Son of Wyatt and Sarah Stelle Heflin
English Scotch and Hugenot
Died at his home, Compton,
Jefferson County, Alabama,
Admitted to the courts of Alabama 1841
Elected a State Senator, 1851
Judge of the Circuit Court, 1862
Member of the Constitutional Convention, 1875
As a Son, he was true to his birthright
As a Husband, he was gentle, considerate and provident
As a Friend, he was true and steadfast
AS a Patriot, he was an honor to his lineage
As a Man, he feared God and God only.
"An honest man here lies at rest
As ever God with his image blest
The friend of man, the friend of truth
The friend of age, and favor of youth
Few hearts like his with virtue warmed
Frew heads with knowledge so informed
None that knew him need be told
A warmer heart hath never made cold."
----------------------------
Jacksonville Republican, Jacksonville, Calhoun County, Alabama, February 27, 1862. We are authorized to announce the Hon. John T. Heflin, as a candidate for Judge of the 10th Judicial Circuit, composed of the counties of St. Clair, Talledega, Randolph and Calhoun. Election on the first Monday in May next.
Judges of the Alabama Circuit Court: John Thomas Heflin of Randolph; vice James B. Martin, 1862-65.
Note: Before the war, John Heflin was law partners with Colonel James Benson Martin and General William Henry Forney of Jacksonville, Calhoun County, Alabama. Col. Martin was killed in the Battle of Drainsville on 20 Dec 1861.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Company F of the 25th Alabama Infantry (in Randolph County) was named “John T. Heflin Highlanders” led by Captain William A. Hadley of Roanoke. Soldiers included nephew James A. Heflin and brother-in-law John Blake.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In 1862, John married the widow Sarah E. Chilton Bowdon in Talladega. Sarah’s first husband, Honorable Franklin Welsh ‘Frank’ BOWDON, was elected as a US Representative in 1846. and served until 1851. Frank died in Henderson, Texas in 1857. Sarah’s father Thomas was an ordained Baptist minister. In 1839 he moved his family to Talladega, Alabama. Sarah died on 1 Jun 1878.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
James Miles Killian Guinn, Randolph County, Alabama, Sixty-Two Years Ago, The Red Man’s Home, The White Man’s Eden, 1896: " JUDGE JOHN T. HEFLIN. His father moved from Georgia to Randolph County in 1834 or 1835 and settled on High Pine creek near the present Concord church and cemetery and in Louina beat. Judge Heflin was a boy of fourteen, well advanced in his studies at school when his father moved in the midst of the Indians, and his acute and incentive nature to learn was greatly assisted; for here was a race with life, habits and language that was new and interesting, and his active energetic and inquiring mind feasted on Indian dialect.
Judge Heflin was 31 years of age; a bright and promising young lawyer and a zealous Democrat when elected, who never voted other than for the nominee of his party. This he would do though he refused to speak to him. Was a rabid secessionist and a minute war man. But he, like many others of that sort, some how or other did not go, and those that did, got out some how or other. When they could, they substituted office for war, and served their country like patriots. Grover Cleveland like.
In 18_6 Judge Heflin, Judge Bob Doughtery and Judge Jefferson Falkner were candidates for Circuit Judge, and again in 1863, Judge Heflin was a candidate for Circuit Judge in 1875 was in the State Constitutional Convention from Talladega County; in 1878, I believe it was, his name was placed before the Democratic State Convention for Supreme Court Judge, but he refused to allow it pressed and it was withdrawn. In 1885 his name was highly commended for United States Supreme Court Judge. No man, not even his political and personal enemies, challenged his ability, but unlike him they refused to rise above personality. Judge Heflin was a strict disciplinarian and dispatched business rapidly when on the bench.
Judge Heflin had an extraordinary memory. Often quoting book, page, chapter, section and word for word of Supreme Court decision. He was called in Talladega, "The Walking Library." Lawyers, rather than trouble themselves with hunting up decisions and rulings on cases, when in his presence, invariably referred to him. He knew what the initials stood for in nearly every name of any notoriety in the county. He as a linguist of Indian names, folklore and tradition. As a general thing, men don't realize the value and usefulness of noble men and women in their associations while living, but when they move away or die, and no one to supply their place, they realize and regret their indifference, though lessens and loss. Judge Heflin's attainments as a lawyer, scholar, historian and biographer with him many traits of honesty, fidelity, integrity and liberality, were perhaps, not equaled by any other man in the State. He was irritable, quick to resent an insult or insinuation, so much so, he made enemies unnecessarily and unintentionally.
