Full text of "Portrait biographical album of Fulton Co., Illinois ... together with portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States and governors of the state"

L I B R_AR.Y

OF THL

U N IVERS ITY

Of ILLINOIS

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OF PROMINENT^ RiPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

OF THE COUNTY

TOGETHER WITH- PORTRAITS -AND -BIOGRAPHIES-OF-ALL ■ THE

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CHICAGO:

BIOGKAPIIICAL I'UBLISHING CO.

1890.

pF(Ep/^§E.

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VjHE greatest of English historians, Macaui.ay, and one of tlie most brilliant writers ol
the present cenlar}^ has said: "The history' of acoiintrj' isbest told inarecord of the ■
lives of its people." In conformity with this idea the Foktrait and Biogkapuical
Album of this county has been prepare<l. Instead of going to must}' records, and
taking therefrom dry statistical matter tliat can be appreciated by but few, our
corps of writers have gone to tlic people, the men and women who have, by their
enterprise and industry, brought the county to a rank second to none among tiiose
corai)rising this great and noble State, and from their lips have the story of tlieir life
struggles. No more interesting or instructive matter could be presented to an intelli-
gent public. In this volume will be found a record of many whose lives are worthy the
imitation of coming generations. It tells how some, commencing life in poverty-, by
ndustry and econom}- have accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with limited
advantages for securing an education, have become learned men and women, with an
influence extending througliout the length and breadth of the land. It tells of men who
have risen from the lower walks of life to eminence as statesmen, and wliosc names have
become famous. It tells of those in every walk in life who have striven to succeed, and
records how that success has usuallj- crowned their efforts. It tells also of many, very
manv, who, not seeking the applause of the world, have pursued "the even tenor of their way," content
to iuive it .said of them as Christ said of the woman performing a deed of mercy — "they have done v/hat
Xtliey could." It tells how that many in the pride and strengtli of young manhood left the plow and the
^ anvil, the lawyer's office and the counting-room, left every trade and profession, and at their country'.s
^ call went forth valiantly "to do or die," and how through their efforts the Union was restored and peace
i once more reigned in the land. In the life of every man and of everj' woman is a lesson tliat should not
r be lost upon those who follow after.

^ Coming genei-ations will appreciate this volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure, from the fact

■ -^ that it contains so much that would never find its wa^' into public records, .and which would otherwise be

-^i inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation of the work and every opportunity possible

J5_given to those represented to insure correctness in what has been written, and the publishers flatter tiiem-

>0 selves that thej' give to their readers a work with few errors of consequence. In addition tollie biograph-

"^^ ical sketches, portraits of a number of representative citizens are given.

The faces of some, and biographical sketches of manj', will be missed in this volume. For this the

publishers are not to blame. Not having a proper conception of the work, some refused to give the

information necessary to compile a sketch, while others were indifferent. Occasionally some member of

4 the family would oppose the enterprise, and on account of such opposition the support of the interested

'"one would be withheld. In a few instances men could never be found, though re|)eatcd calls were made

^-'^ their re.siden.ce or place of business.

Biographicai, Plblisiiixo Co.
Chicago, November, IS'JO.

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OF THE

GOVERNORS of ILLINOIS,

AND OFTHE

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FIRST PRESIDENT.

v a»rS'>^i^tt^(^iai»i'^.'i ^'i •.'i*:^! ;.'■ •..'i^'^ta^t^sa'^t^'^tS'a'^^'^^'^^^tSii'^'g^'^)

J HE Father of our Country was
'^w^born in Westmorland Co., Va.,
;;^ Feb. 22, 1732. His parents
'a were Augustine and Mary
-^ (Ball) Washington. The family
to which he belonged has not
been satisfactorily traced in
England. His great-grand-
father, John Washington, em-
igrated to Virginia about 1(357,
and became a [)rosi)erous
planter. He had two sons,
Lawrence and John. The
former married Mildred Warner
and had tliree children, John,
Augustine and Mildred. Augus-
tine, the father of George, fiist
married Jane Butler, who bore
him four children, two of whom,
Lawrence and Augustine, reached
maturity. Of si.x children by his
second marriage, George was the
eldest, the others being Betty,
Samuel, Joiin Augustine, Charles
and Mildred.
.•\ugu-.,line Washijigton, the father of George, died
in 1743, leaving a large landed property. To his
eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an estate on
tlie I'atomac, afterwards known as Mount Vernon,
and to George he left the parental residence. George
received only such education as the neighborhood
schools afforded, save for a short time after he left
school, when he received private instruction in
matlnjiuarcs. His spellinsi v/as rather defective.

Remarkable stories are told of his great physica.
strength and development at an early age. He wa.s
an acknowledged leader among his companions, and
was early noted for that nobleness of character, fair-
ness and veracity which characterized his whole life.

NVhen George was 1 4 years old he had a desire to go to
sea, and a midshipman's warrant was secured for him,
but through the opposition of his mother the idea was
abandonsd. Two years later he was appointed
surveyor to the immense estate of Lord Fairfax. \n
this business he spent three years in a rough frontier
life, gaining experience which afterwards proved vt:ry
essential to him. Pn 175 r, though only ig years of
age, he was appointed adjutant with the rank of
major in the Virginia militia, then being trained for
active service against the French and Indians. Soon
after this he sailed to the West Lidies with his brother
Lawrence, who went there to restore his health They
soon returned, and in the summer of 1752 Lawrence
died, leaving a large fortune to an infant daughter
who did not long survive him. On her dennse the
estate of Mount Vernon was given to George.

U|)on the arrival of Robert Dinwiddle, as Lieuten-
ant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia wa?
reorganized, and the province divided into four mili-
tary districts, of which the northern was assignee to
Washington as adjutant general. Shortly after this
a very perilous mission was assigned him and ac-
cepted, which others had refused. This was to pro-
ceed to the French post near Lake Erie in North-
western Pennsylvania. The distance to be traversed
was between 500 and 600 miles. Winter was at hand,
and the journey was to be made without military
escort, through a territory occupied by Indians. Tht

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

trip was a perilous one, and several limes he came near
losing his life, yet he returned in safety and furnished
a full and useful report of his expedition. A regiment
of 300 men was raised in Virginia and put in com-
mand of Col. Joshua Fry, and Major Washington was
commissioned lieutenant-colonel. Active war was
then begun against the French and Indians, in which
Washington took a most important part. In the
memorable event of July 9, 1755, known as Brad-
dock's defeat, Washington was almost the only officer
of distinction who escaped from the calamities of the
day with life and honor. The other aids of Braddock
ivere disabled early in the action, and W'ashington
alone was left in that capacity on the field. In a letter
to his brother he says: "I had four bullets through
my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet I escaped
unhurt, though death was levelino niy companions
on every side." An Indian sharpshooter said he was
not born to be killed by a bullet, for he had taken
direct aim at him seventeen times, and failed to hit
him.

After having been five years in the military service,
and vainly sought jjromotion in the royal army, he
took advantage of the fall of Fort Duquesne and the
expulsion of the French from the valley of the Ohio,
CO resign his commission. Soon after he entered the
Legislature, where, although not a leader, he took an
active and important part. January 17, 1759, he
married Mrs. Martha (13andridge) Custis, the wealthy
widow of John Parke Custis.

When the British Parliament had closed the port
~i{ Boston, the cry went up throughout the provinces
that "The cause of Boston is the cause of us all."
It was then, at the suggestion of Virginia, that a Con-
gress of all the colonies was called to meet at Phila-
delphia,Sept. 5, 1774, to secure their common liberties,
peaceably if possible. To this Congress Col. Wash-
ington was sent as a delegate. On May 10, 1775, the
Congress re-assembled, when the hostile intentions of
England were plainly apparent. The battles of Con-
cord and Lexington had been fought. Among the
first acts of this Congress was the election of a com-
mander-in-chief of the colonial forces. This high and
responsible office was conferred upon Washington,
who was still a memberof the Congress. He accepted
it on June 19, but upon the express condition that he
receive no salary. He would keep an exact account
of expenses and expect Congress lo pay them and
nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch to
trace the military acts of Washington, to whom the
fortunes and liberties of the people of this country
were so long confided. The war was conducted by
him under every possible disadvantage, and while his
forces often met with reverses, yet he overcame every
obstacle, and after seven years of heroic devotion
and matchless skill he gained liberty for the greatest
nation of earth. On Dec. 23, 17S3, Washington, in
a parting address of surpassing beauty, resigned his

commission as commander-in-chief of the army to
to the Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He
retired immediately to Mount Vernon and resumed
his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning all
connection with public life.

In February, 17 89, Washington was unanimously
elected President. In his presidential career he was
subject to the peculiar trials incidental to a new
government ; trials from lack of confidence on the pan
of other governments ; trials from want of harmony
between the different sections of our own country;
trials from the impoverished condition of the country,
owing to the war and want of credit; trials from the
beginnings of party strife. He was no partisan. His
clear judgment could discern the golden mean; and
while perhaps this alone kept our government from
sinking at the very outset, it left him exposed to
attacks from both sides, which were often bitter and
very annoying.

At the expiration of his first term he was unani-
mously re-elected. At the end of this term many
were anxious that he be re-elected, but he alisolutely
refused a third nomination. On the fourth of March,
1797, at the expiraton of his second term as Presi-
dent, he returned to his home, hoping to pass there
his few remaining years free from the annoyances of
public life. Later in the year, however, his repose
seemed likely to be interrupted by war with France
At the prospect of such a war he was again urged to
take command of the armies. He chose his sub-
ordinate officers and left to them the charge of mat-
ters in the field, which he superintended from his
home. In accepting the command he made the
reservation that he was not to be in the field until
it was necessary. In the midst of these preparations
his life was suddenly cut off. December 12, he took
a severe cold from a ride in the rain, which, settling
in h's throat, produced inflammation, and terminated
fatally on the night of the fourteenth. On the eigh-
teenth his body was borne wi'h military honors to its
final resting place, and interred in the family vault at
Mount Vernon.

Of the character of Washington it is impossible to
speak but in terms of the highest respect and ad-
miration. The more we see of the operations of
our government, and the more deeply we feel the
difficulty of uniting all opinions in a common interest,
the more highly we must estimate the force of his tal-
ent and character, which have been able to challenge
the reverence of all parties, and principles, and na-
tions, and to win a fame as extended as the limits
of the globe, and whidh we cannot but believe will
be as lasting as the existence of man.

The jierson of Washington was nnusally tali, erect
and well proportioned. His muscular strength was
great. His features were of a beautiful symmetrv.
He commanded respect without any appearance o*
haughtiness, and ever serious without Vwing dull.

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SECOND PRESIDENT.

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. ^o.'t^^i ^l

OHN ADAMS, the second
President and the first Vice-
' President of the United States,
was born in Braintree ( now
Quincy),Mass., and about ten
'■^ miles from Boston, Oct. 19,
1735. His great-grandfather, Henry
Adams, emigrated from England
about 1 640, with a family of eight
sons, and settled at Braintree. The
parents of John were John and
Susannah (Boylston) Adams. His
father was a fanner of limited
means, to which he added the bus-
iness of shoemaking. He gave his
eldest son, John, a classical educa-
tion at Harvard College. John
graduated in 1755, and at once took charge of the
school in Worcester, Mass. This he found but a
'sci-;ool of affliction," from which Iv; endeavored to
gain lelief by devoting himself, in addition, to the
study of law. For this purjxjse he placed himself
under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town. He
had thought seriously of the clerical profession
but seems to have been turned from this by what he
cermed "the frightful engines of ecclesiastical coun-
cils, cf diabolical malice, and Calvanistic good nature,"
of the operations of which he had been a witness in
his native town. He was well fitted for the legal
profession, iwssessing a clear, sonorous voice, being
ready and fluent of speech, and having quick percep-
tive powers. He gradually gained practice, and in
1764 married Abigail Smith, a daughter of a minister,
and a lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his
marriage, (17(^5), the attempt of Parliamentary taxa-
tion turned him from law to politics. He took inirial
jteps toward holding, a town meeting, and the resolu-

tions he offered on the subject became very iwpulai
throughout the Province, and were adopted word for
word by over forty different towns. He moved to Bos-
ton in 1768, and became one of the most courageous
and prominent advocatesof the popular cause, and
was chosen a member of the General Court (the Leg-
lislature) in 1770.

Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first delegates
from Massachusetts to the first Continental Congreis,
which met in 1774. Here he distinguished himselt
by his capacity for business and for debate, and ad-
vocated the movement for independence against the
majority of the members. In May, 1776, he moved
and carried a resolution in Congress that the Colonies
should assume the duties of self-government. He
was a prominent member of the committee of iive
appointed June 11, to prepare a declaration of inde-
pendence. This article was drawn by Jefferson, but
on Adams devolved the task of battling it through
Congress in a three days debate.

On the day after the Declaration of Independence
was passed, while his soul was yet warm with th^
glow of excited feeling, he wrote a letter to his wife
which, as we read it now, seems to have been dictated
by the spirit of prophecy. "Yesterday," he says, "the
greatest question was decided that ever was debated
in America; and greater, perhaps, never was or wil
be decided among men. A resolution was passed
without one dissenting colony, ' that these United
States are, and of right ought to be, free and inde-
pendent states.' The day is passed. The fourth of
July, 1776, will be a memorable ejioch in the history
of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated
by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary
festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of
deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to Almighty
God. It ought to be solemnized with pomp, shows-

JOHN ADAMS.

!;;unes, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations
irom one end of the coniinent to the other, from this
time forward for ever. Vou will think me transjxjrted
with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of
the toil, and blood and treasure, that it will cost to
maintain this declaration, and support and defend
the^e States; yet, tlirough all the gloom, I can see the
rays of light and glory. I can see that the end is
Worth more than all the means; and that posterity
will triumph, although you and I may rue, which I
hope we shall not."

In November, 1777, Mr. Adams was appointed a
delegate to France, and to co-operate with Benijamin
Franklin and Arthur Lee, who were then in Paris, in
the endeavor to obtain assistance in arms and money
from the French Government. This was a severe trial
to his patriotism, as it separated him from his home,
compelled him to cross the ocean in winter, and ex-
posed him to great peril of capture by tlie British cruis-
ers, who were seeking him. He left France June 17,
1779. In September of the same year he was again
ciiosen to go to Paris, and there hold himself in readi-
ness to negotiate a treaty of peace and of commerce
with Great Britian, as soon as the British Cabinet
might be found willing to listen to such pioposels. He
sailed for France in November, from there he went to
Holland, where he negotiated important loans and
formed important commercial treaties

Finally a treaty of peace with England was signed
Jan. 21, 1783. The re-action from the excitement,
toil and anxiety through which Mr. Adams had passed
threw him into a fever. After suffering from a con-
tinued fever and becoming feeble and emaciated he
was advised to go to England to drink the waters of
Bath. ^Vhile in England, still drooping and desiwnd-
ing, he received dispatches from his own government
urging the necessity of his going to Amsterdam to
negotiate another loan. It was winter, his health was
delicate, yet he immediately set out, and through
storm, on sea, on horseback and foot,hemade the trip.

February 24, 1785, Congress appointed Mr. Adams
envoy to the Court of St. James. Here he met face
to face the King of England, who had so long re-
garded him as a traitor. As England did not
condescend to appoint a minister to the United
States, and as Mr. Adams felt that he was accom-
plishing but little, he sought permission to return to
his own country, where he arrived in June, 1788.

When Washington was first chosen President, John
Adams, rendered illustiious by his signal services at
home and abroad, was chosen Vice President. Again
at the second election of Washington as President,
Adams was chosen Vice President. In 1796, Wash-
ington retired from public life, and Mr. Adams was
elected President, though not without much opposition.
Serving in this office four years,he was succeeded by
Mr. Jefferson, his opponent in politics.

T/hile Mr. Adams was Vice President the great

French Revolution shook the continent of Europe,
and it was upon this point which he was at issue with
the majority of his countr\men led by Mr. Jefferson.
Mr. Adams felt no symjiathy with the French peo])le
in their struggle, for he had no confidence in theiv
jx)wer of self-government, and he utterly abhored the
classof atheist philosophers who-he claimed caused it.
On the other hand Jefferson's sympathies were strongly
enlisted in behalf of the French people. Hence or-
iginated the alienation between these distinguished
men, and two powerful parties were thus soon organ-
ized, Adams at the head of the one whose sympathies
were with England and Jefferson led the other in
sympathy with France.

The world has seldom seen a spectacle of more
moral beauty and grandeur, than was presented by the
old age of Mr. Adams. The violence of party feeling
had died away, and he had begun to receive that just
appreciation which, to most men, is not accorded till
after death. No one could look upon his venerable
form, and think of what he had done and suffered,
and how he had given up all the prime and strength
of his life to the public good, without the deepest
emotion of gratitude and respect. It was his peculiar
good fortune to witness the complete success of the
institution which he had been so active in creating and
supporting. In t824, his cup of haijpiness was filled
to the brim, by seeing his son elevated to the highest .
station in the gift of the people.

The fourth of July, 1S26, which completed the half
century since the signing of the Declaration of Inde-
pendence, arrived, and there were but three of the
signers of that immortal instrument left upon the
earth to hail its morning light. And, as it is
well known, on that day two of these finished their
earthly pilgrimage, a coincidence so remarkable as
to seem miraculous. For a few days before Mr.
Adams had been rapidly failing, and on the morning
of the fourth he found himself too weak to rise from
his bed. On being requested to name a toast for the
customar)' celebration of the day, he exclaimed " In-
dependence FOREVER." When the day was ushered
in, by the ringing of bells and the firing of cannons,
he was asked by one of his cttendants if he knew
what day it was? He replied, "O yes; it is the glor-
ious fourih of July — God bless it — God bless you all."
In the course of the day he said, "It is a great and
glorious day." The last words he uttered were,
"Jefferson survives." But he had, at one o'clock, re-
signed his spiiit into the hands of his God.

The personal apjiearance and manners of Mr.
Adams were not particularly prepossessing. His face,
as his portrait manifests.was intellectual ard expres-
sive, but his figure was low and ungraceful, and his
manners were frequently abrupt and uncourteous.
He had neither the lofly dignity of Washington, nor
the engaging elegance and gracefulness which marked
the manners and address of Jefferson.

^fe»^r;-

WL,

THIRD PRESIDENT.

HOMAS JEFFERSON was
^ born April 2, 1743, at Shad-
l|5 well, Albermavle county, Va.

His parents were Peter and
Jane ( Randol[)h) Jefferson,
the former a native of Wales,
and the latter born in Lon-
don. To them were born six
daughters and two sons, of
whom Thomas was the elder.
When 14 years of age his
father died. He received a
most liberal education, hav-
been kept diligently at school
from the lime he was five year* of
age. In 1760 he entered William
and Mary College. Williamsburg was then the seat
of the Colonial Court, and it was the obodeof fashion
a.id splendor. Young Jefferson, who was then 17
years old, lived somewhat expensively, keeping fine
horses, and much caressed by gay society, yet he
was earnestly devoted to his studies, and irreproacha-
al)le in his morals. It is strange, however, under
such influences,that he was not ruined. In the sec-
ond year of his college course, moved by some un-
explained inward impulse, he discarded his horses,
society, and even his favorite violin, to which he had
previously given much time. He often devoted fifteen
hours a day to haid study, allowing 'himself for ex-
ercise only a run in the evening twilight of a mile out
of the city and back again. He thus attained very
high intellectual culture, alike excellence in philoso-
phy and the languages. The most difficult Latin and
Greek authors he read with facility. A more finished
scholar has seldom gone forth from college halls; and

there wa?not to be found, perhaps, in all Virginia, a
more pureminded, upright, gentlemanly young man.

Immediately upon leaving college he began the
study of law. For the short time he continued in the
practice of his profession he rose rapidly and distin-
guished himself by his energy and accuteness as a
lawyer. But the times called for greater action.
The policy of England had awakened the spirit of
resistance of the American Colonies, and the enlarged
views which Jefferson had ever entertained, soon led
liim into active political life. In 1769 he was choser
a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses hi
1772 he married Mrs. JNIartha Skelton, a very beauti-
ful, wealthy and highly accomplished young widov.-

Upon Mr. Jefferson's large estate at Shadwell, tli^re
was a majestic swell of land, called Monticello, which
commanded a prospect of wonderful extent and
beauty. This spot Mr. Jefferson selected for his new
home; and here he reared a mansion of modest ye'
elegant architecture, which, next to Mount Vernon
became the most distinguished resort in our land.

In 1775 he was sent to the Cclonial Congress
where, though a silent member, his abilities as a
writer and a reasoner soon become known, and ho
was placed upon a number of important committees,
and was chairman of the one appointed for the draw-
ing up of a declaration of independence. This com-
mittee consisted of Tiioinas Jefferson, John Adams,
Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert R.
Livingston. Jefferson, as chairman, was appointed
to draw up the paper. Franklin and Adams suggested
a few verbal changes before it was submitted to Con-
gress. On June 28, a few slight changes were m.ade
in it by Congress, and it was passed and signed July
4, 1776, What must have been the feelings of that

THOMAS JEFFERSON.

man — what the emotions that swelled his breast —
who was charged with the preparation of that Dec-
laration, which, while it made known the wrongs of
America, was also to publish her to the world, free,
Boverign and independent. It is one of the most re-
markable papers ever written ; and did no other effort
ijf the mind of its author exist, that alone would be
sufficient to stamp his name with immortality.

In 1779 Mr. Jefferson was elected successor to
Patrick Henry, as Governor of Virginia. At one time
the British officer, Tarleton, sent a secret expedition to
Moniicello, to capture the Governor. Scarcely five
minutes elapsed after the hurried escape of Mr. Jef-
ferson and his family, ere his mansion was in posses-
sion of the British troops. His wife's health, never
very good, was much injured by this excitement, and
in the summer of 1782 she died.

Mr. Jefferson was elected to Congress in 1783.
Two yeirs later he was appointed Minister Plenipo-
tentiary to France. Returning to the United States
in September, 1789, he became Secretary of State
in Washington's cabinet. This position he resigned
Jan. J, 1794. In 1797, he was chosen Vice Presi-
dent, and four years later was elected President over
Mr. Adams, with Aaron Burr as Vice President. In
1804 he was re-elected with wonderful unanimity,
and George Clinton, Vice President.

The early part of Mr. Jefferson's second adminstra-
tion was disturbed by an event which threatened the
tranquility and peace of the Union; this was the con-
spiracy of Aaron Burr. Defeated in the late election
to the Vice Presidency, and led on by an unprincipled
ambition, this extraordinary man formed the plan of a
military expedition into the Spanish territories on our
southwestern frontier, for the purpose of forming there
a new republic. This has been generally supposed
was a mere pretext ; and although it has not been
generally known what his real plans were, there is no
doubt that they were of a far more dangerous
character.

In 1809, at the expiration of the second term for
which Mr. Jefferson had been elected, he determined
to retire from political life. For a period of nearly
:orty years, he had been continually before the pub-
.ic, and all that time had been employed in offices of
the greatest trust and responsibility. Having thus de-
voted the best part of his life to the service of his
country', he now felt desirous of that rest \vhich his
declining years required, and ui^on the organization of
the new administration, in March, 1809, he bid fare-
well forever to public life, and retired to Monticello.

Mr. Jefferson was profuse in his hospitality. Whole
families came in their coaches with their horses, —
fathers and mothers, boys and girls, babies and
nurses, — and remained three and even six months.
Life at Monticello, for years, resembled that at a
fashionable watering-place.

The fourth of July 1826, being the fiftieth anniver-

sary of the Declaration of American Independence.
great prejiarations were made in every part of the
Union for its celebration, as the nation's jubilee, and
the citizens of Washington, to add to the solemnity
of the occasion, invited Mr. Jefferson, as the framer,
and one of the few surviving signers of the Declara-
tion, to participate in their festivities. But an ill-
ness, which had been of several weeks duration, and
had been continually increasing, compelled him to
decline the invitation.

On the second of July, the disease under which
he was laboring left him, but in such a reduced
state that his medical _ attendants, entertained nc
hope of his recovery. From this time he was perfectly
sensible that his last hour was at hand. On the next
day, which was Monday, he asked of those around
him, the day of the month, and on being told it was
the third of July, he expressed the earnest wish tha;
he might be permitted to breathe the air of the fiftieth
anniversary. His prayer was heard — that day, whose
dawn was hailed with such rapture through our land,
burst upon his eyes, and then they were closed for-
ever. And what a noble consummation of a noble
life ! To die on that day, — the birthday of a nation,- -
the day v/hich his own name and his own _ act had
rendered glorious; to die amidst the rejoicings and
festivities of a whole nation, who looked up to him,
as the author, under God, of their greatest blessings,
was all that was wanting to fill up the record his life.

Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin-
dred spirit of the venerable Adams, as if to bear
him company, left the scene of his earthly honors.
Hand in hand they had stood forth, the champions of
freedom ; hand in hand, during the dark and desiier-
ate struggle of the Revolution, they had cheered and
animated their desponding countr>'nien; for half a
century they had labored together for the good of
the country-; and now hand in hand they depart.
In their lives they had been united in the same great
cause of liberty, and in their deaths they were not
divided.

In person Mr. Jefferson was tall and thin, rather
above six feet in height, but well formed; his eyes
were light, his hair originally red, in after life became
white and silvery; his complexion was fair, his fore-
head broad, and his whole countenance intelligent and
thoughtful. He possessed great fortitude of mind as
well as personal courage; and his command of tem-
per was such that his oldest and most intimate friends
never recollected to have seen him in a passion.
His manners, though dignified, were simple and un-
affected, and his hospitality was so unbounded that
all found at his house a ready welcome. In conver-
sarion he was fluent, eloquent and enthusiastic; ard
his language was remarkably pure and correct. He
was a finished classical scholar, and in his writings is
discernable the care with which he formed his style
upon the best models of antiquity.

/ CZA^'^'-^ ^cyC(_ if-^oc^f t:-''K,

FOURTH PRESIDENT.

.'PriQES IIPDISOI].*

AMES IMADISON, "Father
of the Constitution," and fourth
J)" President of the United States,
was born March i6, 1757, and
died at his home in Virginia,
'j f^' June 28, 1S36. The name of
James Madison is inseparably con-
nected with most of the important
events in that heroic period of our
country during which the founda-
tions of this great repubhc were
laid. He was the last of the founders
of the Constitution of the United
States to lie called to his eternal
reward.

The Madison family were among
the early emigrants to the New World,
landing upon the shores of the Chesa-
peake but 15 years after the settle-
ment of Jamestown. The father of
James Madison was an opulent
planter, residing uix)n a very fine es-
tate called "Monti)elier," Orange Co.,
Va. The mansion was situated in
the midst of scenery highly pictur-
esque and romantic, on the west side
of South-west Mountain, at the foot of
Blue Ridge. It was but 25 miles from the home of
Jefferson at Monticello. The closest personal and
political attacliment existed between these illustrious
men, from their early youth until deatii.

The early education of Mr. Madison was conducted
mostly at home under a private tutor. At the age of
tS he was sent to Princeton College, in New Jersey.
Here lie applied himself to study with the most im-

prudent zeal; allowing himself, for months, but three
hours' sleep out of the 24. His health thus became so
seriously impaired that he never recovered any vigor
of constitution. He graduated in 177 i, with a feeble
body, with a character of utmost purity, and with a
mind higlily disciplined and ricjily stored with learning
which embellished and gave proficiency to his subsr '
quent career.

Returning to Virginia, he commenced the study of
law and a course of extensive and systematic reading.
This educational course, the spirit of the times in
which he lived, and the society with which he asso-
ciated, all combined to inspire him with a strong
love of liberty, and to train him for his life-woik of
a statesman. Being naturally of a religious turn of
mind, and his frail health leading him to think that
his life was not to be long, he directed especial atten-
tion to theological studies. Endowed with a mmd
singularly free from passion and prejudice, and with
almo.";! uneiiualled powers of reasoning, he weighed
all the arguments for and against revealed religion,
until his faith became so established as never to
be shaken.

In the spring of 1776, when 26 years of age, he
was elected a member of the Virginia Convention, to
frame the constitution of the State. The next year
('777)1 lis was a candidate for the General .Assembly.
He refused to treat the whisky-loving voters, and
consequently lost his election ; but those who had
witnessed the talent, energy and public spirit of the
modest young man, enlisted themselves in his behalf,
and he was appointed to tlie Executive Council.

Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were
Governors of Virginia while Mr. Madison remained
member of tlie Council ; and their appreciation of his

/AMES MADISON.

intellectual, social and moral worth, contributed not
a little to his subsequent eminence. In the year
1780, he was elected a member of the Continental
Congress. Here he met the most illustrious men in
our land, and he was immediately assigned to one of
the most conspicuous positions among them.

For three years Mr. Madison continued in Con-
gress, one of its most active and influential members.
In the year 1784, his term having expired, he was
elected a member of the Virginia Legislature.

No man felt more deeply than Mr. Madison the
utter inefficiency of the old confederacy, with no na-
tional government, with no power to form treaties
which would be binding, or to enforce law. There
was not any State more prominent than Virginia in
the declaration, that an efficient national government
must be formed. In January, 1786, Mr. Madison
carried a resolution through the General Assembly of
Virginia, inviting the other .States to appoint commis-
sioners to meet in convention at Annapolis to discuss
this subject. Five States only were represented. The
convention, however, issued another call, drawn up
by Mr. Madison, urging all the States to send their
delegates to Philadelphia, in May, 17 87, to draft
a Constitution for the United States, to take the place
of that Confederate League. The delegates met at
the time appointed. Every State but Rhode Island
was represented. George Washington was chosen
president of the convention; and the present Consti-
tution of the United States was then and there formed.
There was, perhaps, no mind and no pen more ac-
tive in framing this immortal document than the mind
and the pen of James Madison.

The Constitution, adopted by a vote Si to 79, was
to be presented to the several States for acceptance.
But grave solicitude was felt. Should it be rejected
we should be left but a conglomeration of independent
States, with but little ixjwer at home and little respect
abroad. Mr. Madison was selected by tne conven-
tion to draw up an address to the people of the United
States, expounding the principles of the Constitution,
and urging its adoption. There was great opposition
to it at first, but it at length triumphed over all, and
went into effect in 1789.

Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Repre-
sentatives in the first Congress, and soon became the
avowed leader of the Republican party. While in
New York attending Congress, he met Mrs. Todd, a
young widow of remarkable power of fascination,
whom he married. She was in person and character
queenly, and. probably no lady has thus far occui)ied
so prominent a position in the very peculiar society
wliich has constituted our republican court as Mrs.
Mndison.

