The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-06-27
John Hampden Peasants.


Second of the great tho was John
Hampton Peasants. aptly styled the
Bayard Of the press. lie was a junior
contemporary OF Richie. being about
twenty years younger.
lie was born on January 4, 1871. at
contention" his fathers residence in
Goochiand county. Virginia. and there
fore enjoyed in a pre-eminent degree the
advantages of a rural training in the
educated circle (which characterised the
Virginia country gentleman. lie married
Miss Massie. granddaughter of Thomas
Lewis Of the Sweet Springs and of VIII
liam Preston, of Smithheld, in the noun
tains, two Of Nirsinia's most prominent
Revolutionary worthless, and officers In
the heroic band which fought the battle
Of Point Pleasant. His father was James
Peasants, himself a man Of .eminence,
having been Governor Of Virginia and
United States Senator. His gubernatorial
term included the period of Lafayette's
visit TO this country.
At the age of IS John Hampden Pleas
ants was sent TO the College Of William
n Mary. while Augustine Smith was
president of that institution, and his ma
turally gentle character was rendered the
tenderer from the refined associations OF
the ancient capitol. so long the nursery
Of Virginia greatness.
He finished his collegiate course there
with the session of 1slG-17. First choosing
the profession of the law. he decided 10
make his home in Lynchburg. but soon
found "A more congenial occupation in the
! press. After "A brief residence in Lynch
J burg. he removed TO Richmond and found
ed the Wing. Its first issue appeared
January 18th. 1894. and under his manage
ment it soon became the leading Whig
paper of the State. and indeed, was sec
ond to none in the United States. Its
first name was the Richmond Wing and
Public Advertiser. the latter portion OF
the title being probably suggested by the
title of the paper in which the letters OF
Junius had been published.
For over twenty years he devoted him
self earnestly to his editorial duties in
| connection with this paper. Its history
is the history of Wing thought and de-
velopment during that period. He APP
piled himself to his task con amore and
from sentiments of patriotism alone. No
public Office ever had any allurement for
him. The requirements of space forbid
a review Of the political history OF that
period. I have briefly and imperfectly
alluded 20 some OF its salient features in
the sketch of Mr.. Richie. and perhaps
a sufficient addition in this sketch would
be the statement that the course OF
Peasants was the counterpart and anti
pode OF Ritchie's.
His character was gentle and rehned'
attracting friend and foe alike and MS
writing was not only trenchant and
vigorous. but adorned with the choicest
gems Of wit and refinement.
The Wing and the Enquirer were the
selected champions OF their respective par
ties in the great contests of the period
and were almost constantly arrayed
against each other. though for a long
term Of years their writings were limited
10 political and not personal criticisms.
In 1911 the Independent was established
In Washington by Mr.. Peasants. Edward
William Johnston and John Woodson. Mr..
Johnston. remembered TO this day by the
brilliant and enhancing writings signed
III Segretario. was q brother OF General
Joseph p. Johnston, and a man OF most
versatile talents.
At that time public opinion not only