So far as the writer knows, he never sought or made any pretensions to Christianity though he believed and accepted the Bible as the Word of God given by inspiration. He often read it and quoted from it precepts of love, mercy, truth and wisdom. He honored the Christian church, its members and ministers. Believed Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God; Savior of souls; and when approached by a person living a consistent Christian life on the subject of religion, he reasoned wisely from a wordy standpoint. The writer remembers hearing him say, "I am a Hard-shell Baptist in belief." His mother did, and I believe, his father, too held to the teachings and doctrines of the Primitive faith.
In manners he was austere, haughty, arrogant and petulant, in conversation jovial, loquacious and entertaining; in passion aggressive, merciless, profane, tyrannical and vindictive, as a friend to the manor born; egotistical in ridicule and criticism characterizing everybody by occupation, habits from, accident or incident just like the Indian did. He had a redundant command and flow of language, but his delivery was obtuse without effulgency, magnetism or animation. His voice was husky, harsh and acrid. Like Moses, poor in speech, but learned and wise in law and equity; a close tireless student; prodigious thinker; wise counselor and righteous judge; an invective opponent and invariable democrat; no deception, hypocrisy nor servility about him. His whole life seems to have been wrapped up in his profession. An exile to society and sociability.
Moved from Wedowee to Jacksonville about 1857 and from there to Talladega in 1878-9. There he met, wood won and married Mrs. Frank Bowden, one of the most amiable and esteemed ladies in the State. They had no children, but he educated and associated his step-son, Frank Bowden, Jr., in the practice of law. After Mrs. Heflin's death, he located at Birmingham.
He had an extraordinary memory & was called in Talledaga, "The Walking Library," able to quote book, page, chapter, section & word for word of Supreme Court decisions, other lawyers would ask him rather than trouble themselves with searching for the decisions.”
In December 1888 his voice was stilled in death--life's work ended; faults forgiven, virtues treasured and now his body lies solomnly beneath a beautiful monument in old Concord's cemetery, where nearby lies father and mother in sleep until the resurrection of the dead, "Jure divino".”
(Provided by Linda M. Benefield)
English Scotch and Hugenot
Died at his home, Compton,
Jefferson County, Alabama,
Admitted to the courts of Alabama 1841
Elected a State Senator, 1851
Judge of the Circuit Court, 1862
Member of the Constitutional Convention, 1875
As a Son, he was true to his birthright
As a Husband, he was gentle, considerate and provident
As a Friend, he was true and steadfast
AS a Patriot, he was an honor to his lineage
As a Man, he feared God and God only.
"An honest man here lies at rest
As ever God with his image blest
The friend of man, the friend of truth
The friend of age, and favor of youth
Few hearts like his with virtue warmed
Frew heads with knowledge so informed
None that knew him need be told
A warmer heart hath never made cold."
----------------------------
Jacksonville Republican, Jacksonville, Calhoun County, Alabama, February 27, 1862. We are authorized to announce the Hon. John T. Heflin, as a candidate for Judge of the 10th Judicial Circuit, composed of the counties of St. Clair, Talledega, Randolph and Calhoun. Election on the first Monday in May next.
Judges of the Alabama Circuit Court: John Thomas Heflin of Randolph; vice James B. Martin, 1862-65.
Note: Before the war, John Heflin was law partners with Colonel James Benson Martin and General William Henry Forney of Jacksonville, Calhoun County, Alabama. Col. Martin was killed in the Battle of Drainsville on 20 Dec 1861.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Company F of the 25th Alabama Infantry (in Randolph County) was named “John T. Heflin Highlanders” led by Captain William A. Hadley of Roanoke. Soldiers included nephew James A. Heflin and brother-in-law John Blake.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In 1862, John married the widow Sarah E. Chilton Bowdon in Talladega. Sarah’s first husband, Honorable Franklin Welsh ‘Frank’ BOWDON, was elected as a US Representative in 1846. and served until 1851. Frank died in Henderson, Texas in 1857. Sarah’s father Thomas was an ordained Baptist minister. In 1839 he moved his family to Talladega, Alabama. Sarah died on 1 Jun 1878.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
James Miles Killian Guinn, Randolph County, Alabama, Sixty-Two Years Ago, The Red Man’s Home, The White Man’s Eden, 1896: " JUDGE JOHN T. HEFLIN. His father moved from Georgia to Randolph County in 1834 or 1835 and settled on High Pine creek near the present Concord church and cemetery and in Louina beat. Judge Heflin was a boy of fourteen, well advanced in his studies at school when his father moved in the midst of the Indians, and his acute and incentive nature to learn was greatly assisted; for here was a race with life, habits and language that was new and interesting, and his active energetic and inquiring mind feasted on Indian dialect.
