The Montgomery advertiser. [volume] (Montgomery, Ala.) 1885-1982, 1909-06-24
D,.t,ucu,.hod private Citizen.

cemetery in this place.
Dsstinguishcd Private Citizen.
Captain william A. Handley. one OF
the most distinguished private citi-
gems Of Alabama who died YESTERDAY
morning at his home IN Aoanoke. ai sss
q long illness. was probably the
wealthiest citizen Of East Alabama and
he had given more money 20 charit-
able and phiIanthropic causes than any
man in that section; Of the State.
Captain HAndley had been member
of Congress, q State Senator, member
OF the House and he was member OF
the Constitutional Convention of 1901.
but his greatest successes. were schiev-
cd as Q private citizen. Some of his
friends said that Captain Handley In
his successful business life had prob
ably accumulated million dollars. but
that he gave 80 freely to charitable
purposes and especially to the cause OF
education that he had reduced soma
what his large private fortune.
He has been one OF the noted cit1-
xsns OF the State. What public OF
fces he filled were given to him un-
sought. He was farmer and business
man who was drafted into public SER
vice. He was distinguished by an ua-
falling common sense. remarkaole
tenacify OF purpose and by an integrity
Of eharaetsr. that never came under
Captain Handisy was born in Prank
lin County, Ca. December Is, 1884, and
was therefore not quite rs years OF
age wieen he died. He came a. child
with his parents to Randolph County.
The schools Of Randolph County In
those days were primitive but he took
every advantage that they offered. In
later life he remembered the unfayor-
able school conditions OF his youth and
he labored In many capacities for the
upbuilding of the public schools OF Al
Rbama. He was a school mateN Of
Major J. D., Barron. OF The Advertiser,
and they remained life long friends.
He was a NAH rider for awhile a.
y youth. Then he went into the mer-
camille business in which he had a
special aptitude. He prospsred in this
beyond his fellows. But when the war
broke out he entered the 25th Alabama
Regiment organized at Wetumpka as
q captain. He served with distinction
until he was wounded at Mufreesboro.
In later life 1t was his special pleasure
out of his own Dountiful store to help
In any way he could his less fortunate
comrades Of the Confederacy.
He was an Incorporating Demo-
crat and was elected to the Legislature
shortly after the war. In 1870 without
any effort or solicitation on his part he
Congress. Major Handley at that time
had never delivered a public speech.
He called on General. John w. A. San
ford. OF Montgomery, who stumped the
district with him in his interest and
to the day of his death he remembered
and talked of the favor. General San
ford was friend and admlrer Of Cap
tain Handley and he said yesterday
that he was one OF the .noblest and
E,xf zNkt &AaN IaA H.. a
ever had.
Saw Future of Birmingham.
Early In the history OF Birmingham
Major Handley realized its great future
commercial possibilities. He invested
heavily in Birmingham property, and
he appreciated the Importance of the
hardware trade to a city like Birming-
ham In the mineral district He en-
tered the hardware business there and
succeeded in II as he did in all else.
His life was most useful and bench
cent to the people Of his home county
of Randolph. 1t is said that he more
than any one else was responsible for
the settlement and growth OF Roanoke.
Thes schools of that section were mis-
particular and special care. He was
Instrumental in founding the Roanoke
College and he was a leader in the
movement that put a cotton mill In
Roanoke.
His last public service was rendered
as a member of the Constitutional Con-
Yention. The members of that body
had the highest respect for Captain
Handley and his unerring common
sense. Whenever he arose to submit a
few words on a pending proposition he
was listened to with the highest re-
spect.
Captain Handley was OF large phys
ique. His head was especially large
and impressive. There was no per-
sonal vanity whatever In his nature.
He was ostentations in his per-
sonal life, and the humblest person
might address him anywhere and on
any occasion.
prives Alabama of one of Its strongest
and most valuable citizens