Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1909-05-12
Hon. John Letcher, virginia's
War Governor


Hon. John Letcher, Virginia'
War Governor
(From address OF Mr.. William T
, Shields on the occasion of presents
ton OF portraits in the Courthouse
: May 4, 190Q)
Among the many names that sdorl
the annals OF Rockbriige county non,
shines brighter on the page Of his
tory. or is more afectlonately and ten
derby remembered than that Of Johr
Letcher. virginia's war governor.
John Letcher was born In Rockbridg,
, county on tho 10Th day OF March. 1913
and his entire life was spent within
her borders. His home was In Lexing,
ton and he died almost on tho SPOT
where he was borv.
On his fathers side bis ancestors were
OF Welsh descent but his mothers PEG
pie came fiom that hardy class of pio-
neers. who 80 favorably Impressed
themselves upon General Washington
that he exclaimed, Leave me but q
banner to place on the mountains of
West Augusta, and will rally around
ne men who will lift our bleeding
country from the dust, and set her
free"
Hs obtained his early education from
what Is known as the "Old Field"
school. subsequently he attended
Washington college (now Washington
b Lee University and Randolph Ma.
con College
While at college he was noted for two
traits Of character, taits which when
rightly directed always bring success
and honor. systematic application and
An earnest desire for knowledge.
He studied law for three years in the
law office Of the Honorable William
Taylor (there were no law schools In
that day. and was admitted to the bar
In 1889, the same year In which the
Virginia Military Institute was estab.
ished.
While practicing his chosen PROBES.
'ion John Letcher found time for val.
liable newspaper work, He edited tho
he Valley Star and was . vigorous
nd able writer, fearless and forceful.
FOR while he was q regular contribu
or to the columns OF the Richmond g
inquirer, the organ Of the great Dem. G
cratic party at Virginis's capital.
John Letcher early drifted into poll. i
CO and here, as at the bar. he soon b
ose to prominence and leadership. II
He was Democrat Of the Jefferson. g
n type and fearless and uncomprom. a
ing advo late Of the great political p
'inciples for which that party stood u
ZEN, and stands now. D
He was a member OF the State con. F
itutional convention OF 1850, and was
IN all it, debates. He was 81
10 OF the youngest nen In the conven. ia
~ and was exactly 81 years OF age d.
. day it was called to order. al
When It Is remembered that Cover. "
r Letcher lived in strong Wing dis az
ct and In . still stronger Wing coun. in
and was elected by one OF the hs
gest majorities ever given any cand- sh
ito, some idea may be formed Of the tr.
inion In which he was held By his
ends and neighbors. cd
& was while he was making . can. OF
So In the lower Valley that the most tir
portant event OF his life occurred. It 70
been published far and wide that all
certain day In June, John Letcher mo
uld speak to the people at New VII
rket in the county OF Shenandoah. SUI
had an audience that would inspire thu
orator and he improved his oppor. I'm
Ity. He noticed immediately in TO
1t OF him the face OF q beautiful sue
ng girl which at once attracted and !
tivated him. He made her acQuain. the
CO, which soon ripened into friend. the
}, and finally into marriage, and 1t !
o began, as all OF US know. one OF chi
happiest and most perfect unions 10 a
; known. cat
overnor Letchsr warmly advocst- A
he annexation Of Texas, although wrl
friend and cousin, General Sam tall
Iston. Was president of that plucky mig
o republic and opposed to the mer
me. poe
1859 Governor Letcher was elect l
the lower House Of Congress and natl
ed his district and State with sig lum
ability ard fidelity. He was stuc
e elected to this position and each brin
By an increased majority. He His
justly regarded as one Of the stud
ers OF his party on the floor OF the saul
e. He opposed with all his power chile
wassefdl expenditure OF public han'
ey, and so carefully did he watch ocfo
appropriation bills that hs was max
named by his colleagues Honest OF tx
Let'hsr, the Watch Dog Of the 1
sury." thou
1859 John Letcher was the logical fully
nee OF bis party for the governor. Flow
His competitor was the Hon. ~
L. Goggin Of Bedford county, an LittI
INT, high toned and patriotic states W
The campaign was short and
'ssive. resulting In the election Of sho
Ter by majority Of 5000. At
time Virginia had not teeu dis H.
bered, and what Is now Known as -.
Virginia was part and pslcel OF $500.