Tillman, Benjamin Ryan, U. S

Senator from South Carolina. Born in Edge field Co., S. C., August 11,1847. He received an academic education, but remained on his farm, following agricultural pursuits until 1864, when he joined the Confederate army. He was stricken with a severe illne soon after, from which he lost the sight of one eye and was an invalid for two years. He afterwards returned to agriculture, and became active in promoting industrial education. An effective speaker, he entered politics, and was elected Governor of South Carolina in 1890, and U. S. Senator in 1895. He founded two of the largest mechanical and agricultural colleges in the South, and is author of the dispensary system of selling liquor under State control. In 1896 he was a national delegate, and made his power felt in the convention that nominated Cleveland, whose administration he bitterly denounced in the Senate. He was also prominent in the convention that nominated Bryan in 1900.