Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1920-05-06
JUDGE LEE CRUM RESIGNS
AS CIRCUIT JUDGE TO
CAMPAIGN FOR CONGRESS

AS ClKCUII JOOUE ~
CAMPAIGN FOR CONGRESS
The following letter with reference
to Judge Crum appeared in the Com
mercial Appeal of May the Bird over
the signature of that splendid gentle
man and excellent teacher, Prof. ).
L. Spence, for many years Supefin-
tendent of the New Albany High
School:
New Albany, Mississippi,
May 1, 1920.
Judge Charles Lee Crum today ten
tlers his resignation to Governor Lee
M. Russell as Circuit Court Judge OF
the Third Judicial District OF Mlssls-
sippi and will Immediately enter into
an active personal canvass for Con-
press from the Second Congressional
district of the State to succeed Hon.
H. D. Stephens. who is not running
for reelection.
Judge Crum was born Sept. 19, 1857
in Benton County, Miss, at Hickory
Flat. where he resided until he be-
came 13 years of age. Up to this
time his educational advantages We're
limited to those of his home and the
common schools of the neighborhood.
In 1880 his father, man OF great
learning, who was a minister ana
LAWYER, as well as successful farmer,
moved with his family to Ripley,
Miss, for the purpose OF giving his
young son and his other children bet
ter educational opportunities. 1t was
here, under the instruction of Profs.
|R. o. Prewitt and M. H. Armor, two
among the best equipped and trained
teachers in Mississippi at that time,
that young Crum. during the five
years in the early sos received the
rudiments of his education that has
enabled him to attain degree OF eff
ficiency and prominence which is now
accorded him.
Unlike many young men, Lee Crum,
as he was familiarly called did not
stop his studies when forced to leave
school for work, but under his faith
er's directions. every available hour
when not at work on the farm he pur-
sued both his literary and his law
studies. In the meantime he taught
school.
When he was 10 he was unanimous
| ly- elected County Lecturer of the
Farmers Alliance for his county and
served with distinction as such for
one year.
When he had attained his majority
l L 70 hor 70 a.
tice law and since that time has been
actively engaged in the practice OF bis
profession and from the beginning has
been unusually successful before the
courts and juries and enjoyed quite a
remunerative practice.
Shortly after removing to New Al
Ibany, where he has since maintained
his office, he without being a candi-
date was elected alderman of his
town, and afterwards unanimously
elected clerk of the city and tax col
lector Before his term had expired
he was elected from Union County
in 1899 to the House of Represent
atives Of his native state. In 1900
and 1902 he served his county and
state well in this capacity.
When Gov. Vardaman was elected
governor he appointed Mr.. Crum
Judge Advocate General with the
rank of Colonel on his staff.
In 1904 he was also appointed by
Gov. Vardaman to hold several terms
of Circuit Court. His marked ability
as judge and the unerring fairness
with which he presided gave him such
a reputation that he was afterwards
appointed as special Circuit Judge and
Chancellor by Cows. Noel, Brewer and
Bilbo. He was strongly importuned
by members of the bar and citizens
in his district to stand for election in
his district after Judges and Chancel-
lors became elective in 1914, but de-
clined to run. He was endorsed by
lSenator Vardaman for U. S. District
Attorney during President Wilson's
first term.
During the late war with Germany
he was by the Government chosen
Chairman of the Advisory Board of
his county and after organizing his
board for war work devoted his time
and personal attention ito the point
of neglecting his private business) to
aid the soldiers and other relatives
in every way possible. Besides he
made many trips and speeches in his
and adjoining counties in the interest
of war work at the request of the
government, without pay and at his
own expense. At no time did he ever
charge any soldier or soldiers rela-
tive, or other person, for any of these
services. His patriotism and devO-
ton 10 his country is conceded by all,
and his work in behalf of the soldiers
and country was a labor of love. !
In 1918 the members of the bar and
his friends of the district prevailed
upon him to announce for the office
| of Circuit Judge of his district and he
was nominated and elected to this
responsible position unanimously.
Since he has held this office he has
displayed in mo stunassuming and
modest style great learning in the
law and fairness and impartiality
that is unsurpassed and entirely
above criticism. In all his judg-
ments he has shown a fairness and
determination to fearlessly enforce
the law with such penalties as would
deter other infractions and at the
same time has shown sympathy and
mercy for the young and helpless.
He is not "chicken-hearted" with
hardened criminals, but he has an
abiding sympathy for juvenile and
Ifriendlesss convicts who give salts
factory promises Of leading better
life.
Judge Crum is always courteous to
4 every one whether in his court fOr out,