John Hollis Bankhead was born on September 13, 1842, at Moscow, Marion County, Alabama (near present-day Sulligent, Alabama)
[Birmingham Herald]
Sept. 16, 1887
In the Federal court some twenty dealers in that good stuff called “moonshine” from Lamar County, were brought forward to the bar of the court in order that they might arrange their bonds. Congressman BANKHEAD promptly stepped forward and agreed to become their bondsman. Thereupon ex-Gov. Smith in his driest style but with a twinkle in his eye, arose and said: “If it please the court, there are about twenty more moon shiners from this congressional district who are anxious to find a bondsmen. I would like to have them brought before your Honor, in order that I may qualify upon their bonds. If the congressional fight is going to open up today, I want to know it. I don’t propose to get left. I am
William Hugh Smith (April 26, 1826 – January 1, 1899) was a planter and politician, the 21st Governor of the U.S. state of Alabama. He was the first Republican elected as governor in the state, serving from 1868 to 1870 during the period of Reconstruction. A former slave owner, he had opposed secession from the union on the grounds it would imperil slave property. He appeared driven by practical consideration rather than principled opposition to slavery.
going to keep up with the procession and with Capt. BANKHEAD.” The laughter that followed, though checked by his Honor Judge Bruce, was enjoyed by everybody present, the amiable congressman himself appreciating it with full zest.