tennessee. Mrs. Sanford, through her mother, is descended from the Van Wagenens, an old Dutch family of New Jersey. Mrs. Sanford's ma- ternal unele, George D. Holmes, is principal of the Tipton Female Seminary, at Covington. Her paternal unele, John G. Hall, was colonel of the Fifty-first Ten- nessee regiment in the Confederate service. Mrs. San- ford is a Presbyterian, as was her ancestors for genera- tions back. She is a lady of literary and musical tastes, full of zeal for religion, a Sunday-school teacher, and a good housekeeper. By this marriage Col. Sanford has had two children : (1). Van Wagenen, born February 2, 1880; died January 13, 1852. (2). Rebecca, born January 1, 1885.

HON. DANIEL C. TREWHITT.

A S far back as the Trewhitt family can be traced, the great -grandfather of the subject of this sketch came with his brother from England, and settled in Vir- ginia or Maryland.

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Sketches of prominent Tennesseans. Containing biographies and records of many of the families who have attained prominence in Tennessee, Part 111

Author: Speer, William S Publication date: 1888 Publisher: Nashville, A. B. Tavel Number of Pages: 1278

Author: Speer, William S
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Nashville, A. B. Tavel
Number of Pages: 1278