Mr. Madison served as Secretai-y of State under
Jefferson, and at the close of his administration
was chosen President. At this time the encroach-
ments of England had brought us to the verge of war.

British orders in council destioyed our commerce, and
our flag was ex|)osed to constant insult. Mr. Madison
was a man of peace. Scholarly in his taste, retiring
in his disposition, war had no charms for him. But the
meekest spirit can be roused. It makes one's blood
boil, even now, to think of an .American ship brouglit
to, upon the ocean, by the guns of an English cruiser.
A young lieutenant steps on board and orders the
crew to be paraded before him. With great nonchal-
ance he selects any number whom he may please to
designate as British subjects ; orders them down the
ship's side into his boat ; and places them on the gun-
deck of his man-of-war, to fight, by compulsion, the
battles of England. Tiiis right of search and im-
pressment, no efforts of our Government could induce
the British cabinet to relinquish.

On the iSth of June, 1S12, President Madison gave
his appioval to an act of Congress dechiring war
against Great Britain. Notwithstanding the bitter
hostility of the Federal party to the war, the country
in general approved; and Mr. Madison, on the 4th
of March, 1813, was re-elected by a large majority,
and entered upon his second term of office. Tliis is
not the place to describe the various adventuras of
this war on the land and on the water. Our infan.
navy then laid the foundations of its renown in grap-
pling with the most formidable power which ever
swept the seas. The contest commenced in earnest
by the appearance of a British fleet, early in Februaiy,
1813, in Cliesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole
coast of the LTnited States under blockade.

The Emperor of Russia offered his services as me
ditator. America accepted ; England refused. A Brit-
ish force of five thousand men landed on the banks
of the Patuxet River, near its entrance into Chesa-
peake Bay, and marched rapidly, by way of Bladens-
burg, upon Washington.

The straggling little city of Washington was thrown
into consternation. The cannon of the brief conflict
at Bladensburg echoed through the streets of tlie
metropolis. The whole populaticn fled from the city.
The President, leaving Mrs. Madison in the White
House, with her carriage drawn up at the door to.
await his speedy return, hurried to meet the officers
in a council of war. He met our troops utterly routed,
and he could not go back without danger of bei^\g
captured. But few hours elapsed ere the Presidential
Mansion, the Capitol, and all the public buildings in
Washington were in flames.

The war closed after two years of fighting, and on
Feb. 13, 1815, the treaty of peace was signed at Ghent.

On the 4th of March, 1S17, his second term of
ofl^ice expired, and he resigned the Presidential chair
to his friend, James Monroe. He retired to his beau-
tiful home at Montpelier, and there passed the re-
mainder of his days. On June 28, 1836, then at the
age of 85 years, he fell asleep in death. Mrs. Madi-
son died July 12, 1849.

^^^

FIFTH PRESIDENT.

)-mk

53=^1*

PIIQES ll]OI]ItOE.

ww^

L^^

AMES MONROE, the fiftli
.President of The United States,
was born in Westmoreland Co.,
Va., April 28, 1758. His early
life was passed at the place of
nativity. Hi3 ancestors had for
many years resided in the prov-
ince in which he was born. When,
at 17 years of age, in the process
of completing his education at
William and Mary College, the Co-
lonial C'ongress assertibled at Phila-
delphia to deliberate upon the un-
just and manifold oppressions of
(Ireat Britian, declared the separa-
tion of the Colonies, and [jromul-
gated the Declaration of Indepen-
dence. Had he been l)orn ten years before it is highly
probable that he would have been one of the signers
of that celebrated instnimem. At this time he left
scliool and enlisted among the patriots.

He joined the army when everything looked hope-
less and gloomy. The number of deserters increased
from day to day. The invading armies came pouring
in ; and the tories not only favored the cause of the
mother country, but disheartened the new recruits,
who were sufficiently terrified at the prospect of con-
tsnding with an enemy whom they had been taught
to deem invincible. To such brave spirits as James
Monroe, who went right onward, undismayed through
difficulty and danger, the United States owe their
political emancipation. The young cadet joined the
ranks, and espoused the cause of his injured country,
with a firm determination to live or die with her strife

for liberty. Firmly yet sadly he shared in the mel-
ancholy retreat from Harleam Heights and White
Plains, and accompanied the dispirited army as it fled
before its foes through New Jersey. In four months
after the Declaration of Independence, the patriots
had been beaten in seven battles. At the battle of
Trenton he led the vanguard, and, in the act of charg-
ing upon the enemy he received a wound in the left
shoulder.

As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was ]}ro-
moted a captain of infantry; and, having recovered
from his wound, he rejoined the army. He, however,
receded from the line of promotion, by becoming an
officer in the staff of Lord Sterling. During thecam-
l)aigns of 1777 and 1778, in the actions of Brandy
wine, (iermantown and Monmouth, lie continued
aid-de-canip ; but becoming desirous to regain his'
position in the army, he exerted himself to collect a
regiment for the Virginia line. This scheme failed
owing to the exhausted condition of the State. Upon
this failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at
that period Governor, and pursued, with considerable
ardor, the study of common law. He did not, however,
entirely lay aside the knapsack for the green bag;
but on the invasions of the enemy, served as a volun
teer, during the two years of his legal pursuits.

In 1782, he was elected from King George county,
a member of the Leglislature of Virginia, and by that
l)ody he was elevated to a seat in the E.xecutive
Council. He was thus honored with the confidence
of his fellow citizens at 23 years of age ; and having
at this early period displayed some of that ability
and aptitude for legislation, which were afterwards
employed with unremitting energy for the public good,

JAMES MONROE.

he was in the succeeding year chosen a member of
the Congress of the Uniud States.
Deeplyas Mr. Monroefsh the imperfectionsof theold
Confederacy, he was opposed to the new Constitution,
ihinking, with many others of 'he Republican parly,
that it gave too much power to the Central Government,
and not enough to the individual States. Still he re-
tained the esteem of his friends who were its warm
supporters, and who, notwithstanding his opposition
secured its adoption. In 1789, lie became a member
of the United States Senate ; which office he held for
four years. Every month the line of distinction be-
tween the two great parties which divided the nation,
the Federal and the Republican, was growing more
distinct. The two prominent iaeas which now sep-
arated them were, that the Republican party was in
sympathy with France, and also in favor of such a
strict construction of the Constitution as to give the
Central Government as little power, and the State
Governments as much iX3wer, as the Constitution would
warrant. The Fedeialists sympatliized with England,
and were in favor of a liberal construction of the Con-
stitution, which would give as much power to the
Central Government as that document could possibly
authorize.

The leading Federalists and Republicans were
alike noble men, consecrating all their energies to the
good of the nation. Two more honest men or more
pure patriots than John Adams the Federalist, and
James Monroe the Republican, never breathed. In
building up this majestic nation, which is destined
to eclipse all Grecian and Assyrian greatness, the com-
bination of their antagonism was needed to create the
light equilibrium. And yet each in his day was de-
nounced as almost a demon.

Washington was then President. England had es-
poused the cause of the Bourbons against the princi-
ples of the French Revolution. All Europe was drawn
into the conflict. We were feeble and far away.
Washington issued a proclamation of neutrality be-
tween these contending jxjwers. France had helped
us in the struggle for our liberties. All the despotisms
of Europe were now combined to prevent the French
from escaping from a tyranny a thousand-fold worse
than that which we had endured Col. Monroe, more
magnanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at
whatever hazard, we should help our old allies in
their extremity. It was the impulse of a generous
and noble nature. He violently opposed the Pres-
ident's proclamation as ungrateful and wanting in
magnanimity.

Washington, who could appreciate such a character,
developed his calm, serene, almost divine greatness,
by appointing that very James Monroe, who was de-
nouncing the policy of the Government, as the minister
of that Government to the Republic of France. Mr.
Monroe was welcomed by tlie National Convention
in France with the most enthusiastic demonstrations.

Shortly after his return to this countrv, Mr. Mon-
roe was elected Governor of Virginia, and held the
office for three yeais. He was again sent to France to
co-operate with Chancellor Livingston in obtaining
the vast territor)' then known as the Province of
Louisiana, which France had but shortly before ob-
tained from Spain. Their united efforts were suc-
cessful. For the comparatively small sum of fifteen
millions of dollars, the entire territorj' of Orleans and
district of Louisiana were added to the United States.
This was probably tlie largest transfer of real estate
which was ever made in all the historj- of the world.

From France Mr. Monroe went to England to ob-
tain from that country some recognition of our
rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against those
odious impressments of our seamen. But Eng-
land was unrelenting. He again returned to Eng-
land on tlie same mission, but could receive no
redress. He returned to his home and was again
chosen Governor of Virginia. This he soon resigned
to accept the position of Secretary of State imder
Madison. While in this office war with England was
declared, the Secretary of War resigned, and during
these tr)'ing times, the duties of the War Department
were also put upon him. He was truly the armor-
bearer of President Madison, and the most efficient
business man in his cabinet. LTpon the return of
peace he resigned the Department of War, but con-
tinued in the office of Secretary of State until the ex-
|)in)tion of Mr. Madison's adniinstration. At the elec
tion held the previous autumn Mr. Monroe himself had
been chosen President with but little opposition, and
upon March 4, 1817, was inaugurated. Four years
later he was elected for a second term.

Among the important measures of his Presidency
were tYie cession of Florida to the United States; the
Missouri Compromise, and the '' Monroe doctrine.'-

This famous doctrine, since known as the " Monroe
doctrine," was enunciated by him in 1823. At that
tiaie the United States had recognized the indeper.d-
ence of the South American states, and did not wish
to have European (lowers longer attempting to sub-
due portions of the American Continent. The doctrine
is as follows: "That we should consider any attempt
on the part of European jxiwers to extend their sys-
tem to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous
to our peace and safety," and "that we could not
view any interposition for the purjiose of oppressing
or controlling American governments or provinces in
any other light than as a manifestation bv European
liow'ers of an unfriendly disixisition toward the United
States." This doctrine immediately affected the course
of foreign governments, and has become the approved
sentiment of the United States.

hx the end of his second term Mr Monroe retired
to his home in Virginia, where he lived until 1830,
when he went to New York to live with his son-in-
law. In that city he died,on the 4th of July, 1S31

j, 5, Ai

Ciyry^

SIXTH PRESIDENT.

" " JOr^I] QUI1]6Y ^D}?nQg.

w '/IS

I It I ■<"^-^ ,1ft --"'■- -a- -^"^ A'\'^V^ 'JS^'^Y-^ »l^^^" ' wti*'^"-^ ■Tt^'^'i*^ itt.*^"^"' '^ ■v* '^-^ If, *vV'^^ .a. -."t^ .a., -o."^ .m. ■vMgj ja -o.'^^ jh. v m> i

OHN OUINCY ADAMS, the
sixth President of the United
i^SStates, was born in the rural
home of his honored fatiier,
John Adams, m Quincy, Mass.,
on the I I th cf July, 1767. His
mother, a woman of exalted
worth, watched over his childhood
during the almost constant ab-
sence of his father. When luit
eight years of age, he stood with
"' his mother on an eminence, listen-
ing to the booming of the great bat-
tle on Bunker's Hill, and gazing on
upon the smoke and flames billow-
ing up from the conflagration of
Charlestown.

When but eleven years old he
took a tearful adieu of his mother,
to sail with his father for Europe,
through a fleet ol hostile British cruisers. The bright,
animated boy spent a year and a half in Pan's, where
his father was associated with Franklin and Lee as
minister plenipotentiary. His intelligence attracted
the notice of these distinguished men, and he received
from them flattering marks of attention.

Mr. John Adams had scarcely returned to this
cour.try, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad Again
(Or.n Quincy accompanied his father. At Paris he
applied himself with great diligence, for si.\ months,
to .-.tudy; then accompained his father to Holland,
where he entered, first a school in .Amsterdam, then
the University at Leyden. About a year from this
time, in 178 1, when the manly boy was but fourteen
yea-s of age, he was selected by Mr. Dana, our min-
ister to the Russian court, as his private secretary.

In this school of incessant labor and of enobling
culture he spent fourteen months, and then returned
to Holland through Sweden, Denmark, H.iniburg and
Bremen. This long journey he took alone, in the
winter, when in his si.xteenth year. Again he resumed
his studies, under a private tutor, at Hague. Thence,

in the spring of i7cS2, he accompanied his father ic
Paris, traveling leisurely, and forming acquaintance
with the most distinguislied men on the Continent-
examining arcnitectural remains, galleries of paintings
and all renowned works of art. At Paris lie again
became associated with the most illustrious men of
all lands in the contemplations of the loftiest temporal
themes which can engross the human mind. Afte"
a short visit to England he returned to Paris, and
consecrated all his energies to study until May, 1785,
when he returned to America. To a brilliant young
man of eighteen, who had seen much of the world,
and >vlio was familiar with the etiquette of courts, a
residence with his father in London, under such cir-
cumstances, must have been extremely attractive
but with judgment very rare in one of his age, he ]ire-
ferred to return to America to complete his education
in an American college. He wished then to study
law, that with an honorable profession, he might be
able to obtain an independent support.

Upon leaving Harvard College, at the age of twenty,
he studied law for three years. In June, 1794, be-
ing then but twenty-seven years of age, he was ap-
pointed by Washington, resident minister at the
Netherlands. Sailing from Boston in July, he reached
London in October, where lie was immediately admit-
ted to the deliberations of Messrs. Jay and I'inckney,
assisting fhein in negotiating a commercial treaty with
Gieat Brilian. After thus s)iending a fortniglit ir,
London, he proceeded to the Hague.

In July, 1797, he left the Hague to go to Portugal as
minister pleniix)tcntiary. On his way to Portugal,
upon arriving in London, he met with despatches
directing him to the court of Beiiin, but rc(piesling
him to remain in London until he should receive his
instructions. \\'hile w;:iting he was married to an
American lady to whom he had been previously en-
gaged, — Miss Louisa Catherine Johnson, daughter
of Mr. Joshua Johnson, American consul In I ondon ;
a lady endownd with that beauty and those accom-
plishment which eminently fitted her to move in t'm
elevated sphere for which she was destined.

♦o

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.

He reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797 ;
where he remained until July, 1799, when, having ful-
filled all the pur[X)ses of iris mission, lie solicited his
recall.

Soon after his return, in 1802, he was chosen to
the Senate of Massachusetts, from Boston, and then
was elected Senator of the United States for six years,
from the 4th of March, 1804. His reputation, his
ability and his experience, placed him immediately
among the most prominent and influential members
of that body. Especially did he sustain the Govern-
ment in its measures of resistance to the encroach-
ments of England, destroying our commerce and in-
sulting our flag. There was no man in America more
familiar with the arrogance of the British court upon
these points, and no one more resolved to present
a firm resistance.

In 1809, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the Pres-
idential chair, and he immediately nominated John
Quincy .A.dams minister to St. Petersburg. Resign-
ing his professorship in Harvard College, he embarked
at Boston, in August, 1809.

While in Russia, Mr. Adams was an intense stu-
dent. He devoted his attention to the language and
history of Russia; to the Chinese trade; to the
European system of weights, measures, and coins ; to
the climate and astronomical observations; while he
Kept up a familiar acquaintance with the Greek and
Latin classics. In all the universities of Europe, a
more accomplished scholar could scarcely be found.
All through life the Bible constituted an importai'.t
part of his studies. It was his rule to read five
chapters every day.

On the 4th of March, 1817, Mr. Monroe took the
Presidential chair, and immediately appointed Mr.
-A-dams Secretary of State. Taking leave of his num-
erous friends in public and private life in Europe, he
1 sailed in June, 1819, for the United States. On the
i8th of August, he again crossed the threshold of his
home in Quincy. During the eight years of Mr. Mon-
roe's administration, Mr, Adams continued Secretary
of State.

Some time before the close of Mr. Monroe's second
term of office, new candidates began to be presented
for the Presidency. The friends of Mr. Adams brought
forward his name. It was an exciting campaign.
Party spirit was never more bitter. Two hundred and
sixty electoral votes were cast. Andrew Jackson re-
ceived ninety-nine; John Quincy Adams, eighty-four;
William H. Crawford, forty -one; Henry Clay, thirty-
seven. .As there was no choice by the people, the
fiuestion went to the House of Representatives. Mr.
Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to Mr. Adams, and
he was elected.

The friends of all the disappointed candidates now
combined in a venomous and persistent assault upon
Mr. Adams. There is nothing more disgraceful in
*i>.S pa.'^t history of our country than the abuse which

was poured in one uninterrupted stream, upon this
high-minded, upright, patriotic man. There never was
an administration more pure in principles, more con-
scientiously devoted to the best interests of the coun-
try, than that of John Quincy Adams; and never, per-
haps, was there an administration more unscrupu.
lously and outrageously assailed.

Mr. Adams was, to a very remarkable degree, ab-
stemious and temperate in his habits; always rising
early, and taking much exercise. When at his homein
Quincy, he has been known to walk, before breakfast,
seven miles to Boston. In Washington, it was said
that he was the first man up in the city, lighting his
own fire and applying himself to work in his library
often long before dawn.

On the 4th of March, 1829, Mr. Adams retired
from the Presidency, and was succeeded by Andrew
Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected Vice Presi-
dent. The slavery question now began to assume
ixjrlentous magnitude. Mr. Adams returned to
Quincy and to his studies, which he pursued with un-
abated zeal. But he was not long permitted to re-
main in retirement. In November, 1830, he was
elected representative to Congress. For seventeen
years, until his death, he occupied the post as repre-
sentative, towering above all his peers, ever ready to
do brave battle' for freedom, and winning the title of
"the old man eloquent." Upon taking his seat in
the House, he announced that he should hold him-
self bound to no party. Probably there never was a
member more devoted to his duties. He was usually
the first in his place in the rnorning, and the last to
leave his seat in the evening. Not a measure could
be brought forward and escape his scruuny. '1 he
battle which Mr. Adams fought, almost singly, against
the proslavery party in the Government, was sublime
in Its moral dating and heroism. For persisting in
presenting petitions for the abolition of slavery, he
was threatened with indictment by the grand jury,
with expulsion from the House, with assassination •
but no threats could intimidate him, and his final
triumph was complete.

It has been said of President Adams, that when his
body was bent and his hair silvered by the lapse of
fourscore years, yielding to the simple faith of a little
child, he was accustomed to repeat every night, before
he slept, the pra)er which his mother taught him in
his infant years.

On the 2 1 st of February, 1848, he rose on the floor
of Congress, with a paper in his hand, to address the
speaker. Suddenly he fell, again stricken by paraly-
sis, and was caught in the arms of those around him.
For a time he was senseless, as he was conveyed to
the sofa in the rotunda. With reviving conscious-
ness, he opened his eyes, looked calmly around and
said " This is the end of earth ;"then after a moment's
pause he added, '' I am content" These were the
last words of the grand "Old Man Eloquent."

T^t

ZjO^fL^^C^

^L^^^

-Z-'

SE VENTH PRESIDENT.

i33^^^,Sn'^Si(UVmi^

NDREW JACKSON, the
ith President of the
' L'nhed States, was born in
W'axhaw settlement, N. C,
March 15, 1767, a few days
after his father's death. His
parents were poor emigrants
from Ireland, and took up
their abode in \Va.\haw set-
tlement, where they lived in
deepest poverty.
Andrew, or Andy, as he was
universally called, grew up a very
rough, rude, turbulent boy. His
features were coarse, his form un-
gainly; and there was but very
little in his character, made visible, which was at-
tractive.

Wiien only thirteenyears old he joined the voUin-
teers of Carolina against the British invasion. In
1781, he and his brother Robert were captured and
imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British officer
ordered him to brush his mud-spattered boots. " I am
a prisoner of war, not your servant," was the reply of
the dauntless boy.

The brute drew his sword, and aimed a desperate
Dlovv at the head of the helpless young prisoner.
.\ndrew raised his hand, and thus received two fear-
ful gashes, — one on the hand and the other upon the
head. The officer then turned to his brother Robert
with the same demand. He also refused, and re-
ceived a blow from the keen-edged sabre, which (mite
disabled him, and which probably soon after caused
his death. They suffered much other ill-treatment, and
were finally stricken with the small-pox. Their
mother was successful 'i- •>'. ilaining their exchange,

and took her sick boys home. After a long illnosD
Andrew recovered, and the death of his mother soon
left him entirely friendless.

Andrew supported himself in various ways, s i;h as
working at the saddler's trade, teaching school and
clerking in a general store, until 1784, when he
entered a law office at Salisbury, N. C. He, however,
gave more attention to the wild amusements of the
times than to his studies. In 1788, he was appointed
solicitor for the western district of North Carolina, of
which Tennessee was then a part. This involved
many long and tedious journeys amid dangers of
every kind, but Andrew Jackson never knew fear,
and the Indians had no desire to repeat a skirmish
with the Sharp Knife.

In 1791, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman who
supposed herself divorced from her former husband.
Great was the surprise of both parties, two years later,
to find that the conditionsof the divorce had just been
definitely settled by the first husband. The marriage
ceremony was performed a second time, but the occur-
rence was often used by his enemies to bring Mr.
Jackson into disfavor.

During these years he worked hard at his profes-
sion, and frequently had one or more duels on hand,
one of which, when he killed Dickenson, was espec-
ially disgraceful.

In January, 1796, the Territory of Tennessee then
containing nearly eighty thousand inhabitants, the
people met in convention at Knoxville to frame a con-
stitution. Five were sent from each of the eleven
counties. Andrew Jackson was one of the delegates.
The new State was entitled to but one niemlcr in,
the National House of Representatives. Andre>v Jack-i
son was chosen that member. Mounting his horse he
rode to Philedelphia, where Congress then 1 eld its

ANDRE \V JACKSON.

sjsjij.is, — a distance of about eight hundred miles.

Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Demo-
cratic party. Jefferson was his idol. He admired
iionaparte, loved France and hated England. As Mr.
Jackson took, his seat, Gjn. Washington, whose
second term of office was then expiring, delivered his
last speech to Congress. A couuniltee drew up a
complimentary address in reply. Andrew Jackson
did not approve of the address, and was one of the
twelve who voted against it. He was not willing to
say that Gen. Washington's adminstration had been
" wise, firm and patriotic."

Mr. Jackson was elected to the United .States
Senate in 1797, but soon resigned and returned home.
Soon after he was chosen Judge of the Supreme Court
of his State, which position he held fjr six years.

When the war of 181 2 with tireat Britian com-
menced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair.
Aaron Burr sent word to tlvs President that there was
an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jackson, who
would do credit to a commission if one were con-
ferred u[X)n him. Just at that time Gen. Jackson
offered his services and those of twenty-five hundred
volunteers. His offer was accepted, and the troops
were assembled at Nashville.

As the British were hourly expected to make an at-
tack upon New Orleans, where Gen Wilkinson was
in command, he was ordered to descend the river
with fifteen hundred troops to aid Wilkinson. The
expedition reached Natchez; and after a delay of sev-
eral weeks there, without accomplishing anything,
the men were ordered back to their homes. But the
energy Gen. Jackson had displayed, and his entire
devotion to the comrfort of his soldiers, won him
golden opinions; and he became the most popular
man in the State. It was in this expedition that his
toughness gave him the nickname of "Old Hickory.'

Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip Col.
Thomas H. Benton, for a remark that genlleman
made about his taking a part as second in a duel, in
which a younger brother of Benton's was engaged,
he received two severe pistol wounds. AVhile he was
lingering njxin a bed of suffering news came that the
Indians, who had combined under Tecumseh from
Florida to the Lakes, to exterminate the white set-
tlers, were committing the most awful ravages. De-
cisive action became necessary. Gen. Jackson, with
his fractured bone just beginning to heal, his arm in
a sling, and unable to mount his horse without assis-
tance, gave his amazing energies to the raising of an
army to rendezvous at Fayettesville, .Alabama.

The Creek Indians had established a strong fort on
one of the bends of theTallauoosa River, near the cen-
ter of Alabama, about fifty miles below Fort Strother.
With an army of two thousand men. Gen. Jackson
traversed the pathless wilderness in a march of eleven
days. He reached their fort, called Tohopeka or
Horse-shoe, on the 27th of March. 1814. The bend

of the river enclosed nearly one hundred acres of
tangled forest and wild ravine. Across the narrow
neck the Indians had constructed a formidable brea.st-
work of logs and brush. Here nine hundred warriors,
with an ami)le suplyof arms were assembled.

The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly des-
perate. Not an Indian would accept of quarter. AV'hcn
bleeding and dying, they would fight those who en-
deavored to spare their lives. From ten in the morn-
ing until dark, the battle raged. The carnage was
awful and revolting. Some threw themselves into the
river; but the unerring bullet struck their heads as
they swam. Nearly everyone of the nine hundred war-
rios were killed A few probably, in the night, swam
the river and escaped. This ended the war. The
power of the Creeks was broken forever. This bold
plunge into the wilderness, with its terriffic slaughter,
so appalled the savages, that the haggard remnants
of the bands came to the camp, begging for peace.

This closing of the Creek war enabled us to con-
centrate all our militia upon the British, who were the
allies of the Indians No man of less resolute will
than Gen. Jackson could have conducted this Indian
campaign to so successful an issue Immediately he
was appointed major-general.

Late in August, with an army of two thousand
men, on a rushing march, Gen. Jackson came to
Mobile. A British fleet came from Pensacola, landed
a force upon the beach, anchored near the little fort,
and from both ship and shore commenced a furious
assault The battle was long and doubtful. At length
one of the ships was blown up and the rest retired.

Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his little
army, he moved his troops to New Orleans,
And the battle of New Orleans which soon ensued,
was in reality a very arduous campaign. This won
for Gen. Jackson an imperishable name. Here his
troops, which numbered about four thousand men,
won a signal victory over the British army of about
nine thousand. His loss was but thirteen, while the
loss of the British was two thousand six hundred.

The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be men-
tioned in connection with the Presidency, but, in 1824,
he was defeated by Mr. Adams. He was, however,
successful in the election of 1828, and was re-elected
for a second term in 1832. In 1829, just before he
assumed the reins of the government, he met with
the most terrible affliction of his life in the death of
his wife, whom he had loved with a devotion which has
perha|)s never been surpassed. From the shock of
her death he never recovered.

His administration was one of the most memorable
in the annals of our country; applauded by one party,
condemned by the other. No man had more bitter
enemies or warmer friends. At the expiration of his
two terms of office he retired to the Hermitage, where
he died June 8, 1845. The last years of Mr. Jack-
son's life were that of a devoted Christian man.

^ 7 ^/Z^^ ^^^Z^? U^L^,.z.^

EIGHTH PRESIDENT.

WW^ V^l] MREI].

^^^.^

ARTIN VAN BUREN, ihe
eighth President of the
United States, was born at
Kinderhooiv, N. Y., Dec. 5,
1782. He died at the same
place, July 24, 1S62. His
body rests in the cemetery
at Kinderhook. Above it is
a plain granite shaft fifteen feet
high, bearing a simple inscription
about half way up on one face,
w The lot is unfenced, unbordered
or unbounded by shrub or flower.

There is but little in the life of Martin Van Buren
of romantic interest. He fought no battles, engaged
in no wild adventures. Though his life was stormy in
lX)litical and intellectual conflicts, and he gained many
signal victories, his days passed uneventful in those
incidents which give zest to biography. His- an-
cestors, as his name indicates, were of Dutch origin,
and were among the earliest emigrants from Holhuid
to the banks of the Hudson. His father was a farmer,
residing in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother,
also of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intel-
ligence and exemplary piety.

.■fe was decidedly a precocious boy, developing un-
usual activity, vigor and strength of mind. At the
age of fourteen, he had finished his academic studies
in his native village, and commenced the study of
law. As he had not a collegiate education, seven
years of study in a law-office were required of liim
before he could be admitted to the bar. Inspired witii
J. lofty ambition, and conscious of his powers, he pur-
sued his studies with indefatig.ible industry. After
spending six ye:ir< in an office in 'vj native vilbige.

he went to the city of New York, and prosecuted liis
studies for the seventh year.

In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty-one years of
age, commenced the practice of law in his native vil-
lage. The great conflict between the Federal and
Republican party was then at its height. Mr. Van
Buren was from the beginning a politician. He had,
perhaps, imbibed that spirit while listeninig to the
many discussions which had been carried on in his
father's hotel. He was in cordial sympathy with
Jefferson, and earnestly and eloquently espoused the
cause of State Rights ; though at that time the Fed-
eral party held the supremacy both in his town
and State.

His success and increasing ruputation led him
after six years of practice, to remove to Hudson, th,
county seat of his county. Here he spent seven years
constantly gaining strengtli by contending in the-
courts with some of the ablest men who have adorned
the bar of his State.

Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mi.
Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for
beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short
years she sank into tiie grave, the victim of consump-
tion, leaving her husband and four sons to weep over
her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. Van Buren was
an earnest, successful, assiduous lawyer. The record
of those years is barren in items of public interest.
In 18 1 2, when thirty years of age, he was chosen to
the State Senate, and gave his strenuous support to
Mr. Madison's adminstration. In 1815, he was ap-
pointed Attorney-General, and the next year moved
to Albany, the capital of tlie State.

'.V'iiile he was acknowledged as one of the most
jjominent leaders of the Democratic party, he had

MA R TIN VA N B UREN.

ihe moral courage to avow that true democracy did
not reiiuire that " universal suffrage" which admits
the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right of
governing the State. In true consistency with his
democratic principles, he contended that, while the
path leading to the privilege of voting should be open
to every man without distinction, no one should be
invested with that sacred prerogative, unless he were
in some degree qualified for it by intelligence, virtue
and some property interests in the welfare of the
State.

In 182 I he was elected a member of the United
States Seriate; and in the same year, he took a seat
in the convention to revise the constitution of his
native State. His course in this convention secured
the approval of men of all parties. No one could
doubt the singleness of his endeavors to promote the
interests of all classes in the community. In the
Senate of tlie United States, he rose at once to a
conspicuous position as an active and useful legislator.

In 1827, John Quincy Adams being then in the
Presidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected to
ihe Senate. He had been from the beginning a de-
termined opposer of the Administration, adopting the
'State Rights" view in opposition to what was
deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams.

Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen Governorof
the State of New York, and accordingly resigned his
seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the United
States contributed so much towards ejecting John Q.
Adams from the Presidential chair, and placing in it
Andrew Jackson, as did Martin Van Buren. Whether
entitled to the reputation or not, he certainly was re-
garded throughout the United States as one of the
most skillful, sagacious and cunning of politicians.
It was supposed that no one knew so well as he how
to touch the secret springs of action; how to pull all
the wires to put his machinery in motion ; and how to
organize a political army which would, secretly and
Ete.-'lthily accomplish the most gigantic results. By
these powers it is said that he outv/itted Mr. Adams,
Mr. Clay, Mr. Webster, and secured results which
few thought then could be accomplished.

