The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-04-24
Marshal Hanger.


In its notices of prominent members of the
Legislature, the Richmond Commercial and
Tobacco Leaf, gives the following phi
cal sketch, of Hon. Marshal Hanger, of Au-
gusta:
Few public men have in so brief time at
tanned more prominence than this gentle
man but his is one of those active, daring
spirits which achieve greatness instead of
waiting to have it thrust upon them. A
glance at the man would convince any close
| observer OF the earnestness and eyuberant
vitality which must find vent in action-the
| animated face, firm, yet mobile mouth, and
| quick-rolling, expressive eye indicating, in
connection with his complexion and the hue
| of his hair and beard, the sanguine temper
amentpeculiar to the man of dash and action.
| Born in Augusta county. he was educated
at the University of Virginia, where he grad
uated with honor, also graduating in law at
the same institution. he having adopted the
legal profession.
At the breaking out of the war, he was
among the first ardent youths who sprung
to arms for God and Native Land, and April,
'61 saw him with the Virginia troops at Har-
per's Ferry.
A member of the LIST Va. Cavalry, he was
in 1862 appointed an officer on the Staff of
''Jeb'' Stuart, and with his knightly leader
rode in the thick and press of many hardly
foughten field, took part in many daring
foray. 10 enumerate the adventures of those
who followed the plume which, like that OF
Henry of Navarro, foated ever foremost in
the tight-the Southern Prince Rupert,
whose fiery gallants were worthy descend
ants of the Cavaliers, who rode down upon
the Puritan pikemen at Nasby-would re-
quire volume instead of a few brief lines,
though the pen of the Southern writer is fain
to finger Oh career which is surrounded with
halo of romantic glory-the Chevalier
without fear and without reproach, whose
noble soul went out under the walls OF our
, capitol, ON that glorious, but luckless sum-
, mer's day which robbed the South of Stuart.
Throughout the remainder of the war, the
subject of our sketch participated in all the
perils and hardships which thickened so fast
toward the conclusion of the struggle, until
the Southern Star Cross was furled forever
,, on the heights of Appomattox.
Returning to his native county, he en-
gagged in the practice of his profession, in
which he soon attained prominence and dis
tinction, and was in '69 elected to the House
= of Delegates, where he served continuously
ever since, and where his activity, eioquence,
> and daring soon made him a leader.
In 1871 he was chosen Speaker, and held
jil0 pUSitlOu AOl JSoiS3 oSuhSsAh5 uASAA
! reputation for the promptness Of his decis-
= ions, the general correctness of his rulings,
and the firmness with which he enforces Or
der when his big boys were disposed to be
! unruly.
As parlimentarian he has few equals in
) Virginia, as speaker lie is earnest, fiery,
impetuous; inclined to the aggressive rather
= than the defensive, and always ready to car
ry the war into Africa; as worker he is a zeal
Gus partisan, never neglecting an opportunity
to propagate his views and make converts
to his opinions, which are GA all subjects OF
public interest," as fixed as fate.
He was in 1877 member of the Guber.
: national Convention which nominated Gov
ernor Holiday, and was chosen presiding Of
ficer of that body, it requiring all his eXpe-
! rience. tact, GOODNESS, and frmness to pre-
:. serve anything like order among the stormy
. spirits wrought to the highest pitch OF eX-
: element, and the ability with which he dis
= charged his trying duties was universally
conceded and admired.
: A dangerous, but outspoken and honora-
e BILE adversary in debate, he yields power
> full influence with his friends. personal and
> political, and indeed very few men have
:, more than this warm hearted and impulsive
man, who is one of the most prominent lead
! ers in the House, and whose daring and am.
. biton give certain assurance of higher hon.
= ors in the not distant future.