From the 1938 centennial edition of The Times-Register
Probably the most illustrious lawmaker that Salem ever produced was Col. Henry Alonzo Edmundson who practiced law in Salem for a number of years and was a member of Congress for six terms from March 4, 1849 to March 3, 1861. He did not offer for reelection in 1861.
During the years Col. Edmundson represented this district in the legislature the most acrimonious debates ever held in the congress took place, and it was the misfortune of Col. Edmundson, though no fault of his, to become involved in the famous Brooks-Sumner assault case which did much to inflame the passions of the people both above and below the Mason and Dixon line.
In the bitter debates of those historical days the fiery Preston Brooks, a representative from South Carolina, took offense at remarks of Senator Sumner of Massachusetts. The South Carolinian assaulted Sumner with a cane and did much physical violence to the body of the senator. That Col. Edmundson had anything to do with the attack was not claimed, but the Salem man was a staunch friend of the South Carolinian and Brooks had told Edmundson of his plan to attack Sumner. That Edmundson did not divulge the plans of Representative Brooks was resented by the northerners, and which the motion to expel Brooks from the House was offered, a resolution was also offered to censure the local man for not making public the intentions of Brooks which had been given to him in confidence.
Edmundson Vindicated Edmundson was vindicated by the vote, for the resolution to censure him was defeated by more than a two to one majority. A majority of the votes in the house to oust Brooks were cast but there was not a two-thirds vote for his expulsion so that he was permitted to keep his seat.
Col. Edmundson was born at Blacksburg on June 8, 1814 and moved to Salem while a young many to practice law. He married a grandniece of General Andrew Lewis and they resided on High Street in Salem for a number of years.
When the war broke out he was instrumental in organizing the 27th Virginia cavalry battalion and was made the colonel of this regiment. He was some service in Kentucky and also served in the Shenandoah valley. Following the war he again settled in Salem to practice law. His last years were spend at Falling Waters, in Montgomery county, where he died in 1890.
He was the uncle of Judge Henry Blair, one of Salem’s most noted jurists.
Prepared by Lingjie Gu