When Andrew Jackson was elected President he
apjxiinted Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State. This
position he resigned in 1831, and was immediately
apixjinted Minister to England, where he went the
same autumn. The Senate, however, when it met,
refsed to ratify the nomination, and he returned

home, apparently untroubled; was nominated Vice
President in the place of Calhoun, at the re-election
of President Jackson ; and with smiles for all and
frowns for none, he took his place at tlie head of that
Senate which had refused to confirm his nomination
as ambassador.

His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal of
President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated favor-
ite; and this, probably more than any other cause,
secured his elevation to the chair of the Chief Execu
tive. On the 20th of May, 1836, Mr. Van Buren re-
ceived the Democratic nomination to succeed Gen.
Jackson as President of the United States. He was
elected by a handsome majority, to the delight of the
retiring President. " Leaving New York out of the
canvass," says Mr. Parton, "the election of Mr. Van
Buren to the Presidency was as much the act of Gen.
Jackson as though the Constitution had 'conferred
upon him the power to appoint a successor."

His administration was filled with exciting events.
The insurrection in Canada, which threatened to in •
volve this country in war with England, the agitation
of the slavery question, and finally the great commer-
cial jjanic which spread over the country, all were
trials to his wisdom. The financial distress was at-
tributed to the management of the Democratic party,
and brought the President into such disfavor that he
failed of re-election.

With the exception of being nominated for the
Presidency by the "Free Soil" Democrats, in 1848,
Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until
his death.

He had ever been a prudent man, of frugal habits,
and living within liis income, had now fortunately a
competence for his declining years. His unblemished
character, his commanding abilities, his unquestioned
patriotism, and the distinguished positions which he
had occupied in the government of our country, se-
cured to him not only the homage of his party, but
the respect ot the whole community. It was on the
4th of March, 1841, that Mr. Van Buren retired from
the presidency. From his fine estate at Lindenwald^
he still exerted a powerful influence upon the politics
of the country. From this time until his death, on
the 24th of July, 1862, at the age of eighty years, he
resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of leisure, of
culture and of wealth; enjoyir.g in a healthy old
age, probably far more happiness than he had before
experienced amid the stormy scenes of his active life-

^ ;^/fe-2.^^^K^

NINTH PRESIDENT.

^^ILLIAAr HEX

■■^^ — f^r

KY HARRISfCNI.

ILLIAM HENRY HARRI-
SON, the ninth President of
the United States, was horn
at Berkeley, Va., Feb. 9, 1773.
His father, Benjamin Harri-
son, was in comparatively op-
ulent circumstances, and was
one of the most distinguished
men of his day. He was an
intimate friend of George
Washington, was early elected
a member of the Continental
Congress, and was conspicuous
among the patriots of Virginia in
resisting the encroachments of the
British crown. In the celebrated
Congress of 1775, Benjamin Har-
rison and John Hancock were
both candidates for the office of
speaker.

Mr Harrison was subsequently
chosen Governor of Virginia, and
was twice re-elected. His son,
William Henry, of course enjoyed
in childhood all the advantages which wealth and
intellectual antl cultivated society could give. Hav-
i.ig received a thorough comuion-school education, he
entered Hampden Sidney College, wiiere he graduated
witli honor soon after the deatli of his fatliei. He
-hen rejiaired to Philadelphia to study medicine under
the instructions of Dr. Rush and the guardianshii) of
lObert Morris, both of whom were, with his father,
ligners of the Declaration of Independence.

Jpon the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and not-
withstanding the '■emonstrances of his friends, he
ai)ar.dored his medical studies and entered the army,
-(aving obtained a commission of Ensign from Presi-

dent Washington. He was then but 19 years old.
From that time he passed gradually upward in rank
until he became aid to General Wayne, after whose
death he resigned his commission. He was then ap-
pointed Secretary of the North-western Territory. This
Territory .vas then entitled to but one member in
Congress and Capt. Harrison was chosen to fill that
position.

In the spring of 1800 the North-western Territory
was divided by Congress into two portions. The
eastern portion, comprising the region now embraced
in the State of Ohio, was called " The Territory
north-west of the Ohio." The western portion, which
included what is now called Indiana, Illinois and
\\'isconsin, was called the "Indiana 'I'erritory." Wil .
liam Henry Harrison, then 27 years of age, was ap
pointed by John Adams, Governor of the Indiana
Territory, and immediately after, also Governor of
Upper Louisiana. He was thus ruler over almost as
extensive a realm as any sovereign upon the globe. He
was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and was in-
vested with powers nearly dictatorial over the now
rapidly increasing white population. The ability and
fidelity with which he discharged these responsible
duties may be inferred from the fact that he was four
times appointed to this office' — first by John Adams,
twice by Thomas Jefferson and afterwards by Presi-
dent Madison.

When he began his adminstration there were but
three white settlements in that almost boundless region,
now crowded with cities and resotinding with all the
tumult of wealth and traffic. One of these settlements
was on the Ohio, nearly opposite Louisville; one at
Vincennes, on the Wabash, and the third a French
settlement.

The vast wilderness over which Gov. Flarrisoi.
reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians. Abou'

U. 0. ILL LIB.

WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON.

the year 1806, two extraordinary men, twin brothers,
of the Shawnese tribe, rose among them. One of
these was called Tecumseh, or " The Crouching
Panther;" the other, Olliwacheca, or " The Prophet."
Tecumseh was not only an Indian warrior, but a man
of great sagacity, far-reaching foresight and indomit-
able perseverance in any enterprise ni which he might
engage. He was inspired with the highest enthusiasm,
and had long regarded with dread and with hatred
tlie encroachment of the whites upon the hunting-
grounds of his fathers. His brother, the Prophet, was
anorator, who could sway the feelings of the untutored
Indian as the gale tossed the tree-tops beneath which
I hey dwelt.

liut the Prophet was not merely anorator: he was,
i 1 the superstitious minds of the Indians, invested
with the superhuman dignity of a medicine-man or a
ni-igician. With an enthusiasm unsurpassed by Peter
the Hermit rousing Europe to the crusades, he went
frum tribe to tribe, assuming that he was specially sent
by the Great Si)irit.

Gov. Harrison made many attempts to conciliate
the Indians, but at last the war came, and at Tippe-
canoe the Indians were routed with great slaughter.
October 28, 18 12, his army began its march. When
near the Prophet's town three Indians of rank made
their appearance and inquired why Gov. Harrison was
aporoaching them in so hostile an attitude. After a
short conference, arrangements were made for a meet-
ing the next day, to agree upon terms of peace.

But Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted with
the Indian character to be deceived by such protes-
tations Selecting a favorable spot for his night's en-
campment, he took every precaution against surprise.
His troops were posted in a hollow square, and slept
upon their arms.

The troops threw themselves upon the ground for
rest; but every man had his accourtrements on, his
loaded musket by his side, and his bayonet fixed. The
wakeful Governor, between three and four o'clock in
the mornint:, had risen, and was sitting in conversa-
tion with his aids by the embers of a waning fire. It
was a chill, cloudy morning with a drizzling rain. In
the darkness, the Indians had creiit as" near as possi-
ble, and just then, with a savage yell, rushed, with all
the desperation which superstition and passion most
liighly inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the
little army. The savages had been amply provided
with guns and ammunition by the English. Their
war-whoop was accompained by a shower of bullets.

The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as the
light aided the Indians in their aim. With hide-
jus yells, the Indian bands rushed on, not doubting a
speedy and an entire victory. But Gen. Harrison's
troops stood as immovable as the rocks around them
until day dawned ". they then made a simultaneous
charge with the bayonet, and swept every thing be-
fore them, and completely routing th^ foe.

Gov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked
to the utmost. The British descending from the Can -
adas, were of themselves a very formidable force ; but
with their savage allies, rushing like wolves from the
forest, searching out every remote farm-house, burn-
ing, plundering, scalping, torturing, the wide frontier
was plunged into a state of consternation whicli even
the most vivid imagination can but faintly conceive.
The war-whoop was resounding everywhere in the
forest. The horizon was illuminated with the conflagra-
tion of the cabins of the settlers. Gen Hull had made
the ignominious surrender of his forces at Detroit.
Under these despairing circumstances. Gov. Harrison
was appointed by President Madison commander-in-
chief of the North-western army, with orders to retake
D..'troit, and to protect the frontiers.

It would be difficult to place a man in a situation
demanding more energy, sagacity and courage; but
General Harrison was found equal to the position,
and nobly and triumphantly did he meet all the re-
sponsibilities.

He won the love of his soldiers by always sharin?
with them their fatigue. His whole baggage, while
, pursuing the foe up the Thames, was carried in a
valise; and his bedding consisted of a single blanket
lashed over his saddle. Thirty-five British officers,
his prisoners of war, supped with him after the battle.
The only fare he could give them was beef roasted
before the fire, without bread or salt.

In 18 1 6, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member ol
the National House of Representatives, to represent
the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved an
active member; and whenever he sjwke, it was with
force of reason and power of eloquence, wliich arrested
the attention of all the members.

In 1S19, Harrison was elected to the Senate of
Ohio; and in 1824, as one of the presidential electors
of that State, he gave his vote for Henry Clay. The
same year he was chosen to the United States Senate.

In 1S36, the friends of Gen. Harrison brough!: him
forward as a candidate for the Presidency against
Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the close of
Mr. Van Buren's term, he was re-nomii^ated by his
party, and Mr. Harrison was unanimously nominated
by the Whigs, with John Tyler for the Vice Presidency.
The contest was very animated. Gen. Jackson gave
all his influence to prevent Harrison's election ; but
his triumph was signal.

The cabinet which he formed, with Daniel Webstei
at its head as Secretary of State, vvas one of the most
brilliant with which any President had ever been
surrounded. Never were the prospects of an admin-
istration more flattering, or the hopes of the country
more sanguine. In the midst of these bright and
Joyous prospects. Gen. Harrison was seized by a
pleurisv-fever and after a few days of violent sick-
, ness, died on the 4th of April ; just one month after
his inausuration as President of the United States.

'^vn.

TENTH PRESIDENT.

:,,^m JOHM T Y

OHN TYLER, the tenth
Presidentof the United States.
He was born in Charles-city
Co., Va., March 29, 1790. He
was the favored child of af-
fluence and high social po-
sition. At the early age of
twelve, John entered William
and Mary College and grad-
uated with much honor when
but seventeen years old. After
graduating, he devoted him-
self with great assiduity to the
study of law, partly with his
father and p.irtly with Edmund
\%i Randolph, one of the most distin-
guished lawyers of Virginia.

At nineteen years of age, ne
commenced the practice of law.
His success was rapid and aston-
ishing. It is said that three
months had not elapsed ere there
was scarcely a case on the dock-
et of the court in which he was
fiCt retained. When but twenty-one years of age, he
was almost unanimoi.sly e'ected to a seat in the State
Eagislature. He connected himself with the Demo-
cratic party, and warmly advocated the measures of
Jefferson and Madison. For five successive years he
w.!s elected to the I^egislature, receiving nearly the
unanimous vote or his county.

When but twenty-six years of age, he was elected
a member of Congress. Here he acted earnestly and
ably with the Democratic party, opposing a national
bank, internal improvements by the General <<)vern-

ment, a protective tariff, and advocatmg a strict con-
struction of the Constitution, and the most careful
vigilance over State rights. His labors in Congress
were so arduous that before the close of his second
term he found it necessary to resign and retire to his
estate in Charles-city Co., to recruit his health. He,
however, soon after consented to take his seat in the
State Legislature, where his influence was powerful
in [iromoting public works of great utility. With a
reputation thus canstantly increasing, he was chosen
by a very large majority of votes. Governor of his
native State. His administration was signally a suc-
cessful one. His popularity secured his re-election.

John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed
man, then represented Virginia in the Senate of the
United States. A portion of the Democratic party
was displeased with Mr. Randolph's wayward course,
and brought forward John Tyler as his opponent,
considering him the only man in Virginia of sufficient
popularity to succeed against the renowned orator of
Roanoke. Mr. T\ler was the victor.

In accordance with his professions, upon taking his
seat in the Senate, he joined the ranks of the opposi-
tion. He opposed the tariff; he spoke against and
voted against the bank as unconstitutional ; he stren-
uously opposed all restrictions ui)on slavery, resist-
ing all projects of internal improvements by tlic Gen-
eral Government, and avowed his sympathy with Mr.
Calhoun's view of nullification ; he declared that Gen.
Jackson, by his opposition to the nullifiers, had
abandoned the piinciples of the Democratic party.
Such was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress, — a record
in perfect accordance with the principles which he
had always avowed.

Returning to Virginia, he resumed the practice of
Iiis profession. There was a cplit in the Democratic

JOHN TYLER.

party. His friends still regarded him as a true Jef-
lersonian, gave him a dinner, and showered compli-
ments upon him. He had now attained the age of
forty-six. His career had been very brilliant. In con-
sequence of his devotion to public business, his pri-
vate affairs had fallen into some disorder; and it was
not without satisfaction that he resumed the practice
of law, and devoted himself to the culture of his plan-
tation. Soon after this he removed to Williamsburg,
for the better education of his children ; and he again
took his seat in the Legislature of Virginia.

By the Southern Whigs, he was sent to the national
convention at Harrisburg to nominate a President in
'839. The majority of votes were given to Gen. Har-
rison, a genuine Whig, much to the disappointment of
the South, who wished for Henry Clay. To concili-
ate the Southern Whigs and to secure their vote, the
convention then nominated John Tyler for Vice Pres-
ident. It was well known that he was not in sympa-
thy with the Whig party in the Noith : but the Vice
President has but very little power in the Govern-
ment, his main and almost only duty being to pre-
side over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it hap-
(jened that a Whig President, and, in reality, a
Democratic Vice President were chosen.

In 1841, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice Presi-
dent of the United States. In one short month from
that time. President Harrison died, and Mr. Tyler
thuj .cund himself, to his own surprise and that of
the whole Nation, an occupant of the Presidential
chair. This was a new test of the stability of our
institutions, as it was the first time in the history of our
country that such an event had occured. Mr. Tyler
was at home in Williamsburg when he received the
unexpected tidings of the death of President Harri-
son. He hastened to Washington, and on the 6th of
April was inaugurated to the high and responsible
office. He was placed in a ix)sition of exceeding
delicacy and difficulty. All his longlife he had been
opjxjsed to the main i)rinciples of the party which had
brought him into power. He had ever been a con-
sistent, hone~t man, with an unbleniLshed record.
Gen. Harrison had selected a Whig cabinet. Should
he retain them, and thus suiround himself with coun-
sellors whose views were antagonistic to his own.' or,
on the other hand, should he turn against the party
which had elected him and select a cabinet in har-
mony with himself, and which would oppose all those
views which the Whigs deemed essential to the pub-
lic welfare? This was his fearful dilemma. He in-
vited the cabinet which President Harrison had
^'elected to retain their seats. He reccommended a
' day of fasting and prayer, that God would guide and
bless us.

The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for the
incorporation of a fiscal bank of the United States.
The President, after ten days' delay, returned it with
his veto. He isuaaested, however, that he ^vould

approve of a bill drawn up upon such a plan as he
proposed. Such a bill was accordingly prepared, and
privately Eubrnitted to him. He gave it his approval.
It ;vas passed without alteration, and he sent it back
with his veto. Here commenced the open rupture.
It is said that Mr. Tyler was provoked to this meas-
ure by a published letter from the Hon. John M.
Botts, a distinguished Virginia Whig, who severely
touched the pride of the President.

The opposition now exultingly received the Presi-
dent into their arms. The party which elected him
denounced him bitterly. All the members of his
cabinet, excepting Mr. Webster, resigned. The Whigs
of Congress, both the Senate and the House, held a
meeting and issued an address to the people of the
United States, proclaiming that all political alliance
between the Whigs and President Tyler were at
an end.

Still the President attempted to conciliate. He
appointed a new cabinet of distinguished Whigs and
Conservatives, carefully leaving out all strong party
men. Mr. Webster soon found it necessaiy to resign,
forced out by the pressure of his Whig friends. Thus
the four years of Mr. Tyler's unfortunate administra-
tion ])assed sadly away. No one was satisfied. The
land was filled with murmurs and vitu])eration. Whigs
and Democrats alike assailed him. More and more,
however, he brought himself into svmpathy with his
old friends, the Democrats, until at the close of his term,
he gave his whole influence to the support of Mr.
Polk, the Democratic candidate for his successor.

On the 4th of March, 1845, he retired from the
harassments of office, tothe regret of neitherparty, and
probably to his own unspeakable lelief. His first wife,
Miss Letitia Christian, died in Washington, in 1842;
and in June, 1844, President Tyler was again married,
at New York, to Miss Julia Gardiner, a young lady of
many personal and intellectual accomplishments.

The remainder of his days Mr. Tyler passed mainly
in retirement at his beautiful home, — Sherwood For-
est, Charles city Co., Va. A polished gentleman in
his manners, richly furnished with information from
books and experience in the world, and jxissessing
brilliant powers of conversation, his family circle was
the scene of unusual attractions. With sufficient
means for the exercise of a generous hospitality, he
might have enjoyed a serene old age with the few
friends who gathered around him, were it not for the
storms of civil war which his own principles and
policy had helped to introduce.

When the great Rebellion rose, which the State-
rights and nullifying doctrines of Mr. John C. Cal-
houn had inaugurated, President Tyler renounced his
allegiance to the United States, and joined the Confed-
erates. He was chosen a member of their Congress;
and while engaged in active measures to destroy, b"
force of arms, the Government over which he had
once presided, he was taken sick and soon died.

C'C-

,J^

V7"i^><C.

ELE VENTH PRESIDENT.

JAMES K. FOILK,

■V'«Kj

AMES K. POLK, the eleventh

resident of the United States,

was born in Mecklenburg Co.,

N. C.,Nov. 2, 1795. His par-

,-^. ents were Samuel and Jane

(Knox) Polk, the former a son

of Col. Thomas Polk, who located

at tiie above place, as one of the

first pioneers, in 1735.

In the year i3o6, with his wife
and children, and soon after fol-
lowed by most of the members of
the Polk famly, Samuel Polk emi-
grated some two or three hundred
miles farther west, to the rich valley
of the Duck River. Here in the
midst of the wilderness, in a region
which was subsequently called Mau-
ry Co., they reared their log huts,
and established their homes. In the
iiard toil of a new farm in the wil-
derness, James K. Polk spent the
early years of his childhood end
youth. His father, adding the pur-
suit of a surveyor to that of a farmer,
' gradually increased in wealth until

he became one of the leading men of the region. His
mother was a superior woman, of strong common
sense and earnest piety.

Very early in life, James developed a taste for
reading and expressed the strongest desire to obtain
a liberal education. His mother's training had made
liiin methodical in his habits, had taught him punct-
uality and industry, and had inspired iiim with lofty
principles of morality. His health was frail ; and his
father, fearing that he might not be able to endure a

sedentary life, got a situation for him behind the
counter, hoping to fit him for commercial pursuits.

This was to James a bitter disappointment. He
had no taste for these duties, and his daily tasks
were irksome in the extreme. He remained in this
uncongenial occupation but a few weeks, when at his
earnest solicitation his father removed him, and made
arrangements for him to prosecute his studies. Soon
after he sent him to Murfreesboro Academy. With
ardor which could scarcely be surpassed, he pressed
forward in his studies, and in less than two and a half
years, in the autumn of 1815, entered the sopliomore
class in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel
Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplaiy of
scholars, punctual in every exercise, never allowing
himself to be absent from a recitation or a religious
service.

He graduated in 1818, with the highest honors, be«
ing deemed the best scholar of his class, both in
mathematics and the classics. He was then twenty-
three years of age. Mr. Polk's health was at this
time much impaired by the assiduity with whicli he
had prosecuted his studies. After a short season of
relaxation he went to Nashville, and entered the
office of Felix Grundy, to study law. Here Mr. Polk
renewed his acquaintance with Andrew Jackson, who
resided on his plantation, the Hermitage, but a few
miles from Nashville. They had probably been
sligh'.ly acquainted before. .

Mr. Polkjs father was a Jeffersonian Republican,
and James K. Polk ever adhered to the same politi-
cal faith. He was a popular public speaker, and was
constantly called upon to address the meetings of jiis
party friends. His skill as a speaker was such that
he was popularly called the Na|X)leon of the stump.
He was a man of unblemished morals, genial and

/AMES K. POLK.

OTurterus in his bearing, and with that sympathetic
nature in the jo) s and griefs of others which ever gave
him troops of friends. In 1823, Mr. Polk was elected
to the Legislature of Tennessee. Here he gave his
strong influence towards the election of his friend,
Mr. Jackson, to the Presidency of the United States.

In January, 1824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah
Childress, of Rutherford Co., Tenn. His bride was
altogether worthy of him, — a lady of beauty and cul-
ture. In the fall of 1825, Mr. Polk was chosen a
member of Congress. The satisfaction which he gave
to his constituents may be inferred from the fact, that
for fourteen successive years, until 1839, he was con-
tinuec' in that office. He then voluntarily withdrew,
only that he might accept the Gubernatorial chair
of Tf^nnessee. In Congress he was a laborious
meiwber, a frequent and a popular speaker. He was
always in his seat, always courteous ; and whenever
he spoke it was always to the point, and without any
ambitious rhetorical display.

During five sessions of Congress, Mr. Polk was
Speaker of the House Strong passions were roused,
and stormy scenes were witnessed ; but Mr. Polk per-
formed his arduous duties to a very general satisfac-
tion, and a unanimous vote of thanks to him was
|)as3ed by the House as he withdrew on the 4th of
March, 1839.

In accordance with Southern usage, Mr. Polk, as a
candidate for Governor, canvassed the State. He was
elected by a large majority, and on the 14th of Octo-
ber, 1839, took the oath of office at Nashville. In 1841,
his term of office expired, and he was again the can-
didate of the Democratic party, but was defeated.

On the 4th of March, iS45,Mr. Polk was inaugur-
ated President of tlie United States. The verdict of
the country in favor of the annexation of Texas, exerted
its influence upon Congress ; and the last act of the
administration of President Tyler was to affix his sig-
nature to a joint resolution of Congress, passed on the
3d of March, approving of the annexation of Texas to
the American Union. As Mexico still claimed Texas
as one of her provinces, the Mexican minister,
Almonte, immediately demanded his passports and
left tlie country, declaring the act of the annexation
to be an act hostile to Mexico.

In his first message, President Polk urged that
Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, be re-
ceived into the Union on the same footing with the
other States. In the nieantime, Gen. Taylor was sent

with an army into Texas to hold the country. He \>'as
sent first to Nueces, which the Mexicans said wis the
western boundary of Texas. Then he was sent nearly
two hundred miles further west, to the Rio Grande,
where he erected batteries which commanded the
Mexican city of Matamoras, which was situated 01:
the western banks.

The anticipated collision soon took place, and wa:
was declared against Mexico by President Polk. The
war was pushed forward by Mr. Polk's administration
with great vigor. Gen. Taylor, whose army was first
called one of "observation," then of "occupation,"
then of " invasion, "was sent forward to Monterey. The
feeble Mexicans, in every encounter, were hopelessly
and awfully slaughtered. The day of judgement
alone can reveal the misery which this war caused.
It Vv^as by the ingenuity of Mr. Polk's administration
that the war was brought on.

' To the victors belong the spoils." Mexico was
prostrate before us. Her capital was in our hands.
We now consented to peace upon the condition that
Mexico should surrender to us, in addition to Texas,
all of New Mexico, and all of Upper and Lower Cal-
ifornia. This new demand embraced, exclusive of
Texas, eight hundred thousand square miles. This
was an extent of territory equal to nine States of the
size of New York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen
majestic States to be added to the Union. There were
some Americans who thought it all right : there wert;
others who thought it all wrong. In the prosecution
of this war, we expended twenty thousand lives and
more than a hundred million of dollars. Of this
money fifteen millions were paid to Mexico.

On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired from
office, having served one term. The next day was
Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated
as his successor. Mr Polk rode to the Capitol in the
same carriage with Gen. Taylor; and the same even-
ing, with Mrs. Polk, he commenced his return to
Tennessee. He was then but fifty-four years of age.
He had ever been strictly temperate in all his habits,
and his health was good. With an ample fortune,
a choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic ties
of the dearest nature, it seemed as though long years
of tranquility and happiness were before him. But the
cholera — that fearful scourge— was then sweeping up
the Valley of the Mississippi. This he contracted,
and died on the isthofjune, 1S49, in the fifii'-fourth
year of his age, greatly mourned by his couiurymeu.

'y^cx^<:::A.^:pc.-^yy^y(pcyy^

TWELFTH PRESIDENT.

^^,-^r-^

-'^" ^^^ ACHARV TAYLOR, twelfth

(^ President of the United States,
'^ was born on the 24th of Nov.,
.j\ 1784, in Orange Co., Va. His
Jo father. Colonel Taylor, was
a Virginian of note, and a dis-
tinguished patriot and soldier of
the Revolution. When Zachary
was an infant, his father with liis
wife and two children, emigrated
to Kentucky, where he settled in
the pathless wilderness, a few
miles from Louisville. In thisfront-
?i\7 ier home, away from civilization and
I all its refinements, yjung Zachary
could enjoy but few social and educational advan-
tages. When six years of age he attended a common
school, and was then regarded as a bright, active boy,
rather remarkable for bluntness and decision of char-
acter He was strong, feailess and self-reliant, and
manifested a strong desire to enter the army to fight
•ho Indians who were ravaging the frontiers. There
is little to be-recorded of the uneventful years of his
childhood on his father's large but lonely plantation.
In 1808, his father succeeded in obtaining for him
the commission of lieutenant in the United States
army ; and he joined the troops which were stationed
at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. Soon after
this he married Miss Margaret Smith, a young lady
■roni one of the first families of Maryland.

Immediately after the declaration of war with Eng-
land, in 18 1 2, Capt. Taylor (for he had then been
promoted to that rank) was put in command of Fort
Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles above
Vincennes. This' fort had been built in the wilder-
ness by Gen. Harrison, on his march to Tippecanoe.
It was one of the first points of attack by the Indians,
Jcd by Tecumseh. Its garrison consisted of a broken

company of infantry numbering fifty men, many of
whom were sick.

Early in the autumn of i8i?, the Indians, stealthily,
and in large numbers, moved ujxin the fort. Their
approach was first indicated by the murder of two
soldiers just outside of the stockade. Capt. Taylor
made every possible preparation to meet the antici-
pated assault. On the 4th of September, a band of
forty painted and plumed savages came to the fort,
waving a white flag, and informed Caj)t. Taylor that
in the morning their chief would come to have a talk
with him. It was evident that their object was merely
to ascertain the state of things at the fort, and Capt.
Taylor, well versed in the wiles of the savages, kept
them at a distance.

The sun went down; the savages disappeared, the
garrison slept upon their arms. One hour before
midnight the war whoop burst from a thousand lips
in the forest around, followed by the discharge of
musketry, and the rush of the foe. Every man, sick
and well, sprang to his post. Every man knew that
defeat was not merely death, but in the case of cap-
ture, death by the most agonizing and prolonged tor-
ture. No pen can describe, no immagination can
conceive the scenes which ensued. Tiie savages suc-
ceeded in setting fire to one of the block-houses-
Until si.x o'clock in tlie morning, tiiis awful conflict
continued. The savages tiien, baffled at every point,
and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired. Capt.
Taylor, for tliis gallant defence, was promoted to the
rank of major by brevet.

Until the close of the war. Major Ta\lur was placed
in such situations tiiat he saw but little more of active
service. He was sent far away into the depths of the
wilderness, to Fort Crawford, on F'ox River, which
empties into Green Bay. Here there was but little
to be done but to wear away the tedious hours as one
best could. There were no books, no society, no in-

ZACHARY TAYLOR

tellectual stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful
years rolled on Gradually he rose to the rank of
colonel. In the Black Hawk war, which resulted in
the capture of that renowned chieftain, Col Taylor
took a subordinate but a brave and eflicient part.

For twenty-four years Col. Taylor was engaged in
the defence of the frontiers, in scenes so remote, and in
employments so obscure, that his name was unknown
oeyond the limits of his own immediate acquaintance.
In the year 1836, he was sent to Florida to compel
the Seminole Indians to vacate that region and re-
tire beyond the Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty,
iiac promised they should do. The services rendered
he;e secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of
ihe Government; and as a reward, he was elevated
tc he rank of brigadier-general by brevet ; and soon
after, in May, 1838, was appointed to the chief com-
mand of the United States troops in Florida.

After two years of sucti wearisome employment
amidst the everglades of the peninsula, Gen. Taylor
obtained, at his own request, a change of command,
r.nd was stationed over the Department of the South-
west. This field embraced Louisiana, Mississippi,
Alabama and Georgia. Establishing his headquarters
ai Fort Jessup, in Louisiana, he removed his family
to a plantation which he purchased, near Baton Rogue.
Here he remained for five years, buried, as it were,
from the world, but faithfully discharging every duty
imposed upon him.

In 1846, Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the land
between the Nueces and Rio Grande, the latter river
being the boundary of Texas, which was then claimed
l)y the United States. Soon the war with Me.\ico
was brought on, and at Palo Alto and Resaca de la
Palma, Gen. Taylor won brilliant victories over the
Mexicans. The rank of major-general by brevet
was then conferred upon Gen. Taylor, and his name
Was received with enthusiasm almost everjwhere in
the Nation. Then came the battles of Monterey and
Buena Vista in which he won signal victories over
forces much larger than he commanded.

His careless habits of dress and his unaffected
f-iniplicity, secured for Gen. Taylor among his troops,
the sobriquet of " Old Rough and Ready.'

The tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena Vista
•pread the wildest enthusiasm over the country. The
name of Gen. Taylor was on every one's lips. The
Whig party decided to take advantage of this wonder-
ful po])ularity in bringing forward the unpolished, un-
lettered, honest soldier as their candidate for the
Presidency. Gen. Taylor was astonished at the an-
nouncement, and for a time would not listen to it; de-
claring that he was not at all qualified for such an
office. So little interest had he taken in politics that,
for forty years, he had not cast a vote. It was not
without chagrin that several distinguished statesmen
■who had been long years in the public service found
•l.iir claims set aside in behalf of one whose name

had never been heard of, save in connection with Palo
Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey and Buena
Vista. It is said that Daniel Webster, in his haste re-
marked, " It is a nomination not fit to be made."

Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nor a fine
wrfiter His friends took possession of him, and pre-
pared such few communications as it was needful
should be presented to the public. The popularity of
the successful warrior swept the land. He was tri-
umphantly elected over two opposing candidates, —
Gen. Cass and E.\-President Martin Van Buren.
Though he selected an excellent cabinet, the good
old man found himself in a very uncongenial position,
and was, at times, sorely perplexed and harassed.
His mental sufferings were very severe, and probably
tended to hasten his death. The pro-slavery party
was pushing its claims with tireless energy , expedi-
tions were fitting out to capture Cuba; California was
pleading for admission to the Union, vi'hile slavery
stood at the door to bar her out. Gen. Taylor found
the political conflicts in Washington to be far more
trjdng to the nerves than battles with Mexicans or
Indians.

In the midst of all these troubles. Gen. Taylor,
after he had occupied the Presidential chair but little
over a year, took cold, and after a brief sickness of
but little over five days, died on the gih of July, r85o.
His last words were, " I am not afraid to die. I am
ready. I have endeavored to do my duty." He died
universally respected and beloved. An honest, un-
pretending man, he had been steadily growing in the
affections of the people ; and the Nation bitterly la-
mented his death.

Gen. Scott, who was thoroughly acquainted with
Gen. Taylor, gave the following graphic and truthful
description of his character: — " With a good store of
common sense, Gen. Taylor's mind had not been en-
larged and refreshed by reading, or much converse
with the world. Rigidity of ideas was the conse-
quence. The frontiers and small military posts had
been his home. Hence he was quite ignorant for his
rank, and quite bigoted in his ignorance. His sim-
plicity was child-like, and with innumerable preju-
dices, amusing and incorrigible, well suited to the
tender age. Thus, if a man, however respectable,
chanced to wear a coat of an unusual color, or his hat
a little on one side of his head; or an officer to leave
a corner of his handkerchief dangling from an out-
side pocket, — in any such case, this critic held the
offender to be a coxcomb (perhaps something worse),
whom he would not, to use his oft repeated phrase,
' touch with a pair of tongs.'

"Any allusion to literature beyond good old Dil-
worth's spelling-book, on the part of one wearing a
sword, was evidence, with the same judge, of utter
unfitness for heavy marchings and combats. In short
few men have ever had a more comfortaoie, labor-
saving contempt for learning of every kind."

Z^^-2^

^^C^^^^i-'-t^ixru)

THIRTEENTH PRESIDENT.

;;S<S>S":S<S>S's^r^!S»5'-"Si^j;"5-*:J-i;iS-»?S!S-s«5!S-3>5;i,c<4»S'-^

^'MILLflRn FILLMDRE.

i-!'

'I4-

"iM- — ^

^^^ii'&-'

ILLARD FILLMORE, thir-
teenth I'residentofthe Lniiteii
States, was born at Summer
Hill, Cayuga Co., N. Y ., on
the 7th of January, 1800. His
father was a farmer, and ow-
ing to misfortune, in humlile cir-
cumstances. Of his mother, the
daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard,
^\ of Pittsfield, Mass., it lias been
said that she possessed an intellect
of very high order, united with much
personal loveliness, sweetness of dis-
position, graceful manners and ex-
quisite sensibilities. She died in
1831 ; having lived to see her son a
young man of distinguished prom-
ise, though she was not permitted to witness the high
dignity which he finally attained.

In conseiiuence of the secluded home and limited
means of his father, Millard enjoyed but slender ad-
vantages for education in his early years. The com-
mon schools, rt-hi< h he occasionally attended were
very imperfect institutions; and books were scarce
snd expensive. There was nothing then in his char-
acter to indicate the brilliant career u]X)n which he
was about to enter. He was a plain farmer's boy;
intelligent, good-looking, kind-hearted. The sacred
influences of home had taught him to revere the Bible,
and had laid the foundations of an upright character.
When fourteen years of age, his father sent him
some hundred miles from home, to the then wilds of
Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier.
Near the mill there was a small villiage, where some

enterprising man had commenced the collection of a
village library. This proved an inestimable blessing
to young Fillmore. His evenings were spent in read-
ing. Soon every leisure moment was occupied with
books. His thirst fur knowledge became insatiate
and the selections which he made were continually
more elevating and instructive. He read history,
biography, oratory, and thus gradually there was en-
kindled in his heart a desire to be something more
than a mere worker with his hands; and he was be-
coming, almost unknown to himself, a well-informed,
educated man.

The young clothier had now attained the age of
nineteen years, and was of fine personal appearance
and cf gentlemanly demeanor. It so happened tha'.
there was a gentleman in the neighborhood of ample
pecuniary means and of benevolence, — Judge Walter
Wood, — who was struck with the prepossessing ap-
pearance of young Fillmore. He made his acquaint-
ance, and was so much impressed with his ability and
attainments that he advised him to abandon his
trade and devote himself to the study of the law. The
young man replied, that he had no means of his own,
r.o friends to help him and that his previous educa-
tion had been very imperfect. But Judge Wood had
so much confidence in him that he kindly offered to
take him into his own office, and to loan him sucli
money as he needed. Most gratefully the generous
offer was accepted.

There is in many minds a strange delusion abou';
a collegiate education. A young man is supposed to
be liberally educated if he has graduated at some col-
lege. But many a boy loiters through university halls
nnd then enters a law office, who is by no means as

MILLARD FILLMORE.

well prepared to prosecute his legal studies as was
Millard Fillmore when he graduated at the clothing-
mill at the end of four years of manual labor, during
which every leisure moment had been devoted to in-
tense mental culture.

In 1823, when twenty-three years of age, he was
admitted to the Court of Common Pleas. He then
went to the village of Aurora, and commenced the
practice of law. In this secluded, peaceful region,
his practice of course was limited, and there was no
opportunity for a sudden rise in fortune or in fame.
Here, in the year 1S26, he married a lady of great
moral worth, and one capable of adorning any station
she might be called to fill, — Miss Abigail Powers.

His elevation of character, his untiring industry-,
his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advocate,
gradually attracted attention ; and he was invited to
enter into partnership under highly advantageous
circumstances, with an elder member of the bar in
Buffalo. Just before removing to Buffalo, in 1829,
he took his seat in the House of Assembly, of the
State of New York, as a representative from Erie
County. Though he had never taken a very active
part in politics, his vote and his sympathies were with
the Whig party. The State was then Democratic,
and he found himself in a helpless minority in the
Legislature , still the testimony comes from all parlies,
Ihat his courtesy, ability and integrity, won, to a very
unusual degrt e the respect of his associates.

In the autumn of 1832, he was elected to a seat in
the United States Congress. He entered that troubled
irena in some of the most tumultuous hours of our
national history. The great conflict respecting the
national bank and the removal of the deposits, was
then raging.

His term of two years closed ; and he returned to
his profession, which he pursued with increasing rep-
utation and success. After a lapse of two years
he again became a candidate for Congress ; was re-
elected, and took his seat in 1837. His past e.xpe •
rience as a representative gave hnn stiength and
confidence. The first term of service in Congress to
any man can be but little more than an introduction.
He was now prepared for active duty. All his ener-
gies were brought to bear uixsn the public good. Every
measure received his impress.

Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute, and
his popularity filled the State, and in the year 1847,
he was elected Comptroller of the State.

Mr. Fillmore had attained the age of forty-seven
years. His labors at the bar, in the Legislature, in
Congress and as Comptroller, had given him very con-
siderable fame. The Whigs were casting about to
find suitable candidates for President and Vice-Presi-
dent at the approaching election. Far away, on the
waters of the Rio Grande, there was a rough old
soldier, who had fought one or two successful battles
with the Mexicans, which had caused his name to be
proclaimed in tiumpet-tones all over the land. But
it was necessary to associate with him on the same
ticket some man of l-eputation as a statesman.

Under the influence of these considerations, the
namesofZachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore became
the rallying-cry of the Whigs, as their candidates for
President and Vice-Peesident. The Whig ticket was
signally triumphant. On the 4th of March, 1849,
Gen. Taylor was inaugurated President, and Millard
Filln.ore Vice-President, of the United States.

On the 9th of July, 1850, President Taylor, but
about one year and four months after his inaugura-
tion, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the Con-
stitution. Vice-President Fillmore thus became Presi-
dent. He appointed a very able cabinet, of which
the illustrious Daniel Webster was Secretar)- of State.

Mr. Fillniore had very serious difficulties to contend
with, since the opposition had a majority in both
Houses. He did everything in his power tocontiliate
the South ; but the pro-slavery party in the South felt
the inadequacy of all measuresof transient conciliation.
The population of the free States was so rapidly in-
creasing over that of the slave States that it was in-
evitable that the power of the Government should
soon pass into the hands of the free States. The
famous compromise measures were adopted under Mr.
Fillmcre's adminstration, and the Japan Expedition
was sent out. On the 4th of March, 1853, Mr. Fill-
more, having served one term, retired.

In 1856, iSIr. Fillmore was nominated for the Pres-
idency by the " Know Nothing " party, but was beaten
by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. Fillmore lived in
retirement. During the terrible conflict of civil war,
he was mostly silent. It was generally supposed that
his sympathies were rather with those who were en-
deavoring to overthrow our institutions. President
Fillmore kept aloof from the conflict, without any
cordial words of cheer to the one party or the other.
He was thus forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe
old age, and died in Buffalo. N. Y., March S, 1874,

FOURTEENTH PRESIDENT

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c-;o^':;r> ^'-FRflNKLIN PIERCE.-^ .^^|:;jpvs^^

RANKLIN PIERCE, the
loLirteenth President of the
' United States, was born in
Hillsborough, N. H., Nov.
23, 1804. His father was a
Revolutionary soldier, who,
with his own strong arm,
hewed out a liome in the
wilderness. He was a man
of inflexible integrity; of
strong, though uncultivated
mind, and an uncompromis-
ing Democrat. The mother of
Franklin Pierce was all that a son
could desire, — an intelligent, pru-
dent, affectionate, Christian Wom-
an. Franklin was the sixth of eight children.

Franklin was a very bright and handsome boy, gen-
erous, warm-hearted and brave. He won alike the
love of old and young. The boys on the play ground
loved him. His teachers loved him. Theneighljors
looked upon him with pride and affection. He was
by instinct a gentleman; always speaking kind words,
doing kind deeds, with a peculiar unstudied tact
which taught him what was agreeable. Witiiout de-
veloping any precocity of genius, or any unnatural
devotion to books, he was a good scholar; in body,
in mind, in affections, a finely-developed boy.

When sixteen years of age, in the year 1820, he
entered Bovvdoin College, at Brunswick, Me He was
one of the most popular young men in the college.
The purity cf his moral character, the unvarying
courtesy of his demeanor, his rank as a scholar, and

genial nature, rendered him a universal favorite.
There was something very peculiarly winning in his
address, and it was evidently not in the slightest de-
gree studied: it was the simple outgushing of his
own magnanimous and loving nature.

Upon graduating, in the year 1824, Franklin Pierce
conimenced the study of law in the office of Judge
Woodbury, one of the most distinguished lawyers of
the State, and a man of great private worth. The
eminent social qualities of the young lawyer, his
father's prominence as a public man, and the brilliant
political career into which Judge Woodbury was en-
tering, all tended to entice .Mr. Pierce into the faci-
nating yet perilous path of political life. With all
the ardor of his nature he espoused the cause of Gen.
Jackson for the Presidency. He commenced the
practice of law in Hillsborough, and was soon elected
to represent the town in the State Legislature. Here
he served for four yeais. The last two years he was
chosen speaker of the house by a very large vote.

In 1833, at the age of twenty-nine, he was elected
a member of Congress. Without taking an active
part in debates, he was faithful and laborious in duty,
and ever rising in the estimation of those with whom
he was associatad.

In 1837, being then but thirty-three years of age,
he was elected to the Senate of the United States;
taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren commenced
his administration. He was the youngest member in
the Senate. In the year 1834, he married Miss Jane
Means Appleton, a lady of rare beauty and accom-
plishments, and one admirably fitted to adorn every
station with which her husband was honoied. Of the

FRANKLIN FIERCE.

three sons who were bom to them, all now sleep with
their parents in the grave.

In tlie year 183S, Mr. Pierce, with growing fame
and increasing business as a lawyer, took up his
residence in Concord, the capital of New Hampshire.
President Polk, upon his accession to office, appointed
Mr. Pierce attorney-general of the United States; but
the offer was declined, in consequence of numerous
professional engagements at home, and the precariuos
state of Mrs. Pierce's health. He also, about the
same time declined the nomination for governor by the
Democratic party. The war with Mexico called Mr.
Pierce in the army. Receiving the appointment of
brigadier-general, he embarked, with a portion of his
troops, at Newport, R. I., on the 27th of May, 1S47.
He took an important part in this war, proving him-
self a brave and true soldier.

When Gen. Pierce reached his home in his native
State, he was received enthusiastically by the advo-
cates of the Mexican war, and coldly by his oppo-
nents. He resumed the practice of his profession,
very frequently taking an active part in political ques-
tions, giving his cordial support to the pro-slavery
wing of the Democratic party. The compromise
measures met cordially with his approval ; and he
strenuously advocated the enforcement of the infa-
ir.ous fugitive-slave law, which so shocked the religious
sensibilities of the North. He thus became distin-
guished as a "Northern man with Southern principles.''
The strong partisans of slavery in the South conse-
quently regarded him as a man whom they could
safely trust in office to carry out their plans.

On the i2th of June, 1852, the Democratic conven-
tion met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate for the
Presidency. For four days they continued in session,
and in thirty-five ballotings no one had obtained a
two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus far had been thrown
for Gen. Pierce. Then the Virginia delegation
brought forward his name. There were fourteen
more ballotings, during which Gen. Pierce constantly
gained strength, until, at the forty-niiith ballot, he
received two hundred and eighty-two votes, and all
other candidates eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was
the Whig candidate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with
great unanimity. Only four States — Vermont, Mas-
sachusetts, Kentucky and Tennessee — cast their
electoral votes against him Gen. Franklin Pieice
was therefore inaugurated President of the United
States on the 4th of March, 1853.

His administration proved one of the most stormy our
country had ever e.xperienced. The controversy be-
tween slavery and freedom was then approaching its
culminating point Ii became evident that there was
an "irrepressible conflict " between them, and that
this Nation could not long exist " half slave and half
free." President Pierce, during the whole of his ad-
ministration, did every thing he could to conciliate
the South ; but it was all in vain. The conflict every
year grew more violent, and threats of the dissolution
of the Union were borne to the North on every South-
ern breeze.

Such was the condition of affairs when President
Pierce approached the close of his four-years' term
of office. The North had become thoroughly alien-
ated from him. The anti-slavery sentiment, goaded
by great outrages, had been rapidly increasing; all
the intellectual ability and social worth of President
Pierce were forgotten in deep re[)rehension of his ad-
ministrative acts. The slaveholders of the South, also,
unmindful of the fidelity with which he had advo-
cated ti'iose measures of Government which they ap-
proved, and perhaps, also, feeling that he had
rendered himself so unpopular as no longer to be •
able acceptably to serve them, ungratefully dropped
him, and nominated James Buchanan to succeed him.

On the 4th of March, 1857, President Pierce re-
tired to his home in Concord. Of three children, two
had died, and his only surviving child had been
killed before his eyes by a railroad accident ; and his
wife, one of the most estimable and accomplished of
ladies, was rapidly sinking in consumption. The
hour of dreadful gloom soon came, and he was left
alone in the world, without wife or child.

When the terrible Rebellion burst forth, which di-
vided our country into two parties, and two only, Mr.
Pierce remained steadfast in the principles which he
had always cherished, and gave his sympathies to
that pro-slavery party with which he had ever been
allied. He declined to do anything, either by voice
or pen, to strengthen the hand of the National Gov-
ernment. He continued to reside- in Concord until
the time of his death, which occurred in October,
1869. He was one of the most genial and social of
men, an honored communicant of the Episcopal
Church, and one of the kindest of neighbors. Gen-
erous to a fault, he contributed liberally for the al-
leviation of suffering and want, and many of his towns-
people were often gladencd by his material bounty.

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I'IFTEENTH PRESIDENT.

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AMES BUCHANAN, the fif-
teenth- President of the United
States, was born in a small
frontier town, at the foot of the
eastern ridge of the Allegha-
nies, in Franlilin Co., Penn., on
i^ijSi the 23d of April, 1791. The place
where the humble cabin of his
father stuod was called Stony
Batter. It was a wild and 10-
ijteM mantic spot in a gorge of the moun-
tains, with towering summits rising
grandly all around. His fatlier
was a r^ative of the north of Ireland ;
a poor man, who had emigrated in
1 7 S3, with little property save his
own strong arms. Five years afterwards he married
Elizabeth Spear, the daughter of a respectable farmer,
and, with his young bride, plunged into the wilder-
ness, staked his claim, reared his log-hut, opened a
clearing with his axe, and settled down there to per-
form his obscure part in the drama of Hie. In this se-
cluded home, where James was born, he remained
for eight years, enjoying but few social or intellectual
advantagos. When James was eight years of age, his
father removed to the village of Mercersburg, where
his son was placed at school, and commenced a
course of study in English, Latin and Greek. Mis
progress was rapid, and at the age of fourteen, he
entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle. Here he de-
veloped remarkable taler.t, and took liis stand among
the first scholars in the institution. His application
to study was intense, and yet his native powers e 1-

abled him to master the most abstruse subjects with
facility.

In the year 1S09, he graduated with the highest
honors of his class. He was then eighteen years of
age; tall and graceful, vigorous in healtli, fond of
athletic sport, an unerring shot, and enlivened with
an exuberant flow of animal spirits. He immediately
commenced the study of law in the city of Lancaster,
and was admitted to tiie bar in 1812, when he was
but twenty-one years of age. Very rapidly lie rose
in his profession, and at once took undisputed stand
with the ablest lawyers of the State. When but
twenty-six years of age, unaided by counsel, he suc-
cessfully defended before the State Senate ore of the
judges of the State, who was tried upon articles of
impeachment. At the age of thirty it was generally
admitted that he stood at the head of the bar; and
there was no lawyer in the State who had a more lu-
crative practice.

In 1820, he reluctantly consented to run as a
candidate for Congress. He was elected, and for
icn years he remained a member of the Lower House.
During the vacations of Congress, he occasionally
tried some important case. In 1831, he retired
altogether from the toils of his v>rofession, having ac-
quired an ample fortune.

Gen. Jackson, upon his elevation to '.lie Presidency,
apjwinted Mr. Buchanan minister to Russia. The
duties of his mission he performed with ability, which
gave satisfaction to all parties. Upon his return, in
1833, he was elected to a seat in the United States
Senate. He there met, as his associates, Webster,
Clay, Wright and Calhoun. He advocated the meas-
ures proposed by President Jackson, of ni. king repn-

MMES BUCHANAi\.

sais auaiiist France, to enforce the payment of our
claims against that country; and defended the course
of the Presi.dent in his unprecedented and wholesale
removal from office of those who were not tlie sup-
porters of his administration. Upon this question he
was brought into direct collision with Henry Clay.
He also, with voice and vote, advocated expunging
from the journal of the Senate tiie vote of censure
against Gen. Jackson for removing the deposits.
Earnestly he opposed the abolition of slavery in the
District of Columbia, and urged the prohibition of the
circulation of anti-slavery documents by the United
States mails.

As to petitions on the subject of slaver)', he advo-
cated that they should be respectfully received; and
that the reply should be returned, that Congress had
no power to legislate upon the subject. " Congress,"
said he, " might as well undertake to interfere with
slavery under a foreign government as in any of the
States where it now exists."

U|X)n Mr. Polk's accession to the Presidency, Mr.
Buchanan became Secretary of State, and as such,
took his share of the resix)nsibility in the conduct of
the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed that crossing
the Nueces by the American troops into the disputed
territory was not wrong, but for the Mexicans to cross
the Rio Grande into that territor)' was a declaration
of war. No candid man can read with pleasure the
account of the course our Government pursued in that
movement.

Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly with
the party devoted to the pi^rpetuation and extension
of slavery, and brought all the energies of his mind
to bear against the Wilmot Proviso. He gave his
cordial approval to the compromise measures of 1S50,
which included the fugiiive-slave law. Mr. Pierce,
upon his election to the Presidency, honored Mr.
Buchanan 'with the mission to England.

In the year 1856, a national Democratic conven-
tion nominated Mr. Buchanan for the Presidency. The
political conflict was one of the most severe in which
our country has ever engaged. All the friends of
sl.avery were on one side; all the advocates of its re-
striction and final abolition, on the other. Mr. Fre-
mont, the candidate of the enemies of slavery, re-
•eived 114 electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received
174, and was elected. The popular vote stood
r, 340,618, for Fremont, t-,:24,75o for Buchanan. On
March 4th. 1857, Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated.

Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only four
•'ears were wanting to fill up his threescore years and
ten. His own friends, those with whom he had been
allied in jxjlitical principles and action for years, were
seeking the destruction of the Government, that they
might rear upon the ruins of our free institutions a
nation whose corner-stone should be human slavery.
[n this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly be-
wildered He could not, with his long-avowed prin-

cii)les, consistently oppose the State-rights party in
their assumptions. As President of the United States,
bound by his oath faithfully to administer the laws
he could not, without perjury of the grossest kind,
unite with those endeavoring to overthrow the repub-
lic. He therefore did nothing.

The opix)nents of Mr. Buchanan's administration
nominated Abraham Lincoln as their standard bearer
in the next Presidential canvass. The pro-slavery
party declared, that if he were elected, and the con-
trol of the Government were thus taken from their
hands, they would secede from the Union, taking
with them, as they retired, the National Capitol at
Washington, and the lion's share of the territory of
the United States.

Mr. Buchanan's sympathy with the pro-slavery
party was such, that he had been willing to offer them
far more than they had ventured to claim. All the
South had professed to ask of the North was non-
intervention upon the subject of slavery. Mr. Bu-
chanan had been ready to offer them the active co-
operation of the Government to defend and extend
the institution.

As the storm increased in violence, the slaveholders
claiming the right to secede, and Mr. Buchanan avow-
ing that Congress had no power to prevent it, one of
the most pitiable exhibitions of governmental im-
becility was exhibited the world has ever seen. He
declared that Congress had no power to enforce its
laws in any State which had withdrawn, or which
was attempting to withdraw from the Union. This
was not the doctrine of Andrew Jackson, when, with
his hand uix)n his sword-hilt, he exclaimed. " The
Union must and shall be preserved!"

South Carolina seceded in December, i860; nearly
three months before the inauguration of President
Lincoln. i\Ir. Buchanan looked on in listless despair.
The rebel flag was raised in Charleston : Fort Sumpter
was besieged ; our forts, navy-yards and =irsenals
were seized ; our depots of military stores were plun-
dered ; and our custom-houses and post-offices were
appropriated by the rebels.

The energj' of the rebels, and the imbecility of our
Executive, were alike marv'elous. The Nation looked
on in agony, waiting for the slow weeks to glide away,
and close the administration, so terrible in its weak-
ness At length the long-looked-for hour of deliver-
ance came, when Abraham Lincoln was to receive the
scepter.

The administration of President Buchanan was
certainly the most calamitous our countr)' has ex-
perienced. His best friends cannot recall it with
pleasure. And still more de|,lorable it is for his fame,
that in that dreadful conflict which rolled its billows
of flame and blood over our whole land, no word came
from his lips to indicate his wish that our countrv's
banner should triumph over the flag of the rebellion.
He died at his Wheatland retreat, June i, 1868.

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SIXTEENTH F a HS/VEiVT.

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BRAHAM LINCOLN, the
sixteenth President of tlie
i# United States, was born in
Hardin Co., Ky., Feb. 12,
1809. About the year 1780, a
_^. man by the name of Abraham
*^' Lincohi left Virginia with his
family and moved into the then
wildsof Kentucky. Only two years
after this emigration, still a young
man, while working one day in a
field, was stealtliily approached by
an Indian and shot dead. His widow
was left in extreme poverty with five
little children, three boys and two
girls. Thomas, the youngest of the
boys, was four years of age at liis
father's death. This Thomas was
the father of Abraham Lincoln, the
' President of the United States

whose name must henceforth fo-^ever be enrolled
with the most prominent in tiie annals of our world.
Of course no record has been kept of the life
of one so lowly as Thomas Lincoln. He was among
the poorest of the poor. His home was a wretched
log-cabin; his food the coarsest and the meanest.
Education he had none; he could never either rend
or write. As soon as he was able to do anything for
himself, he was compelled to leave ihe cabin*of his
starving mother, and push out into the world, a frieiid-
.ess, wandering boy, seeking work. He hired him-
self out, and thus spent the whole of his youth as a
laborer in the fields of others.

When twenty-eight years of age he buill a log-
cabin of his own, and married Nancy Hanks, the
daughter of another family of poor Kentucky emi-
grants, who had also come from Virginia. Their
second child was .-Xbraham Lincoln, the subject of
this sketch. The mother of Abraham was a noble
woman, gentle, loving, jiensive, created to adorn
a palace, doomed to toil and pine, and die in a hovel.
"All that I am, or hope to be," exclaims the grate-
ful son "I owe to my angel-mother.

When he was eight years of 3ge, his father sold his

cabin and small farm, and moved to Indiana Where
two years later his mother died.

Abraham soon become the scribe of the uneducated
couDiuinity aroimd him. He could not liave had u
better school than this to teach him to put thoughts
into words. He also became an eager reader, 'i'he
books he could obtain were few ; but these he read
and re-read until they were almost committed lo
memory.

As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly family
was the usual lot of humanity. Thi're were joys and
griefs, weddings and funerals. Abraham's sister
Sarah, to whom he was tenderly attached, was mar-
ried when a child of but fourteen years of age, and
soon died. The family was gradually scattered. Mr.
Thomas Lincoln sold out his squatter's claim in 1830,
and emigrated to ALacon Co., 111.

Abraham Lincoln was then twenty-one years of age.
With vigorous hands he aided his father in rearing
another log-cabin. Abraham worked diligently at this
until he saw the family comfortably settled, and their
small lot of enclosed prairie planted with corn, when
he announced to his father his intention to leave
liome, and to go out into the world and seek his for-
tune. Little did he or his friends imagine how bril-
liant that fortune was to be. He saw the value of
education and was intensely earnest to improve his
mind to the utmost of his power. He saw the ruin
which ardent spirits were causing, and became
strictly temperate; refusing to allow a drop of intoxi-
cating liquor to pass his lips. And he had read in
God's word, " Thou shalt not take the name of the
Lord thy God in vain ;" and a i)rofane expression he
was never heard to utter. Religion he revered. His
morals were pure, and he was uncontaminated by a
single vice.

Young Abraham worked for a time as a hired laborer
among the farmers. Then he went to Springfield,
where he was employed in building a large flat-boat.
In this he took a herd of swine, floated them down
the Sangamon to the Illinois, and thence l)y the Mis-
sissi[)pi to New Orleans, ^^'hatever Abraham Lin-
coln undertook, he performed so faithfully as to give
great satisfacticn to his employers. In this advc;i-

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

tare his employers were so well pleased, that upon
his return tiiey placed a store and luill under his care.

1,1 1S32, at the outbreak of the Black Hawk war, he
enlisted and was chosen captain of a company. He
returned to Sangamon County, and although only 23
years of age, was a candidate for the Legislature, but
was defeated. He soon after received from Andrew
Jackson the appointment of Postmaster of New Salem,
His only post-office was his hat. All the letters he
received he carried there ready to deliver to those
he chanced to meet. He studied surveying, and soon
made this his business. In 1834 he again became a
candidate for the Legislature, and was elected Mr.
Stuart, of Springfield, advised him to study law. He
walked from New Salem to Springfield, borrowed of
j\lr. Stuart a load of books, carried them back and
began his legal studies. When the Legislature as-
sembled he trudged on foot with his pack on his back
one hundred miies to Vandalia, then the capital. In
1836 he was re-elected to the Legislature. Here it
was he first met Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839 he re-
moved to Springfield and began the practice of law.
His success with the jury was so great that he was
soon engaged in almost every noted case in the circuit.

In 1854 the great discussion began between Mr.
Lincoln and Mr. Douglas, on the slavery question.
In the organization of the Republican party in Illinois,
in 1856, he took an active part, and at once became
one of the leaders in that party. Mr. Lincoln's
speeches in opposition to Senator Douglas in the con-
test in 1858 for a seat in the Senate, form a most
notable part of his history. The issue was on the
ilavery question, and he took the broad ground of
.he Declaration of Independence, that all men are
created equal. Mr. Lincoln was defeated in this con-
test, but won a far higher prize.

The great Republican Convention met at Chicago
on the i6ih of June, i860. The delegates and
strangers who crowded the city amounted to twenty-
five thousand. An immense building called "The
Wigwam," was reared to accommodate the Conven-
tion. There were eleven candidates for whom votes
were thrown. William H. Seward, a man whose fame
as a statesman had long filled the land, was tiie most
orominent. It was generally supposed he would be
tlie nominee. Abraham Lincoln, however, received
the nomination on the third ballot. Little did he then
dream of the weary years of toil and care, and the
bloody death, to which that nomination doomed him:
and aslittle did he dream that he was to render services
to his country, which would fix upon him the eyes of
the whole civilized world, and which would give him
a place in the affections of his countrymen, second
cnly, if second, to that of Washington.

Election day came and Mr. Lincoln received 180
electoral votes out of 203 cast, and was, therefore,
constitutionally elected President of the United States.
The tirade of abuse that was poured upon this good

and merciful man, especially by the slaveholders, was
greater than upon any other man ever elected to this
high position. In February, i86i, Mr. Lincoln started
for Washington, stopping in all the large cities on his
way making speeches. The whole journey was frought
with much danger. Many of the Southern States had
already seceded, and several attempts at assassination
were afterwards brought to light. .A gang in Balti-
more had arranged, upon his arrival to "get up a row,"
and in the confusion to make sure of his death with
revolvers and hand-grenades. A detective unravelled
the plot. -^ secret and special train was provided to
take him from HarrisL'urg, through Baltimore, at an
unexpected hour of the night. The train started at
half-past ten ; and to prevent any possible communi-
cation on the part ot the Secessionists with their Con-
federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train had
started the telegraph-'wires were cut. Mr. Lincoln
reached Washington in safety and was inaugurated,
although great anxiety was felt by all loyal people

In the selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave
to Mr Seward the Department of State, and to other
prominent opponents before the convention he gave
important positions.

