USA > West Virginia > Myers' history of West Virginia (1915) Volume II > Part 27
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Mr. Davis continued as president of the West Virginia Central until 1902 when an attractive offer for the road, made
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by the Gould interests, was accepted, and the system then be- came an advantageous connecting link in the rapidly expand- ing Western Maryland lines.
Then later on, principally out of his own funds, Senator Davis built the Coal and Coke railroad from Elkins to Charles- ton, a distance of 175 miles, the road being completed in 1900. This line has opened up for development the counties of Lewis, Braxton, Gilmer, Clay, and Kanawha.
Notwithstanding Senator Davis' enormous industrial ac- tivities, he has always devoted considerable attention to poli- tics, and has held many important political positions outside of the state and national legislatures, having frequently been called upon to serve as a delegate to national conventions and other important gatherings.
While not in sympathy with some of William Jennings Bryan's theories, he was always faithful to his party.
In the city of St. Louis, in 1904, Senator Davis, then 80 years old, was nominated for vice president of the United States, following the nomination of Judge Parker for presi- dent. This was done while the senator was on his way home from the convention, and without his knowledge or consent. However, he accepted the honor forced upon him by his Dem- ocratic friends : but no active campaign was entered upon by him until the time for the election was drawing near. when he. accompanied by Senator Hill, of New York ; Senator Daniels, of Virginia : Senator Bailey, of Texas; and ex-Governor Wil- liam P. White, of Maryland, made a tour of the state in a special car.
Although the Democratic party suffered defeat at the polls. Mr. Davis was glad to be able to take up again, un- trammeled with political cares, the management of his busi- ness affairs which he had been forced to neglect during the progress of the campaign.
Mr. Davis was one of the ten delegates representing the United States at the first international conference of the American republics hell in Washington in 1889 90. He was also one of five members from the United States at the Pan- American conference held in the City of Mexico in the winter of 1001-2, being chosen chairman of the U. S. delegates.
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Undoubtedly Mr. Davis has contributed more toward the development of West Virginia's natural resorces and the general improvement of the state than any half dozen other men in it. He has not only built several hundred miles of railroad which has been the means of opening up hundreds of mines and factories, but the existence of many flourishing towns and cities is largely due to his efforts.
Mr. Davis leads as a philanthropist in West Virginia. His contributions to worthy institutions have been most liberal. He donated to Piedmont the Davis Free School build- ing, erected at a cost of $23,000. He donated a brick school building to the people at Henry, a mining town on the West- ern Maryland railroad; contributed largely toward the hand- some high school building at Davis ; made a gift of a beautiful brick structure to the citizens of Gassaway to be used for school purposes. At Elkins, he and his brother, Thomas B., gave to the Presbyterian congregation the beautiful building called the Davis Memorial church, in memory of their parents. This building cost about $25,000. He also built a church home for the colored people at Elkins. The Davis Memorial hospital was commenced by Mrs. Davis, but was not com- pleted until after her death. (For further particulars con- cerning this institution, see "History of Elkins" elsewhere in this book).
The Davis Child Shelter at Charleston was a contribution of the senator's, to which institution he also contributes $100 each month.
The Davis-Elkins College, together with thirty acres of land, was donated by the gentlemen whose names it bears. and turned over to the Presbyterian church in 1904. Mr. Davis contributes several thousand dollars annually in equip- ment and endowment of chairs.
What Henry Gassaway Davis has done for West Virginia and her people will be a standing monument to his memory for centuries to come.
HON. HENRY G. DAVIS.
1
MRS. HENRY G. DAVIS.
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OUR OWN HENRY G. DAVIS.
(By Ignatius Brennan in Wheeling Register.)
It seems to be so human-like to hold The praises due a fellow-man until Ilis earthly task is finished, and the cold, Cold hand of death has bade the form "Be still!" But we've been taught "To whom a flower is due, Bequeath it while the flower is fresh and new ; The while the one to whom, it you'd present Can graciously acknowledge the intent."
