Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1876-12-06
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Personal Sketches OF the Memhera
Of the FOrtisth General Assembly
OF FSnnesaee.

"
OF Tennessee. e
Under this heading We propose to give
from time to time. a short sketch of escl
member Of the legislature
GEORGE B. PETERS.
George Boddie Peters, jr, one of tn.
six members elect from Shelby county
to the lower house Of the Legislature
was born at Bolivar, Hardsman county
Tennessee, January IL, 1850. He is Of
Scotch-Irish extraction, his mother helms
a McNsal aud a neal relation to JAS. K.
Polk. He was prepared for college il
the schools at Bolivar, entered Washing.
ton and Lee University at Lexington,
Va, and remained at that institution
from 1866 to 1870, when it was in its
palmiest days, under the presidency Of
General Robert E. Lee; took a thorough
collegiate course; received from the
Graham Society Of that college, in 1869,
its gold medal for being its best debater;
graduated in 1870 with high distinction,
receiving the degree Of bachelor OF arts
and delivering the valedictory to his
class. He graduated at the law school
Of the Cumberland University at Leba.
non, Tennessee, in 1871, aud began the
practice of law at Memphis in the same
year was married in 1872 to
Miss Kate Greenlaw, of Memphis.
At the Shelby County Demo-
cratic Convention held September Is,
1874 Mr.. Peters was nominated for the
lower hcuie of the Legislature on the
first ballot by an almost unanimous
voc; ct the election November 81, the
sama year, he led the ticket ana VAS
elected by a vote OF S1l9 over his
mex highest competitor for the same
position, a Republican, who received
6lO9-majority for Peters 26lO. He
served in the Legislature of lS75-the
Thirty-ninth General Assembly-was q
member of the Judiciary aud Finance
Committees aud chairman OF the Com
mittee on Commerce. BE introduced a
number Of important bills during the
session, and took an active part in push
ing through the various reform measures
accomplished by that Legislature. This
year he was renominated by the Demoe.
racy of Shelby county by a very fat.
vote and went before the
people upon his legislative record.
Tae Convention adopted a low tax plat
form AID upon this he stood, at the same
favoring an adjustment Of the State
de5t upon such a basis that the interest
b. promptly met and the bonds
paid at maturity, aud opposing the doc
OF reputation in every shape and
During the canvass he made a
number of able and effective speecbe,
defining his position and views clearly
and boldly. At the election on the 7th
of November be again led the ticket BIZ
4 handsome majority, receiving 1851
Totes. Mr.. Peters competitors received
average of aboltSlO6 votes. Tilden's
Tole WAS 1886
Mr.. Peters is the only member Of the
lie gislature returned to the House.
experience. brilliancy and industry
will give him a leading position ia the
His name has been prominently
Iuggested in connection with the Speak
and although strongly pressed
or that position by many friends, both
lere and in the other divisions of the
he has not vet signifed his inten.
ion Of running for the Office. He was
'ften called to the chair during last ses.
ion, and presided With that ease and
presence Of mind and readiness which
,haracterize him at all times.
In church matters Mr.. Peters is an
spiscopalian. In social life, genial and
'asy Of address; a. the bar aud before
he people, esteemed and respected; pos.
a lludsbls ambition, based upon
merit aud capacity, and being finely
he is regarded as one Of the
Using men Of the State.
The vote of Shelby county at the No
election stood: For President
1886; Hayes, 1927. For Governor
Porter (Democrat), 6845i Thomas (In-
DEMOCRACY, 1910. For Con.
.ress, Tenth district, Casey Young Dem
craft, 1903; W. NJ. Randolph (Republi-
an 1902. For lower house of the Legisla.
ure the highest vote received by a Demo.
rat, George B. Peters, 1851; highest
eceiVed by a Republican, l, NJ. Hill
elected), 1888. Average vote cast for
representatives, six in number, about
100.