During no other administration have the duties
devolving upon the President been so manifold, and
the responsibilities so great, as those which fell to
the lot of President Lincoln. Knowing this, and
feeling his own weakness and inability to meet, and in
his own strength to cope with, the difficulties, he
learned early to seek Divine wisdom and guidance in
determining his plans, and Divine comfort in all his
trials, bo'h personal and national. Contrary to his
own estimate of himself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the
most courageous of men. He went directly into the
rebel capital just as the retreating foe was leaving,
with no guard but a few sailors. From the time he
had left Springfield, in i86i, however, plans had Ijeen
made for his assassination,and he at last fell a victim
to oneof thein. April 14, 1865, he, with Gen. Grant,
was urgently invited to attend Fords' Theater. It
was announced that they would Le present. Gen.
Grant, however, left the city. President Lincoln, feel-
ing, witli his characteristic kindliness of heart, that
it would be a disappointment if he should fail them,
very reluctantly consented to go. While listening to
the play an actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth
entered the box where the President and family were
seated, and fired a bullet into his brains. He died the
next morning at seven o'clock.

Never before, in the history of the world was a nation
plunged into such deep grief by the death of its ruler.
.Strong men met in the streets and wept in speechless
anguish. It is not too much to say that a nation was
in tears. His was a life which will fitly become a
model. His name as the savior of his country will
live with that of W'ashington's, its father; his co':;ntr)'-
men being unable to decide whiih is the greater.

'>:^^:^:^:^t5^5^r-/

SEVENTEENTH PRESIDENT.

NDREW JOHNSON, seven-
teenth President of the United
States. The early life of
Andrew Johnson contains but
the record of poverty, destitu-
tion and friendlessness. He
^r}M was born December 29, 1808,
pjl^fl in Raleigh, N. C. His parents,
/^!a«i,J belonging to the class of the
"poor whites " of the Soutii,Tvere
in such circumstances, that tlicy
could not confer even tne slight-
est advantages of education upon
tlieir child. When Andrew was five
years of age, his father accidentally
lost nis life while heiorically endeavoring to save a
friend from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew
was a ragged boy about the streets, supported by the
labor of his mother, who obtained her living with
her own hands.

He then, having never attended a school one day,
and being unable either to read or write, was ap-
prenticed to a tailor in liis native town. A gentleman
ivp.s ii-. the habit of going to the tailor's shop occasion-
ally, and reading to. the boys at work there. He often
read from tlie speeches of distinguished British states-
men. Andrew, who was endowed with a mind of more
than ordinary native abiHty, became much interested
in these speeches; his amliition was roused, and he
was inspired with a strong desire to learn to read.

He accordingly applied himself to tiie alplial)ct, and
with tlie assistance of some of his fellow-workmen,
lecirned his letters. He then called upon the gentle-
man to borrow the book of speeches. The owner,

pleased with his zeal, not only gave him the book
but assisted him in learning to combine the letters
into words. Under such difficulties he pressed oi.
ward laboriously, spending usually ten or twelve houi-s
at work in the shop, and then robbing himself of rest
and recreatio;~ to devote such time vs he could to
reading.

He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located af:
Greenville, where he married a young lady who p^is
sessed some education. Under her instructions hf
learned to write and cipher. He became prominen':
in the village debating society, and a favorite with
the students of Greenville College. In 1828, he or-
ganized a working man's party, which elected him
alderman, and in 1830 elected him mayor, which
position he held three years.

He now began to take a lively interest in political
affairs ; identifying himself with the working-classes,
to which he belonged. In 1835, he was elected a
member of the House of Representatives of Tennes-
see. He was then just twenty-seven years of age.
He became a very active member of the legislature
gave his adhesion to the Democratic party, and in
1840 "stumped the State," advocating Martin Van
Buren's claims to the Presidency, in opposition to thos..
of Gen. Harrison. In this campaign he acquired mucli
readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased
his reputation.

In 1841, he was elected State Senator; in 1843, he
was elected a member of Congress, and by successive
elections, held that imiwrtant post for ten years. In
1853, he was elected Governor of Tennessee, and
was re-elected in 1855. In all these resiwnsible posi-
tions, he discharged his duties with distinguished abi'.-

ANDREW JOHNSON.

ity, and proved himself the warm friend of the work-
ing classes. In 1S57, Mr. Johnson was elected
United States Senator.

Years before, in 1845, he had warmly advocated
the annexation of Texas, stating however, as his
reason, that he thought this annexation would prob-
ably prove " to be the gateway out of which the sable
sons of Africa are to pass from bondage to freedom,
and become merged in a population congenial to
themselves." In 1850, he also supported the com-
promise measures, the two essential features of which
were, that the white people of the Territories should
be permitted to decide for themselves whether they
would enslave the colored people or not, and that
the *'ree States of the North should return to the
Soutli persons who attempted to escape from slavery.

Mr. Johnson was neverashamedof his lowly origin:
on the contrary, he often took pride in avowing that
he owed his distinction to his own exertions. "Sir,'"
said he on the floor of the Senate, " I do not forget
that I am a mechanic ; neither do I forget that Adam
was a tailor and sewed fig-leaves, and that our Sav-
ior was the son of a carpenter."

In the Charleston-Baltimore convention of i8l-o, iie
was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for the
Presidency. In 186 1, when the purpose of the South-
ern Democracy became apparent, he took a decided
stand in favor of the Union, and held that " slavery
must be held subordinate to the Union at whatever
cost." He returned to Tennessee, and repeatedly
imperiled his own life to protect the Unionists of
Tennesee. Tennessee having seceded from the
Union, President Lincoln, on March 4th, 1862, ap-
pointed him Military Governor of the State, and he
established the most stringent military rule. His
numerous proclamations attracted wide attention. In

1864, he was elected Vice-President of the United
States, and upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15,

1865, became President. In a speech two days later
he said, " The American people must be taught, if
they do not already feel, that treason is a crime and
must be punished ; that the Government will not
always bear with its enemies ; that it is strong not
only to protect, but to punish. * * The people
must understand that it (treason) is the blackest of
crimes, and will surely be punished." Yet his whole
administration, the history of which is so well known,
■was in utter itwansistency with, and the most violent

opposition to, the principles laid down in that speech.

In his loose policy of reconstruction and general
amnesty, he was opposed by Congress; and he char-
acterized Congress as a new rebellion, and lawlessly
defied it, in everything possible, to the utmost. In
the beginning of 1868, on account of "high crimes
and misdemeanors," the principal of which was the
removal of Secretary Stanton, in violation of the Ten-
ure of Office Act, articles of impeachment were pre-
ferred against him, and the trial began March 23.

It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three
months. A test article of the impeachment was at
length submitted to the court for its action. It was
certain that as the court voted upon that article so
would it vote upon all. Thirty-four voices pronounced
the President guilty. As a two-thirds vote was neces-
sary to his condemnation, he was pronounced ac-
quitted, notwithstanding the great majority against
him. The change of one vote from the not guilty
side would have sustained the impeachment.

The President, for the remainder of his term, was
but little regarded. He continued, though impotently,
his conflict with Congress. His own party did not
think it expedient to renominate him for the Presi-
dency. The Nation rallied, with enthusiasm unpar-
alleled since the days of Washington, around the name
of Gen. Grant. Andrew Johnson was forgotten.
The bullet of the assassin introduced him to the
President's chair. Notwithstanding this, never was
there presented to a man a better opportunity to im-
mortalize his name, and to win the gratitude of a
nation. He failed utterly. He retired to his home
in Greenville, Tenn., taking no very active part in
politics until 1875. On Jan. 26, after an exciting
struggle, he was chosen by the Legislature of Ten-
nessee, United States Senator in the forty-fourth Con-
gress, and took his seat in that body, at the special
session convened by President Grgmt, on the 5th of
March. On the 27th of July, 1875, the ex-President
made a visit to his daughter's home, near Carter
Station, Tenn. When he started on his journey, he was
apparently in his usual vigorous he.ilth, but on reach-
ing the residence of his child the following day, was
stricken with paralysis, rendering him unconscious.
He rallied occasionally, but finally passed away at
2 A. M., July 31, aged sixty-seven years. His fun-
eral was attended at Geenville, on th^3d of August,
with every demonstration of respect.

/^^2^

ztr

EIGHlJiENTH FRESIDENT.

^'^J^z2»sA®m^J^^^^:^^^^

LYSSES S. GR.\NT, the
^ eighteenth President of the
I' United States, was born on
the 29th of April, 1822, of
Christian parents, in a humble
home, at Point Pleasant, on the
banks of the Ohio. Shortly after
his father moved to George-
town, Brown Co., O. In this re-
mote frontier hamlet, Ulysses
received a common-school edu-
cation. At the age of seven-
teen, in the year 1839, he entered
■ the Military Academy at West
Point. Here he was regarded as a
ioiid, sensible )oung man of fair abilities, and of
sturdy, honest character. He took respectable rank
as a scholar. In June, 1843, he graduated, about the
middle in his class, and was sent as lieutenant of in-
fantry to one of the distant military posts in the Mis-
souri Territory. Two years he past in these dreary
solitudes, watching the vagabond and exasperating
Jndians.

The war with Mexico came. Lieut. Grant was
:5eiit with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His first
battle was at Palo Alto. There was no chance here
for the exhibition of either skill or heroism, nor at
Resacade la Paluia, iiis second battle. At the battle
nf Monterey, his third engagement, it is said that
.ne performed a signal service of daring and skillful
horsemanship. His i)rigade had exhausted its am-
munition. A messenger must be sent for more, along
a route ex[)osed to the bullets of the foe. Lieut.
Grant, adopting an expedient learned of the Indians,
-grasped the mane of his horse, and hanging upon one
side of the anir^l, ran the gauntlet in entire safety.

From Monterey he was sent, with the fourth infantry,
to aid Gen. Scott, at the siege of Vera Cruz. In
preparation for the march to the city of Mexico, he
was apixjinted quartermaster of his regiment. At the
battle of Molino del Rcy, he was promoted to a
first lieutenancy, and was brevetjed captain at Cha-
pultepec.

At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant re-
turned with his regiment to New York, and was again
sent to one of the military posts on the frontier. The
discovery of gold in California causing an immense
tide of emigration to flow to the Pacific shores, Capt.
Grant was sent with a battalion to Fort Dallas, in
Oregon, for the protection of the interests of the im-
migrants. Life was wearisome in those wilds. Capt.
Grant resigned his commission and returned to the
States; and having married, entered upon the cultiva-
tion of a small farm near St. Louis, Mo. He had but
little skill as a farmer. Finding his toil not re-
munerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering into
the leather business, with a younger brother, at Ga-
lena, 111. This was in the year i860. As the tidings
of the rebels firing on Fort Sumpter reached the ears
of Capt. Grant in his counting-room, he said, —
"Uncle Sam has educated me for the army; tliough
I have served him througli one war, I do not feel that
I have yet repaid the debt. I am still ready todischarge
my obligations. I shall therefore buckle on my sword
and see Uncle Sam through this war too."

He went into the streets, raised a company of vol-
unteers, and led them .as their captain to Springfield,
the capital of the State, where their services were
offered to Gov. Yates. Tiie Governor, impressed by
the zeal and straightforward executive ability of Capt.
Grant, gave him a desk in his office, to assist in the
volunteer organization that was being formed in the
State in behalf of the Government. On the 15th of

UL YSSES S. GRA NT.

June, (86i, Capt. Grant received a commission as
Colonel of the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Vol-
unteers. His merits as a West Point graduate, who
had served for 15 years in the regular army, were such
ihat he was soon promoted to the rank of Brigadier-
General and was placed in command at Cairo. The
rebels raised their banner at Paducah, near the mouth
of the Tennessee River. Scarcely had its folds ap-
peared in the breeze ere Gen. Grant was there. The
rebels fled. Their banner fell, and the star and
stripes were unfurled in its stead.

He entered the service with great determination
and immediately began active duty. This was the be-
ginning, and until the surrender of Lee at Richmond
he was ever pushing the enemy with great vigor and
effectiveness. At Belmont, a few days later, he sur-
prised and routed the rebels, then at Fort Henrj-
won another victory. Then came the brilliant fight
at Fort Donelson. The nation was electrified by the
victor)', and the brave leader of the boys in blue was
immediately made a M.-ijor-General, and the militarj'
jistrict of Tennessee was assigned to him.

Like all great captains, Gen. Grant knew well how
to secure the results of victory. He immediately
cashed on to the enemies' lines. Then came the
terrible battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, and the
siege of Vicksburg, where Gen. Pemberton made an
unconditional surrender of the city with over thirty
thousand men and one-hundred and sevent)'-two can-
non. The fall of Vicksburg was by far the most
severe blow which the reliels had thus far encountered,
and opened up the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf.
Gen. Grant was next ordered to co-operate with
Gen. Banks in a movement upon Te.xas, and pro-
ceeded to New Orleans, where he was thrown from
his horse, and received severe injuries, from which he
was laid up for months. He then rushed tc the aid
of Gens. Rosecrans and Tliomas at Chattanooga, and
by a wonderful series of strategic and technical meas-
ures put the Union Army in fighting condition. Then
followed the bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout
Mountain and Missionary Ridge, in which the rebels
were routed with great loss. This won for him un-
bounded praise in the North. On the 4th of Febru-
ary, 1864, Congress revived the grade of lieutenant-
general, and the rank was conferred on Gen. Grant.
He repaired to Washington to receive his credentials
and enter upon \hf duties of his new office.

Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge of
ihe army to concentrate the \videly-dispersed National
troops for an attack upon Richmond, the nominal
capital of the Rebellion, and endeavor there to de-
stroy the rebel armies which would be promptly as-
sembled from all quarters for its defence. The whole
conrinent seemed to tremble under the tramp of these
majestic armies, rushing to the decisive battle field.
Steamers were crowded with troops. Railway trains
were burdened with closely packed thousands. His
plans were comprehensive and involved a series of
campaigns, which were executed \vith remarkable en-
ergy and ability, and were consummated at the sur-
render of Lee, April g, 1865.

The war was ended. The Union was saved. The
almost unanimous voice of the Nation declared Gen.
Grant to be the most prominent instrument in its sal-
vation. The eminent services he had thus rendered
the countr)' brought him conspicuously forward as the
Republican candidate for the Presidential chair.

At the Republican Convention held at Chicago.
May 21, 1 868, he was unanimously nominated for the
Presidency, and at the autumn election received a
majority of the popular vote, and 2r4 out of 294
electoral votes.

The National Convention of the Republican party
which met at Philadelphia on the 5th of June, 1872,
placed Gen. Grant in nomination for a second term
by a unanimous vote. The selection was emphati-
cally indorsed by the people five months later, 292
elector.il votes being cast for him.

Soon after the close of his second tenn. Gen. Grant
started upon his famous trip around the world. He
visited almost every country of the civilized worid,
and was everywhere received with such ovations
and demonstrations of respect and honor, private
as well as public and ofificial, as were never before
bestowed upon any citizen of the United States.

He was the most prominent candidate before the
Republican National Convention in 1S80 for a re-
nomination for President. He went to New York and
embarked in the brokerage business under the firm
nanieof Grant & Ward. The latter proved a villain,
wrecked Grant's fortune, and for larcenv was sent to
the penitentiarj'. The General was attacked with
cancer in the throat, but suffered in his stoic-like
manner, never complaining. He was re-instated as
General of the Army and retired by Congress. The
cancer soon finished its deadly work, and July 23,
18S5, the nation went in mourning over the death of
the illustrious General.

y^-^^^

NINETEENTH PEES/DENT.

'^■^tia'^«^'^'^'4^tt&tiSit;ga'^t;gi'»^ui£ia:<tj,>'i,-;^ V^ -. '. '

•i '. 'i ■, 'i". ". •. 'i-. '.•.'■■- '

UTHERFORD B. HAYES,
the nineteenth President of
the United States, was born in
Delaware, O., Oct. 4, 1822, al-
most three months after the
death of his father, Rutherford
Hayes. His ancestry on both
the paternal and maternal sides,
was of the most honorable char-
acter. It can be traced, it is said,
as far back as 1280, when Hayes and
Rutherford were two Scottish chief-
tains, fighting side by side with
Baliol, William Wallace and Robert
Bruce. Both families belonged to the
nobility, owned extensive estates,
and had a large following. Misfor-
tane ovt-f caking the family, George Hayes left Scot-
land in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His sou
Cleorge wai born in Windsor, and remained there
during his li7e. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, mar-
ried Sarah Lee, and lived from the time of his mar-
riage until his death in Simsbury, Conn. Ezekiel,
son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was a manufac-
turer of scythe-j at Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes,
son of Ezekiel aiid grandfather of President Hayes, was
l)orn in New Haven, in August, 1756. He was a farmer,
blacksmith and tavern-keeper. He emigrated to
Vermont at an utiknown date, settling in Brattleboro,
where he established a hotel. Here his son Ruth-
erford Hayes the father of President Hayes, was

born. He was married, in September, 18 13, to Sophia
Biichard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors emi-
grated thither from Connecticut, they having been
among the wealthiest and best famlies of Norwich.
Her ancestry on the male side are traced back to
1635, to John Birchard, one of the principal founders
of Norwich. Both of her grandfathers were soldiers
in the Revolutionary War.

The father of President Hayes was an industrious
frugal and opened-hearted man. He was of a me
chanical turn, and could mend a plow, knit a stock-
ing, or do almost anything else that he choose to
undertake. He was a member of the Church, active
in all the benevolent enterprises of the town, and con-
ducted his business on Christian principles. After
the close of the war of 181 2, for reasons inexplicable
to his neighbors, he res'olved to emigrate to Ohio.

The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day
when there were no canals, steamers, nor railways,
was a very serious affair. A tour of inspection was
first made, occupying four months. Mr. Hayes deter
mined to move to Delaware, where the family arrived
in 1817. He died July 22, r822, a victim of malarial
fever, less than three months before the birth of the
son, of whom we now write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore be-
reavement, found the support she so much needed in
her brother Sardis, who had been a member of the
household from the day of its departure from Ver-
mont, and in an orphan girl whom she had adopted
some time before as an act of charity.

Mrs. Hayes at this period was very weak, and the

v»

RUTHJiKFORn B. HAVES:

subject of this sketch was so feeble at birth that he
was not expected to Uve beyond a month or two at
most. As the months went by he grew weaker and
weaker, so that the neighbors were in the habit of in-
quiring from time to time '" if Mrs. Hayes' baby died
last night." On one occasion a neighbor, who was on
familiar terms with the family, after alluding to the
boy's big head, and the mother's assiduous care of
nim, said in a bantering way, " That's right ! Stick to
him. You have got him along so far, and I shouldn't
wonder if he would really come to something yet."

" You need not laugh," said Mrs. Hayes. "You
ivait and see. You can't tell but I shall make him
President of the United States yet." The boy lived,
in spite of the universal predictions of his speedy
death; and when, in 1S25, his older brother was
drowned, he became, if possible, still dearer to his
mother.

The boy was seven years old before he w^ent to
school. His education, however, was not neglected.
He probably learned as much from his mother and
fister as he would have done at school. His sports
•were almost wholly within doors, his playmates being
his sister and her associates. These circumstances
tended, no doubt, to foster that gentleness of dispo-
sition, and that delicate consideration for the feelings
of others, which are marked traits of his character.

His uncle Sardis Birchard took the deepest interest
in his education ; and as the boy's health had im-
proved, and he was making good progress in his
studies, he proposed to send him to college. His pre-
paration commenced with a tutor at home; bat he
was afterwards sent for one year to a professor in the
Wesleyan University, in Middletown, Conn. He en-
tered Kenyon College in 1838, at the age of sixteen,
and was graduated at the head of his class in 1842.

Immediately after his graduation he began the
study of law in the office of Thomas Sparrow, Esq.,
in Columbus. Finding his opportunities for study in
Columbus somewhat limited, he determined to enter
the Law School at Cambridge, Mass., where he re-
mained two years.

In 1845, after graduatmg at the Law School, he was
admitted to the bar at Marietta, Ohio, and shortly
afterward went into practice as an attorney-at-law
with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fremont. Here he re-
mained three years, acquiring but a limited practice,
and apparently unambitious of distinction in his pro-
fession.

In 1849 he iridved to ('incmnati, where his ambi-
tion found a new stimulus. For several years, how-
ever, his progress was slow. Two events, occurring at
this period, had a jiowerful influence upon his subse- '
quent life. One of these was his marrage with Miss
Lucy Ware Webb, daughter of Dr. James Webb, of
Chilicolhe; the other was his introduction to the Cin-
cinnati Literary Club, a body embracing among its
iiiembers suck men as'^hief Justice Salmon P. Chase,

Gen. John Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and many
others hardly less distinguished in after life. The
marriage was a fortunate one in every respect, as
everybody knows. Not one of all the wives of our
Presidents was more universally admired, reverenced
and beloved than was Mrs. Hayes, and no one did
more than she to reflect honor upon American woman-
hood. The Literary Cluo brought Mr. Hayes into
constant association with young men of high char-
acter and noble aims, and lured him to display the
qualities so long hidden by his bashfulness and
modesty.

In 1856 he was nominated to the office of Judgs of
the Court of Common Pleas; but he declined to ar-
cept the nomination. Two years later, the office of
city solicitor becoming vacant, the City Covincii.
elected him for the unexpired term.

In 1861, when the Rebellion broke out, he was ar
the zenith of his professional I'f ,. His rank at the
bar was among the the first. But the news of the
attack on Fort Sumpter found him eager to take -id
arms for the defense of his country.

His military record was bright and illustrious. In
October, 1861, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and
in August, 1862, promoted Colonel of the 79th Ohio
regiment, but he refused to leave his old comrades
and go among strangers. Subsequently, however, he
was made Colonel of his old regiment. At the battle
of South Mountain he received a wound, and while
faint and bleeding displayed courage and fortitude
that won admiration from all.

Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment, after
his recovery, to act as Brigadier-General, and placed
in command of the celebrated Kanawha division,
and for gallant and meritorious services in the battles
of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, he was
promoted Brigadier-General. He was also brevetted
Major-General, "forgallant and distinguished services
during the campaigns of 1864, in West Virginia." In
the course of his arduous services, four horses were
shot from under him, and he was wounded four times

In 1864, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress, frcni
the Second Ohio District, which had long been Dem-
ocratic. He was not present during the campaign,
and after his election was importuned to resign his
commission in the army; but he finally declared, " I
shall never come to Washington until I can come by
the way of Richmond." He was re-elected in 1866.

In 1867, Gen Hayes was elected Governor of Ohio,
over Hon. Allen G. Thunnan, a populai Democrat.
In 1869 was re-elected over George H. Pendleton.
He was elected Governor for the third term in T87i^.

]n 1876 he was the standard bearer of the Repub-
lican Party in the Presidential contest, and after a
hard long contest was cliosen President, and was in
augurated Monday, March 5, 1875. He served his
full term, not, hcwever, with satisfaction to his party,
but his administration was an average o;\ =

TiVENTIETH PRESIDENT.

%><^:^

.'If

AMES A. GARFIELD, twen-
tieth President of the United
States, was born Nov. 19,
1S31, in the woods of Orange,
Cuyahoga Co., O His par-
ents were Abram and EHza
'^ (Ballou) Garfield, both of New
England ancestry and from fami-
lies well known in the early his-
tory of that section of our coun-
try, but had moved to the \Vestern
Reserve, in Ohio, early in its settle-
ment.

The house in which James A. was
Ijorn was not unlike the houses of
poor Ohio farmers of that day. It
..as about 20x30 feet, built of logs, with the spaces be-
.vi^een the logs filled with clay. His father was a
.iard working farmer, and he soon had his fields
cleared, an orchard planted, and a log barn built.
Die household comprised the father and mother and
dneir four children — Mehetabel, 'I'liomas, Mary and
Tames. _ In May, 1823, the father, from a cold con-
.racted in helping to put out a forest fire, died. At
this time James was about eighteen months old, and
Fhomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps, can
(ell how much James was indcMed to his biother's
tcil and self sacrifice during the twenty years suc-
ceeding his father's death, but undoubtedly very
much. He now lives in Michigan, and the two sis-
•' itrs live in .Solon, O., near their birtliplace.

The early educational advantages young Garfield
enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the most of
them. He labored at farm work for others, did car-
penter work, chopped wood, or did anything that
would bring in a few dollars to aid liis widowed
mother in he- 'Struggles to keep the little family to-

gether. Nor was Gen. Garfield ever ashamed of his
origin, and he never forgot the friends of his strug-
gling childhood, youtli and manliood, neither did they
ever forget him. When in the highes,t seats of honor
the humblest fiiend of his boyhood' was as kindly
greeted as ever. Tlie poorest laborer was sure of the
sympathy of one who had known all tlie bitterness
of want and the sweetness of bread earned by the
sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple, ijlain,
modest gentleman.

The highest ambition of young Garfield until \\i
was about sixteen years old was to be a captain o.f
a vessel on Lake Erie. He was anxious to go aboard
a vessel, which his mother strongly opposed. She
finally consented to his going to Cleveland, with the
understanding, however, that he should try to obtair
some other kind of employment. He walked all the
way to Cleveland. This was his first visit to the city
After making many applications for work, and trying
to get aboard a lake vessel, and not meeting with
success, he engaged as a driver fftr his cousin, Amos
Letcher, on the Ohio & Pennsylvania Canal. He re-
mained at this work but a short time when he wen"
home, and attended the seminary at Chester for
about three years, when he entered Hiram and the
Eclectic Institute, teaching a few terms of school in
the meantime, and doing other work. Tiiis school
was started by the Disciples of Christ in 1850, of
which church he was then a member. He became
janitor and bell-ringer in order to help pay his wav
He then became both teacher and jiupil. He soon
"e-xhausted Hiram "<ind needed more; hence, in the
fall of 1854, he entered Williams College, from whicli
he graduated in 1S56, taking one of the highest hon-
ors of his class. Pie afterwards returned to Hiram
College as its President. As above slated, he early
united with the Christian or Diciples Church at
Hiram.^and was ever .after a devoted, zealous mem-
ber, often preaching in its pulpit and places where
he happened to be. Dr. Noah Porter, President of
Yale College, says of him in reference to his religion :

9«

JAMES A. GARFIELD.

" President Garfield was more than a man of
strong moral and religious convictions. His whole
history, from boyhood to the last, shows that duty to
man and to God, and devotion to Christ and life and
faith and spiritual commission were controlling springs
of his being, and to a more than usual degree. In
my judgmeni: there is no more interesting feature of
Jiis character than his loyal allegiance to the body of
Christians in which he was trained, and the fervent
sympathy which he ever showed in their Christian
communion. Not many of the few 'wise and mighty
and noble who are called' show a similar loyalty to
the less stately and cultured Christian comnmnions
in which they have been reared. Too often it is true
that as they step upward in social and political sig-
nificance they step upward from one degree to
another in some of the many types of fashionable
Christianity. President Garfield adhered to the
:;hurch of his mother, the church in which he was
trained, and in which he served as a pillar and an
evangelist, and yet with the largest and most unsec-
Varian charity for all 'who loveourLord in sincerity.'"

Mr. Garfield was united in marriage with Miss
Lucretia Rudolph, Nov. 1 1, 1858, who proved herself
worthy as the wife of one whom all the world loved and
mourned. To them were born seven children, five of
whom are still living, four boys and one girl.

Mr. Garfield made his first political speeches in 1856,
jn Hiram and the neighboring villages, and three
years later he began to speak at county mass-meet-
ings, and became the favorite speaker wherever he
was. During this year he was elected to the Ohio
Senate. He also began to study law at Cleveland,
and in 1 86 1 was admitted to the bar. The great
Rebellion broke out in the early part ^f this year,
and Mr. Garfield at once resolved to fight as he had
talked, and enlisted to defend the old flag. He re-
ceived his commission as Lieut. -Colonel of the Forty-
second Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Aug.
14, 1861. He was immediately put into active ser-
vice, and before he had ever seen a gun fired in action,
was placed in command of four regiments of infantr)-
and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the
work of driving out of his native State the officer
(Humphrey Marshall) reputed to be the ablest of
those, not educated to war whom Kentucky had given
to the Rebellion. This work was bravely and speed-
ily accomplished, although against great odds. Pres-
ident Lincoln, on his success commissioned him
Brigadier-General, Jan. to, 1862; and as "he had
been the youngest man in the Ohio Senate two years
before, so now^ he was the youngest General in the
army." He was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh,
in its operations around Corinth and its march through
Alabama. He was then detailed as a member of the
General Court-Martial for the trial of Gen. Fitz-John
Porter. He was then ordered to report to Gen. Rose-
crans, and was assigned to the "Chief of Staff."

The military history of Gen. Garfield closed with

his brilliant services at Chickamauga, where he won
the stars of the Major-General.

Without an effort on his part Gei? Garfield was
elected to Congress in the fall of 1862 from the
Nineteenth District of Ohio. This section of Ohio
had been represented in Congress for si.xty years
mainly by two men — Elisha Whittlesey and Joshua
R. Giddings. It was not without a struggle that he
resigned his place in the army. At the time he en-
tered Congress he was the youngest member in that
body. Therms he remained by successive re-
elections until he was elected President in 1880.
Of nis labors in Congress Senator Hoar says : " Since
the year 1864 you cannot think of a question whici.
has been debated in Congress, or discussed before i,
tribunel of the American people, in regard to whict
you will not find, if you wish mstruction, the argu-
ment on one side stated, in almost every instance
better than by anybody else, in some speech made in
the House of Representatives or on the hustings by
Mr. Garfield."

Uixsn Jan. 14, 1880, Gen. Garfield was elected to
the U. S. Senate, and on the eighth of June, of llie
same year, was nominated as the candidate of his
party for President at the great Chicago Convention-
He was elected in the following November, and on
March 4, i88r, was inaugurated. Probably no ad-
ministration ever opened its existence under brighter
auspices than that of President Garfield, and every
day it grew in favor with the peojjle, and by the first
of July he had completed all the initiatory and pre-
liminary work of his administration and was prepar-
ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Williams
College. While on his way and at the depot, in com-
pany with Secretary Blaine, a man stepped behind
him, drew a revolver, and fired directly at his back.
The President tottered and fell, luid as he did so the
assassin fired a second shot, the bullet cutting the
left coat sleeve of his victim, but inflicting no furthei
injury. It has been very truthfully said that this was
" the shot that was heard round the world " Never
before in the historj' of the Nation had anything oc-
curred which so nearly froze the blood of the peop'»
for the moment, as this awful deed. He was smit-
ten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his life, and
was at the summit of his power and hope. For eighty
days, all during the hot months of July and August,
he lingered and suffered. He, however, remained
master of himself till the last, and by his magnificent
bearing was teaching the countrj- and the world tlie
noblest of human lessons — how to live grandly in the
very clutch of death. Great in life, he was surpass-
ingly great in death. He passed serenely away Sept.
19, 1883, at Elberon, N. J., on the very bank of tlie
ocean, where he had been taken shortly ])revious. The
world wept at his death, as it never had done on the
death of any other man who had ever lived upon it.
The murderer was duly tried, found guilty and exe-
cuted, in one year after he committed the foul deed.

