The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1882-10-12

Old Time Politics.
In speaking of elections the other day, the
Hon. A. Fl. H. Stuart related an instance OF
the political methods which prevailed in Vir-
ginia in the latter part of the last century.
One evening when he and his father (the
late Judge Archibald Stuart were sitting on
the porch at their residence, a stranger rode
up and introduced himself as Mr.. Allen OF
Botctourt Co. He was invited in, and after
the usual salutations made known his mission
He stated that some years before he had pur-
chased lot in Buchanan and erected hand
some and extensive brick mansion. Subse-
quently, desiring to sell it, he had agreed upon
the terms and when about to close the con-
tract, the purchaser discovered that his deed
to the land was imperfect. In tracing back
the title he found that the lot had been
owned by Archibald Stuart and that no where
did it appear that Mr.. Stuart ha made con-
veyance. Mr.. Allen Immediately set to work to
investigate the matter, and after considerable
research came to the conclusion that the land
was the property of Mr.. Stuart. He at once
started to look up the owner and had journeyed
to Staunton with that object. At first Mr..
Stuart was unable to recall anything in con-
nection with the lot, and told his visitor there
must be some mistake about his ownership OF
il that he had never purchased any land in
Botetourt, and was not aware of any real pos
session in that county. Mr.. Allen stated that
the records plainly showed that he (Stuart)
had owned it. He (Allen) had purchased it OF
the executors of the late Col Skillern without
paying much attention to the title. At the
mention of the name Skillern, the mystery was
solved Mr.. Stuart stated that he had owned
the lot, but that its then owner need have no
fear from claims of his. He was ready then
and there to sign deed of release, and went
on to say how his ownership was acquired.
1t seems that in the early part of 1881, Mr..
Stuart, then youth was student at William
and Mary College. In company with num-
Der of students, he left the college and
Joined the army. He enlisted in the regiment
commanded by his father, and continued
therein until the war ended, participating in
several battles. After the close of hostiities
he returned to Augusta, and in 1888 was per-
suaded to 60 to Rockbridge and run for the
legislature. At that time the freehold suf-
frage obtained, and all that was required to
establish citizenship, and render .one eligible
to any office was the owning of a tract Of land
within the territory of the legislators constit-
uency The elections were held on court day
and consequently each county had its separate
day of election. All of the electors cast their
in the county was open. After spirited can
vass, Mr. Stuart was beaten by thirteen votes.
day or two afterwards, having business in
Botetourt, he went to Buchanan. Whilst
there he was invited to attend barbecue at
Pattonsburg, just across the river. He &C
cepted the invitation, and joined in the festiv-
tiles with zest. As the entertainment drew to
. close. toasts were drunk, and Mr.. s. was
called upon to respond to "The soldiers of the
Revolution" His speech took the audience
by storms and at its close every one was asking
who and what he was. When told that he was
a son of Col. Stuart and gallant young sold
ier in the war the enthusiasm which his speech
excited grew in intensity. Col. Skillern at
whose house Mr.. Stuart was stopping, and by
whose invitation he was present at the bar
becue, told the crowd of his having been de-
feated in Rockbridge day or two before. At
once it was suggested that Stuart should be
run as the delegate from Botetourt,the election
taking place the Monday following. When
the nronosal was made tn Mr. 8 he at first de- |
clined. Col Skillern and others pressed it
urgently and finally Mr.. Stuart told them it
would be impossible for him to become a can
didate, for the reason that he was not eligible
no property IN the county. Col. s. |
told him that difficulty could be readily OBJ
Waited He would make him deed to a lot |
in Buchanan. After some further persuasion |
Mr. Stuart agreed to accept the Coloneps offer |
and announce himself for the legislature. On
election day he went to the court house where
he could meet every voter, and spoke nearly |
all day long, and with such good effect that
when the polls closed he was the representative |
for Bo.etourt. 1t was hasty conclusion on
the part of the Botctourt people, but they
never seemed to have regretted it, for so well
were they pleased with their young repre-
sentative that they elected him for three sue
cessive terms
And 80 it was that the Buchanan lot stood in
the name of Archibald Stuart. Col. Skillern
had died, and Mr.. Stuart had lot all recol-
lection OF any property interests in Botetourt,
81 fh,,o ra,ntp1aI Of IL