Judge Heflin was 31 years of age; a bright and promising young lawyer and a zealous Democrat when elected, who never voted other than for the nominee of his party. This he would do though he refused to speak to him. Was a rabid secessionist and a minute war man. But he, like many others of that sort, some how or other did not go, and those that did, got out some how or other. When they could, they substituted office for war, and served their country like patriots. Grover Cleveland like.
In 18_6 Judge Heflin, Judge Bob Doughtery and Judge Jefferson Falkner were candidates for Circuit Judge, and again in 1863, Judge Heflin was a candidate for Circuit Judge in 1875 was in the State Constitutional Convention from Talladega County; in 1878, I believe it was, his name was placed before the Democratic State Convention for Supreme Court Judge, but he refused to allow it pressed and it was withdrawn. In 1885 his name was highly commended for United States Supreme Court Judge. No man, not even his political and personal enemies, challenged his ability, but unlike him they refused to rise above personality. Judge Heflin was a strict disciplinarian and dispatched business rapidly when on the bench.
Judge Heflin had an extraordinary memory. Often quoting book, page, chapter, section and word for word of Supreme Court decision. He was called in Talladega, "The Walking Library." Lawyers, rather than trouble themselves with hunting up decisions and rulings on cases, when in his presence, invariably referred to him. He knew what the initials stood for in nearly every name of any notoriety in the county. He as a linguist of Indian names, folklore and tradition. As a general thing, men don't realize the value and usefulness of noble men and women in their associations while living, but when they move away or die, and no one to supply their place, they realize and regret their indifference, though lessens and loss. Judge Heflin's attainments as a lawyer, scholar, historian and biographer with him many traits of honesty, fidelity, integrity and liberality, were perhaps, not equaled by any other man in the State. He was irritable, quick to resent an insult or insinuation, so much so, he made enemies unnecessarily and unintentionally.
So far as the writer knows, he never sought or made any pretensions to Christianity though he believed and accepted the Bible as the Word of God given by inspiration. He often read it and quoted from it precepts of love, mercy, truth and wisdom. He honored the Christian church, its members and ministers. Believed Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God; Savior of souls; and when approached by a person living a consistent Christian life on the subject of religion, he reasoned wisely from a wordy standpoint. The writer remembers hearing him say, "I am a Hard-shell Baptist in belief." His mother did, and I believe, his father, too held to the teachings and doctrines of the Primitive faith.
In manners he was austere, haughty, arrogant and petulant, in conversation jovial, loquacious and entertaining; in passion aggressive, merciless, profane, tyrannical and vindictive, as a friend to the manor born; egotistical in ridicule and criticism characterizing everybody by occupation, habits from, accident or incident just like the Indian did. He had a redundant command and flow of language, but his delivery was obtuse without effulgency, magnetism or animation. His voice was husky, harsh and acrid. Like Moses, poor in speech, but learned and wise in law and equity; a close tireless student; prodigious thinker; wise counselor and righteous judge; an invective opponent and invariable democrat; no deception, hypocrisy nor servility about him. His whole life seems to have been wrapped up in his profession. An exile to society and sociability.
Moved from Wedowee to Jacksonville about 1857 and from there to Talladega in 1878-9. There he met, wood won and married Mrs. Frank Bowden, one of the most amiable and esteemed ladies in the State. They had no children, but he educated and associated his step-son, Frank Bowden, Jr., in the practice of law. After Mrs. Heflin's death, he located at Birmingham.
He had an extraordinary memory & was called in Talledaga, "The Walking Library," able to quote book, page, chapter, section & word for word of Supreme Court decisions, other lawyers would ask him rather than trouble themselves with searching for the decisions.”
In December 1888 his voice was stilled in death--life's work ended; faults forgiven, virtues treasured and now his body lies solomnly beneath a beautiful monument in old Concord's cemetery, where nearby lies father and mother in sleep until the resurrection of the dead, "Jure divino".”
