US Congressman. He graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1876 and served as a professor there while studying law. In 1879 he was admitted to the bar and began a practice in Meridian. A highly regarded trial attorney and leader of the American Bar Association, in 1898 he made national headlines as an opponent of the Spanish-American War. In 1910 he was elected to the US House of Representatives as a Democrat. He was reelected in 1912 and 1914 and served from March, 1911 until his death. During his service in the House he again caused a media sensation when it was widely reported that he voluntarily returned to the Treasury the prorated portion of his salary for days he spent at his law practice when Congress was out of session, arguing that he should not be paid as a Congressman for time he did not spend on official business.
US Congressman. He graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1876 and served as a professor there while studying law. In 1879 he was admitted to the bar and began a practice in Meridian. A highly regarded trial attorney and leader of the American Bar Association, in 1898 he made national headlines as an opponent of the Spanish-American War. In 1910 he was elected to the US House of Representatives as a Democrat. He was reelected in 1912 and 1914 and served from March, 1911 until his death. During his service in the House he again caused a media sensation when it was widely reported that he voluntarily returned to the Treasury the prorated portion of his salary for days he spent at his law practice when Congress was out of session, arguing that he should not be paid as a Congressman for time he did not spend on official business.
Bio by: Bill McKern
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