South Carolina Governor, U.S. Senator. After graduating from Georgetown University in 1889, he studied law, was admitted to bar and practiced law in Newberry, South Carolina. He was a member of the South Carolina State House of Representatives, (1890-94, 1899-1900), plus both City Attorney and Mayor of Newberry, in 1910. In 1911, he was elected as a Democratic, the 90th Governor of South Carolina, serving until 1915. As Governor he became known nationwide for granting pardons or parole to 2000 convicts, also as a promoter of public health and education. After leaving office, he was a member of the State Executive Committee and elected to the U.S. Senate, serving (1925-31). After his term, he remained active in state politics and was elected as a Democrat to the South Carolina Unemployment Commission in 1941 and died the following year at age 73.
South Carolina Governor, U.S. Senator. After graduating from Georgetown University in 1889, he studied law, was admitted to bar and practiced law in Newberry, South Carolina. He was a member of the South Carolina State House of Representatives, (1890-94, 1899-1900), plus both City Attorney and Mayor of Newberry, in 1910. In 1911, he was elected as a Democratic, the 90th Governor of South Carolina, serving until 1915. As Governor he became known nationwide for granting pardons or parole to 2000 convicts, also as a promoter of public health and education. After leaving office, he was a member of the State Executive Committee and elected to the U.S. Senate, serving (1925-31). After his term, he remained active in state politics and was elected as a Democrat to the South Carolina Unemployment Commission in 1941 and died the following year at age 73.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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