(Provided by Linda M. Benefield)
Son of Wyatt and Sarah Stelle Heflin
English Scotch and Hugenot
Died at his home, Compton,
Jefferson County, Alabama,
Admitted to the courts of Alabama 1841
Elected a State Senator, 1851
Judge of the Circuit Court, 1862
Member of the Constitutional Convention, 1875
As a Son, he was true to his birthright
As a Husband, he was gentle, considerate and provident
As a Friend, he was true and steadfast
AS a Patriot, he was an honor to his lineage
As a Man, he feared God and God only.
"An honest man here lies at rest
As ever God with his image blest
The friend of man, the friend of truth
The friend of age, and favor of youth
Few hearts like his with virtue warmed
Frew heads with knowledge so informed
None that knew him need be told
A warmer heart hath never made cold."
----------------------------
Jacksonville Republican, Jacksonville, Calhoun County, Alabama, February 27, 1862. We are authorized to announce the Hon. John T. Heflin, as a candidate for Judge of the 10th Judicial Circuit, composed of the counties of St. Clair, Talledega, Randolph and Calhoun. Election on the first Monday in May next.
Judges of the Alabama Circuit Court: John Thomas Heflin of Randolph; vice James B. Martin, 1862-65.
Note: Before the war, John Heflin was law partners with Colonel James Benson Martin and General William Henry Forney of Jacksonville, Calhoun County, Alabama. Col. Martin was killed in the Battle of Drainsville on 20 Dec 1861.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Company F of the 25th Alabama Infantry (in Randolph County) was named “John T. Heflin Highlanders” led by Captain William A. Hadley of Roanoke. Soldiers included nephew James A. Heflin and brother-in-law John Blake.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In 1862, John married the widow Sarah E. Chilton Bowdon in Talladega. Sarah’s first husband, Honorable Franklin Welsh ‘Frank’ BOWDON, was elected as a US Representative in 1846. and served until 1851. Frank died in Henderson, Texas in 1857. Sarah’s father Thomas was an ordained Baptist minister. In 1839 he moved his family to Talladega, Alabama. Sarah died on 1 Jun 1878.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
James Miles Killian Guinn, Randolph County, Alabama, Sixty-Two Years Ago, The Red Man’s Home, The White Man’s Eden, 1896: " JUDGE JOHN T. HEFLIN. His father moved from Georgia to Randolph County in 1834 or 1835 and settled on High Pine creek near the present Concord church and cemetery and in Louina beat. Judge Heflin was a boy of fourteen, well advanced in his studies at school when his father moved in the midst of the Indians, and his acute and incentive nature to learn was greatly assisted; for here was a race with life, habits and language that was new and interesting, and his active energetic and inquiring mind feasted on Indian dialect.
Judge Heflin was 31 years of age; a bright and promising young lawyer and a zealous Democrat when elected, who never voted other than for the nominee of his party. This he would do though he refused to speak to him. Was a rabid secessionist and a minute war man. But he, like many others of that sort, some how or other did not go, and those that did, got out some how or other. When they could, they substituted office for war, and served their country like patriots. Grover Cleveland like.
In 18_6 Judge Heflin, Judge Bob Doughtery and Judge Jefferson Falkner were candidates for Circuit Judge, and again in 1863, Judge Heflin was a candidate for Circuit Judge in 1875 was in the State Constitutional Convention from Talladega County; in 1878, I believe it was, his name was placed before the Democratic State Convention for Supreme Court Judge, but he refused to allow it pressed and it was withdrawn. In 1885 his name was highly commended for United States Supreme Court Judge. No man, not even his political and personal enemies, challenged his ability, but unlike him they refused to rise above personality. Judge Heflin was a strict disciplinarian and dispatched business rapidly when on the bench.
Judge Heflin had an extraordinary memory. Often quoting book, page, chapter, section and word for word of Supreme Court decision. He was called in Talladega, "The Walking Library." Lawyers, rather than trouble themselves with hunting up decisions and rulings on cases, when in his presence, invariably referred to him. He knew what the initials stood for in nearly every name of any notoriety in the county. He as a linguist of Indian names, folklore and tradition. As a general thing, men don't realize the value and usefulness of noble men and women in their associations while living, but when they move away or die, and no one to supply their place, they realize and regret their indifference, though lessens and loss. Judge Heflin's attainments as a lawyer, scholar, historian and biographer with him many traits of honesty, fidelity, integrity and liberality, were perhaps, not equaled by any other man in the State. He was irritable, quick to resent an insult or insinuation, so much so, he made enemies unnecessarily and unintentionally.