A page to West Virginia's "Grand Old Man" Is just a paltry jabber, when we know That volumes could be written-that, to scan The same would set cach mind aglow With thoughts of what a mortal man can do When bland determination's kept in view, No other state can boast of such a peer, Ifale, staunch and wholesome in his ninetieth year.
He looms as a connecting link of time A link that starts when our domain was young. Then stretches 'cross the cycle, so sublime. And joins all with a clime of every tongue. Before the locomotive raced the rail; Before the harnessed lightning pierced the vale : Before a thousand things of wondrous make- Ile lived, and gave his being for their sake.
Hail! "Proudest Roman of them all!" Thrice hail! We greet you in no selfish state-proud way, But as a man with no such word as "Fail" In his vocabulary. So, today Salute you as a country-builder one Whose task is finished when the fight is won. We pray Old Time, who's been so kind to you May grant you lease 'till nineteen twenty-two.
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Senator Stephen B. Elkins.
In the presence of the members of his family, in their city home-Washington, D. C .- Senator Stephen B. Elkins de- parted this life on the night of January 3, 1911, after a linger- ing illness of several months' duration. At five o'clock p. m., January 6th, an impressive prayer by Rev. Dr. Wallace Rad- cliff was made at the Senator's late home, President Taft, Vice President Sherman, Chief Justice White, members of the cabinet and supreme court, as well as many members of the diplomatic corps, the senate and the house being present. At ten o'clock that night, the body, accompanied by the mem- bers of the family and a large number of Washington friends, was taken to Elkins. The funeral party arrived at Elkins the following morning, where services were held at the Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church at ten o'clock, conducted by Rev. Dr. Frederick H. Barron, pastor of the church. The body was then laid to rest at Maplewood Cemetery, one mile from Elkins.
Thus ended all that was mortal of one of the most promi- nent and most popular human characters of the United States : but his works are a lasting monument to his memory, and the fruits of a well spent life will live on for ages
The following sketch of the career of Senator Elkins is taken from the Wheeling Register :
Stephen B. Elkins, for many years the leader of the Republican party in West Virginia, and a man of influence in national affairs, after whom the city of Elkins was named, was, like many others who have risen to fame and wealth, the son of poor parents. He was born in Perry County, Ohio, on September 26, 1841, but while he was yet a child his family moved to Missouri, where he entered the public schools. In early life, by applying himself diligently to his studies, his promotion was rapid and at the age of nineteen he had gradu- ated with honors at the Missouri State University.
After graduating from the University he studied law and was admitted to the practice of that profession in 1863. The Civil War was then at its height and young Elkins joined the Union army, serving on the Missouri frontier, rising to the rank of captain.
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Looking upon New Mexico as a section of the country of much promise, Stephen B. Elkins located there in 1864. As Spanish was largely the medium of conversation in that part of the country, the young attorney in New Mexico found it exceedingly difficult to get along without a knowledge of that tongue. Within a year he mastered that language and until the time of his death he maintained a fondness for it and became very proficient in speaking and writing the Spanish language.
Within two years after locating in New Mexico he had built up a large and lucrative practice which brought him a good income and many friends among men of influence, so that it was natural that he should be chosen to the legislature of the new territory. In 1867 he was appointed attorney general of New Mexico by President Johnson and in the fol- lowing year he became the district attorney for New Mexico.
It was during this period of his life that he laid the foundation for his fortune, increased in later years by wise investments. His carly earnings were carefully invested in silver mines and valuable lands which yielded a profitable return. He became the president of the First National Bank of Santa Fe in 1869 and hell that position for thirteen years.
Stephen B. Elkins' national career really began in 1873. when he was elected as a delegate to Congress from New Mexico. He was nominated and re-elected to that office in 1875, and it was while serving in Congress that he met and married Hallie Davis, a daughter of Henry Gassaway Davis, after whom his palatial home at Elkins was named-"Hallie- hurst."
