The people's journal. (Pickens, S.C.) 1891-1903, 1895-12-19
THE NOBLE OLD ROMAN.
EX-SENATOR ALLEN G. THURMAN.
Peaceful Close of II Long, Useful and
Honorable Career.

|
Ex-senator Allen G. Thurman, OF
Ohio, died on the 18th inst at his
homo in Columbus. He had been in
fairly good health for one of his ago,
since his recovery from injuries ie-
ceived in falling a month ago, and he
was sitting in his library whom he
became suddenly i'll and physician
was called. He soon became uncon-
sciOuS and mover rallied. On his S2nd
birthday, November l3, he was able to
dictate IL lotter to the Thurman Club
in reply to resolutions of sympathy on
account Of his fall, and thiswashis last
public utterancc.
Allen Cranberry Thurman, for years
one OF the most popular leaders Of the
Democratlc purity, was born in Lynch
0u1g, Va, in November, 1873, and was
NeSson Of Rov. Pleasant Thurman, q
minister OF tho Methodist Church.
His parents removed to Chillicothe,
o., and he mado that place his home
until he settled in Columbus in 1858.
whore he has since resided. His
education was received at tho acad-
emy ati Chillicothe and from his
mother. Lie was private secretary Of
Governor Lucas studied law with his
uncle, Governor William Allan; was
admitted to the b." in 1885 and in the
course OF q few years he had a large
practice. He was elected to Congress
in 18Th, but declined u denomination
and continued in tho practice Of his
profession. In 1851 he was elected to
tho bench OF tho Supreme Court of
tho State, serving as Chief Justice,
and on the expiration Of his term he
refused denomination. In 1867 he was
tho choice Of his party for Governor or
1nf rod hu
Hayes. Mr.. Thurman was elected to
the United States Senate to succeed
Mr. Wade and took his scat in 1869.
From tho first he was recognized as
tho leader OF the Democratic minor
lty. lilo WAS q member of the Judic-
ary Committee and whom his party
camo in power in the Forty y-sixth
Congress ho was chosen chairman, and
was also made President pro tcmpore
OF tho Senate. He was ro-elccted for
second term in 1874, closing his
Senatorial career OF twelve years in
1881. In tho Democratic national con
| vention OF 1876 MIR. Thurman received
| some votes as the Presidential candi-
dato.
In 1880 the first ballot gave him the
entire voto OF the Ohio delegation
with considerable support from other
States. In 1854 ho was q delegatc-at-
large to tho national Democratic con-
vcntlOn was again put in nomination
Tor tho Presidency and stood next to
Cleveland and Bayard on the first bal
lot. In tho Democratic convention Of
1888 he was nominated for the Vice
Presidency by acclamation He was
the author Of the Thurman Act relat-
ing to tho Pacific railroads and took
an important part in national legisla-
tlon. de commanded always tho re-
spcct OF his political opponents, be-
cause OF his sterling integrity OF
character.
IN CONGRESS- AND ON THE BENCH.
In 18Th, against his protest, he was
nominated for Congress and was
elected after a quiet canvass, in which
there was nothing on his side but his
wise and homcly speeches, reversing
an adverse majority by over six hun.
ded votes. uo was put on the Judi
ciary committee Of the House and soon
became distinguished as great law
yor. He declined ro-clcction at tho
close OF his term and retired, as he
thought to private life for good and
all But in 1851, when the new con-
stltution OF Ohio was adopted, he was
pressed into tho race for u supreme
court judgeship and was elected, lead
ing his ticket by over two thousand
votes. He sat upon the bench for four
years, the last two years serving as
chief Justice.
In 1867, after Il season of rest, he was
put forward as the Democratic can
didate for governor, General Ruther-
ford b. Hayes leading the Republican
hosts. There was no chance for Il
Democratic victory, the Republican
majority the year before having beon
$4,000. Under Judge Thurman's sledge
hammer blows, however, this enor-
nous majority was beaten down to a
trltlo less than 5000 and the Logisla-
ture was captured by u decisive ma lori
ty, insuring tho dofoat Of Ben Wade.
Judge Thurman was elected in Mr..
Wade's stead and took his seat in the
Senate in 1869. Horo he served two
full terms, from 1869 to 1881. In his
Twenty Years Of Congress" MIR.
Blaine says OF Mr.. Thurman, that "his
rank In the Senate was established
from tho day he took his seat and was
nover lowered during the period Of
his service. His retirement from the
Senate was a serious loss to his party
"a loss, indeed to the body. He loft
bohind him tho respect Of all with
whom be had been associated during
his twelve years OF honorable service"
THAT RED BANDANNA.
The rcd bandanna, which futtered
into such significant prominence i'm
after his nominotion to tho
ce-presidency, was waved triumph
antly in the United States Senate
chamber from 1869 to 1881, and during
those years in which Mr.. Thurman
was the representative of Ohio. From
the breast pocket of his coat there
might always be seen the protruding
OF red silk handkerchief,
known throughout the South and
as o bandanna," and popu.
lar in that era with snuff takers. MIR. |
Thurman always avoided ostentation
in his mode of living, and thought
moro OF quiet comfort than of show.
1t was we'll known that for many
years there was little love lost between
the close friends of Judge Thurman
and those of ex-senator Henry r ,