Thursday, April 17, 2014

Samuel White Oliver of Conecuh County (1796 - Jan. 18, 1838)

From “Chapter XXVIII: The County of Conecuh” of “Alabama: Her History, Resources, War Record and Public Men From 1540 to 1872” by Willis Brewer:

SAMUEL WHITE OLIVER came to this county as early as 1819, when about 23 years old. A native of Virginia, he grew to manhood in Clark County, Ga., was educated at Franklin College and read law in Litchfield, Conn. He at once came to Conecuh and opened an office in Sparta, where he soon after became the law partner of Hon. John S. Hunter.

Though he began life without fortune, he rapidly accumulated both property and reputation. He first entered the legislature in 1822 and for 12 years he served Conecuh in the popular branch of the general assembly, of which he was chosen speaker in 1834. Two years after, he entered the state senate from the district composed of Butler and Conecuh, but resigned when he removed to Dallas County the following year.

He was the candidate of the anti-Van Buren party for the office of governor in 1837, and was defeated by a majority of 4,000 for Hon. Arthur P. Bagby of Monroe. He died at his residence on Pine Barren Creek in Dallas County, Jan. 18, 1838, in the meridian of an useful and exemplary life. Col. Oliver was a gentleman of spotless repute, of moral character and popular bearing. His talents were very marked, and he was an effective orator on the hustlings and in the forum.


At the time of his death no one in the state stood fairer before the people as a public man, and the highest distinctions awaited him. His wife, a sister of the late Hon. John S. Hunter of Dallas, survived him and married Mr. Sprague of that county. Starke H. Oliver of Mobile, lieutenant colonel of the 24th (consolidated) Alabama; is a son; and two other sons are planters of Dallas.

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