The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1876-05-05
JUDGE BIBB.

A CHAT WITH ONE or THE PIONEERS OF ALA
BAMA-HIs DESCRIPTION OF GENERAL LAYAY-
xrrE AS HE KnrKRED MONTGOMERY IN
PHILADELPHIA IN 1881.
MONTGOMERY, Ala, April a. 1875.
The Hon. Benajah s Bib. of Montgomery, who Is
now In his cightieth year, belongs to one Of the
Oldest iames in tho State with the history OF which
their name is Intimately connected. When, in 1917,
Mississippi was admitted the Union the territory
east OF tho new State erected into territorial
government and received the OF Alabama Terri
tory from the great river which drains its centre.
William Wyatt Bibb tho oldest brother OF this gentle
man. was appointed Territorial Governor by President
Monroe. and whom, in 1919 Alabama was admitted
into the Union he elected its first Governor He
died the subsequent year and was succeeded IN the
gubernatorla ONCE by his brother, Thomas Bibb Mr.
Bennjah s. Bibb, Judge Bib as he Is more
popularity known through Alabama has also essentially
contributed toward shaping the course of events in this
State having held several public positions He was
born at tho OF Petersburg in Ebert county, Ca
on September 80 1895, and 70 Alabama in 1922
In 1925 he elected Judge OF the County Court OF
Montgomery county, serving several terms in the LcGis
lature, and in 1882 again elected Judge OF the
County Court, in which once he remained until 1914
He was then again returned to the Legislature, and
exertcd his influence for having the State capital
moved from Tuscaloosa TO Montgomery. In 1864 he
was elected Judge OF the Criminal Court for the city
and county OF Montgomery. but removed from ooo
tho following year by Governor Smith, not being OF
that gentlemans political faith. Judge Bbb's public
career has becn useful and honorable one, and,
though he leads retired life, he still takes
lively interest in the events OF the day
WHEN CALLED
At Judge Bibbs residence somewhat surprised at
finding large number Of middle aged and young ladies
assembled there and could not we'll account Tor the
presence OF many rosy faces and sparkling eyes IN
the house Of gentleman who had nearly reached his
four score. learned, however, that these ladies
members Of the Memorial Association, OF which Mrs
Bib is President, and meeting At Judge Bibb's
for the purpose Of perfccng arrangements for
suitable decoration the following week OF the graves OF
the Confederate dead in Montgomery Cemetery.
A HEALTHY oCroCKxARiAx.
The HERALD correspondent was cordially received
advauced age, and was not long seated at his side
before learned TO esteem him as . gentleman Of
courty manners Of fine intellect Of strong aud deep
rooted convctions and great and varied experience
Though now IN his cightcth year, he bears himself
erect PINE and his eye, clear and bright, has
lost OF tho fascination which an azure lusre i'm
while was pleasantly chatting with Judge Bibb
took occasion TO remark Judge, 1t 10 me that
the history OF Alabama has been fully written.
Picketts history, though carefully written and re
able work, appears to be detective In somo important
particulars and he abruptly leaves OF when he arrived
At the administration OF Governor Thomas Bibh
Brewers Alabama" is more OF a statistical and
"
goes ii Is valuable compilation. CARROTS "Public
Men in Alabama" only comprises period OF thirty
years What under these drswoacks IS ire Journaiis
well, sir" smlIingy replied the old Judge, '.you
will have obtain your material fresh IRON the lips
OF the old settlers"
Acting upon this advice, I thought would try
whether could not obtain some information from the
Judge In reference 70 q parsonage Who acted inn
portant part In the Revolutionary War; In Brewers
Alabama Is this reference 10
"Thc ussrious General Lafayette, Of France, visited
Alabama in 1894 He came through tho Muscogee
received BY Governor Picksns as the guest Of the
State whence he proceeded 20 New Orleans, by way Of
Claiborne and Mobile nc was rs svesymne,e received
Under the sub division Of Russell county Brewer has
another briof alusion to General atayeties visit In
Ia allus'on whatever TO this event called Judge
Bibbs attention this defect and succeeded in obtain
ing from HIM some details regarding
LArAyErrK's VISIT ALABAMA.
Ahl SIR" said Judge Blbb, while his eye frightened
with tho recollection Of carly days and early assoca-
tions ~ vvidly remember General LaIayettes tst to
Alabama also distinctly remember the appearance
OF our iusrious guest At the time Of his VISIT In
pexon which quite strangely consrased with his gray
head He OF medium size and substantially built,
rnu and easily sccessb In hs whole depor
mcnt he showed the polished and courtly cavalier, and
the whole population was captvated by hIs ease and
ali through tho South when be arrived
az Fort Mitchell on the Gcorgia line, he
Was met by General Woodward with an
armed escort My brother, John cambridge Bib, was
one OF the escort and delivered address OF welcome.
large numDcr OF whites and Indians assembled
10 welcome General Lafayette. The Indians not de-
string Il seems 10 be outdone by tho whites In their
ovation placed tho General In suIky, and any paint
Cd warriors, under tho lead OF Mcintosh, drcw tho
sulky some distance. General Lafayette met four
four miles from Montgomery by cavalcndc OF gentle
men. Colonel Arthur b. Haynes Of South Carolina
was Tho chief marshal that occasion, aud one
OF tho assistant marshals Our distinguished visitor
was received the hill where now stands the state
Capitol In tent erected for that purpose Governor
Pickcns delivered tho reception speech. There