Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1870-03-22
Elk.
personnel of the General Assembly"

Under the head of Personnel of the Gen
eral Assembly" Mr.. Frank Smyth has con-
tributed brief sketches of some of the mem
bers of both houses of the General Assembly
to 1.-THE Old Dominion" a monthly Magazine
published in Richmond by M. w. Hazlewood.
We publish below, the very brief sketches pub
lished in the March number, Of Jos. A. Wad-
dell and Henderson M. Bell of Augusta, and
VIM. Mclaughlin of Rockbridge These
sketches are too brief to do justice to the sub
jects of them, and are not strictly accurate,
thus showing that they were not prepared, as
is often the case, by the subjects of the sketch
cs themselves. n
With these predatory remarks in justice to
these gentlemen, We publish the sketches, as
they will be read with interest by our subscri-
bers They are as follows:
Joseph A. Waddell, Senator from the thirty
third District Highland ard Augusta coun-
ties), was born in Staunton, Va, in 1928 Mr..
Waddell studied law under Judge Lucas P.
Thompson. He succeeded the late Gen. Ken
ton Harper in the publication of that splendid
Valley journal, the Staunton Spectator. He
continued the publication of the Spectator from
lS4S to 1860, when it was disposed of to
Messrs. r. Mauzy & Co., it's present proprie-
tors. Mr.. Waddell is one of the most modest,
unassuming gentlemen in the Senate, yet with
al fully alive to the interests of his constituents
and to the general welfare of the Common
wealth. In the absence Of Lieutenant Cover
| nor Marye he generally presides over the DELHI
erations OF the Senate. He is a gentleman Of
great amiabiity Of manner and temper, and is
esteemed by all who know him.. Senator Wad-
i olfxr hox of& hi FL
and also of the last State Convention. His
term expires in two years.
Henderson NJ. Bell, Delegate from Augusta,
was born in that county, July g., 1926. He
graduated at Washington College July 8, lS47,
and studied law with Judge LUCAS P Thomp-
son at Staunton He was admitted to the bar
in lS49, and pursued the practice of his pro-
iession until the breaking out of the Sectional
war, when he entered the Confederate army
In 1869 he was elected delegate from Angus
ia county to the General Assembly. He is
chairman of the Committee on Schools and
Colleges and also of the Committee of Courts
of Justice.
Major Bell is one of the most geighty mem
bers of the House, and may be regarded as a
leader in the ranks of the Conservatives. He
seldom addresses the House, but when he does
it is with earnestness and force, and on such &C.
casions he always commands the undivided at
tention of the members-a compliment rarely
given in American legislative bodies Major
Bell is worthy representative OF county
famed for its distinguished men.
William Mclaughlin, Delegate from Rock
bridge county, was born in Rockbridge, We.
and is under forty years of age, and still
bachelor! He is of Scotch-Irish parentage,
the hardy and intelligent race who first settled
the Upper Valley of Virginia. He graduated
at Washington College; studied law under
Judge John W. Brockenbrough at Lexington,
and was admitted to the bar in 1859 At the
commencement Of the war he entered the
Southern army as Lieutenant in the famous
Rockbrdge Artillery. commanded by Capt:
VIM n. Pendleton, afterwards Major General
Pendleton. On the promotion OF Fendleton,
Lieutenant Mclaughlin became Captain OF the
company, and vas subsequently promoted Ma
jor of Artillery. He was 2 member of the
State Convention of lS67-'68, and at the re-
cent election was returned as delegate to the
General Assembly from his native county
Major Mclaughlin vas considered the cool
st head Ia the State Convention. He rarely
Y engaged in debate, but when he did speak
eve = brief and to the point He always COM
~ va the attention Of both parties IN the
iaauueu and was listened to with marked
."snoot H,s rarely ever offered resolution
h,st hob was lepted from the fact OF Its be-
ing we'll considered snd weighed. ne was tne
silent Comparatively s" eestngl wofklng map,
and trusted leader of the conservatives 10 me
Convention Personally, Ma, or p.GH5aughio Is
one Of the finest looking men in t. % ifo1se'