TWENTY-FIRST PRESIDENT.

1^ C^iiJl^li^iLMi^J^ ^

HESTER A. ARTHUR,

„. twenty-first Presi-^.^m uf the

gfUnited States, was born in

Franklin Courty, Vermont, on

Tt>T^vJP?4-Mifo the fifthofOdobcr, 1830, andis

'^^i^^'s^MiK; the oldest of a family of two

sons and five daughters. His

father was the Rev. Dr. William

Arthur, aBaptistc' .rgyman, who

emigrated to tb'.s counti7 from

the county Antrim, Ireland, in

his i8th year, and died in 1875, in

Newtonville, neai .A.lbany, after a

long and successful ministr)--

Young Arthur was educated at
Union College, S( henectady, where
he excelled in all his studies. Af-
ter his graduation he taught school
j T in Vermont for two years, and at
the expiration ef that time came to
New York, with $500 in his pocket,
and catered the office of ex-Judge
E. D. Culver as student. After
being admitted to the bar he formed
a partnership with his intimate friend and room-mate,
Henry D. Gardiner, with the intention of practicing
in the West, and for three months they roamed about
in the Western States in search of an eligible site,
but in the end returned to New York, where they
hung out their shingle, and entered upon a success-
ful career almost from the start. General Arthur
soon afterward niairpd the daughter of Lieutenant

Herndon, of the United States Navy, who was lost at
sea. Congress voted a gold medal to his widow in
recognition of the bravery he displayed on that occa-
sion. Mrs. .Arthur died shortly before Mr. Arthur's
nomuiation to the Vice Presidency, leaving two
children.

Gen. Arthur obtained considerable legal celebrity
in his first great case, the famous Lemmon suit,
brought to recover possession of eight slaves who had
been declared free by Judge Paine, of the Superior
Court of New York City. It was in 1852 that Jon,
athan Lemmon, of Virginia, went to New York with
his slaves, intending to ship them to Texas, when
they were discovered and freed. The Judge decided
that they could not be held by the owner under the
Fugitive Slave Law. A howl of rage went up from
the South, and the Virginia Legislature authorized the
Attorney General of that State to assist in an appeal,
Wni. M. Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed
to represent the People, and they won their case,
which then went to the Supreme Court of the United
States. Charles O'Conor here espoused the cause
of the slave-holders, but he loo was beaten by Messrs
Evarts and Arthur, and a long step was taken toward
the emancipation of the black race.

Another great service was rendered by General
.\rthur in the same cause in 1856. Lizzie Jennings,
a respectable colored woman, was put off a Fourth
.Avenue car with violence after she had paid her fare.
General Arthur sued on her behalf, and secured a
verdict of $500 damages. The next day the compa-
ny issued an order to admit colored persons to ride
on their cars, and the other car companies quickly

lOO

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

followed their example. Before that the Sixth Ave-
nue Company ran a few special cars for colored per-
sons and the other lines refused to let them ride at all.

General Arthur was a delegate to the Convention
at Saratoga that founded the Republican party.
Previous to the war he was Judge-Advocate of the
Second Brigade of the State of New York, and Gov-
ernor Morgan, of that State, appointed him Engineer-
in-Chief of his staff. In 1861, he was made Inspec-
tor General, and soon afterward became Quartermas-
ter-General. In each of these offices he rendered
great service to the Government during the war. At
the end of Governor Morgan's term he resumed the
practice of the law, forming a partnership with Mr.
Ransom, and then Mr. Phelps, the District Attorney
of New York, was added to the fimi. The legal prac-
tice of this well-known firm was very large and lucra-
tive, each of the gentlemen composing it were able
lawyers, and possessed a splendid local reputation, if
not indeed one of national extent.

He always took a leading part in State and city
politics. He was appointed Collector of the Port of
New York by President Grant, Nov. 21 1872, to suc-
ceed Thomas Murphy, and held the office until July,
20, 1878, when he was succeeded by Collector Merritt.

Mr. Arthur was nominated on the Presidential
ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the famous
National Republican Convention held at Chicago in
June, t88o. This was perhaps the greatest political
convention that ever assembled on the continent. It
was composed of the 'wading politicians of the Re-
publican party, all able men, and each stood firm and
fought vigorously and with signal tenacity for their
respective candidates that were before the conven-
tion for the nomination. Finally Gen. Garfield re-
ceived the nomination for President and Gen. Arthur
for Vice-President. The campaign which followed
was one of the most animated known in the history of
our countr)'. Gen. Hancock, the standard-bearer of
the Democratic party, was a popular man, and his
party made a valiant fight for his election.

Finally the election came and the country's choice
.vas Garfield and Arthur. They were inaugurated
March 4, 1881, as President and Vice-President.
A few months only had passed ere the newly chosen
President was the victim of the assassin's bullet. Then
came terrible weeks of suffering, — those moments of
anxious suspense, when the hearts of all civilized na-

tions were throbbing in unison, longing for the re-
covery of the noble, the good President. The remark-
able patience that he manifested during those hours
and weeks, and even months, of the most terrible suf-
fering man has often been called upon to endure, was
seemingly more than human. It was certainly God-
like. During all this period of deepest anxiety Mr,
Arthur's every move was watched, and be it said to his
credit that his every action displayed only an earnest
desire that the suffering Garfield might recover, to
serve the remainder of the term he had so auspi-
ciously begun. Not a selfish feeling was manifested
in deed or look of this man, even though the most
honored position in the world was at any moment
likely to fall to him.

At last God in his mercy relieved President Gar-
field from further suffering, and the world, as never
before in its histor}' over the death of any other
man, wept at his bier. Then it became the duty of
the Vice President to £:ssume the responsibilities of
the high office, and he took the oath in New York.
Sept. 20, 1 88 1. The position was an embarrassing
one to him, made doubly so from the facts that all
eyes were on him, anxious to know what he would do,
what policy he would pursue, and who he would se-
lect as advisers. The duties of the office had been
greatly neglected during the President's long illness,
and many imjxjrtant measures were to be immediately
decided by him ; and still farther to embarrass him he
did not fail to realize under what circumstances he
became President, and knew the feelings of many on
this point. Under these trying circumstances President
Arthur took the reins of the Government in his own
hands ; and, as embarrassing as were the condition of
affairs, he happily surprised the nation, acting so
wisely that but few criticised his administration.
He served the nation well and faithfully, until the
close of his administration, March 4, 1885, and was
a popular candidate before his party for a second
term. His name was ably presented before the con-
vention at Chicago, and was received with great
favor, and doubtless but for the personal popularity
of one of the opposing candidates, he would have
been selected as the standard-bearer of his party
for another campaign. He retired to private life car-
rj'ing with him the best wishes of the American peo-
ple, whom he had served in a manner satisfactory
to them and with credit to himself

^y7^€rL£yr

Clc^c^/oyiy^Z^^

TWENTY-SECOND PRESIDENT.

'°3

>^J

^^1

L^-c>^y^<L>-^

TEPHEN GROVER CLEVE-
LAND, the twenty- second Pres-
ident of the United States, was
born in 1837, in the obscure
town of Caldwell, Essex Co.,
N. J., and in a little two-and-a-
half-story white house wliich is still
standing, characteristically to mark
the humble birth-place of one of
America's great men in striking con-
trast with the Old World, where all
men high in office must be high in
origin and born m the cradle of
wealth. When the subject of this
sketch was three years of age, his
father, who was a Presbyterian min-
ister, with a large family and a small salary, moved,
by way of the Hudson River and Erie Canal, to
Fayetteville, in search of an increased income and a
larger field of work. Fayetteville was then the most
straggling of country villages, about five miles from
Ponipey Hill, where Governor Seymour was born.

At the last mentioned place young Grover com-
menced going to school in the " good, old-fashioned
way," and presumably distinguished himself after the
manner of all village boys, in doing the things he
ought not to do. Such is the distinguishing trait of
all geniuses and independent thinkers. When he
arrived at the age of 14 years, he had outgrown the
capacity of the village school and expressed a most

emphatic desire to be sent to an academy. To this
his father decidedly objected. Academies in those
days cost money; besides, his father wanted him to
become self-supporting by the quickest possible
means, and this at that time in Fayetteville seemed
to be a position in a country store, where his father
and the large family 011 his hands had considerable
influence. Grover was to be paid $50 for his services
the first year, and if he proved trustworthy he was to
receive $100 the second year. Here the lad com-
menced his career as salesman, and in two years he
had earned so good a reputation for trustworthiness
that his employers desired to retain him for an in-
definite length of time. Otherwise he did not ex-
hibit as yet any particular " flashes of genius " or
eccentricities of talent. He was simply a good boy.
But instead of remaining with this firur in Fayette-
ville, he went with the family in their removal to
Clinton, where he had an opportunity of attending a
high school. Here he industriously pursued his
studies until the family removed with him to a point
on Black River known as the " Holland Patent," a
village of 500 or 600 people, 15 miles north of Utica,
N. Y. At this place his father died, after preaching
but three Sundays. This event broke up the family,
and Grover set out for New York City to accept, at a
small salary, the [)osition of " under-teacher " in an
asylum for the blind. He taught faithfully for two
years, and although he obtained a good reputation in
this capacity, he concluded that teaching was not his

104

S. GROVER CLEVELAND.

calling for life, and, reversing the traditional order,
ne left the city to seek his fortune, instead of going
to a city. He first thought of Cleveland, Ohio, as
there was some charm in that name for him; but
before proceeding to that place he went to Buffalo to
isk the advice of his uncle, Lewis F. Allan, a noted
stock-breeder of that place. The latter did not
speak enthusiastically. " What is it you want to do,
my boy ? " he asked. " Well, sir, I want to study
law," was the reply. ''Good gracious!" remarked
ihe old gentleman ; " do you, indeed .'' What ever put
that into your head ? How much money have you
got.'" "-Well, sir, to tell the truth, I haven't got

any.

After a long consultation, his uncle offered him a
place temporarily as assistant herd-keeper, at §50 a
year, while he could "look around." One day soon
afterward he boldly walked into the office of Rogers,
Bowen & Rogers, of Buffalo, and told Ihem what he
wanted. A number of young men were already en-
gaged in the office, but Grover's persistency won, and
ne was finally permitted to come as an office boy and
Save the use of the law library, for the nominal sum
of $3 or S4. a week. Out of this he had to pay for
his board and washing. The walk to and from his
uncle's was a long and rugged one ; and, although
the first ^vinte^ was a memorably severe one, his
shoes were out of repair and his overcoat — he had
Done — yet he was nevertheless prompt and regular.
On the first day of his service here, his senior em-
ployer threw down a copy of Blackstone before him
with a bang that made the dust fly, saying "That's
where they all begin." A titter ran around the little
circle of cferks and students, as they thought that
was enough to scare young Grover out of his plans ;
out indue time he mastered that cumbersome volume.
Then, as ever after\vard, however, Mr. Cleveland
exhibited a talent for executiveness rather than for
chasing principles through all their metaphysical
possibiUties. " Let us quit talking and go and do
it," was practically his motto.

The first public office to which Mr. Cleveland was
ejected was that of Sheriff of Erie Co., N. Y., in
which Buffalo is situated; and in such capacity it fell
to his duty to inflict capital punishment upon two
criminals. In i88i he was elected Mayor of the
City of Buffalo, on the Democratic ticket, with es-
pecial reference to the bringing about certain reforms

in the administration of the municipal affairs of that
city. In this office, as well as that of Sheriff, his
performance of dat)' has generally been considered
fair, with possibly a few exceptions which were fer-
reted out and magnified during the last Presidential
campaign. As a specimen of his plain language in
a veto message, we quote from one vetoing an iniqui-
tous street-cleaning contract: "This is a time for
plain speech, and my objection to your action shall
be plainly stated. I regard it as the culmination of
a mos' bare-faced, impudent and shameless scheme
to betray the interests of the peopls and to worse
than squander the people's money." The New York
Sun afterward very highly commended Mr. Cleve-
land's administration as Mayor of Buffalo, and there-
upon recommended him for Governor of the Empire
State. To the latter office he was elected in 1882,
and his administration of the affairs of State was
generally satisfactory. The mistakes he made, if
any, were made verj' public throughout the nation
after he was nominated for President of the United
States. For this high office he was nominated July
II, 18S4, by the National Democratic Convention at
Chicago, when other competitors were Thomas F.
Bayard, Roswell P. Flower, Thomas A. Hendricks,
Benjamin F. Butler, Allen G. Thurman, etc.: and he
was elected by the people, by a majority of about a
thousand, over the brilliant and long-tried Repub-
lican statesman, James G. Blaine. President Cleve-
land resigned his office as Governor of New York in
Januar)', 18S5, in order to prepare for his duties as
the Chief Executive of the United States, in which
capacity his term commenced at noon on the 4th of
March, 18S5. For his Cabinet officers he selected
the following gentlemen: For Secretary of State,
Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware ; Secretary of the
Treasury, Daniel Manning, of New York ; Secretary
of War, William C. Endicott, of Massachusetts;
Secretary of the Navy, William C. Whitney, of New
York ; Secretary of the Interior, L. Q. C. Lamar, of
Mississippi; Postmaster-General, WilHam F. Vilas,
of Wisconsin ; Attorney-General, A. H. Garland, of
Arkansas.

The silver question precipitated a controversy be-
tween those who were in favor of the continuance of
silver coinage and those who were opposed, Mr.
Cleveland answering for the latter, even before his
inauguration.

c>V^

iZ.y^^'---7\^'i.*^'^(^-«^

TWENTY-THIRD PRESIDENT.

lu:

..o*o..@^<^..<>*o..

; i:NJAMIN HARRISON, the
Iwcnty-third President, is
tlio descendant of one of the
historical families of this
country. The head of the
family was a Major General
Harrison, one of Oliver
Cromwell's trusted follow-
ers and fighters. In the zenith of Crom-
well's power it became the duty of this
Harrison to participate in the trial of
Charles I, and afterward to sign the
death warrant of the king. He subse-
quently paid for this with his life, being
hung Oct. 13, IGGO. His descendants
came to America, and the next of the
family that appears in history is Benja-
r.:in Harrison, of Virginia, great-grand-
father of the subject of this sketch, and
after whom he .was named. Benjamin Harrison
was a member of the Continental Congress during
the ye.ars i774-5-C, and was one of the original
signers of the Declaration of Independence. He
was three times elected Governor of Virginia.
Gen AViiliam Iliniy ilnrrison, the son of the

distinguished patriot of the Revolution, after a suc-
cessful career as a soldier during the War of 1812,
and with -a clean record as Governor of the North-
western Territory, was elected President of the
United States in 1840. His career was cut short
by death within one month after liis inauguration.
President Harrison was born at North Bend,
Hamilton Co., Ohio, Aug. r>0, 1833. His life up to
the time of his graduation by the Miami University,
at O.xford, Ohio, was the uneventful one of a coun-
try lad of a family of small means. His father was
able to give him a good education, and nothing
more. He became engaged while at college to t'a^
daughter of Dr. Scott, Principal of a female schoo
at Oxford. After graduating he determined to en-
ter upon the study of the law. He went to Cin
einnali and then read law for two years. At the
expiration of that time young Harrison receiv-il th"
only inheritance of his life; his aunt dying left him
a lot valued at $800. He regarded this legacy as t
fortune, and decided to get married at once, tak3
tliis money and go to some Eastern town ancl 'oe-
gin the practice of law. He sold his lot, and with
the monej' in his pocket, he started out wita bis
young wife to fight for a place in the world, lie

lOS

BKN,*AMJN ilARRlSON.

decitled to go to Indianapolis, wliich was even at
that time a town of promise. He met with slight
encouragement at first, making scarcely anything
the first j-ear. He worked diligently, applying him-
self closely to his calling, built up an extensive
practice and took a leading rank in the legal pro-
I'ession. He is the father of two children.

In 186C Mr. Harrison was nominated for the
position of Supreme Court Reporter, and then be-
gan his experience as a stump speuke; He can-
vassed the State thoroughlj^, and was elected by a
handsome majority. In 18G2 he raised the 17th
Indiana Infantry', and was chosen its Colonel. His
regiment was composed of the rawest of material,
out Col. Harrison employed all his time at first
mastering military tactics and drilling his men,
when he thei'efore came to move toward the East
with Sherman his regiment was one of the best
drilled and organized in the army. At Resaca he
especially distinguished himself, and for his bravery
at Peachtree Creek he was made a Brigadier Gen-
eral, Gen. Hooker speaking of him in the most
complimentary terms.

During the absence of Gen. Harrison in the field
lie Supreme Court declared the office of the Su-
preme Court Reporter vacant, and another person
was elected to the position. From the time of leav-
irg Indiana with his regiment until the fall of 18G4
he had taken no leave of absence, but having been
nominated that year for the same office, he got a
thirty-day leave of absence, and during that time
made a brilliant canvass of the State, and was elected
for another terra. He then started to rejoin Sher-
2:an, but on the way was stricken down with scarlet
:ever, and after a most tr3nng siege made his way
to the front in time to participate in the closing
incidents of the war.

In 1868 Gen. Harrison declined z re-election as
_-«porter, and resumed the practice of law. In 1876
£8 was a candidate for Governor. Although de-
eated, the brilliant campaign hb made won for him
' a National reputation, and he was much sought, es-
pecially in the East, to make speeches. In 1880,
iiS usual, he took an active part in the campaign,
and was elected to the United States Senate. Here
be served six years, and Tzas known as one of the
«blest men, best lawyer-- .aid strongest debaters iu

that body. With the expiration of his Senatorial
term he returned to the practice of his profession,
becoming the head of one of the strongest firms in
the State.

The political campaign of 1888 was one of the
most memorable in the history of our countiy. The
convention which assembled in Chicago in June and
named Mr. Harrison as the chief standard bearer
of the Republican party, w-as great in every partic-
ular, and on this account, and the attitude it as-
sumed u^oa the vital questions of the day, chief
among which was the tariff, awoke a deep interest
in the campaign throughout the Nation. Shortl3'
after the nomination delegations began to visit Mr.
Harrison at Indianapolis, his home. This move-
ment became popular, and from all sections of the
country societies, clubs and delegations journeyed
thither to pay their respects to the distinguished
statesman. The popularity of these was greatly
increased on account of the remarkable speeches
made by Mr. Harrison. He spoke daily all through
the summer and autumn to these visiting delega-
tions, and so varied, masterly and eloquent were
his speeches that they at once placed him in the
foremost rank of American orators and statesmen.

On account of his eloquence as a speaker and his
power as a debater, he was called upon at an un-
commonlj' earl}' age to take part in the discussion
of the great questions that then began to agitate
the country. He was an uncompromising anti
sla^•erv man, and was matched against some of tl;e
most eminent Democratic speakers of his State.
No man who felt the touch of his blade decired to
be pitted with him again. With all his eloq-'ence
as an orator he never spoke for oratorical, effect,
but his words always went like bullets to the mark
He is purclj' American in his ideas and is a siilcr
did tj-pe of the American statesman. Gifted wit'i;
quick perception, a logical mind and a ready tongue,
he is one of the most distinguished impromptu
speakers iu the Nation. Manj" of these sjieeches
sparkled with the rarest of eloquence and contained
arguments of greatest weight. Maiij' of his terse
statements liavc already become aphorisms. Origi-
nal ill tliought, precise iu logic, terse in statement,
yet withal faultless in eloquence, he is recognized as
the sound statesman and brill iauj orator o- ta^ day

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GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS,

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' HADRACH

BOND, the first
Governor of Illinois after its
organization as a State, serving
from 1818 to 1822, was born in
Frederick County, Maryland,
in the year 1773, and was
raised a farmer on his father's
plantation, receiving only a plain
English education. He emigrated
to this State in 1794, when it was a
part of the "Northwest Territory,"
continuing in the vocation in which
he had been brought up in his native
State, in the " New Design," near
Eagle Creek, in what is now Monroe
County. He served several terms as
a member of the General Assembly
of Indiana Territory, after it was organized as such,
and in 1812-14 he was a Delegate to the Twelfth
and Thirteenth Congresses, taking his seat Dec. 3,
181 2, and serving until Oct. 3, 1814. These were
the times, the reader will recollect, when this Gov-
ernment had its last struggle with Great Britain.
Theyear x8i2 is also noted in the history of this
State as that in which the first Territorial Legislature
was held. It convened at Kaskaskia, Nov. 25, and
adjourned Dec. 26, following.

While serving as Delegate to Congress, Mr. Bond
was instrumental in procuring the right of pre-emj)-
ton on the public domain. On the expiration of his
lenn at Washington he was appointed Receiver of
Public Moneys at Kaskaskia, then the capital of the
Territory. In company with John G. Comyges,

Thomas H. Harris, Charles Slade, Michael Jones,
Warren Brown, Edward Humphries and Charles W
Hunter, he became a proprietor of the site of the
initial city of Cairo, which they hoped, from its favor-
able location at the junction of the two great
rivers near the center of the Great West, would
rapidly develop into a metropolis. To aid tiie enter-
prise, they obtained a special charter from the Legis-
lature, incorporating both the City and the Bank of
Cairo.

In 1818 Mr. Bond was elected the first Governor
of the State of Illinois, being inaugurated Oct. 6
that year, which was several weeks before Illinois
was actually admitted. The facts are these: In
January, 18 18, tlie Territorial Legislature sent a peti-
tion to Congress for the admission of Illinois as a
State, Nathaniel Pope being then Delegate. The
petition was granted, fixing the northern line of the
State on the latitude of the southern extremity of
Lake Michigan; but the bill was afterward so amend-
ed as to extend this line to its present latitude. In
July a convention was called at Kaskaskia to draft a
constitution, which, however, was not submitted ti
the people. By its provisions, supreme judges, pros
ecuting attorneys, county and circuit judges, record-
ers and justices of the peace were all to be appointed
by the Governor or elected by the Legislature. This
constitution was accepted by Congress Dec. 30. At
that time Illinois comprised but eleven counties,
namely, Randolph, Madison, Gallatin, Johnson,
Pope, Jackson, Crawford, Bond, Union, Washington
and Franklin, the northern portion of the State be-
ing mainly in Madison County. Thus it appears
that Mr. Bond was honored by the naming of a

SHAVRACH BOND.

county before he was elected Governor. The present
county of Bond is of small Umitations, about 60 to 80
miles south of Springfield. For Lieutenant Governor
the people chose Pierre Menard, a prominent and
worthy Frenchman, after whom a county in this State
is named. In this election there were no opposition
candidates, as the popularity of these men had made
tlieir promotion to the chief offices of the S^ate, even
before the constitution was drafted, a foregone con-
clusion.

The principal points that excited the people in
reference to political issues at this period were local
or "internal improvements," as they were called,
State banks, location of the capital, slavery and the
personal characteristics of the proposed candidates.
Mr. Bond represented the "Convention party," for
introducing slavery into the State, supported by Elias
Kelt Kane, his Secretary of State, and John Mc-
Lean, while Nathaniel Pope and John P. Cook led
the anti-slavery element. The people, however, did
not become very much excited over this issue until
1820, when the famous Missouri Compromise was
adopted by Congress, limiting slavery to the south
of the parallel of 36° 30' except in Missouri. While
this nieasure settled the great slavery controversy,
so far as the average public sentiment was tempor-
arily concerned, until 1854, when it was repealed
under the leadership of Stephen A. Douglas, the issue
as considered locally in this State was not decided
until 1824, after a most furious campaign. (See
sketch of Gov. Coles.) The ticket of 18 18 was a
compromise one. Bond representing (moderately) the
pro-slavery sentiment and Menard the anti-slavery.

An awkward element in the State government
under Gov. Bond's administration, was the imperfec-
tion of the State constitution. The Convention
wished to have Elijah C. Berry for the first Auditor
of Public Accounts, but, as it was believed that the
new Governor would not appoint him to the office,
the Convention declared in a schedule that " an
auditor of public accounts, an attorney general and
such other officers of the State as may be necessary,
may be appointed by the General Assembly." The
Constitution, as it stood, vested a very large appoint-
ing power in the Governor; but for the purpose of
getting one man into office, a total change was made,
and the power vested in the Legislature. Of this
provision the Legislature took advantage, and de-

clared that State's attorneys, canal commissioners,
bank directors, etc., were all " officers of the State "
and must therefore be appointed by itself independ-
ently of the Governor.

During Gov. Bond's administration a general law
was passed for the incorporation of academies and
towns, and one authorizing lotteries. The session of
1822 authorized the Governor to appoint commis-
sioners, to act in conjunction with like commissioners
appointed by the State of Indiana, to report on the
practicability and expediency of improving the navi-
gation of the Wabash River; also inland navigation
generally. Many improvements were recommended,
some of which have been feebly worked at even till
the present day, those along the Wabash being of no
value. Also, during Gov. Bond's term of office, the
capital of the State was removed from Kaskaskia to
Vandalia. In 1S20 a law was passed by Congress
authorizing this State to open a canal through the
public lands. The State appointed commissioners
lo explore the route and prepare the necessary sur-
veys and estimates, preparatory to its execution;
but, being unable out of its own resources to defray
the expenses of the undertaking, it was abandoned
until some time after Congress made the grant of
land for the purpose of its construction.

On the whole. Gov. Bond's administration was
fairly good, not being open to severe criticism from
any party. In 1824, two years after the expiration
of his term of office, he was brought out as a candi-
date for Congress against the formidable John P.
Cook, but received only 4,374 votes to 7,460 for the
latter. Gov. Bond was no orator, but had made
many fast friends by a judicious bestowment of liis
gubernatorial patronage, and these worked zealously
for him in the campaign.

In 1827 ex-Gov. Bond was appointed by tiie Leg-
islature, with Wm. P. McKee and Dr. Gershom
Jayne, as Commissioners to locate a site for a peni-
•tentiary on the Mississippi at or near Alton.

Mr. Bond was of a benevolent and convivial dis-
position, a man of shrewd observation and clear ap-
preciation of events. His person was erect, stand-
ing six feet in height, and after middle life became
portly, weighing 200 pounds. His features were
strongly masculine, complexion dark, hair jet and
eyes hazel ; was a favorite witli tiie ladies. He died
April II, 1830, in peace and contentment.

Ld^^<"UA2) CcrtJ^

GO VERNOJiS OF JLLIA'OIS.

£t)war5 Coles.

^<s$<iiii>^^

DWARI' COLES, second
Governor of Illinois, 1823-
i. 6, was born Dec. 15, 1786,
in Albemarle Co., Va., on
the old family estate called
«>^i,_3 " Enniscorthy," on the
Green Mountain. His fath-
er, John Coles, was a Colonel in the
Revolutionary War. Having been fit-
ted for college by private tutors, he
was sent to Hampden Sidney, where
he remained until the autumn of 1805,
when he was removed to William and
(^vhu'SJ Mary College, at Williamsburg, Va.
^5.^itS^ This college he left in the summer of
1S07, a short time before the final and graduating
examination. Among his classmates were Lieut.
Gen. Scott, President John Tyler, Wm. S. Archer,
United States Senator from Virginia, and Justice
Baldwin, of the United States Supreme Court. The
President of the latter college. Bishop Madison, was
a cousin of President James Madison, and that cir-
cumstance was the occasion of Mr. Coles becoming
personally acquainted with the President and re-
ceiving a position as his private secretary, 1809-15.
The family of Coles was a prominent one in Vir-
ginia, and their mansion was the seat of the old-
fashioned Virginian hospitality. It was visited by
such rotables as Patrick Henry, Jefferson, Madison,
Monroe, the Randolphs, Tazewell, Wirt, etc. At the
age of 23, young Coles found himself heir to a plant-
ation and a considerable number of slaves. Ever
since his earlier college days his attention had been
drawn to the question of slavery. He read every-

thing on the subject that came in his way, and
listened to lectures on the rights of man. The mo'rL;
he reflected upon the subject, the more impossible
was it for him to reconcile the immortal declaration
"that all men are born free and equal " with the
practice of slave-holding. He resolved, therefore, to
free his slaves the first opportunity, and even remove
his residence to a free State, One reason which de-
termined him to accept the appointment as private
secretary to Mr. Madison was because he believed
that through the acquaintances he could make at
Washington he could better determine in what par;
of the non-slaveholding portion of the Union he woulc
prefer to settle.

The relations between Mr. Coles and President
Madison, as well as Jefferson and other distinguished
men, were of a very friendly character, arising from
the similarity of their views on the question of slavery
and their sympathy for each other in holding doc-
trines so much at variance with the prevailing senti-
ment in their own State.

In 1857, he resigned his secretaryship and spent a
portion of the following autumn in exploring the
Northwest Territory, for the purpose of finding a lo-
cation and purchasing lands on which to settle his
negroes. He traveled with a horse and buggy, with
an extra man and horse for emergencies, through
many parts of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri,
determining finally to settle in Illinois. At this time,
however, a misunderstanding arose between our
Government and Russia, and Mr. Coles was selected
to repair to St. Petersburg on a special mission, bear-
ing important papers concerning the matter at issue.
The result was a conviction of the Emperor (Alex-

ii6

EDWARD COLES.

ander) of the error comiiiitted by his minister at
Wiishington, and tlie consequent withdrawal of the
the latter from the post. On his return, Mr. Coles
visited other \)arts of Europe, especially Paris, where
he was introduced to Gen. Lafayette.

In the spring of 1819, he removed with all his
negroes from Virginia to Edwardsville, III, with the
intention of giving them their liberty. He did not
make known to them his intention until one beautiful
morning in April, as they were descending the Ohio
River. He lashed all the boats together and called
all the negroes on deck and made them a short ad-
dress, concluding his remarks by so expressing him-
self that by a turn of a sentence he proclaimed in
the shortest and fullest manner that they were no
longer slaves, but free as he was and were at liberty
to proceed with him or go ashore at their pleas-
ure. A description of the effect upon the negroes is
best desciibed in his own language :

"The effect upon them was electrical. They stared
at n-.e and then at each other, as if doubting the ac-
curacy or reality of what they heard. In breathless
silence they stood before me, unable to utter a word,
but with countenances beaming with expression which
no words could convey, and which no language
can describe. As they began to see the truth of
what they had heard, and realize their situation, there
came on a kind of hysterical, giggling laugh. After
a pause of intense and unutterable emotion, bathed
in tears, and with tremulous voices, they gave vent to
their gratitude and implored the blessing of God
on me."

