Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1873-11-20
From the Columbia Union Herald.
SKETCH OF JOHN HANNIBAL WHITE

SKETCH OF JOHN HANNIBAL WHITE.
During the war, in the town Of Yorkville,
in this State, the colored people were in the
habit of meeting together at night to hear and
discuss the tidings that came from that con-
flict in which they had so wondrous an inter-
est AS the tide surged, and rs victory in
grim dalliance fitted in changeful course
amid the smoke and roar the hearts Of these
watchers of the drama, keeping vigils in the
nights, alternately beat with the quick pulsa-
ton of hope, or slackened to the slow and
anxious throb of doubt At these gatherings,
John Hannibal White, one Of the watching
group, being able to read, was in the habit of
cleaning from the papers all the news OF the
war, and used to impart the intelligence to
his comrades. This circumstance invested
him with the attributes of leader and coun-
selor among them. This leadership he main:
tained being ever on the alert to know all
that interested his people, and occupying as
it were superiority of advantage was able
to foretel and to counsel as to their best course.
1t is not surprising then, that when the
military order was promulgating, bidding the
people of the various counties to meet and
choose delegates to a convention to re.estab-
lish the overthrown structure of government,
that John Hannibal White should be selected
by the new voters of York, to be their dele
gate to the constitutional convention. Nor is
it strange that his consistent course as their
representative, should have induced that peo-
ple to continue to elect him for two terms in
the House, and now in the Senate of the State.
Senator White was born in Yorkville, De-
cember 26, 1928. He grew up in his native
town, and was one of the fortunate ones of
his race who had some advantages Of acquir-
ing the first principles of education, at the
hands of those who held title of property in
his person. He first learned to read and
write under the instruction of his young mis-
tress, and afterwards continued his course of
study by his own efforts at night
At the age of nineteen, he went to the trade
of blacksmith, at which he continued up to,
and during and after the war, until the year
1868, when he was elected delegate to the
constitutional convention. He applied HIM
self diligently to his trade, and excelled in its
work. From his apprenticeship, up to the
date of his emancipation, he earned upwards
of four thousand dollars, a little fortune, which
went to enrich his owner.
In 1868, at the first organization of his peo
pie into a political party, he became their
chief in all their councils and deliberations
At the first general election, when the consti-
tuition was submitted to the people for ratih
cation, and the first officers we're elected un-
der its provisions, White was chosen by his
people as their representative in the House
of Representatives, in the first General AS
sembly of the reconstructed State. During
his first term he felt that it became him bet
ter to overcome than to exhibit his want Of a
proper acquaintance with the new duties of
his position as legislator. He, therefore,
declined taking any active part in debate,
but devoted all his time and energy to close
study of the interests of his people, of the
principles Of government, and Of the routine
of legislation. He was member of the COM
mttee on contingent accounts and other conf
mttees, and was prompt and careful in the
discharge of his business.
At the second general election in 1870, Mr.
White was reelected to the House. He had
now made wonderful progress in understand
ing his duties, and was, if not the most erudite
or eloquent member on the floor, still com.
petent and trusty steward of the interests Of
the people who reposed in him their fullest
confidence.
It was during this, his second term, that
the question arose as to the governors duty
to call out the militia of the State, to protect
the victims of lawless violence that reigned in
the up.country. Mr.. White took the ground
that this measure was imprlitic and unwise.
His maintenance of his position was most
manly, vigorous and distinguished. His
speech on the subject in the House, attracted
a great deal of attention in that body and
over the State. His argument was published
at the time in the papers, and remains upon
the record, as at once an instance of brave
words, earnestly uttered in the maintenance
of good cause, and full vindication of the
ability of Mr.. White, as a representative Of
his race, to foresee and to point out the course
of wisdom and right. Representative White,
by this effort, prominently ont came before
the attention of the Legislature, and advanced
another degree in the golden opinions enter
tanned for him by his people at home. He
was the author of the bill to pension the wild
ows and orphans of persons killed because of
their political opinions, which became a law.
During this term he was on the same commit
tees, and by his devotion and constant atten-
ton to his legislative duties, took a prominent
position in the deliberations of his house.
At the third general election since recon-
struction in 1872. he was elected to the Sen
ate, victoriously triumphing over two strong
opponents.
In the Senate he is member of several
important committees and is faithful in the
performance of his functions.
Senator Whites record evinces an invinci-
bic determination to acquire education, an
absorbing interest in the elevation of his race
to a full appreciation and use of their freedom,
and its coucomitant blessings in the pursuit
of comfort, peace and happiness, and in the
attainment of wealth and honor. Of his de-
votiou to this good cause, it may be justly
written, che knows their rights, and knowing
dares maintain them"
Financial ann Commercial.