The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1916-06-02
MISS RUTH COHEN @H
WINS SECOND PLACE.
Original and Interesting Essay on
Jefferson Davis in Recent High
School Contest-Awerded
Prize
(By Miss Ruth Cohen)

June 3rd, was born baby boy, whose
life was destined to be of great prom
inence and Importance. Jefferson
Davis, as many of the worlds deepest
men, did not enjoy the best advantages
in his youth He went to school every
day to the little log school house upon
the hill, roamed among the woods Ia,
the pure fresh air, learning as is the
custom of country boys, the pureness,
simpleness and innocence of charac-
ter that stays.
His parents, Welch and Scotch
Irish, were sound, working, self
made Americans, found confronting
them the responsibility of education
nine sons and daughter, of whom JEFF
ferson was the Youngest. They were
all children of the new West for JEFF
ferson was hardly out of his cradle
before Calhoun's war of 1912 turned
loose the cruel Indians to wreak ven
geance upon innocent and guilty alike.
Early in his childhood Davis pleas
ant home was moved; his father, rest
less, decided to locate in the lowlands
Of Mississippi as conditions were more
favorable there. Young Davis COM
pleted his school course, two years at
st. Thomas college and three years
at Pennsylvania university, "the Ath-
ems of the West" and one of the best
institutions of the United States. He
did not graduate as many people in
sist upon saying. Latin, Greek and
Mathematics were the three "R's" of
his college training, but he pursued
them diligently.
He had proven himself to be a
young man C7 unusual culture. In the
background was a peculiar sense Of
humor, carefully concealed, but fire.
quently brought forward by clash
of wits. He liked to play pranks upon
the professors, joke with his college
mates and live in the beautiful fresh
outdoors. From Pennsylvania, Davis
was sent to West Point. He was in
clined to be military man, for he de-
sired the training and though he won
no honors he carried with him the
West Point consciousness and spirit.
There he met Robert E. Lee and L
bert Sydney Johnston, men who be-
came famous, as did he, in the strug-
gle for the South's independence.
Introduction to His Career.
The dear father had died (1828) but
Joseph Davis, the elder son looked for
ward to and felt keen interest for
the career of this aristocratic college
boy. When we begin to study or even
write the lines of great men our pens
are but instruments placed in our
hands by mere impulse. The heart
feeling is not always there. But of
Calhoun, Washington and Davis, all
the familiar names, especially one
whose name has wrongfully been
classed as "scapegoat" we long to
know and hear more. 1t is an inspira-
tion to look upon a statue erected in
their honor or view painting of
them.
Career of Davis.
Davis had no chance in his early
manhood to distinguish himself but in
1828-'35 he served in United States
Western frontier and was an efficient
officer. AS an honor he was chosen
one of the few in the Regiment of
Dragons. In 1885 he became a cot
ton planter. Life meant much to him
at this happy time. He had married
the daughter of Zachary Taylor, a
winsome and broad-minded little lady
who was eager to push forward his
career A small plantation was
bought and working with the hands in
the cotton field was contrasted diff
ference to that of a great overseer
giving orders on horseback. But the
climate turned against him. In few
months Davis and his wife were
stricken with yellow fever. His con-
stitution, though weak, stood the test,
but the young wife died. 1t was a
great blow to Davis and henceforth
life was much more serious to him.
The next seven years were spent in
study as he was physically unable to
continue his work in the fields. He
read history, both ancient and con-
temporary and based his views. 1t is
said that as he missed the benefit of
contact with other men his politics
were always the closest, but in his
brother profound lawyer, the wisest
Of men, the boldest of thinkers and
well versed in the principles of the
constitution, he found the teacher, the
inspirer, the uplifter and all that goes
to make up great man of the age.
To say the least very few men of that
age were known. A child of four
can intelligently tell you that there
was war between the "norf and
souf" but not many possessed the in
telligence, ideals and principles that
were included in the personality of
Davis. Why do we not hear more of
him?
AS l glance through many magnifi-
cent and elaborate libraries do not
see the name of the great Mississippi
statesman. Perhaps in some forgot
ten corner where the yellow with
age" books lie forgotten by the mod
ern household short, meapre sketch