The First Alexander Stephens Quiz

Answer: Twenty Dollars

Stephens appeared on twenty dollar notes issued in 1862 and 1864. Unlike modern United States paper money, several then-living Confederates appeared on paper money, including Jefferson Davis, Judah Benjamin, Robert M. T. Hunter, and Christopher Memminger.

A picture of Tennessee State Capitol appears on the obverse of the bill even though Stephens never lived in or represented Tennessee. The denomination of the bill is indicated both in Arabic numerals (20) and Roman numbers (XX). In the United States, an X rating indicates a film that only adults can see and that many would consider obscene.

Answer: Representative

Stephens served in the House of Representatives from 1843-1859 and after the Civil War from 1873-1882. In the early part of his political career, Stephens was a member of the Whig Party, later becoming a Democrat. He became friends with fellow Whig Abraham Lincoln during the latter's House Term (1847-1849).

In a cordial letter written to Stephens during the secession crisis of 1860-1861, Lincoln describes, " You think slavery is right and ought to be extended, while we think it is wrong and ought to be restricted. That, I suppose, is the rub.

It certainly is the only substantial difference between us."

Answer: Stephens never married nor had children.

Stephens was a lifelong bachelor until his death at the age of 71. For the last 11 years of his life, he lived at his home, Liberty Hall, near Crawford, GA. Standing about 5 feet 7 inches, he generally weighed about 90-100 pounds as an adult and was sickly for most of his life.

In my research, I didn't find any evidence that his physical condition had an impact on his marital status, but it could be worth investigating further.

Answer: Governor of Georgia

Stephens resigned as US Representative from Georgia on November 4, 1882 upon being elected Governor of Georgia. He died in office on March 4, 1883, having served as governor for only a few months. One story suggests that Stephens died as a result of an injury he received while working on his plantation. He was 71 at the time of his death.

Answer: University of Georgia

Franklin College, named for Benjamin Franklin, opened in 1801. The University of Georgia actually dates its founding by the Georgia State Legislature to 1785, but it took some time for the school to open. Currently called the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, it is one of 17 schools that make up the University of Georgia.

Answer: He served in the State House of Representatives and State Senate

Stephens served in the Georgia House of Representatives (1837-1841), his first elected office, and the State Senate (1842-1843), before his election to the US House of Representatives. During this period, he was a member of the Whig Party. It was during this time he began a lifelong friendship with fellow Georgia politician, Robert Toombs.

Answer: Not much--His mother died before his father, but they both died before he turned 18

His mother, born Margaret Greer, died when he was only three months old. His father, Andrew Stephens, married again, this time Matilda Lindsay. Both Stephens's father and stepmother died in May 1826, when he was 14 years old. He and his siblings were sent to live with various relatives. Stephens himself was sent to live with his maternal uncle, Aaron Greer.

Answer: Crawford Long

While at college, Stephens was a member of the Phi Kappa literary society. Crawford Long was a surgeon best known for his pioneering use of ether as an anesthetic during surgery. Interestingly, Stephens and Crawford Long are the two choices representing Georgia in National Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol Building.

Answer: He was a supporter of slavery and himself owned over 30 slaves

In his career as a lawyer, Stephens was able to acuqire a significant amount of wealth. By the time of the Civil War, he owned 34 slaves and owned several thousands of acres in Georgia. In his 1861 "Cornerstone" speech, he indicates his support for slavery: "Our new Government is founded upon exactly the opposite ideas; its foundations are laid, its cornerstone rests, upon the great truth that the Negro is not equal to the white man; that slavery, subordination to the superior race, is his natural and normal condition." Yet, I also found several sources that indicated by the standards of his day, Stephens was considered a not-unkind slave owner (once you get past the unkindness of owning slaves).

These sources indicate that a number of the former slaves continued to live and work at the plantation after gaining their freedom, though it is unclear if this was because of positive feelings towards Stephens or lack of other options.

Answer: A Constitutional View of the Late War Between the States, 2 vol. (1868-70)

"The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government" was written by Jefferson F. Davis, President of the Confederacy. "From Manassas to Appomattox" was written by James Longstreet. "Military Memoirs of a Confederate" was written by Edward Porter Alexander. Stephens's memoirs is considered by many to be one of the better defenses of states' rights and secession.