Page:Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography volume 2.djvu/88

 GOVERNORS OF THE STATE

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serving until 185 1 with conspicuous ability. His most memorable effort was his speech favoring the admission of California to the Union. He died at Lexington, August 24, 1851. He married his cousin Susan, daugh- ter of General Francis Preston, and Sarah L. Campbell, his wife, daughter of General William Campbell, the hero of King's Moun- tain.

Smith, William, born in King George county, Virginia, September 26, 1797, son of Caleb Smith and Mary W'augh, his wife. Jle was educated at private schools and be- came a lawyer in 1836. He was elected to the state senate, was re-elected, and resigned after the firs: session of his second term. In 1827 he became a large mail contractor: the service expanded to such degree that he claimed additional compensation, from which was fixed upon him the sobriquet of ized his extraordinary abilities. He was a Democrat in politics, and in 1841-43 was a Congressman. On January i, 1846, he be- came governor, for the term of three years. In 1850 he removed to California, and was president of its constitutional convention. He returned to Virginia, and served as Con- gressman, 1858-61. In 1861, though sixty- five years old, he volunteered in the Con- federate army, was made colonel of the For- ty-ninth Virginia Infantry, bore himself gal- lantly in numerous engagements; and was promoted to brigadier-general and major- general. After brief service in the Confed- erate Congress, he again became governor, January I. 1864, and when Richmond was evacuated in April. 1865, he removed the seat of government to Lynchburg, and after- wards to Danville, surrendering the execu- tive office May 9. 1865. After the war he
 * Extra Billy Smith,'* which well character-

engaged in farming at Warrenton. In 1877, though eighty-one years of age, he was re- elected to the state senate, and the next year ci'me within a few votes of election to the United States senate, soon afterward retiring to private life. He was an ardent temper- Avxe man, and a model of chivalry and po- liteness. '*His marvelous activity, fearless character and powerful talents place him among the remarkable men of the age." He died at Warrenton, Virginia, May 18, 1887, aged ninety years.

Floyd, John Buchanan, born in Blacks- Lurg, June i, 1806, eldest son of Governor John Floyd and Letitia Preston, his wife. He was graduated from the College of South Carolina, in 1826, and beg^n the practice of the law in 1828. He resided in Arkansas, 1836-39, then came back to Vir- ginia and settled in Washington county, Virginia, where he engaged in law practice. He served several years in the legislature, and became governor January i, 1849. Dur- ing his administration the Washingfton monument, which graces the public square ill Richmond was commenced, and his ad- ministration was able and efficient. He was made .secretary of war in 1857 by President ISuchanan, and was subjected to unjust charges in the Xorth. because he removed some troops to the West in i860, though hostility of the Indians demanded it. He v/as also charged with covertly conveying government munitions of war to the South, but an investigation by a special Congress- ional committee exonerated him fully. When Major Robert Anderson moved his garrison from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sum- ter. Floyd considered that the status quo which the administration promised the South Carolina commissioners to preserve

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