Before landmg he gave them a general certificate
of freedom, and afterward conformed more particu-
larly with the law of this State requiring that each
individual should have a certificate. This act of
Mr. Coles, all the more noble and heroic considering
the overwhelming pro-slavery influences surrounding
him, has challenged the admiration of every philan-
thropist of modern times.

March 5, 1819, President Monroe appointed Mr.
Coles Registrar of the Land Office at Edwardsvihe,
at that time one of the principal land offices in the
State. While acting in this capacity and gaining
many friends by his ixjliteness and general intelli-
gence, the greatest struggle that ever occurred in
Illinois on the slavery question culminated in the
furious contest characterizing the campaigns and
elections of 1822-4. ^'i the summer of 1823, when a
new Governor was to be elected to succeed Mr.
Bond, the pro-slavery element divided into factions,
putting forward for the executive office Joseph
Phillips, Chief Justice of the State, Thomas C.
IJrowne and Gen. Junes B. Moore, of the State Mil-
itia. The anti-slavery element united upon Mr.
Coles, and, after one of the most bitter campaigns,
succeeded in electing him as Governor. His i)lural-
ity over Judge PhiUips was only 59 in a total vote of

over 8,000. The Lieutenant Governor was elected
by the slavery men. Mr. Coles' inauguration speech
was marked by calmness, deliberation and such a
wise expression of appropriate suggestions as to
elicit the sanction of all judicious politicians. But
he compromised not with evil. In his message to
the Legislature, the seat of Government being then
at Vandalia, he strongly urged the abrogation of the
modified form of slavery whi';h then existed in this
State, contrary to the Ordinance of 1787. His posi-
tion on this subject seems the more remarkable, when
it is considered that he was a minority Governor, the
population of Illinois being at that lime almost ex-
clusively from slave-holding States and by a large
majority in favor of the perpetuation of that old relic
of barbarism. The Legislature itself was, of course,
a reflex of the popular sentiment, and a majority of
them were led on by fiery men in denunciations of
the conscientious Governor, and in curses loud and
deep upon him and all his friends. Some of the
public men, indeed, went so far as to head a sort of
mob, or " shiveree " party, who visited the residence
of the Governor and others at Vandalia and yelled
and groaned and spat fire.

The Constitution, not establishing or permitting
slavery in this State, was thought therefore to be
defective by the slavery politicians, and they desired
a State Convention to be elected, to devise and sub-
mit a new Constitution; and the dominant politics
of the day was "Convention" and "anti-Conven-
tion." Both parties issued addresses to the people,
Gov. Coles himself being the author of the address
published by the latter party. This address revealed
the schemes of the conspirators in a masterly man-
ner. It is difficult for us at this distant day to esti-
mate the critical and extremely delicate situation in
which the Governor was placed at that time.

Our hero maintained himself honorably and with
supreme dignity throughout his administration, and
in his honor a county in this State is named. He
was truly a great man, and tiiose who lived in
this State during his sojourn here, like those who
live at the base of the mountain, were too near to see
and recognize the greatness that overshadowed them.

Mr. Coles was married Nov. 28, 1833, by Bishop
De Lancey, to Miss Sally Logan Roberts, a daughter
of Hugh Roberts, a descendant of Welsh ancestry,
who cami to this country with Wm. Penn in 1682.

After the expiration of his term of service. Gov.
Coles continued his residence in Edwardsville, sup-
erintending his farm in the vicinity. He was fond
of agriculture, and was the founder of the first agri-
cultural society in the State. On account of ill
health, however, and having no family to tie him
down, he spent much of his time in Eastern cities.
About 1832 he changed his residence to Philadel-
phia, where he died July 7, 1S68, and is buried at
Woodland, near that city.

' O <:y^-Ciyi^^^i<^

GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

^> • ^■•

111, 1 a 11, K d w a^f d.K •

--.<^.<4#^^>.-

INIAN EDWARDS, Govenioi-
from 1827 to 1830, was a son
of Benjamin Edwards, and
was born in Montgomery
J County, Maryland, in March,
r^ I77S- His domestic train-
■''*'' ing was well fitted to give
his mind strength, firmness and
honorable principles, and a good
foundation was laid for the elevated
character to which he afterwards
attained. His parents were Bap-
tists, and very strict in their moral
piinciples. His education in early
youth was in company with and
partly under the tuition of Hon. \Vm .
Wirt, whom his father patronized
^^ and who was more than two years

older. An intimacy was thus
formed between them which was lasting for life. He
was farther educated at Dickinson College, at Car-
lisle, Pa. He ne.xt commenced the study of law, but
before completing his course he moved to Nelson
County, Ky., to open a farm for his father and to
purchase homes and locate lands for his brothers and
sisters. Here he fell in the company of dissolute
companions, and for several years led the life of a
spendthrift. He was, however, elected to the Legis-
lature of Kentucky as the Representative of Nelson
ilounty before he was 2 1 years of age, and was re-
elected by an almost unanimous vote.

^^*>

In 1798 he was licensed to practice law, and the
following year was admitted to the Courts of Tennes-
see. About this time he left Nelson County for
Russellville, in Logan County, broke away from his
dissolute companions, commenced a reformation and
devoted himself to severe and laborious study. He
then began to rise rapidly in his profession, and soon
became an eminent lawyer, and inside of four years
he filled in succession the offices of Presiding Judge
of the General Court, Circuit Judge, fourth Judge of
the Court of Appeals and Chief Justice of the State,
— all before he was 32 years of age! In addition, in
1802, he received a commission as Major of a battal-
ion of Kentucky militia, and in 1804 was chosen a
Presidential Elector, on the Jefferson and Clinton
ticket. In 1S06 he was a candidate for Congress,
but withdrew on being promoted to the Court of
Appeals.

Illinois was organized as a separate Territory in
the spring of 1809, when Mr. Edwards, then Chief
Justice of the Court of Appeals in Kentucky, received
from President Madison the appointment as Gover-
nor of the new Territory, his commission bearing date
April 24, r8o9. Edwards arrived at Kaskaskia in
June, and on the i itii of that month took the oath of
office. At the same time he was appointed Superior
tendent of the United States Saline, this Government
interest then developing into considerable proportions
in Southern Illinois. Although during the first three
years of his administration he had the power to make
new counties and appoint all the officers, yet he always
allowed the people of each county, by an informal

NINIAN EDWARDS.

vote, to select their own officers, both civil and mili-
tary. The noted John J. Crittenden, afterward
United States Senator from Kentucky, was appointed
by Gev. Edwards to the office of Attorney General of
the Territory, which office was accepted for a short
time only.

The Indians in iSio committing sundry depreda-
tions in the Territory, crossing the Mississippi from
the Territory of Louisiana, a long corresfxjndence fol-
lowed between the respective Governors concerning
the remedies, which ended in a council with the sav-
ages at Peoria in 1S12, and a fresh interpretation of
ihe treaties. Peoria was depopulated by these de-
predations, and was not re-settled for many vears
afterward.

As Gov. Edwards' term of office expired by law in
1S12, he was re-appointed for another term of three
years, and again in 1815 for a third term, serving
until the organization of the State in the fall of 1818
t.nd the inauguration of Gov. Bond. At this time
ex-Gov. Edwards was sent to the United States
Senate, his colleague being Jesse B. Thomas. As
•senator, Mr. Edwards took a conspicuous part, and
acquitted himself honorably in all the measures that
came up in that body, being well posted, an able de-
bater and a conscientious statesman. He thought
seriously of resigning this situation in 182 1, but was
persuaded by his old friend, Wm. Wirt, and others to
continue in office, which he did to the end of the
term.

He was then appointed Minister to Mexico by
President Monroe. About this time, it appears that
Mr. Edwards saw suspicious signs in the conduct of
\Vm. H. Crawford, Secretary of the United States
Treasury, and an ambitious candidate for the Presi-
dency, and being implicated by the latter in some of
his statements, he resigned his Mexican mission in
order fully to investigate the charges. The result
was the exculpation of Mr. Edwards.

Pro-slavery regulations, often termed "Black Laws,"
cisgraced the statute books of both the Territory and
he State of Illinois during the whole of his career in
.his commonwealth, and Mr. Edwards always main-
tained the doctrines of freedom, and was an important
;xtor in the great struggle which ended in a victory
for his party in 1824.

In 18267 the Winnebago and other Indians com-
mitted sou-e depredations in the northern part of the

State, and the white settlers, who desired the land=:
and wished to exasperate the savages into an evacu-
ation of the country, magnified the misdemeanors of
the aborigines and thereby produced a hostility be-
tween the races so great as to precipitate a little war,
known in history as the "Winnebago War." A few
chases and skirmishes were had, when Gen. Atkinson
succeeded in capturing Red Bird, the Indian chief,
and putting him to death, thus ending the contest, at
least until the troubles commenced which ended in
the " Black Hawk War " of 1832. In the interpre-
tation of treaties and execution of their provisions
Gov. Edwards had much vexatious work to do. The
Indians kept themselves generally within the juris-
diction of Michigan Territory, and its Governor,
Lewis Cass, was at a point so remote that ready cor-
respondence with him was difficult or impossible.
Gov. Edwards' administration, however, in regard to
the protection of the Illinois frontier, seems to have
been very efficient and satisfactory.

For a considerable portion of his time after his re-
moval to Illinois, Gov. Edwards resided upon his
farm near Kaskaskia, which he had well stocked with
horses, cattle and sheep from Kentucky, also with
fruit-trees, grape-vines and shrubbery. He estab-
lished saw and grist-mills, and engaged extensively
in mercantile business, having no less than eight or ten
stores in this State and Missouri. Notwithstanding
the arduous duties of his office, he nearly always pur-
chased the goods himself with which to supply the
stores. Although not a regular practitioner of medi-
cine, he studied the healing art to a considerable ex-
tent, and took great pleasure in prescribing for, and
taking care of, the sick, generally without charge.
He w.is also liberal to the poor, several widows and
ministers of the gospel becoming indebted to hmi
even for their homes.

He married Miss Elvira Lane, of Maryland, in
1803, and they became the affectionate parents of
several children, one of whom, especially, is weli'
known to the people of the " Prairie State," namely,
Ninian Wirt Edwards, once the Superintendent c'
Public Instruction and still a resident of Springfield
Gov. Edwards resided at and in the vicinity of Kas-
kaskia from 1809 to 1S18; in Edwardsville (named
after him) from that time to 1824; and fro;n the lat-
ter date at Belleville, St. Clair County, until his
death, July 20, 1833, of Asiatic ciiolera. Edwards
County is also named in his honor.

GO VERNGRS OF ILLINOIS.

OHN REYNOLDS, Governor 1831-
l ^ 4, was born in Montgomery Coun-
ty, Pennsylvania, Feb. 26, 1788.
His father, Robert Reynolds and
his mother, nee Margaret Moore,
were both natives of Ireland, from
which country they emigrated to
the United States in 1785, land-
ing at Philadelphia. The senior
Reynolds entertained an undying
hostility to the British Govern-
ment. When the subject of this
sketch was about six months old,
his parents emigrated with him to
Tennessee, where many of their
relatives had already located, at the base of the
Copper Ridge Mountain, about 14 miles northeast of
the present city of Knoxville. There they were ex-
Dosed to Indian depredations, and were much molest-
ed by them. In 1794 they moved into the interior
of the State. They were poor, and brought up their
children to habits of manual industry.

In 1800 the family removed to Kaskaskia, 111., with
eight horses and two wagons, encountering many
' Hardships on the way. Here young Reynolds passed
the most of his childhood, while his character began
to develop, the most prominent traits of which were
ambition and energy. He also adopted the principle
and practice of total abstinence from intoxicating
liquors. In 1807 the family made another removal,

this time to the " Goshen Settlement," at the foot of
the Mississippi bluffs three or four miles southwest
of Edwardsville.

On arriving at his 20th year, Mr. Reynolds, seeing
that he must look about for his own livelihood and
not yet having determined what calling to pursue,
concluded first to attend college, and he accordingly
went to such an institution of learning, near Knox-
ville, Tenn., where he had relatives. Imagine his
diffidence, when, after passing the first 20 years of
his life without ever having seen a carpet, a papered
wall or a Windsor chair, and never having lived in a
shingle-roofed house, he suddenly ushered himself
into the society of the wealthy in the vicinity of
Knoxville ! He attended college nearly two years,
going through the principal Latin authors; but it
seems that he, like the rest of the world in modern
times, had but very little use for his Latin in after
life. He always failed, indeed, to exhibit any good
degree of literary discipline. He commenced the
study of law in Knoxville, but a pulmonary trouble
came on and compelled him to change his mode
of life. Accordinjjly he returned home and re-
cuperated, and in 1812 resumed his college and
law studies at Knoxville. In the fall of 1812 he was
admitted to the Bar at Kaskaskia. About this time
he also learned the French language, which he
practiced with pleasure in conversation with his
family for many years. He regarded this language
as being superior to all others for social intercourse

124

JOHN REYNOLDS.

From his services in the West, in the war oi 1812,
he obtained the sobriquet of the " Old Ranger." He
was Orderly Sergeant, then Judge Advocate.

Mr. Reynolds opened his first law office in the
winter and spring of 1814, in the French village of
Cahokia, then the capital of St. Clair County.

In the fall of 181S he was elected an Associate
Justice upon the Supreme Bench by the General
Assembly. In 1825 he entered more earnestly than
ever into the practice of law, and the very next year
was elected a member of the Legislature, where he
acted independently of all cliques and private inter-
ests. In 1828 the Whigs and Democrats were for
the first time distinctively organized as such in Illi-
nois, and the usual party bitterness grew up and
raged on all sides, while Mr. Reynolds preserved a
iudicial calmness and moderation. The real animus
if the campaign was " Jackson " and " anti-Jackson,"
'he former party carrying the State.

In August, 1830, Mr. Reynolds was elected Gov-
ernor, amid great e.xcitement. Installed in office, he
did all within his power to advance the cause of edu-
cation, internal improvements, the Illinois & Mich-
igan Canal, the harbor at Chicago, settling the coun-
try, etc.; also reccmmended the winding up of the
State Bank, as its affairs had become dangerously
complicated. In his national politics, he was a
moderate supporter of General Jackson. But the
most celebrated event of his gubernatcrial admin-
istration was the Black Hawk War, which occurred
in 1832. He called out the militia and prosecuted
the contest with commendable diligence, appearing
in ijerson on the battle-grounds during the most
critical periods. He was recognized by the President
as Major-General, and authorized by him to make
treaties with the Indians. By the assistance of the
genf.ral Government the war was terminated witliout
much bloodshed, but after many serious fights. This
war, as well as everything else, was materially re-
tarded by the occurrence of Asiatic cholera in the
West. This was its first appearance here, and was
the next event in prominence during Gov. Reynolds'
term.

South Carolina nullification corning up at this time,
t was heartily condemned by both President Jackson
^.nd Gov. Reynolds, who took precisely the same
grounds as the Unionists in the last war.

On the termination of his gubernatorial term in
.834, Gov. Reynolds was elected a Member of Con-
gress, still coi:sidering himself a backwoodsman, as
' e had scarcely been outside of the Slate since he
became of age, and had spent nearly all his youthful
iays in the wildest region of the frontier. His first
move in Congress was to adopt a resolution that in
all elections made by the House for officers the votes
should be given viva voce, each member in his place
naming aloud the person for whom he votes. This
created considerable heated discussion, but was es-

sentially adopted, and remained the controlling prin-
ciple for many years. The ex-Governor was scarcely
absent from his seat a single day, during eight ses-
sions of Congress, covering a period of seven year-.,
and he never vacillated in a party vote; but he failed
to get the Democratic party to foster his " National
Road" scheme. He says, in "My Own Times" (a
large autobiography he published), that it was only
by rigid economy that he avoided insolvency while in
Washington. During his sojourn in that city he was
married, to a lidy of the place.

In 1837, while out of Congress, and in company
with a few others, he built the first railroad in the
Mississippi Valley, namely, one about six miles long,
leading from his coal mine in the Mississippi bluft'to
the bank of the river opposite St. Louis. Having not
the means to purchase a locomotive, they operated it
by horse-power. The next spring, however, the com-
pany sold out, at great sacrifice.

In 1839 the ex-Governor was appointed one of the
Canal Commissioners, and authorized to borrow
money to prosecute the enterprise. Accord'ngly, he
repaired to Philadelphia and succeeding in obtaining
a million dollars, which, however, was only a fourth
of what was wanted. The same year he and his
wife made at our of Europe. This year, also, ^Ir.
Reynolds had the rather awkward little responsibility
of introducing to President Van Buren the noted
Mormon Prophet, Joseph Smith, as a " Latter-Day
Saint ! "

In 1846 Gov. Reynolds was elected a member of
the Legislature from St. Clair County, more particu-
larly for the purpose of obtaining a feasible charter
for a macadamized road from Belleville to St. Louis,
a distance of nearly 14 miles. This was immediately
built, and was the first road of the kind in the State.
He was again elected to the Legislature in 1852, when
he was chosen Speaker of the House. In i86o, aged
and infirm, he attended the National Democratic
Convention at Chadeston, S. C, as an anti-Douglas
Delegate, where he received more attention from the
Southern Delegates than any other member. He
supiwrted Breckenridge for the Presidency. After
the October elections foreshadowed the success of
Lincoln, he published an address urging the Demo-
crats to rally to the support of Douglas. Immedi-
ately preceding and during the late war, his corre-
spondence evinced a clear sympathy for the Southern
secession, and about the first of March, i86r, he
urged upon the Buchanan officials tlie seizure of the
treasure and arms in the custom-house and arsenal
at St. Louis. Mr. Reynolds was a rather talkative
man, and apt in all the Western phrases and catch-
words that ever gained currency, besides many cun-
ning and odd ones of his own manufacture.

He was married twice, but had no children. He
died in Belleville, in May, 1865, just after the close
of the war.

GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

127

/;w~tT''^^^^^ I LLI AM LEE D. EWING,
("^ Governor of Illinois Nov. 3
": to 17, 1834, was a native
uf Kentucky, and probably
of Scotch ancestry. He had
a fine education, was a gentle-
man of polished manners and
refined sentiment. In 1830 John Rey-
nolds was elected Governor of the State,
and Zadok Casey Lieutenant Governor,
and for the principal events that followed,
and the characteristics of the times, see
sketch of Gov. Reynolds. The first we
see in history concerning Mr. Ewing, in-
forms us that he was a Receiver of Pul)lic
Moneys at Vandalia soon after the organization of
tftib State, and that the public moneys in his hands
v.-ere deposited in various banks, as they are usually
.'•'•thv ^Tesent day. In 1823 the State Bank was
obbed, by which disaster Mr. Ewing lost a thousand-
dollar deposit.

The subject of this sketch had a commission as
(olonel in the Black Hawk War, and in emergencies
he acted also as Major. In the summer of 1832,
'■"/hen '.-was rumored among the whites that Black
Hawk and his men had encamped somewhere on
Rock Rive;-, Gen. Henry was sent on a tour of
reconnoisance, and with orders to drive the Indians
from the State. After some opposition from his
rubordinate officers, Henry resolved to proceed up
Rock River in search of the enemy. On the 19th of
July, early in the morning, five baggage wagons.

-» ■ ? ■ < -

camp equipage and all heavy and cumbersome arti-
cles were piled up and left, so that the army migh;
make speedy and forced marches. For some miles
the travel was exceedingly bad, crossing swamjis
and the worst thickets; but the large, fresh trail
give life and animation to the Americans. Gen.
Dodge and Col. Ewing were both actmg as Majors,
and composed the " spy corps " or vanguard of the
army. It is supposed the army marched nearly 50
miles this day, and the Indian trail they followed
became fresher, and was strewed with much property
and trinkets of the red-skins that they had lost or
thrown away to hasten their march. During the
following night there was a terrific thunder-storm, and
the soldiery, with all their appurtenances, were thor-
oughly drenched.

On approaching nearer the Indians the next day.
Gen. Dodge and Major Ewing, each commanding a
battalion of men, were placed in front to bring on the
l)attle, but the savages were not overtaken this day
Forced marches were continued until they reached.
Wisconsin River, where a veritable battle ensued,
resulting in the death of about 68 of Black Hawk's
men. The next day they continued the chase, and
as soon as he discovered the trail of the Indians
leading toward the Mississippi, Maj. Ewing formed
liis battalion in order of battle and awaited the order
of Gen. Henry. The latter soon appeared on the
ground and ordered a charge, which directly resulted
in chasing the red warriors across the great riven
Maj, Ewing and his command proved particularly
efficient in war, as it seems they were the chief actors
in driving the main body of the Sacs and Foxes, in-

128

WILLIAM L. D. EWING.

eluding Black Hawk himself, across the Mississippi,
while Gen. Atkinson, commander-in-chief of the ex-
pedition, with a body of the army, was hunting for
them in another direction.

In the above affair Maj. Ewmg is often referred to
as a "General," wh.ich title he had derived from his
connection with the militia.

It was in the latter part of the same year (1832)
that Lieutenant Governor Casey was elected to Con-
gress and Gen. Ewing, who had been elected to the
Senate, was cliosen to preside over that body. At
the August election of 1S34, Gov. Reynolds was also
elected to Congress, more than a year ahead of the
time at which he could actually take his seat, as was
then the law. His predecessor, Charles Slade, had
just died of Asiatic cholera, soon after the elec-
tion, and Gov. Reynolds was chosen to serve out his
unexpired term. Accordingly he set out for Wash-
ington in November of that year to take his seat in
Congress, and Gen. Ewing, by virtue of his office as
President of the Senate, became Governor of the
State of Illinois, his term covering only a period of
15 days, namely, from the 3d to the 17th days, in-
clusive, of November. On the 17th the Legislature
met, and Gov. Ewing transmitted to that body his
message, giving a statement of the condition of the
affairs of the State at that time, and urging a contin-
uance of the policy adopted by his predecessor; and
on the same day Governor elect Joseph Duncan
was sworn into office, thus relieving Mr. Ewing from

the responsible situation. This is the only time that
such a juncture has happened in the history of Illi-
nois.

On the 29th of December, 1835, Gen. Ewing was
elected a United States Senator to serve out the
unexpired term of Elias Kent Kane, deceased. The
latter gentleman was a very prominent figure in the
eariy politics of Illinois, and a county in this State is
named in his honor. The election of Gen. Ewing to
the Senate was a protracted struggle. His competi-
tors were James Semple, who afterwards held several
important offices in this State, and Richard M.
Young, afterward a United States Senator and a
Supreme Judge and a man of vast influence. On
the first ballot Mr. Semple had 25 votes. Young 19
and Ewing 18. On the eighth ballot Young was
dropped ; the ninth and tenth stood a tie ; but on
the 1 2th Ewing received 40, to Semple 37, and was
accordingly declared elected. In 1837 Mr. Ewing
received some votes for a continuance of his term in
Congress, when Mr. Young, just referred to, was
elected. In 1842 Mr. Ewing was elected State
Audit-^r on the ticket with Gov. Ford.

Gen. Ewing was a gentleman of culture, a lawyer
by profession, and was much in public life. In person
he was above medium height and of heavy build,
with auburn hair, blue eyes, large-sized head and
short face. He was genial, social, friendly and
affable, with fair talent, though of no high degree of
originality. He died March 25, 1846.

GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

«3«

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OSEPH DUNCAN, Governor
1834-8, was born at Paris,
Ky., Feb. 23, 1794. At the
tender age of 19 years he en-
listed in the war against Great
Britain, and as a soldier he
acquitted himself with credit. He
was an Ensign under the daunt-
less Croghan at Lower Sanduhky,
or Fort Stephenson. In Illinois
he first appeared in a public capa-
city as Major-Geneval of the ]\Iilitia,
position which his military fame
had procured him. Subsequently
he became a State Senator from
Jackson County, and is honorably
mentioned for introducing the first bill providing for
a free-school system. In 1826, when the redoubt-
able John P. Cook, who had previously beaten such
men as John McLean, Elias Kent Kane and ex-
Gov. Bond, came up for the fourth time for Congress,
Mr. Duncan was brought forward against him by his
friends, greatly to the surprise of all the politicians.
As yet he was but little known in the State. He was
an original Jackson man at that time, being attached
to his political fortune in admiration of the glory of
his militaty achievements. His chances of success
against Cook were generally regarded as hopeless,
but he entered upon the campaign undaunted. His
speeches, though short and devoid of ornament, were
full of good sense. He made a diligent canvass of
the State, Mr. Cook being hindered by the condition of
his health. The most that was expected of Mr.
Duncan, under the circumstances, was that he would

obtain a respectable vote, but without defeating Mr,
Cook. The result of the campaign, however, was a
source of surprise and amazement to both friends
and foes, as Mr. Duncan came out 641 votes ahead!
He received 6,321 votes, and Mr. Cook 5,680. Un-
til this denotiemcnt, the violence of party feeling
smoldering in the breasts of the people on account
of the defeat of Jackson, was not duly appreciated.
Aside from the great convention struggle of 1824, no
other than mere local and pergonal considerations
had ever before controlled an election in Illinois.

From the above date Mr. Duncan retained his
seat in Congress until his election as Governor in
.August, 1834. The first and bloodless year of the
Black Hawk War he was appointed by Gov. Rey-
nolds to the position of Brigadier-General of the
volunteers, and he conducted his brigade to Rock
Island. But he was absent from the State, in Wash-
ington, during the gubernatorial campaign, and did
not personally participate in it, but addressed circu-
lars to his constituents. His election was, indeed,
attributed to the circumstance of his absence, be-
cause his estrangement from Jackson, formerly his
political idol, and also from the Democracy, largely
in ascendency in the State, was complete ; but while
his defection was well known to his Whig friends,
and even to the leading Jackson men of this State,
the latter were unable to carry conviction of that fact
to the masses, as mail and newspaper facilities at
that day were far inferior to those of the present
time. Of course the Governor was much abused
afterward by the fossilized Jackson men who re-
garded party ties and affiliations as above all
other issues that could arise; but he was doubtless

132

JOSEPH DUNCAN.

Eincere in his opposition to the old hero, as the latter
iiad vetoed several important western measures
which were dear to Mr. Duncan. In his inaugural
message he threw off the mask and took a bold stand
rgain St the course of the President. The measures
'.e recommended in his message, however, were so
desirable that the Legislature, although by a large
majority consisting of Jackson men, could not refrain
from endorsing them. These measures related
ruainly to banks and internal improvements.

It was while Mr. Duncan was Governor that the
people of Illinois went whirling on with bank and in-
ternal improvement schemes that well nigh bank-
nipted the State. The hard times of 1837 came on,
and the disasters that attended the inauguration of
diese plans and the operation of the banks were mu-
tually charged upon the two political parties. Had
any cr-e man autocratic power to introduce and
carry on any one of these measures, he would proba-
bly have succeeded to the satisfaction of the public ;
r.ut as many jealous men had hold of the same plow
nandle, no success followed and each blamed the other
for the failure. In this great vortex Gov. Duncan
was carried along, suffering the like derogation of
character with his fellow citizens.

At the height of the excitement the Legislature
" provided for " railroads from Galena to Cairo, Alton
to Shawneetown, Alton to Mount Carmel, Alton to tlie
eastern boundary of the State in the direction of
Terre Haute, Quincy via Springfield to the Wabasli,
Bloon-.ington to Pekin, and Peoria to Warsaw, — in all
about r, 300 miles of road. It also provided for the
improvement of the navigation of the Kaskaskia.
Illinois, Great and Little Wabash and Rock Rivers ;
also as a placebo, $200,000 in money were to be dis-
tributed to the various counties wherein no improve-
ments were ordered . to be made as above. The
estimate for the expenses for all these projects was
;laced at a little over $10,000,000, which was not
more inan half enough! That would now be equal to
saddling upon the State a debt of $225,000,000! It
was sufficient to bankrupt the State several times
over, even counting all the possible benefits.

One of the most exciting events that ever occurred
ba. this fair State was the murder of Elijah P. Love-
ioy in the fall of r837, at Alton, during Mr. Duncan's
term as Governor. Lovejoy was an " Abolitionist,"
editing the Observer at that place, and the pro-
slavery slums there formed themselves into a mob,

and after destroying successively three presses be-
longing to Mr. Lovejoy, surrounded the warehouse
where the fourth press was stored away, endeavoring
to destroy it, and where Lovejoy and his friends
were entrenching thernselves, and shot and killed the
brave reformer!

About this time, also, the question of removing the
State capital again came up, as the 20 years' limit for
its existence at Vandalia was drawing to a close.
There was, of course, considerable excitement over
the matter, the two main points competing for it be-
ing Springfield and Peoria. The jealousy of the lat-
ter place is not even yet, 45 years afterward, fully
allayed.

Gov. Duncan's term expired in 1838. In 1842
he was again proposed as a candidate for the Execu-
tive chair, this time by the Whig party, against Adam
W. Snyder, of St. Clair County, the nominee of the
Democrats. Charles W. Hunter was a third candi-
date for the same position. Mr. Snyder, however, died
before the campaign had advanced very far, and his
party substituted Thomas Ford, who was elected,
receiving 46,9or votes, to 38,584 for Duncan, and
909 for Hunter. The cause of Democratic success
at this time is mainly attributed to the temporary
support of the Mormons which they enjoyed, and the
want of any knowledge, on the part of the masses,
that Mr. Ford was opposed to any given [xjlicy en-
tertained in the respective localities.

Gov. Duncan was a man of rather limited educa-
tion, but with naturally fine abilities he profited
greatly by his various public services, and gathered
a store of knowledge regarding public affairs which
served him a ready purpose. He possessed a clear
judgment, decision, confidence in himself and moral
courage to carry out his convictions of light. In his
deportment he was well adapted to gain the admira-
tion of the people. His intercourse with them was
both affable and dignified. His portrait at the Gov-
ernor's mansion, from which the accompanying was
made, represents him as having a swarthy complex-
ion, high cheek bones, broad forehead, piercing black
eyes and straight black hair.

He was a liberal patron of the Illinois College at
Jacksonville, a member of its Board of Trustees, and
died, after a short illness, Jan. 15, 1S44, a devoted
member of the Presbyterian Ciiurch, leaving a wife
but no children. Two children, born to them, had
died in infancy.

