Oliver Perry Temple : entrepreneur, agrarian, and politician

Oliver Perry Temple, a native East Tennessean, lived from 1820 to 1907. During his long life he maintained a keen interest in politics and pursued numerous business opportunities. Although this study is essentially a biography it also discusses the agricultural, and economic development of East Tennessee during much of the nineteenth century. Chapter one discusses Temple's participation in politics from the early 1840s through the Civil War. His involvement in the 1860 presidential canvass and the subsequent campaign against secession is discussed at length. The next chapter concentrates on Temple's post-war political activities. Of particular interest is his role as a Radical, a judge, and close associate of Leonidas C. Houk. The chapter concludes in the early 1890s when Temple's interest shifted away from politics. Chapter three depicts Temple as a writer who authored several books and essays which give his interpretation of the late antebellum era and the Civil War. Temple's agricultural interests are examined in chapter four. He is portrayed as a man who wanted to upgrade the economic status of East Tennessee farmers by urging them to diversify crops, grow less grain, and produce fruits and vegetables. Temple also encouraged husbandmen to improve their livestock herds through selective breeding. In chapter five several of Temple's business pursuits are studied. Of primary interest is his career as a lawyer and jurist. But also addressed are his cattle and land investments and his association with the Knoxville Chronicle. Although he earned considerable money through his land speculation and legal career, Temple is portrayed as an average businessman. Temple's interest in industry is examined in chapter six. Included is his work with railroad and mining companies. Also discussed are his endeavors with the Rugby colony and his unsuccessful effort to secure Tennessee's participation in the 1893 World's Fair. Finally Temple's work as a trustee at the East Tennessee University later the University of Tennessee, is examined. He is pictured as a leader in the drive to transform the school into an agricultural-mechanical institution.