So far as the writer knows, he never sought or made any pretensions to Christianity though he believed and accepted the Bible as the Word of God given by inspiration. He often read it and quoted from it precepts of love, mercy, truth and wisdom. He honored the Christian church, its members and ministers. Believed Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God; Savior of souls; and when approached by a person living a consistent Christian life on the subject of religion, he reasoned wisely from a wordy standpoint. The writer remembers hearing him say, "I am a Hard-shell Baptist in belief." His mother did, and I believe, his father, too held to the teachings and doctrines of the Primitive faith.
In manners he was austere, haughty, arrogant and petulant, in conversation jovial, loquacious and entertaining; in passion aggressive, merciless, profane, tyrannical and vindictive, as a friend to the manor born; egotistical in ridicule and criticism characterizing everybody by occupation, habits from, accident or incident just like the Indian did. He had a redundant command and flow of language, but his delivery was obtuse without effulgency, magnetism or animation. His voice was husky, harsh and acrid. Like Moses, poor in speech, but learned and wise in law and equity; a close tireless student; prodigious thinker; wise counselor and righteous judge; an invective opponent and invariable democrat; no deception, hypocrisy nor servility about him. His whole life seems to have been wrapped up in his profession. An exile to society and sociability.
Moved from Wedowee to Jacksonville about 1857 and from there to Talladega in 1878-9. There he met, wood won and married Mrs. Frank Bowden, one of the most amiable and esteemed ladies in the State. They had no children, but he educated and associated his step-son, Frank Bowden, Jr., in the practice of law. After Mrs. Heflin's death, he located at Birmingham.
He had an extraordinary memory & was called in Talledaga, "The Walking Library," able to quote book, page, chapter, section & word for word of Supreme Court decisions, other lawyers would ask him rather than trouble themselves with searching for the decisions.”
In December 1888 his voice was stilled in death--life's work ended; faults forgiven, virtues treasured and now his body lies solomnly beneath a beautiful monument in old Concord's cemetery, where nearby lies father and mother in sleep until the resurrection of the dead, "Jure divino".”
(Provided by Linda M. Benefield)
English Scotch and Hugenot
Died at his home, Compton,
Jefferson County, Alabama,
Admitted to the courts of Alabama 1841
Elected a State Senator, 1851
Judge of the Circuit Court, 1862
Member of the Constitutional Convention, 1875
As a Son, he was true to his birthright
As a Husband, he was gentle, considerate and provident
As a Friend, he was true and steadfast
AS a Patriot, he was an honor to his lineage
As a Man, he feared God and God only.
"An honest man here lies at rest
As ever God with his image blest
The friend of man, the friend of truth
The friend of age, and favor of youth
Few hearts like his with virtue warmed
Frew heads with knowledge so informed
None that knew him need be told
A warmer heart hath never made cold."
----------------------------
Jacksonville Republican, Jacksonville, Calhoun County, Alabama, February 27, 1862. We are authorized to announce the Hon. John T. Heflin, as a candidate for Judge of the 10th Judicial Circuit, composed of the counties of St. Clair, Talledega, Randolph and Calhoun. Election on the first Monday in May next.
Judges of the Alabama Circuit Court: John Thomas Heflin of Randolph; vice James B. Martin, 1862-65.
Note: Before the war, John Heflin was law partners with Colonel James Benson Martin and General William Henry Forney of Jacksonville, Calhoun County, Alabama. Col. Martin was killed in the Battle of Drainsville on 20 Dec 1861.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Company F of the 25th Alabama Infantry (in Randolph County) was named “John T. Heflin Highlanders” led by Captain William A. Hadley of Roanoke. Soldiers included nephew James A. Heflin and brother-in-law John Blake.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In 1862, John married the widow Sarah E. Chilton Bowdon in Talladega. Sarah’s first husband, Honorable Franklin Welsh ‘Frank’ BOWDON, was elected as a US Representative in 1846. and served until 1851. Frank died in Henderson, Texas in 1857. Sarah’s father Thomas was an ordained Baptist minister. In 1839 he moved his family to Talladega, Alabama. Sarah died on 1 Jun 1878.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
James Miles Killian Guinn, Randolph County, Alabama, Sixty-Two Years Ago, The Red Man’s Home, The White Man’s Eden, 1896: " JUDGE JOHN T. HEFLIN. His father moved from Georgia to Randolph County in 1834 or 1835 and settled on High Pine creek near the present Concord church and cemetery and in Louina beat. Judge Heflin was a boy of fourteen, well advanced in his studies at school when his father moved in the midst of the Indians, and his acute and incentive nature to learn was greatly assisted; for here was a race with life, habits and language that was new and interesting, and his active energetic and inquiring mind feasted on Indian dialect.
