The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-01-05

made him during his nrst term in
Congress one OF the leaders of his
party and in 1875 a member OF the
Republican national committee. Upon
taIs committee he serN cd during three
presidential campaigns. In 1884 the
exeCuti Commute elected !1im
chairman. A warm and intimate
frlendsnlp soon ep.ano up .~..-eil
James G. Blaine and Mr.. Elkins, ana
the latter was influential in bringing
about the nomination of MIR, Blaine
for the presidency in 1884. He was
equally instrumental in the nomina-
ton Of Benjamin Harrison In 1888 ana
1892
As Secretary Of War.
December II, 1891. ne became Sec
rotary Of war Under President tiar-
rison.
About 1873 he removed from New
Mexico to West Virginia, and there
devoted himself In partnership with
Mr. Davis. to the development OF the
railroads OF the State and the coal
and timber lands of the Cum berlano
region
To L. :. Senate in 1894.
In February. 1924. Mr., Elkins was
elected 10 the United states Senate
To succeed Joseph \. Camden. His
term expired in 1901 and he was re-
elected. His next election was in
1907,
His home was the beautiful coun-
try seat OF iialliehurst. at Elkins.
During his casual residence in New
York whore his business affairs re-
CURED him to pass much of his time.
he associated himself with many To-
Aai inlert sGs, ana Letame n member
of the Union League. Republican.
Ohio, United Service. metropolitan
ana the southern Society. He also
contributed TO the support of the
American Museum Of Natural History
and the American Geographical So
Ciety
II there is anywhere in America
an institution comparable To the an
cient landed aristocracy of Europe,
it may be found in West Virginia in
the interesting and Anomalous over
lordship by whichIthe Davis and Elk
ms families rule the politics and bust
ness OF the Commonwealth. West
Virginia has been called the barony
of the Davis Elkins family, and the
title is far more accurate than most
people would imagine possible in an
American State.
James Boys Saved Him.
When the civil War commenced
ole Dntu -. iAlklflS, VINO WAS residing
In Missouri, enlisted in the Fedora.
army. At that time the Younger boys
and Frank and jesse James were
members Of the famous Quantrell
band 1t happened that during one
of the Quantrell expeditions Elkins
was captured. Quantreil ordered him
to be turned over to a squad of men
and taken to- the rear" which, in
Quantrell's parlance meant execution
While Elkins' custodianE We're con-
Quoting their prisoner Cole Younger
and Frank James. both of whom knew
Elkins well. stopped the guards anu
persuaded them to turn him over to
them.
Soon they came to a fork of the
road. The company took the right
hand and at Cole Younger's direction
Elkins put spurs to his horse ant
took to the left He got well out of
danger before he was missed. An
engag cement followed soon after ana
Quantrell was under the impression
that Elkins had been KILLED.
Since the Youugers were sent to-
prison for life Mr.. Elkins tried many
times To secure their pardon.
stevens Eikins' Railroats"
Among the railroads that wander
in and out of the Allegheny Noun
tains Is one called the West Virginia
Central 1t is sometimes known as