Asbury Lever

Asbury Lever was a prominent American politician who served as a U.S. Representative from South Carolina's 7th congressional district. A member of the Democratic Party, he held office for a total of ten terms in the House of Representatives from 1901 until 1921. Lever's legislative work primarily focused on agricultural policies and rural development, significantly impacting the agricultural landscape of the United States during his tenure.

Early life and career

Asbury Francis Lever was born on January 5, 1875, near Springhill in Lexington County, South Carolina. He was the son of Asbury Francis Washington Lever, a farmer, and Mary Elvira Derrick. Lever's early education took place in local county schools, where he demonstrated academic promise. He graduated with honors from Newberry College in 1895, after which he briefly pursued a career in education, teaching school for two years.

In 1897, Lever moved to Washington, D.C., where he took on the role of private secretary to Representative J. William Stokes. This position provided him with valuable experience in the workings of Congress and helped shape his future political career. Lever continued his education at Georgetown University, where he graduated from the Law Department in 1899. He was admitted to the South Carolina bar the same year, although he did not practice law professionally.

Lever's political involvement began early in his career when he served as a delegate to the Democratic State conventions in 1896 and 1900. In 1901, he was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives, marking the beginning of his formal political career. His tenure in state politics laid the groundwork for his subsequent election to the U.S. Congress.

In 1911, Lever married Lucile Scurry Butler, and the couple had two children together. His family life remained an important aspect of his identity throughout his political career.

House tenure

Lever's congressional career began when he was elected as a Democrat to the Fifty-seventh Congress to fill the vacancy left by the death of J. William Stokes. He officially took office on November 5, 1901, and was subsequently re-elected to the Fifty-eighth Congress and the eight succeeding Congresses. His time in the House of Representatives extended until August 1, 1919, during which he served a total of ten terms.

Throughout his tenure, Lever was known for his leadership roles within various congressional committees. He served as the chairman of the House Committee on Education from 1911 to 1913 during the Sixty-second Congress. Following this, he chaired the Committee on Agriculture from the Sixty-third through the Sixty-fifth Congresses. His leadership in these committees allowed him to influence significant legislation related to education and agricultural policies.

Lever's legislative achievements were particularly notable in the realm of agriculture and rural life. He played a key role in the passage of several important bills, including the Smith-Lever Act of 1914, which established the Cooperative Extension Service. This act aimed to improve agricultural education and extend research-based knowledge to farmers and rural communities. Lever also supported the Cotton Futures Act of 1914 and the Cotton Warehouse Act of 1916, both of which were designed to stabilize the cotton market.

Another significant legislative accomplishment during Lever's time in Congress was the Federal Farm Loan Act of 1916, which created the Farm Credit Administration. This act aimed to provide farmers with access to credit and improve their financial stability. Additionally, he was instrumental in the Food and Fuel Control Act of 1917, which established the Food Administration and the Fuel Administration to manage resources during World War I.

After serving in Congress, Lever resigned to join the Federal Farm Loan Board, where he served until 1922. His work on the board continued his focus on agricultural issues and rural development.

Legislative focus and committees

Asbury Lever's legislative focus was predominantly centered on agriculture, education, and rural development. His role as chairman of the House Committee on Education allowed him to advocate for policies that aimed to enhance educational opportunities, particularly in rural areas. Lever's commitment to education was reflected in his support for initiatives that sought to improve the quality of education and access to resources for students in South Carolina and beyond.

Lever's leadership in the Committee on Agriculture was equally significant. He was a strong proponent of policies that supported farmers and aimed to improve agricultural practices. His involvement in the passage of key legislation, such as the Smith-Lever Act, underscored his dedication to enhancing agricultural education and providing resources to farmers. The Cooperative Extension Service, established through this act, has had a lasting impact on rural communities by facilitating the dissemination of agricultural knowledge and best practices.

In addition to his legislative achievements, Lever's influence extended beyond Congress. After his resignation, he continued to play a significant role in agricultural policy as a member of the Federal Farm Loan Board. His experience and expertise in agricultural matters made him a valuable asset in shaping policies that affected farmers and rural communities.

Lever's contributions to agriculture and rural life have left a lasting legacy. The Cooperative Extension Service, which he helped establish, has transformed the agricultural landscape in the United States and continues to serve as a vital resource for farmers. Furthermore, his involvement in various agricultural organizations and initiatives demonstrated his commitment to improving the lives of those in rural areas.

Lever's life after Congress included various leadership roles in educational institutions and agricultural organizations. He served as the Chair of the Board of Trustees of Newberry College and as a Life Trustee of Clemson College from 1913 until his death in 1940. His dedication to education and agriculture remained evident throughout his life, reflecting his enduring commitment to the communities he served.

Asbury Lever passed away on April 28, 1940, at his residence in Lexington County, South Carolina. He was interred at Woodland Cemetery on the campus of Clemson Agricultural College of South Carolina. His legacy is remembered through various institutions and initiatives that continue to impact agricultural education and rural development.