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Joseph M. Terrell Papers
Descriptive Summary | |
| Title: Joseph M. Terrell Papers | |
| Creator: Terrell, Joseph Meriweather, 1861-1912. | |
| Inclusive Dates: 1882-1912 | |
| Language(s): English | |
| Extent: 5 box(es) (4.25 linear feet) and 21 photographs | |
| Collection Number: RBRL134JMT | |
| Repository: Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies | |
| Abstract: The Joseph M. Terrell papers reflect Terrell's political career at the state and, to a lesser extent, national levels. The majority of the collection consists of scrapbooks and photographs. | |
Collection Description
Biographical Note
Georgia's "educational governor," Joseph Meriwether Terrell, was born June 6, 1861 in Greenville, Georgia. Terrell attended Greenville public schools until he was fourteen, at which time he began to manage his father's plantation. He did pursue a career in law, however, studying under Major John W. Park. In 1882, he was admitted to the bar and began to practice in Greenville. Only two years later, Terrell became the youngest member of the Georgia General Assembly when he was elected to the House of Representatives at age 23. He was re-elected to this office in 1886.
Terrell's early career in politics continued with his election to the Georgia Senate in 1890 where he served as chairman of the finance committee. He remained in the office until 1892 when he was elected as Georgia's Attorney General (1892-1902) by a two-thirds vote. Terrell distinguished himself in this position by bringing more cases before the United States Supreme Court than any of his predecessors. He is further distinguished by the fact that he won all twelve cases he brought before the judicial body. After serving ten years, Terrell resigned in order to run for governor.
In the election of 1902, Terrell defeated both Dupont Guerry of Macon and John H. Still of Savannah, receiving more county unit votes than his opponents combined. Prohibition had been an important issue during the race, with both Terrell and Still favoring local option, while Guerry was a staunch prohibitionist. In the general election, Terrell defeated the Populist candidate, J.K. Hines, becoming Georgia's governor. He was re-elected in 1905 with no opposition.
During his term as governor, Terrell established a court of appeals, regulated child labor, enacted a pure food and drug law, established a new tax on businesses and corporations and curbed speculation in agricultural futures. Although he was not a college graduate, Governor Terrell was most interested in education. Terrell proposed a $500,000 loan fund to pay Georgia's teachers, and an amendment to prohibit the taxation of an educational institution's funds and investments. Terrell also proposed the establishment of an agricultural school in each state congressional district. In 1906, the Georgia General Assembly passed many of Terrell's proposals including the development of the College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts in Athens.
When his second term as governor ended, Terrell retired into private practice. This did not last long, however. On November 17, 1910, Governor Joseph M. Brown appointed Terrell to fill US Senator Alexander S. Clay's vacant seat. He was soon forced to resign this position on July 14, 1911 after suffering a stroke. At the time of his sudden illness, he had been working on a bill that would provide more government aid for the development of agricultural and mechanical arts schools.
Joseph Meriwether Terrell died at his home in Atlanta on November 17, 1912. He was survived by his wife, Jessie Lee Spivey. The couple had no children.
Scope and Content
The Joseph M. Terrell papers reflect Terrell's political career at the state and, to a lesser extent, national levels. The majority of the collection consists of scrapbooks and photographs.
Organization and Arrangement
There are two series: I. Scrapbooks and II. Photographs.
Administrative Information
Access Restrictions
User copies of the scrapbooks are available on microfilm.
Preferred Citation
Joseph M. Terrell Papers, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Georgia, 30602-1641.
Processing Notes
Some photographs have been rehoused between lignin-free board to provide protection and stability for each item.
User Restrictions
Library acts as "fair use" reproduction agent.
Copyright Information
Before material from collections at the Richard B. Russell Library may be quoted in print, or otherwise reproduced, in whole or in part, in any publication, permission must be obtained from (1) the owner of the physical property, and (2) the holder of the copyright. It is the particular responsibility of the researcher to obtain both sets of permissions. Persons wishing to quote from materials in the Russell Library collection should consult the Director. Reproduction of any item must contain a complete citation to the original.
Finding Aid Publication
Finding aid prepared on: 2000.
Related Materials and Subjects
Subject Terms
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Lamartine G. Hardman Collection
Richard B. Russell, Sr. Collection