Joshua Whitner Ashley - Euzelia
Subject: Joshua Whitner Ashley
From: Euzelia
Date: August 20, 1999

Continued----Third Installment

A few things stand out in his record.  He was a strong advocate for liberal 
pensions for confederate veterans and their widows.  Also, he supported a 
liberal appropriation to te State Hospital for the insane, and for the 
Institute for the deaf and blind.  These three stand out pre-eminently in Mr. 
Ashley's record.  However, he led the fight in another area.  He fought hard 
for the repel of Lloyd Radical bonds - issued during reconstruction.  There 
was sufficient evidence to show that these bonds had been paid - yet, they 
still came up for redemption.  After a 10 year fight he managed to have them 
written off.
Mr. Ashley was an arch prohibitionist.  He fought the Dispensory System with 
all his might. He believed that the system would develop into graft that 
would reflect on his beloved State.  On this he differed wit the policy of 
two of his very good friends, the Governor, Ben R. Tillman and Cole L. Blease.
There are man stories still current concerning "Uncle Josh" and his 
activities; some true, others highly exaggerated and as many false.  He 
enjoyed most of the and turned them to his own advantage when he wished.  One 
of the true stories one used at almost every election year and at many 
gatherings - some heckler in the crown would yell, "you can't go to the 
legislature, Uncle Josh.  You can't write your name."  His typical reply was, 
"aye-God, I can make a mark that could buy you out, lock, stock and barrel." 
There are many documents that could prove that he wrote a fairly good letter 
and could sign his name.  He did read very laboriously.  His son-in-law, 
James N. Pearman, who could read fluently, accompanied him to Columbia and he 
reported that it was most unusual for him to have to read a bill more than 
once.  (An occasional paragraph a second time, maybe) before Uncle Josh could 
quote it verbatim.  When a smart young lawyer tried to trap him by the use of 
big words or involved legal terms his usual reply was:  "I don't know what 
____________ and ______ mean, but let me tell you what the bill means and 
what it's effect will be."

More later~

Joy~

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