Mr. Elkins became a member of the Republican National Committee in 1875 and served as a member of that committee through three presidential campaigns. In 1884 he was chosen as the chairman of the Executive Committee. Ile and James G. Blaine formed a warm attachment for each other, and it was due to him in a large measure that Blaine was nominated for the presidency in 1884. The attachment thus formed for each other lasted until the death of Maine's "Plumed Knight". Mr. Elkins played a prominent part in the campaign of Benjamin Harrison in 1888 and 1892, and in recognition of his services
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President Harrison made him Secretary of War on December 17, 1891.
West Virginia became his adopted home in 1878. United to Senator H. G. Davis by ties of marriage, Senator Elkins became associated with his father-in-law and others in the development of West Virginia coal and timber lands and one of the largest projects was the building of the West Virginia Central & Pittsburgh Railway from Cumberland to Elkins, now a part of the Western Maryland system, which forms a link to the Gould lines.
As soon as the West Virginia Central Railroad was built into Elkins, he built on the crest of one of the hills overlook- ing the city of Elkins a home of magnificent proportions where during the summer months he and his charming wife and family entertained their friends from far and ncar.
Stephen B. Elkins first became prominent in West Vir- ginia politics in 1892, when he received the complimentary vote of the Republicans in the Western Virginia Legislature. Two years later the political complexion of the State was changed and Stephen B. Elkins was elected to the United States Senate, taking his seat on March 4, 1895. He was re- elected in 1901 and again in 1907, and was a candidate for re-election in 1913, when death terminated his career. As a United States Senator Stephen B. Elkins was an ardent advo- cate of a merchant marine. As chairman of the Committee on Inter-State Commerce Senator Elkins wielded considerable influence.
Never relaxing his attention to business affairs or to political affairs, Senator Elkins in the latter part of the first session of the 61st Congress over-taxed his strength and re- turned to his home at Elkins carly in the summer of 1910 in shattered health. Devoting days and nights to the inter-state commerce bill, which he had charge of while it was pending in the Senate, he brought upon himself an illness from which he never recovered. He was under the care of physicians during the early part of the summer, and while not seriously ill during the summer months, he was able to devote little time to business, social or political affairs. He was permitted to drive out but was seldom seen on the streets of Elkins
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Early in October his health began to fail still more rapidly and physicians prescribed absolute rest and complete seclu- sion. This did not have the desired effect, and when lis illness did not yield to the rest treatment numerous specialists were called in at various times, but his case seemed to baffle them all. His real condition was carefully guarded from the public, but it became known in one way and another that he was seriously ill and that his recovery was a matter of doubt, although those closely connected with him put on a brave front until the very last. Ilis condition was such that only the members of his own family were permitted to see him and then only at stated intervals.
Feeling that perhaps a change might prove beneficial, Senator Elkins, accompanied by the members of his family, then at Elkins, was taken to his home in Washington on Wednesday, November 9. His departure was carefully guarded from the public for fear of curiosity seekers.
With Senator Elkins at the helm, the Republican party in West Virginia had always been able to navigate the roughest passages and his inability to take hold during the 1910 campaign left the party in sore straits. His finesse and diplomacy, which had always been factors in keeping the factions in the party together, were sadly missed. As the acknowledged leader of his party in West Virginia, without him the leaders seemed all at sea.
Elkins' Business Acumen.
Stephen B. Elkins was pre-eminently a successful business man, possessing power of discriminating between good and bad investments, and possessing a far-sighted judgment. His investments were not confined to West Virginia, but were scattered all over the Union, although his West Virginia properties claimed a large share of his attention. Until within a few years ago he was a director and an officer in many West Virginia banks, but withdrew because of the pressure of other business and duties.
Several years ago he purchased the Morgantown & Kingwood road from George C. Sturgiss and developed that
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line, extending the road to Rowlesburg and developing many mining properties along the line of the road. He was largely interested in the Union Utilities Company of Morgantown, which controls the street car franchise and other public utili- ties in that city. He was also at one time, if not at his death, interested in the Security Trust Company of Wheeling, and also a stockholder in the Elkins National Bank and the Davis Trust Company, at Elkins.
