The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1883-08-30
ELISHA M. PEASE.

The subject of this sketch died, af- |
ter brief illness, in the town of Lam
pasas, Texas, on Sunday, August 26. |
He was native of Connecticut, born
in 1872, and moved to Texas in 1885.
His first public service was as secre-
tary of the executive council at San
Felipe in 1856. In 1886 he was ap-
pointed chief clerk in the navy depart
ment: then he held a similar position
in the treasury department under the
provisional government; and in 1887
he was made comptroller of public ac-
counts. Soon, however, retiring from
this place, he took up his residence at
Brazoria, and entered upon the prac-
tice of his profession, the law. He
was member of the first, second and
third legislatures of Texas,
being a member of the house
in the two first, and a
senator in the third. AS chairman of
the judiciary committee he did most
untiring service, and it is known that
he drafted more of the statute laws,
under the states early political organ
ization than any other man of that
period. His labors in this behalf were
untiring, and he continued them both
as public man and as a private citi-
zen for many years. The probate
statute of 184S, containing 1877 sections,
was altogether the work of his brain
and his pen. Besides being the author
of the probate laws, he framed most
of the general laws of 1848. Having
been elected to the state senate he
served only one term, resigning be-
cause of his absence from the state,
when the legislature was convened in
extra session in 1850. Political par
ties had not been formed in 1853 when
he became candidate for gov
ernor. There were five Dem
ocrats and one Wing in the field,
Mr.. Pease being one of the
Democrats. Receiving over one-third
of all the votes cast he was elected
governor, and was inaugurated De-
cember 81. In 1856 he was a candi-
date for reelection, and as the Demo-
cratic candidate, he was opposed by
heregularly nominated Know-Knoth-
ing candidate. His election was Sc
cured by over eight thousand MAORI
| ty. He administered the affairs of
| the state during period Of great
prosperity, and won the confidence Of
an entire people. During his admin
istration the revolutionary debt of
Texas was settled, and the first money
was set aside as permanent public
scho oil fund. The asylums for the in
sane, for the deaf and dumb and for
the blind were established, and
lands were set apart for their perma-
nent endowment. One hundred
thousand dollars were also set apart
for the university. All these meas
ures were urged as public necessities
by Gov. Pease, and were. no doubt,
adopted because of his zeal in their
behalf. He made the state govern
ment pay as it went, and at the end
of his second term cash balance was
in the treasury. Having ceased to be
| governor, he settled permanently at
the seat of government, and entered
heartily into the practice of his
profession. He was not in favor
of secession, but remained in
Texas during the war, attending
to his private affairs. After the
war he became connected with
the Republican party, and the order
of July 80, 1867, removing Gov.
ThrockmortoI made Z. NJ. Pease pro-
visional governor of Texas. In 1859
he differed with the military comman-
der as to the manner of recognizing
the state government, and resigning,
Edmund j. Davis was appointed as
his successor. In 1872 eX-Goy. Pease
was member of the Cincinnati con-
vention, which nominated Horace
Greeley for the presidency. In 1879 he
accepted the collectorship at Calves
ton, in which he remained about two
years, when he resigned and again
settled down in the quiet of his home,
at Austin. AS citizen Gov.
Pease was universally respect
ed. AS member of society
he was exemplary in every respect, and
as a friend he was devoted and true
In the bosom Of his family he was the
beloved and honored husband and
father, while at his hospitabIe mansion
were dispensed those warm civilities
which won the deceased so many de-
voted friends. THE STATESMAN, in
chronicling the record Of his many
public services, cannot but extol him
for his many private virtues. Memo
ry of him will live in the hearts of
many. In 1850 he was married
to Miss L. c. Niles, of Con-
necticut, who now survives
him. Two daughters Of this marriage
have grown up in our midst, only one
of whom lives. Wife and daughter
were with the'deceased during his last
moments. To them, in their great be-
reavement, THE STATESMAN extends
the most heartfelt sympathy.