by Ray Hill | Nov 21, 2023 | Columnist, Hill, Ray Hill's Archives
By Ray Hill Ray Blanton is little remembered today save for one thing: the corruption of his administration. Compared to many of Tennessee’s more significant historical figures, Blanton’s political career was not long, but it was impossible not to notice the man who...
by Ray Hill | May 30, 2021 | Columnist, Hill, Stories In This Week's Focus:
By Ray Hill The trio of colorful legislators who exerted enormous influence in the Tennessee General Assembly for decades – – – Walter M. “Pete” Haynes, I. D. Beasley, and James H. Cummings – – – were commonly known in Nashville as...
by Ray Hill | May 23, 2021 | Columnist, Hill, Stories In This Week's Focus:
By Ray Hill For decades the Tennessee General Assembly was largely ruled by three men: Walter M. “Pete” Haynes of Decherd; I. D. Beasley of Carthage and James H. Cummings of Woodbury. Known as the “Unholy Trinity”, the three men were powerful legislators and highly...
by Ray Hill | May 16, 2021 | Columnist, Hill, Stories In This Week's Focus:
“Live so that when you die, even the undertaker will be sorry.” Sign that hung in the business office of Jim Cummings. By Ray Hill James H. Cummings is likely a name unfamiliar with most readers, but during his time he was a power and a man to be reckoned...
by Ray Hill | May 9, 2021 | Columnist, Hill, Ray Hill's Archives, Stories In This Week's Focus:
By Ray Hill Brazilla Carroll Reece had served Tennessee’s First Congressional District in Congress for ten years before losing the 1930 general election to Independent candidate Oscar Byrd Lovette. It was the first time in 52 years any candidate aside from a...