With C. H. Livingstone he built the Great Falls Electric Railroad from Washington into Virginia and was a stock- holder in at least one national bank in Washington. He was interested in many other enterprises in the State, and perhaps no other one person in the State contributed more to the State's development than he.
Elkins as a Party Leader.
For almost a score of years Senator S. B. Elkins, the senior Senator from West Virginia, absolutely dominated his party in West Virginia and was looked upon as its leader. Three terms in the United States Senate, with the prospects of a fourth, gave him much prestige, which, together with his wealth, made him a power to be reckoned with in the councils of his party. In the early nineties he became a force to be reckoned with politically and from that time until his death he controlled the destinies of his party in this State.
For the first time in many years the West Virginia Legislature became Republican in 1894 and at the session the following January Senator Elkins succeeded Senator Kenna. He was re-elected in 1901 and again six years later.
He seemed to realize long before others of his party saw it that with the material development of the State there would be a large influx of people from other States, and principally from Pennsylvania, and with the same foresight that had been instrumental in making him a man of wealth he took hold of the affairs of his party and, instilling courage in the breasts of the leaders, finally managed to ride into power on the wave that changed West Virginia from a Democratic to a Repub- lican State in 1894.
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His home at "Halliehurst" in Elkins was the scene of frequent political gatherings and during the summer months was the Mecca for many political visitors. He possessed the happy faculty of smoothing out difficulties and of harmonizing all the conflicting elements within his party. He could proba- bly pour more oil on the troubled waters than any man in the State, and though there were those who reviled him and de nounced him as a boss, they entertained a wholesome respect for his ability and astuteness.
It was largely through his efforts that a compromise between the Scherr-Swisher factions was effected in 1908. The first step toward such a compromise was made at a con- ference held at his home in September, 1908, and within a few weeks a semblance of harmony at least had been restored within his party, and the governorship of the State saved.
He might have done much toward restoring harmony in the recent campaign, but his illness prevented him from par- ticipating in party affairs, and the party leaders had to get along as best they could without the benefit of his advice or with him to steer them over the rough places.
Senator Elkins was not an orator, but his speeches, whether delivered in the Senate or elsewhere, always com- manded respect and attention. He usually spoke from manu- script. His special hobby was merchant marine, although as chairman of the Committee on Inter-State Commerce the later years of his service in the Senate were devoted to the study of raifroads and other forms of transportation, with which he was more or less conversant in a business way.
AAlthough a protectionist. Senator Elkins balked at the high-handed methods of Senator Aldrich, of Rhode Island. and on two occasions threatened to leave the reservation and join his fortunes with the insurgents.
Elkins in Private Life.
Unlike some men of wealth, Senator Elkins was much given to reading, and at Washington and Elkins had one of the finest libraries in the country. He frequently mingled his literature pursuits with his other work, sitting with a book
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propped up in front of him, first working on his papers for a while and then reading a page or two. He was extremely fond of the poems of Lord Tennyson and on his shelves were many editions of that poct.
The social life of the Capital had its attractions for both Senator and Mrs. Elkins, whose K Street home was the scene of many brilliant functions during the sessions of Congress. Both the Senator and his wife were fond of entertaining, and Mrs. Elkins, whether at Washington or Elkins, was always the charming hostess, invitations to whose dinners were always sought.
Assiduous in his attention to public duties and with many business cares as well to interrupt his other activities, Senator Elkins found little time for recreation other than that derived from his entertaining. He was usually at his desk at his home or in the Senate by 9 o'clock and during the day never allowed himself any time for rest or pleasure.
This practice he continued for years so that when his chairmanship of the Inter-State Commerce Committee en- tailed additional labors in managing the railroad bill in the Senate during the last session he overtaxed his vitality and never recovered from the strain upon his strength.
In his contact with the public Senator Elkins was always courteous and considerate and always accessible, ever the genial gentleman, with a kind word and a warm handshake for all with whom he came in contact. Even those who were opposed to him politically and who criticised his methods, were forced to admire his personality and his large-hearted- ness and invariably succumbed to his warmth of greeting and the arm affectionately thrown around one's shoulder.