Judge Heflin was 31 years of age; a bright and promising young lawyer and a zealous Democrat when elected, who never voted other than for the nominee of his party. This he would do though he refused to speak to him. Was a rabid secessionist and a minute war man. But he, like many others of that sort, some how or other did not go, and those that did, got out some how or other. When they could, they substituted office for war, and served their country like patriots. Grover Cleveland like.
In 18_6 Judge Heflin, Judge Bob Doughtery and Judge Jefferson Falkner were candidates for Circuit Judge, and again in 1863, Judge Heflin was a candidate for Circuit Judge in 1875 was in the State Constitutional Convention from Talladega County; in 1878, I believe it was, his name was placed before the Democratic State Convention for Supreme Court Judge, but he refused to allow it pressed and it was withdrawn. In 1885 his name was highly commended for United States Supreme Court Judge. No man, not even his political and personal enemies, challenged his ability, but unlike him they refused to rise above personality. Judge Heflin was a strict disciplinarian and dispatched business rapidly when on the bench.
Judge Heflin had an extraordinary memory. Often quoting book, page, chapter, section and word for word of Supreme Court decision. He was called in Talladega, "The Walking Library." Lawyers, rather than trouble themselves with hunting up decisions and rulings on cases, when in his presence, invariably referred to him. He knew what the initials stood for in nearly every name of any notoriety in the county. He as a linguist of Indian names, folklore and tradition. As a general thing, men don't realize the value and usefulness of noble men and women in their associations while living, but when they move away or die, and no one to supply their place, they realize and regret their indifference, though lessens and loss. Judge Heflin's attainments as a lawyer, scholar, historian and biographer with him many traits of honesty, fidelity, integrity and liberality, were perhaps, not equaled by any other man in the State. He was irritable, quick to resent an insult or insinuation, so much so, he made enemies unnecessarily and unintentionally.
So far as the writer knows, he never sought or made any pretensions to Christianity though he believed and accepted the Bible as the Word of God given by inspiration. He often read it and quoted from it precepts of love, mercy, truth and wisdom. He honored the Christian church, its members and ministers. Believed Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God; Savior of souls; and when approached by a person living a consistent Christian life on the subject of religion, he reasoned wisely from a wordy standpoint. The writer remembers hearing him say, "I am a Hard-shell Baptist in belief." His mother did, and I believe, his father, too held to the teachings and doctrines of the Primitive faith.
In manners he was austere, haughty, arrogant and petulant, in conversation jovial, loquacious and entertaining; in passion aggressive, merciless, profane, tyrannical and vindictive, as a friend to the manor born; egotistical in ridicule and criticism characterizing everybody by occupation, habits from, accident or incident just like the Indian did. He had a redundant command and flow of language, but his delivery was obtuse without effulgency, magnetism or animation. His voice was husky, harsh and acrid. Like Moses, poor in speech, but learned and wise in law and equity; a close tireless student; prodigious thinker; wise counselor and righteous judge; an invective opponent and invariable democrat; no deception, hypocrisy nor servility about him. His whole life seems to have been wrapped up in his profession. An exile to society and sociability.
Moved from Wedowee to Jacksonville about 1857 and from there to Talladega in 1878-9. There he met, wood won and married Mrs. Frank Bowden, one of the most amiable and esteemed ladies in the State. They had no children, but he educated and associated his step-son, Frank Bowden, Jr., in the practice of law. After Mrs. Heflin's death, he located at Birmingham.
He had an extraordinary memory & was called in Talledaga, "The Walking Library," able to quote book, page, chapter, section & word for word of Supreme Court decisions, other lawyers would ask him rather than trouble themselves with searching for the decisions.”
In December 1888 his voice was stilled in death--life's work ended; faults forgiven, virtues treasured and now his body lies solomnly beneath a beautiful monument in old Concord's cemetery, where nearby lies father and mother in sleep until the resurrection of the dead, "Jure divino".”
(Provided by Linda M. Benefield)
Family Members
Advertisement
Advertisement
