Adam Huntsman Broadside
This double-sided broadside is addressed to “the free and independent voters of Madison County,” and presents to them Huntsman’s positions on the upcoming constitutional convention so they can decide whether or not to elect him as their delegate. Before beginning his description, he points out that critics should offer a better suggestion, and that if they do, he might change his mind.
For the legislative branch, he suggests that voters elect a lieutenant governor to act as Speaker of the Senate, that senators be either 30 years old or elected for four years so they have a different perspective than representatives, that voting power should reflect taxable assets as well as population so that East Tennessee doesn’t get more than it gives, that non-resident landowners not be allowed to vote, that each county be given a representative and a second for larger populations, that the congressional sessions and reapportionment sessions be aligned, and that taxes be equalized. For the executive branch, he suggests veto power. For the judicial branch, he suggests that its duties and size be set out in the constitution so they aren’t changed so often by the legislature, that court decisions be published, that judges not stand for election, and that there be a retirement age for judges. Huntsman then lists ideas for justices of the peace before he turns back to his own candidacy for convention delegate, promising to do his best and praising the state of Tennessee.
Dates
- 1834 February 1
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Extent
0.1 Linear Feet
Abstract
This double-sided broadside is addressed to “the free and independent voters of Madison County,” and presents to them Huntsman’s positions on the upcoming constitutional convention so they can decide whether or not to elect him as their delegate. He offers suggestions for the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, then lists ideas for justices of the peace before he turns back to his own candidacy for convention delegate, promising to do his best and praising the state of Tennessee.
Biographical/Historical Note
Adam R. Huntsman was born on February 11, 1786, in Charlotte County, Virginia to Jacob and Mary (Devine) Huntsman. He moved to Knoxville, Tennessee circa 1807 where he studied law and was admitted to the bar. He served in the Tennessee Senate from 1815 to 1821 and from 1827 to 1831. In 1834 he was elected as a delegate to the Tennessee Constitutional Convention, and in 1835 he beat David (Davy) Crockett to become the U.S. Representative for the 12th district. He served until 1837 when he returned to his law practice, working until 1848. Huntsman was married three times, to Sarah Quarles in 1825, to Elizabeth Todd in 1829, and to Nancy in 1847 or 1848. He died on August 23, 1849, in Madison County, Tennessee.
Arrangement
This collection consists of a single folder.
Acquisition Note
Special Collections bought this document in 1987.
Repository Details
Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository