Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1847-03-23
SENATOR TURKEY.

| The New York Evening Mirror gives the fol-
lowing singular account Of the life of the Hon.
Hopkins L. Turney, Senator from Tennessee
| II is the neatest piece Of romance We have seen
| for some time:
In the late political controversy III the L. s.
Senate, referred to, Mr.. Calhoun called the
| arena Senator who has lived in comparative
Senatorial obscnrity since he has held the
seat he now occupies. The name Of that 5ena
tor is Hopkins L. Turney. lie is a 5 mewhat
remarkable man, and the last one, indeed, that
any one would have supposed would have pre-
scented himself as the disputant Of John c. Cal
houn. "A brief sketch Of the life Of Mr.. Turney,
| think, would not be unacceptable to our read
ers. 1t is somewhat romantic, and reflects
discredit on the author Of its paternity
Mr.. Hopkins l.. Turney is a native of one Of
the mountain counties Of Tennessee and was In
early life appren,ced to a tailor. He learned the
trade Of his master, and at the end of his novit-
ate, established himself in shop in the little vii
lage Of Nc Minnevle. He was Industrious. pru-
dent. and economical at the outset of life and
would probably have remained on the shop-board
till this day had he not acquired the habit of dis
sfpation. After the lapse of few wears, he be
came dssolute neg.ectful Of his business, ana
was regarded lost man.
In the village of McMinnvillc there lived
woman of very questionable, if not absolutely
abandoned character. She was old, ugly ana in
all things offensive ana repulsive. Ono night
when the Court of tho county in session, and
when the village crowded with reckless and
laughter loving lawyers, ever ready for row,
it was agreed that Turney, who happened to be
on spree, should be married to the male in al
fusion. 1t was thought that thing of the kind
would be an excellent Joke, and it was carried
into execution-the county clerk officiating
master of the ceremonies. Mr.. Turney was in
condition that left him unconscious of the act
he was perpetrating. The next day, however,
he awoke to behold in himself married man
welded to a woman who was the reproach and
the adherence Of all the reputable people of the
village.
Stung to the quick by the perflous Joke that
had been palmed upon him, he painted for revenge.
and determined it should he had; and it was very
speedily obtained with vengeance. Whilst the
Court was in session, he repaired TO the Court
house, and walking up to the clerk said TO him,
81 understand was married last night to a wo-
man of the village, and that YOU otii-iated as
master of the ceremony
The charge not denied. On the contrary
it freely admitted, but al the same time it
was urged that the whole thing was but Joke
and as such should be regarded. The woman
had, however, in her possession u sealed certifi-
cate of marriage, signed by the clerk, ana there
was no escape fromit Seeing that there was t,
storm of Indignation hanging the brow Of
the in ured party, the clerk commenced a series
of remonstrance and exhortation. All, howev-
err was unavang, and the Nt instant he found
both Of his cut off close TO has head, by the
swift hand of the man he had so grossly and vet
SO loosely injured. This savage act, though
done in the presence of Court Of judicature.
was deemed righteous retrbution. and no le-
gal steps were taken 10 arrest the agCrrssor.
The late Felix Grundy happened to be pres
ent, and thoug 9Th he did ad vocate the deed. he
did not denounce it. but taking Mr.. Turney by
the hand, said TO him. s.Yo on have done that to-
day which proves that you possess the spirit of
man; and yet ii may subject you to the dungeon
Of the Penitentiary. But I'll protect and defend
you Come with me to Nashville; abandon Your
vicious habits; place yourself under my instruc-
ton, and I will make lawyer of You" The
invitation wa. accepted. Mr.. Turney was en-
tered student of law in the office OF Felix
Grundy, became at once exemplary, abste
mous, studous citizen, and was speedily al mit-
ted to the bar. His life-from that day to this
has been pure and irreproachable.
In the wear 1897, Mr.. Turnev was elected to