Senator Elkins was devoted to his family and took especial pride in the accomplishments of his daughter, Kath- arine. When those functions which contributed to the social season were over, Senator and Mrs. Elkins always sat for a while enjoying each other's company.
About twenty years ago, when the West Virginia Central & Pittsburg Railroad was extended from Elkins to Belington, the writer acted as joint station agent for that road and the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company at Belington ; and while
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I was stationed at that place, Senator Elkins occasionally passed through town, and now and then would drop in and greet the office force with a friendly handshake or pleasant word. On one occasion, which I shall never forget, he came into my office and noticing one of my children-a little girl he took her up on his lap, and after gently stroking the child's curly locks as she trustingly nestled within his arms as if she had known him all her young life, he reached down into an ample pocket and brought forth a hand full of candy, which he placed in the child's' lap. That simple act of old-fashioned friendship for a child appealed to me far more than a raise in my salary could have done.
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Col. Thomas S. Haymond,
A son of William Haymond, Jr., and a grandson of William Haymond, Sr., one of the earliest settlers in Marion County, was born on his father's farm, near Fairmont, January 15, 1794, and died in Richmond, Va., in 1869. He was one of the most prominent characters of his day, and filled, with much credit to himself and his constituents, several important posi- tions in the county, state and national governments.
Judge Alpheus F. Haymond.
The late Judge Alpheus F. Haymond, son of Colonel Thomas S. and Harriet A. Haymond, and father of Circuit Judge, William S. Haymond, was born upon his father's farm, three miles from Fairmont, December 15, 1823. After having attended the country schools until thirteen years old, he attended the Morgantown Academy two years, then spent nine months at college at Williamsburg, Virginia. Later on he served an apprenticeship in the law office of Edgar E. Wilson, at Morgantown, and was admitted to the bar and commenced the practice of law at Fairmont in 1842. He served several years as prosecuting attorney of Marion County, and afterwards served two terms in the State Legis- lature. He was one of the 47 Western Virginia delegates to the Richmond convention in 1861, being chairman of Com- mittee on Elections when that body adopted the Ordinance of Secession, April 17th, 1861, an account of which is given elsewhere in this book. Afterwards he was elected Judge of the Circuit Courts, in which position he served with distinc- tion for several years. He died on his birthday, 1893, aged 70 years. Attorney A. F. Peddicord, of Fairmont, is a grandson of Judge Haymond.
Hon. Benjamin F. Martin
Was born near Farmington, in Marion County, October 2, 1828, and departed this life January 20. 1895, aged 66 years. He was the son of Jesse Martin, of that place. Admitted to
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the bar in 1850, he removed to Pruntytown in November of that year. Ile took an active part in politics and was fre- quently called upon to represent his county in national con- ventions, and also served two terms in Congress. He was a Democrat of the old school. He died January 20. 1895, aged 66 years.
Hon. A. Brooks Fleming
Was born October 13, 1839, upon his father's farm, two miles west of Fairmont. He is the son of Benjamin F. and Rhoda Fleming, the latter a daughter of Rev. Asa Brooks, a noted Presbyterian minister from New England and who subse- quently settled at Clarksburg, where he died in 1836.
Until he arrived at the age of 21, Mr. Fleming alternately attended school and worked upon his father's farm. At the age of 21, he commenced the study of law at the University of Virginia, and commenced the practice of his chosen pro- fession at Fairmont in 1862, where he is still an active member of the Marion County bar. He served as Prosecuting Attor- ney of Marion County from 1864 to 1868, and in 1872 was elected a member of the State Legislature on the Democratic ticket and re-elected to same office in 1875. Three years later the Governor appointed him Judge of the Second Judicial Circuit to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Judge Lewis, and at the next general election was elected by the people to complete the unexpired term ending January 1. 1881. He was married September 7. 1865, to Clara M., daughter of the late James O. Watson. Through mining enterprises. farming and his law practice, the Judge is said to have accumulated quite a competency. He has long since attained a high reputation as a jurist and a gentleman of fine literary and business attainments, while his political and private life are above reproach.
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