The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24
A NV Z

There is probably no older or more dis
tinguished family in Davidson county
than that bearing the name of Walser
Indeed, it is one of the most prominent
families in the State.
Zeb Vance Walser was born at Yad-
kin College, Davidson county, on June
18th, 1868, the son of Gather Walser,
a large planter of the county. His
mother was Miss Byerly, of Davidson
county. His paternal grandfather,
Henry Walser, was one of the most
distinguished men the county has ever
produced. 1t was he to whom the hon
or was given Of Introducing Henry Clay
at Raleigh in 1874 He was a member
of the State Legislature off and on
for a period of forty years.
The subject Of our sketch entered Yad-
kin College after he had completed his
early schooling and was graduated in
1879 with the degree of A. b., at the
age of 16 years. He then entered the
University of North Carolina. and re-
manned there four years, taking the lit
erary course. He next began the study
Of law at the University Of Michigan
in 1884, and was graduated from that
institution on July 1st, 1886, with the
degree OF +. l.. b. He was licensed by
the Supreme Court and all the other
courts of Michigan TO practice law, and
when he returned to his native State
was admitted by the Supreme Court Of
North Carolina to practice law without
an examination, the only case of the
kind on record in the State since the
Civil War. A few days after returning
from the University, he was nominated
as candidate for election to the State
Legislature, but was defeated by a
very small majority. After the cam
paign was over Mr.. Walser began the
active practice of his profession, but he
was permitted to stay out of public life
for only two years. at the end Of which
period he was nominated again for the
House, and this time was elected. In
the House he received his partys noni-
nation for the speaKership, but Mr.
Leazar wac elected to the position by
the Democrats.
In 1890 Mr.. Walser made the race for
the Senate from the 26th Senatorial Dis
trict, and was one Of the two who was
elected in the iyeliest fight ever made
in the county. In the Senate he was
on nearly all the important committees,
iHOSl USEFUL WDEh. Lit 8IeIUIltu
the bill creating the Normal and Indus
trial School in Greensboro, making a
most vigorous and eloquent speech in
It's behalf At the end Of that session
he was presented with handsome and
valuable cane as a small recognition or
his great services.
Mr.. Walser in 1892 refused to enter
the race for the Senate, although strong
" urged to do so. The same year he
attended the Republican convention at
Minneapolis as delegate from North
Carolina, aud was also President Of the
North Carolina State Convention, the
youngest man ever elected to that re-
sponsible and difficult position.
In this year he was Harrison cleo
tor Of the State. He was a candidate
in 1894 for the Legislature, being
unanimously nominated for the place and
was elected This time he was the sue
cessful competitor for Speaker Of the
House.
He was il member Of the executive
committee Of the State for about six
years. and has been chairman Of the
Republican County Executive Commit
tee for the past ten years. He has al
ways been very closely identified with
the Republican party in the State.
In 1896 he was nominated for The
office of Attorney General in the Re
publican Convention by Senator Pritci.-
ard, and in the PapnliSt Convention
by Senator Marial Butler. lie was
elected by the large MAJ orlty If farty
thousand, and assumed cha.ge Of the
office in January, 1897. IL was the
first Republican Attorney General and
probably the Youngest after Svni;or
Matt Ransom since Hargrove's admins
tration. Mr.. Walser has conducted the
many duties pertaining to the office in
a manner to reflect much credit upon
himself
He is a member Of the Board Of
Trustees of the University Of North
Carolina, and is one Of the executive