Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1827-03-17


feelings and habits 10 natural and commendable
Public men in this country public property
This curiosity concerning them, exists with the
greatest intensity amongst nations where the stan
dard OF public virtue and private excellence is the
most elevated. The writer is convinced, that to
be able to draw biographical sketches with the PEN
Gil OF truth, requires great delicacy of tact and
accurate discrimination. But, any defect ability
may possibly be supplied, in the presen, instance by
aIong continued Il intimate acquaintance with the
subject OF this notice. Col. Benton was born in
North Carolina. His father Of talents.
He was afflicted for many years with an hereditary
consumption, whicb finally deprived him of his life.
he lett behind him family of young children, and
a small but embarrassed properly His widow was
remarkable tor hrmness and intrepidy of character
Although berefi OF her husband, she was not dis
mayed by the difficulties of her situation: By the aid
OF ar'gid o,ronomy she gathered log ether the means
necessary 10 educate TO extent the subject of
this sketch The father of Col. Benton foreseeing
the future Improvement of the western country, ,
had purchased several tracts fiand in Tennessee.
Fhi'her, Mrs. Benton, this Spartan mother. re-
solved to go with her six children. She settled
in that state in 1903 or 1904, on a trac, of Land
having no improvements upon it and commenc ed
The diihcult work OF clearing plantation and cul-
'iva'ing II for the subsistence OF her family So
soon as she had fixed herself, in toerable comfort
In some rude cabins. Col. Benton engaged in his
studies whenever opportunity permitted, with per.
| severing diligence s. ardor. The means of improve
ment any where in Tennessee. a, that period. were
| extremely limited. She had then been a member NJ
the confederacy only eight years. The hunting
grounds OF The Indians then lay in sight of her
| Oldest and thickest settlements. Her intercourse
was confined to the painest and Simplest DEF Ills of
trade and barter. The people were without a cir.
culatine medium. They had no, then, as now.
rich and extensive tracts of country. yeldinp a
m md fal,ia Il.
try: nor any OF those rehnements and enioymen,s
which now follow in the train of an active enter
prislng and prosperous commerce, nor those conf.
Gus sources OF instruction which are now ever
lowing from the press, like perennial fountain.
! nor those common schools and county academies
where knowledge can be secured by generous and
ambitious youth, nor that University situated in
| her most populous and thriving town, over which
great man is at this moment throwing a Iust,e
that will soon command The admiration of every
enlightened and patriotic mind in the valley of The
| Mississippi.
In tracing the character of men of distinction.
any circumstances of difficulty which surrounded
them in their earlier years, are worthy of being
recorded, because, it they are conquered. the vic
'oIy over themf contains evidence in itself of men,
tai superiority. Without pecnnary means, with
| nothing but his genius and a resolu,e spiri,-
sound constitutions passion for books and habits
oil intellectual labour and research far above wbs,
! are common with young men. Benton suppli-d
the deiectsan his academical education He stu
died history, justly styled philosophy teaching
oy example, extensively-became remarkable for
his accurate geographical knowledge read the
most approved tTeatses on constitutional Law
and made rapid progress in a knowledge of tba,
profession which he had chosen as the means of
future usefulness, fame and emoument
In Ioo7, COL Benton was called to the Bar.
| Men OF Judgment soon perceived that his princi.
Piles had decided tone-his actions marked cha
racter that he had that confidence in his own
powers, which Is, perhaps indispensable TO the
achievement OF whatever is deemed honorable and
| iilustrious amongst men. He ,gas attached by the
nobiest reason and the warmesi affection 20 the in
stitutions OF his country and felt that he posse.s-
edthe ability to defend them. Young as he was
he was decided friend to the advancement of the
| people IN knowledge and in liberty He disdaned
that popular applause which is Iavished on vulgar
in'ellec's, incapable of originating any measure Of
importance.
| Col. Benton commenced his professions, c.reer
with high hopes and soon commanded success in
spite OF an unconpromisng, lofty aud ndomi,sbIe
temper. Such was the individuality of his cbarac
ter that he attached himself 10 no party-soueh,
Tor no sinister influence in his behalf-enlis,ed no
powerful men in his favor BY flattery-by proni
ses or blind subseryency to their views and opin-
ions.
become candidate
Icr the Office OF Senator in the Legislature of
Tennessee. He reluctantly yielded to the solici.
tations oil his friends. The District comprehend.
eo many counties Ii would not have been won
deriui. had so young placed his claims
10 preferences upon those grounds which are too
often assumed by popular leaders, in order to Sc
cure political promotion and crafty selfish and
prchigaie ambition But this, Benton disdsjned IN
do he came out with plans the attainment of
which would produce practical good: and which
were adapted 10 real life. He seized on the die =
tinct'on between preension and utility. and mark
ed the difference between the genuine and spufi ,u-
patriot. lie knew that the science Of politics
comprehended the proloundest philosophy and
was not Limited 10 intrigues on which his oc,n
chances OF reputation and fortune might depend.
He dIsdained TO be merely mechanical Statesman
ne was elected. From that moment he became
one OF Inc most distinguished men in Tennessee
Inc held which lay before him was extensive He
explored IT with Characteristic diligence and care.
and soon connected bis labors with many OF The
vital interests of the state, and originated. SUD.
ported and defended measures, which at last were
adopted. and which have. ever since that period :,
constituted favoriie and proD1inei, par: OF her
policy. Whilst he was in the Legislature he con-
ciis,ed the regard OF the aged and experienced men
OF that body; and parted from them TO return TO
bis professional duties. leaving them convinced of
the honesty Of his views and of the ardor of his
friendship for the interests OF his country.
From 1909 ill 1912. public attention in the II.
States. vas srdeDily fixed on the state of our Fo-
reign ReisiioDs and the tremendous conflict. of the
nations OF Europe. Men of even the soberest
Judgments and The most subdGed feelings foressy
that we might be drawn into contest that had al
ready become general. and that was ernineniIv
characterized by the overthrow of kingdoms, and