The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-04-12
Gen. WADE HAMPTON DEAD
EX-CONFEDERATE SOLDIER AND
SOUTHERN STATESMAN.
Served Two Terms as Governor Of
south Carolina and Was Twice
Elected United States Senator.

COLUMBIA, S. c., April 11.-Gen. Wade
Hampton died this morning at o'clock
from valvular disease of the heart having
been unconscious for several hours. The
general had just passed his eighty-fourth
birthday. Twice this winter he had suffered
attacks that had greatly weakened him,
but he rallied wonderfully He was out
driving a week ago, but it was evident his
strength was deserving him. No arrange
ments have yet been made for the funeral,
except that it will be- at the generals ex-
pressed wish, without pomp or any sort
and will take place Saturday afternoon.
The Governor has issued a proclamation
reciting the generals distinguished services
TO his people and his country and request
ing that on tomorrow all public offices in
the State of South Carolina be closed and
that the flags be put at half-mast on the
Capitol and all other public buildings in
the State and remain in that position until
the funeral services are held. The family
of General Hampton objected TO a state
funeral Bells were tolled to-day in all
towns of the State when the news was re-
ceived and many schools were closed.
Wade Hampton was born in Charleston,
s. c., March rs, 1918. He was of distin-
guished birth, the grandson of Gen. Wade
Hampton, who was a major general in the
American army Of the revolution and SUBJ
of the United States. His father was,
moreover, a prominent and wealthy man.
He received an academic education. Having
graduated at South Carolina College, he
read law and was admitted to the bar. He
began the practice of the law under favora-
BILE conditions and had achieved local emf
nence in his profession before he was elect
ed to the State Legislature.
When, in 1861, South Carolina seeded
from the Union, Wade Hampton was serv-
ing as "a state senator. He Immediately re-
signed his seat and devoted his energies to
the Confederate cause in the capacity Of
soldier. Among the earliest in the field Of
conflict. he led the Hampton Legion at
the first battle of Bull Run, in which he
was wounded. His services in this action
were conspicuously recognized by the Con-
federate government, which commissioned
him a brigader general AS soon as posi-
bic he resumed service in the army and was
wounded the second time in the battle of
Seven Pines. He commanded the Confeder-
ate cavalry of the Army of Northern Vir-
ginia. In 1864 he was made lieutenant gen.
eral. Subsequently he commanded the cav
airy, operating in Virginia, was wounded
the third time in the battle of Gettysburg
and was leader of the rear guard in the
army which fell back from the victorious
advance of General Sherman. When the
army in which General Hampton was serv-
ing surrendered to the Union forces his mil
itary experiences were ended.
In 1858 he was delegate to the Demo-
cratic national convention held in New
York city. which nominated Seymour and
Blair to the presidency and vice presidency,
respectively. He was nominated for Gov
ernor of South Carolina In 1876, and on Nov
p of that year issued proclamation which
announced his election to the office and de-
manded the retirement of Governor Cham
berlain. This was refused and United
States soldiers were employed TO sustain
Chamberlain in his administration. During
nearly five months South Carolin had two
opposing Governors, a condition of affairs
terminated by President Hayes's with
drawal of federal troops from the State
and the consequent failure of Governor
Chamberlains authority. General Hamp-
ton was reelected Governor in 1873 and in
December Of the same year was elected a
United States senator. He was reelected
in 1884 and served until March 3, 1891.
General Hampton was exceedingly popu-
lar In his native State, to the interests of
which, from his point of view, he had
been steadfastly loyal He was born into
the social rank Of planter and STAKEHOLDER
ton which jealousy guards the rights of
the individual States against federal en-
croahments. He opposed the enfranchise-
ment of the negro. When the negro was
made citizen" he said cit followed as a
logical consequence, under the theory of
our institutions, that he must become a
voter My objection to his enfranchise-
ment, therefore, is confined to the time
when and the mode in which this privilege
was conferred upon him"
General Hampton had a fine presence and
was q good public speaker. His appear
ance with President Hayes in those great
public meetings held in several Southern
cities to conciliate the feeling between the
sections Of the country late in conflict with
each other will be remembered as very
creditable expressions of his ability and
manly patriotic feeling. He lost leg while
hunting in 1878.