The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-07-28
ANGEL CLAIMS VENERABLE ,. SENATOR EDMUND WINSTON PETTUS

His son, Frank Pettus. had grow9, to be a commanding figure in the DO. litical affairs of Alabama. He had de- veloped q genius for organization and leadership. He was perhaps tho strong est single figure that has appeared in tho politics of the State in . genera tion.
 It was his wish that his father. "the General" as he always termed him af- fectionately, should be Governor of Alabama. But he could not get his fathers consent to make the race. The son enlisted the assistance of eevefal friends in Selma to help him to per- suade the father to become q candi' date for Governor in 1898.
 Historic COnference.
 One morning in the late spring sew eral of these friends with Frank Pet tus talked the situation over with him, or rather these friends talked and the General listened. Some of tho friends. including James H. Nunnellee. now Recording Secretary in the exec utive ofYice. went with the General to his home to dine.
 Frank Pettus whispered to them. as he observed the thoughtful mood of his father.
 Don't push the matter. He will make his own decision"
 General Pettus was the first to leave the table. The friends found him little later sitting at a window look ing thoughtfully out into the shady yard, fiecked with sunshine. He said as they approached:
 T have told you that I did not care to be Governor. I meant that. But have cherished an ambition and will tell 1t to you for the first time. I would like to round out my career in the United States Senate"
 The same afternoon letters were written to friends in various parts of the State. The peculiar genius of Frank Pettus was set to work to accomplish the ambition of his father. It was a formidable undertaking. Two of the strongest and most popular men of the state were aspirants for the same hon. or, Senator James L. Pugh and Gov ernor William c. Oates. The victory of General Pettus. in that memorable contest Is now history in Alabama pol itics.
 A story of Senator Pettus' candidacy for the Senate---an erroneous story which never ceased to cause him some endorsement because 1t was so wide- ly circulated. recited that he had ap- piled to Senator Pugh to secure an appointment from President Cleveland Pugh had said:
 .'Why you are too old to be a Fed 6Tdi JuueC.
 To which according to this fictitious anecdote General Pettus replied: I may be too old to be a Federal Judge, but I am not too old to be a United States Senator Whereupen General Pettuss returned | to his Alabama home and began the campaign which resulted in his cleo tion to the Senate to succeed Senator Pugh.
 pu~h Eudorsed Pettus. l There never was any truth in the story. As a matter of fact Senator Pugh did endorse Senator Pettus for the 1udgeship and the two distinguish ed Alabamians remained close friends to the end.
 Senator Pettus was a native Alaba- milan. He came of distinguished an- cestry. His father was John Pettus. a prominent planter of Limestone county. His mother was the daughter of Cap tain Anthony Winston, Virginian and soldier of the revolution. who came to Alabama in tho infancy of the State. His mother was left widow with several children at an early age. hut she was a woman of strength and wisdom and all who knew her pay tribute to her character. An elder brother of Senator Pettus. a boy who was raised by this widowed mother, John J. Pettus. was chosen by the people of Mississippi to be Gov ernor of that State.
 Senator Pettus married daughter of Hon. Samuel Chapman. prominent citizen of Sumter county Tc Selma friend Senator Pettus in his old age told a beautiful story of her. who blessed his life for more than half a century.
 "You see," said Senator Pettus. "as was a boy I was inclined to be wild and a little rough. When I fell in love with her I went to her and told her. She said:'
 "l.Why you are only a rought boy. You haven't an idea of what life means. You have not even taken the trouble to get an education.' Got An Education. .I knew she spoke the truth. When left her I formed a determination I would get an education If 1t were possible to get one. Without my moth- CTS help and sacrifice 1t would have been impossible. but she gladly helped and she gladly made the sacrifice.
 By her sacrifices I went to Tennes- see to school and 1 studied IS no boy ever studied before. In time l finished 1 rode home from Tennessee on pony after that long absence. As drew near her house I turned my pony and drove by her door. She was at work among her flowers. l HuEFltu tilIousH the Sdtc to where she was and as l met her. I said:
 II am no longer a rough and unedu- cated boy I have gotten my education. What is your answer?"
 Her answer made possible. that beautiful welded life that extended over the joys and sorrows of more than 50 years
 The principal fame of Senator John T Morgan, although he was both soldier and a staesman. was won in the forum of civil life. Unlike him, the first fame that came to Senator Pettus was won by his signal gallan- try on the battle field.
 His company was made a part of the goth Alabama Infantry and upon the organization of that command he was elected a major and he was soon after promoted to be lieutenant colonel He fought with his command in all the eneagements of the Kentucky cam paign which ended with the withdraw al of the Federals to Covington and Cincinnati He and his command took A prominent part in the battles of Port Gibson and Bakers Creek
 General stephen D. Lee relates an incident in his book on Lee and His Lieutenants," which illustrates the bravery for which Senator Pettus be- came famous during the war. The en- emy had captured from the Confeder- ates d strong redoubt. General Lee +ho,ub, the ratakiDp nf Tedou hi