'<?^*

^(::^i^-rYo-±^!:^

GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

«3S

-i*

^nHOMAS CARLIN, the sixth
^ Governor of the State of
Illinois, serving from 1S38
to 1S42, was also a Ken-
tuckian, being born near
Frankfort, that State, July
iS, 1789, of Irish paternity.
The opportunities for an education
being very meager in his native
place, he, on approaching years of
judgment and maturity, applied
himself to those branches of learn-
ing that seemed most important,
and thus became a self-made man ;
and his taste for reading and
study remained with hini through
In 1803 his father removed
10 Missouri, then a part of " New Spain," where he
died in iSio.

In 18 1 2 young Carlin came to Illinois and 'partici-
pated in all the "ranging" service incident to the
war of that period, proving himself a soldier of un-
daunted bravery. In 1814 he married Rebecca
Huitt, and lived for four years on the bank of the
Mississippi River, opposite the mouth of the Mis-
souri, where he followed farming, and then removed
to Greene County. He located the town site of Car-
n>'tor.,in that county, and in 1825 made a liberal
donation of land for county building purposes. He
was the first Sherifif of that county after its separate
organization, and afterward was twice elected, as a
Jackson Democrat, to the Illinois Senate. In the
Black Hawk War he commanded a spy battalion, a
post of considerable danger. In 1834 he was ap-
pointed by President Jackson to the position of
Receiver of Public Moneys, and to fulfill the office

more conveniently he removed to the city of Quincy.

While, in 1838, the unwieldy internal improvement
system of the State was in full operation, with all its
expensive machinery, amidst bank suspensions
throughout the United States, a great stringency in
the money market everywhere, and Illinois bonds
forced to sale at a heavy discount, and the " hardest
times "existing that the people of the Prairie State
ever saw, the general election of Stale officers was
approaching. Discreet men who had cherished the
hope of a speedy subsidence of the public infatua-
tion, met with disappointment. A Governor and
Legislature were to be elected, and these were now
looked forward to for a repeal of the ruinous Stale
policy. But the grand scheme had not yet lost its
dazzling influence upon the minds of the people.
Time and experience had not yet fully demonstrated
its alter absurdity. Hence the question of arresting
its career of profligate expenditures did not become
a leading one with the dominant party during the
camp.iign, and most of the old members of the Leg-
islature were returned at this election.

Under these circumstances the Democrats, in State
Convention assembled, nominated Mr. Carlin for the
office of Governor, and S. H. Anderson for Lieuten-
ant Governor, while the Whigs nominated Cyrus Ed-
wards, brother of Ninian Edwards, formeriy Governor,
and W. H. Davidson. Edwards came out strongly
for a continuance of the State policy, while Carli;
remained non-committal. This was the first tunc
that the two main [wliiical parties in this Slate were
unembarrassed by any third party in ihe field. The
result of the election was: Carlin, 35,573 ; Ander-
son, 30,335 ; Edwards, 29,629 ; and Davidson, 28,-

7I.S-

Upon the meeting of the subsequent Legislature
(1839), the retiring Governor CDuncan) in his mcs-

t36

THOMAS CARLTN.

sage spoke in emphatic terms of the impolicy of the
internal improvement system, presaging the evils
threatened, and uiged that body to do their utmost
to correct the great error ; yet, on the contrary, the
Legislature not only decided to continue the policy
but also added to its burden by voting more appro-
priations and ordering more improvements. Although
the money market was still stringent, a further loan
of $4,000,000 was ordered for the Illinois & Mich-
igan Canal alone. Cn'cago at that time began to
loom up and promise to be an important city, even
the great emporium of the West, as it has since in-
deed came to be. Ex-Gov. Reynolds, an incompe-
tent financier, was commissioned to effect the loan,
and accordingly hastened to the East on this respons-
ible errand, and negotiated the loans, at considera-
ble sacrifice to the State. Besides this embarrassment
to Carlin's administration, the Legislature also de-
clared that he had no authority to appoint a Secretary
of State until a vacancy existed, and A. P. Field, a
Whig, who had already held the post by appointment
through three administrations, was determined to
keep the place a while longer, in spite of Gov. Car-
lin's preferences. The course of the Legislature in
this regard, however, was finally sustained by the
Supreme Court, in a quo warranto case brought up
before it by John A. McClernand, whom the Gov-
ernor had nominated for the office. Thereupon that
dignified body was denounced as a "Whig Court!"
endeavoring to establish the principle of life-tenure
of office.

A new law was adopted re-organizing the Judici-
ary, and under it five additional Supreme Judges
were elected by the Legislature, namely, Thomas
Ford (afterward Governor), Sidney Breese, Walter B.
Scates, Samuel H. Treat and Stephen A. Douglas —
all Democrats.

It was daring Cov. Carlin's administration that the
noisy campaign of '"Tippecanoe and Tyler too " oc-
curred, resulting in a Whig victory. This, however,
did net affect Illinois politics very seriously.

Another prominent event in the West during Gov.
Carlin's term of office was the excitement caused by
the Mcrmons and their removal from Independence,
Mo., to Nauvoo, 111., in 1840. At the same time
they began to figure somewhat in State politics. On
account of tlieir believing — as they thought, accord-
ing to the New Testament — that they should have

" all things common," and that consequently " all
the earth " and all that is upon it were the" Lord's "
and therefore the property of his " saints," they
were suspected, and correctly, too, of committing
many of the deeds of larceny, robbery, etc., that
were so rife throughout this country in those days.
Hence a feeling of violence grew up between the
Mormons and "anti-Mormons." In the State of
Missouri the Mormons always supported the Dem-
ocracy until they were driven out by the Democratic
government, when they turned their support to the
Whigs. They were becoming numerous, and in the
Legislature of 1840-r, therefore, it became a matter
of great interest with both parties to conciliate these
people. Through the agency of one John C. Ben-
nett, a scamp, the Mormons succeeded in rushing
through the Legislature (both parties not daring to
oppose) a charter for the city of Nauvoo which vir-
tually erected a hierarchy co-ordinate with the Fed-
eral Government itself. In the fall of 1841 the
Governor of Missouri made a demand upon Gov.
Carlin for the body of Joe Smith, the ^lormon leader,
as a fugitive from justice. Gov. Carlin issued the
writ, but for some reason it was returned unserved.
It was again issued in 1842, and Smith was arrested,
but was either rescued by his followers or discharged
by the municipal court on a writ of habeas corpus.

In December, 1841, the Democratic Convention
nominated .\dam W. Snyder, of Belleville, for Gov-
ernor. As he had been, as a member of the Legisla-
ture, rather friendly to the Mormons, the latter
naturally turned their support to the Democratic
party. The next spring the Whigs nominated Ex-
Gov. Duncan for the same office. In the meantime
the Mormons began to grow more odious to the
masses of the people, and the comparative prospects
of the respective parties for success became very
problematical. Mr. Snyder died in May, and
Thomas Ford, a Supreme Judge, was substituted as
a candidate, and was elected.

At the close of his gubernatorial term, Mr. Carlin
removed back to his old home at Carrollton, where
he spent the remainder of his life, as before his ele-
vation to office, in agricultural pursuits. In 1S49
he served out the unexpired term of J. D. Fry in the
Illinois House of Representatives, and died Feb. 4.
1852, at his residence at Carrollton, leaving a wife
and seven children.

■'^A-t^t^t^^Ck^

GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

*39

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3H0MAS FORD, Governor
from 1842 to 1846, and au-
thor of a very interesting
history of Illinois, was born
at Uniontown, Pa., in the
year 1 800. His mother, after
the death of her first hus-
band (Mr. Forquer), married Rob-
ert Ford, who was killed in 1802,
by the Indians in the mountains
of Pennsylvania. She was conse-
quently left in indigent circum-
stances, with a large family, mostly
gids. With a view to better her
condition, she, in 1804, removed to
Missouri, where it had been cus-
tomary by the Spanish Govern-
ment to give land to actual settlers; but upon her
arrival at St. Louis she found the country ceded to
the United States, and the liberal policy toward set-
tlers changed by the new ownership. After some
sickness to herself and family, she finally removed to
Illinois, and settled some three miles south of Water-
loo, but the following year moved nearer the Missis-
sippi bluffs. Here young Ford received his first i

schooling, under the instructions of a Mr. Humphrey,
for which he had to walk three miles. His mother,
though lacking a thorough education, was a woman
of superior mental endowments, joined to energy
and determination of character. She inculcated in
her children those high-toned principles which dis-
tinguished her sons in ^^ublic life. She exercised a
rigid economy to provide her children an education ;
but (ieorge Forquer, her oldest son (six years older
than Thomas Ford), at an early age had to quit
school to aid by his labor in the support of the family.
He afterward became an eminent man in Illinois
affairs, and but for his early death would probably
have been elected to the United States Senate.

Young Ford, with somewhat better opportunities,
received a better education, though limited to the
curriculum of the common school of those pioneer
times. His mind gave early promise of superior en-
dowments, with an inclination fur mathematics. His
proficiency attracted the attention of Hon. Daniel P.
Cook, who became his efficient patron and friend.
The latter gentleman was an eminent Illinois states-
man who, as a Member of Congress, obtained a grant
of 300,000 acres of land to aid in completing the
Illinois & Michigan Canal, and after whom the
county of Cook was named. Through the advice of

I4e

THOMAS I^RD.

this j^entleinaii, Mr. Ford turned his attention to the
study of hxw; but Forquer, then merchandising, re-
s^-irdini.; liis education defective, sent him to Transyl-
vania University, wliere, however, he remained but
one term, owing to Forquer's failure in business. On
his return he alternated his law reading with teach-
ing school for support.

In 1829 Gov. Edwards appointed him Prosecuting
Attorney, and in 1831 he was re-appointed by Gov.
Reynolds, and after that he was four times elected a
Judge by the Legislature, without opposition, twice a
Circuit Judge, once a Judge of Chicago, and as As-
sociate Judge of the Supreme Court, when, in 1841,
the latter tribunal was re-organized by the addition
of five Judges, all Democrats. Ford was assigned to
the Ninth Judicial Circuit, and while in this capacity
he was holding Court in Ogle County he received a
notice of his nomination by the Democratic Conven-
tion for the office of Governor. He immediately re-
signed his place and entered upon the canvass. In
August, 1842, he was elected, and on the 8th of De-
cember following he was inaugurated.

All the offices which he had held were unsolicited
by him. He received them upon the true Jefferson-
ian principle, — Never to ask and never to refuse
office. Both as a lawyer and as a Judge he stood
deservedly high, but his cast of intellect fitted him
rather for a writer upon law than a practicing advo-
cate in the courts. In the latter capacity he was void
of the moving power of eloquence, so necessary to
success with juries. As a Judge his opinions were
"ound, lucid and able expositions of the law. In
practice, he was a stranger to the tact, skill and in-
sinuating address of the politician, but he saw through
ihe arts of demagogues as well as any man. He was
()lain in his demeanor, so i^iuch so, indeed, that at
one time after the expiration of his term of office,
during a session of the Legislature, he was taken by
a stranger to be a seeker for the position of door-
keeper, and was waited upon at his hotel near mid-
night by a knot of small office-seekers with t!ie view
of effecting a " combination ! "

Mr. Ford had not the " brass " of the ordinary
politician, nor that impetuosity which characterizes a
political leader. He cared little for money, and
hardly enough for a decent support. In person he
was of small stature, slender, of dark complexion,
with black hair, sharp features, deep-set eyes, a
pointed, aquiline nose having a decided twist to one
side, and a small mouth.

The three most important events in Gov. Ford's
administration were the establishment of the high
iinancial credit of the State, the " Mormon War "and
.he Mexican War.

In the first of these the Governor proved himself
*.c be en;inentlv wise. On coming into office he found
►he State iiadly paralyzed by the ruinous efiTects of
the notorious "internal improvement" schemes of

the preceding decade, with scarcely anything to
show by way of "improvement." The enterprise
that seemed to be getting ahead more than all the
rest was the Illinois & Michigan Canal. As this
promised to be the most important thoroughfare,
feasible to the people, it was well under headway in
its construction. Therefore the State policy was
almost concentrated upon it, in order to rush it onto
completion. The bonded indebtedness of the State
was growing so large as to frighten the people, and
they were about ready to entertain a proposition for
repudiation. But the Governor had the foresight to
recommend such measures as would maintain the
public credit, for which every citizen to-day feels
thankful.

But perhaps the Governor is remembered more for
his connection with the Mormon troubles than for
anything else; for it was during his term of office
that the " Latter-Day Saints " became so strong at
Nauvoo, built their temple there, increased their num-
bers throughout the country, committed misdemean-
ors, taught dangerous doctrines, suffered the loss of
theirleader, Jo Smith, by a violent death, were driven
out of Nauvoo to the far West, etc. Having been a
Judge for so many years previously, Mr. Ford of
course was non-committal concerning Mormon affairs,
and was therefore claimed by both parties and also
accused by each of sympathizing too greatly with the
other side. Mormonism claiming to be a system of
religion, the Governor no doubt was "between two
fires," and felt compelled to touch the matter rather
" gingerly," and doubtless felt greatly relieved when
that pestilential people left the State. Such compli-
cated matters, especially when religion is mixed up
with them, expose every person participating in
them to criticism from all parties.

The Mexican War was begun in the spring of
1845, and was continued into the gubernatorial term
of Mr. Ford's su;cessor. The Governor's connection
with this war, however, was not conspicuous, as it
was only administrative, commissioning officers, etc.

Ford's " History of Illinois " is a very readable and
entertaining work, of 450 small octavo pages, and is
destined to increase in value with the lapse of time.
It exhibits a natural flow of compact and forcible
thought, never failing to convey the nicest sense. In
tracing with his trenchant pen the devious operations
of the professional politician, in which he is inimit-
able, his account is open, perhaps, to the objection
that all his contemporaries are treated as mere place-
seekers, while many of them have since been judged
by the people to be worthy statesmen. His writings
seem slightly open to the criticism that they exhibit
a little splenetic partiality against those of his con-
temporaries who were prominent during Iiis term of
office as Governor.

The death of Gov. Ford took place at Peoria, 111.,
Nov. 2, 1S50.

GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

*43

j^m^Y />.^y7^^

Augustus €. French.

^?e<vx^/Xi:f

Augustus c. French,

Governor of Illinois from
1S46 to 1852, was born in
the town of Hill, in the
State of New Hampshire,
Aug. 2, 1808. He was a
descendant in the fourth
generation of Nathaniel
French, who emigrated from England
in 1687 and settled in Saybury, Mass.
In early life young French lost his
father, but continued to receive in-
struction from an exemplary and
Christian mother until he was 19 years
old, when she also died, confiding to
his care and trust four younger broth-
ers and one sister. He discharged his trust with
parental devotion. His education in early life was
such mainly as a common school afforded. For a
brief period he attended Dartmouth College, but
from pecuniary causes and the care of his brothers
and sister, he did not graduate. He subsequently
read law, and was admitted to the Bar in 1831, and
shortly afterward removed to Illinois, settling first at
Albion, Edwards County, where he established him-
self in the practice of law. The following year he
removed to Paris, Edgar County. Here he attained
eminence in his profession, and entered public life
by representing that county in the Legislature. A
strong attachment sprang up between him and Ste-
plien A. Douglas.

In 1839, Mr. French was appointed Receiver of
the United States Land Office at Palestine, Craw-
ford County, at which place he was a resident when

elevated to the gubernatorial chair. In 1844 he was
a Presidential Elector, and as such he voted for
James K. Polk.

The Democratic State Convention of 1846, meet-
ing at Springfield Feb. 10, nominated Mr. French
for Governor. Other Democratic candidates were
Lyman Trumbull, John Calhoun (subsequently of
Lecompton Constitution notoriety), V\' alter B. Scates.
Richard M. Young and A. W. Cavarly,— an array of
very able and prominent names. Trumbull was per-
haps defeated in the Convention by the tumor that
he was opposed to the Illinois and Michigan Canal,
as he had been a year previously. For Lieutenant
Governor J. B. Wells was chosen, while other candi-
dates were Lewis Ross, Wm. McMurtry, Newton
Cloud, J. B. Hamilton and W. W. Thompson. The
resolutions declared strongly against the resuscita-
tion of the old State Banks.

The Whigs, who were in a hopeless minority, held
their convention June 8, at Peoria, and selected
Thomas M. Kilpatrick, of Scott County, for Governor,
and Gen. Nathaniel G. Wilco.x, of Schuyler, for
Lieutenant Governor.

In the campaign the latter exposed Mr. French's
record and connection with the passage of the in-
ternal improvement system, urging it against his
election; l)ut in the me-intime the war with Mexico
broke out, regarding which the Whig record was un-
popular in this State. The war was the absorbing
and dominating question of the period, svveeping
every other political issue in its course. Tlie elec-
tion in August gave Mr. French 58,700 votes, and
Kilpatrick only 36,775. Richard Eells, Abolitionist
candidate for the same office, received 5,152 vot^s

144

AUGUSTUS C. FRENCH.

By the new Constitution of 184S, a new election for
State officers was ordered in November of that year,
before Gov. French's term was half out, and he was
re-elected for the term of four years. He was there-
fore the incumbent for six consecutive years, the
only Governor of this State who has ever served in
that capacity so long at one time. As there was no
organized opposition to his election, he received 67,-
453 votes, to S>639 fo"" Pierre Menard (son of the
first Lieutenant Governor), 4,748 for Charles V.
Dyer, 3,834 for W. L. D. Morrison, and 1,361 for
James L. D. Morrison. But VVm. McMurtry, of
Knox County, was elected Lieutenant Governor, in
place of Joseph B. Wells, who was before elected
and did not run again.

Governor French was inaugurated into ofiice dur-
ing the progress of the Mexican War, which closed
during the summer of 1847, although the treaty of
Guadalupe Hidalgo was not made until Feb. 2,
1848. The policy of Gov. French's party was com-
mitted to that war, but in connection with that affair
he was, of course, only an administrative officer.
During his term of office, Feb. 19, 1847. the Legisla-
ture, by special permission of Congress, declared that
all Government lands sold to settlers should be im-
mediately subject to State taxation ; before this they
were exempt for five years after sale. By this ar-
rangem.ent the revenue was materially increased.
About the same time, the distribution of Government
land warrants among the Me.xican soldiers as bounty
threw upon the market a great quantity of good
lands, and this enhanced the settlement of the State.
The same Legislature authorized, with the recom-
mendation of the Governor, the sale of the Northern
Cross Railroad (from Springfield to Meredosia, the
first in the State and now a section of the Wabash,
St. Louis & Pacific) It sold for $100,000 in bonds,
although it had cost the State not less than a million.
The salt wells and canal lands in the Saline reserve
in Gallatin County, granted by the general Govern-
ment to the State, were also authorized by the
Governor to be sold, to apply on the State debt. In
1850, for the first time since 1839, the accruing State
revenue, exclusive of specific appropriations, was
sufficient to meet the current demands upon the
treasur)'. The aggregate taxable property of the
State at this time was over $100,000,000, and the
population 851,470.

In 1849 the Legiaiature adopted the township or-
ganization law, which, however, proved defective,
and was properly amended in 1 851. At its session
in the latter year, the General Assembly also passed
a law to exempt homesteads from sale on executions
This beneficent measure had been repeatedly atge<3
upon that body by Gov. French.

In 1850 some business men in St. Louis con\-
menced to build a dike opposite the lower part of
their city on the Illinois side, to keep the Mississippi
in its channel near St. Louis, instead of breaking
away from them as it sometimes threatened to do.
This they undertook without permission from the
Legislature or Executive authority of this State ; and
as many of the inhabitants then* complained that
the scheme would inundate and ruin much valuable
land, there was a slight conflict of jurisdictions, re-
sulting in favor of the St. Louis project; and since
then a good site has existed there for a city (East St.
Louis), and now a score of railroads center there.

It was in September, 1850, that Congress granted
to this State nearly 3,000,000 acres of land in aid of
the completion of the Illinois Central Railroad,
which constituted the most important epoch in the
railroad — we might say, internal improvement — his-
tory of the State. The road was rushed on to com-
pletion, which accelerated the settlement of the in-
terior of the State by a good class of industrious citi-
zens, and by the charter a good income to the State
Treasury is paid in from the earnings of the road.

In 1 85 I the Legislature passed a law authorizing
free stock banks, v/hich was the source of much leg-
islative discussion for a number of years.

But we have not space further to particularize
concerning legislation. Gov. French's administra-
tion was not marked by any feature to be criticised,
while the country was settling up as never before.

In stature. Gov. French was of medium height,
squarely built, light complexioned, with ruddy face
and pleasant countenance. In manners he was
plain and agreeable. By nature he was somewhat
diffident, but he was often very outspoken in his con-
victions of duty. In public speech he was not an
orator, but was chaste, earnest and persuasive. In
business he was accurate and methodical, and in his
administration he kept up the credit of the State.

He died in 1865, at his home in Lebanon, St
Glair Co., 111.

\ u

GO VEKNORS OF ILLINOIS.

'47

^^\ ^. J^Initeson.

-■«■ :=^ <^-<M>-$s>$

'- ^^ V)EL A. MATTESON, Governor
^j,#** 1853-6, was born Aug. 8, 1808,
*^' ■■''■'■■ in Jefferson County, New York,
to which place his father had re-
moved from Vermont three years
before. His father was a farmer
in fair circumstances, but a com-
mon English education was all
that his only son received. Young
Joel first tempted fortune as a
small tradesman in Prescott,
Canada, before he was of age.
He returned from that place to
his home, entered an academy,
taught school, visited the prin-
cipal Eastern cities, improved a farm Iiis father hail
given him, made a tour in tiie South, worked tlierc
in building railroads, experienced a storm on the
Gulf of Mexico, visited the gold diggings of Northern
Georgia, and returned via Nashville to St. Louis and
through Illinois to his father's home, when he mar-
ried. In 1833, having sold his farm, he removed,
vvith his wife and one child, to Illinois, and entered
a claim on Government land near the head of An
Sable River, in what is now Kendall County. At
ihat time there were not more tlian two neighbors
within a range of ten miles of his place, and only
'hree or four houses between Iiim and Chicago. He
opened a large farm. His family was boarded 12

miles away while he erected a house on his claim,
sleeping, during this time, under a rude pole shed.
Here his life was once placed in imminent peril by
a huge prairie rattlesnake sharing his bed.

In 183s he bought largely at the Government land
sales. During the speculative real-estate mania whicli
broke out in Chicago in 1836 and spread over the State,
he sold his lands under the inflation of that period
and removed to Joliet. In 1S38 he became a heavy
contractor on the Illinois & Michigan Canal. Upon
the completion of his job in i84r, when hard limes
prevailed, business at a stand, contracts paid in State
scrip; when all the public works except the canal
were abandoned, the State offered for sale 700 tons
of railroad iron, which was purchased by Mr. Mat-
teson at a bargain. This he accepted, shipped and
sold at Detroit, realizing a very handsome profit,
enough to pay off all jiis canal debts and leave him a
surplus of several thousand dollars. His enterprise
ne.xt prompted him to start a woolen mill at Joliet,
m which he prospered, and which, after successive
enlargements, became an enormous establishment.

In 1S42 he was first elected a State Senator, but,
by a bungling apiiortionment, John Pearson, a Senator
holdiiig over, was found to be in the same district,
and decided to be entitled to represent it. Mat-
teson's seat was declared vacant. Pearson, however
with a nobleness difficult to appreciate in this day of

r48

JOEL A. MATTESON.

greed for office, unwilling to represent his district
under the circumstances, immediately resigned his
unexpired term of two years. A bill was passed in a
few hours ordering a new election, and in ten days'
time Mr. Matteson was returned re-elected and took
his seat as Senator. From his well-known capacity
as a business man, he was made Chairman of the
Committee on Finance, a position he held during
this half and two full succeeding Senatorial terms,
discharging its important duties with ability and faith-
fulness. Besides his extensive woolen-mill interest,
when work was resumed on the canal under the new
loan of $[,600,000 he again became a heavy con-
tractor, and also subsequently operated largely in
building railroads. Thus he showed himself a most
energetic and thorough business man.

He was nominated for Governor by the Demo-
cratic State Convention which met at Springfield
April 20, 1852. Other candidates before the Con-
vention were D. L. Gregg and F. C. Sherman, of
Cook ; John Dement, of Lee ; Thomas L. Harris, of
Menard; Lewis W. Ross, of Fulton ; and D. P. Bush,
of Pike. Gustavus Koerner, of St. Clair, was nom-
inated for Lieutenant Governor. For the same offices
the Whigs nominated Edwin B. Webb and Dexter A.
Kiiowlton. Mr. Matteson received 80,645 votes at
the election, while Mr. Webb received 64,408. Mat-
teson's forte was not on the stump; he had not cul-
tivated the art of oily flattery, or the faculty of being
all things to all men. His intellectual qualities took
rather the direction of efficient executive ability. His
turn consisted not so much in the adroit manage-
ment of party, or the powerful advocacy of great gov-
ernmental principles, as in those more solid and
enduring operations which cause the physical devel-
opment and advancement of a State, — of commerce
and business enterprise, into which he labored with
success to lead the people. As a politician he was
just and liberal in his views, and both in official and
private life he then stood untainted and free from
blemish. As a man, in active benevolence, social
I'irtues and all the amiable qualities of neighbor or
citizen, he had few su])eriors. His messages present
a perspicuous array of facts as to the condition of the
State, and are often couched in forcible and elegant
diction.

The greatest excitement during his term of office
was the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, by Con-

gress, under the leadership of Stephen A. Douglas in
1854, when the bill was passed organizing the Terri-
tory of Kansas and Nebraska. A large portion of
the Whig party of the North, through their bitter op-
position to the Democratic party, naturally drifted
into the doctrine of anti-slavery, and thus led to what
was temporarily called the "Anti-Nebraska" party,
while the followers of Douglas were known as " Ne-
braska or Douglas Democrats." It was during this
embryo stage of the Republican party that Abraham
Lincoln was brought forward as the "Anti-Nebraska"
candidate for the United States Senatorship, while
Gen. James Shields, the incumbent, was re-nom-
inated by the Democrats. But after a fewballotings
in the Legislature (1855), these men were dropped,
and Lyman Trumbull, an Anti-Nebraska Democrat,
was brought up by the former, and Mr. Matteson,
then Governor, by the latter. Qn the nth ballot
Mr. Trumbull obtained one majority, and was ac-
cordingly declared elected. Before Gov. Matteson's
term expired, the Republicans were fully organized
as a national party, and in 1S56 put into the field a
full national and State ticket, carrying the State, but
not the nation.

The Legislature of 1S55 passed two very import-
ant measures, — the present free-school system and a
submission of the Maine liquor law to a vote of the
people. The latter was defeated by a small majority
of the popular vote.

During the four years of Gov. Matteson's admin-
istration the taxable wealth of the State was about
trebled, from $t37,8t8,o79 to $349,95r,272 ; the pub-
lic debt was reduced from $17,398,985 to $12,843,-
144; taxation was at the same time reduced, and llie
State resumed paying interest on its debt in New
York as fast as it fell due ; railroads were increased
in their mileage from something less than 400 to
about 3,000 ; and the population of Chicago was
nearly doubled, and its commerce more than quad-
rupled.

Before closing this account, we regret that we have
to say that Mr. Matteson, in all other respects an
upright man and a good Governor, was implicated
in a false re-issue of redeemed canal scrio, amount-
ing to $224,t82.66. By a suit in the Sangamon Cir-
cuit Court the State recovered the principal and all
the interest excepting $27,500.

He died in the winter of 1872-3, at Chicago.

GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

151

iL.

(i^ii

'^«§§>'^':^'^«ga^'S•^^'^l^if^'^'t.^^^^^'>a'^:^^a»'i^t^a'r'^Jl•^^>'|igi'^^ 1 1 1

[LLIAM H. BISSELL, Gov-
ernor 1857-60, was born
B(S April 25, iSii, in the
State of New York, near
Painted Post, Yates County.
His parents were obscure,
honest. God-fearing people,
uiio reared their children under the daily
example of industry and frugality, accord-
ing to the custom of that class of Eastern
society. Mr. Bissell received a respecta-
l)le but not thorough academical education.
By assiduous application he acquired a
knowledge of medicine, and in his early
manhood came West and located in Mon-
roe County, this State, where he engaged in the
practice of that profession. But he was not enam-
ored of his calling: he was swayed by a broader
ambition, to such an extent that the mysteries of the
healing art and its arduous duties failed to yield him
further any charms. In a few years he discovered
his choice of a profession to be a mistake, and when
lie approached the age of 30 he sought to begin
anew. Dr. Bissell, no doubt unexpectedly to him-
self, discovered a singular facility and charm of
speech, the exercise of which acquired for him a
ready local notoriety. It soon came to be under-

stood that he desired to abandon his profession and
take up that of the law. During terms of Court he
would spend his time at the county seat among the
members of the Bar, who extended to him a ready
welcome.

It was not strange, therefore, that he should drift
into public life. In 1840 he was elected as a Dem-
ocrat to the Legislature from Monroe County, and
was an efficient member of that body. On his re-
turn home he qualified himself for admission to the
Bar and speedily rose to the front rank as an advo-
cate. His powers of oratory were captivating. With a
pure diction, charming and inimitable gestures,
clearness of statement, and a remarkable vein of sly
humor, his efforts before a jury told with irresistible
effect. Hfe was chosen by the Legislature Prosecut-
ing Attorney for tiie Circuit in which he lived, and
in that position he fully discharged his duty to the
State, gained the esteem of the Bar, and seldom
failed to convict the offender of the law.

In stature he was somewhat tall and slender, and
with a straight, military bearing, he presented a dis-
tinguished appearance. His complexion was dark,
his head well poised, though not large, his address
pleasant and manner winning. He was exemplary
in his habits, a devoted husband and kind parent.
He was twice married, the first time to Miss James,

'5 =

WILLIAM H. BlSSELl.

of Monroe County, by whom he had two children,
both daughters. She died soon after the year 1840,
and Mr. B. married for his second wife a daughter
of Elias K. Kane, previously a United States Senator
from this State. She survived him but a short time,
and died without issue.

When the war with Mexico was declared in 1846,
Mr. Bissell enlisted and was elected Colonel of his
regiment, over Hon. Don Morrison, by an almost
unanimous vote, — 807 to 6. Considering the limited
opportunities he had had, he evinced a high order of
military talent. On the bloody field of Buena Vista
he acquitted himself with intrepid and distinguished
ability, contributing with his regiment, the Second
Illinois, in no small degree toward saving the waver-
ing fortunes of our arms during that long and fiercely
contested battle.

After his return home, at the close of the war, he
was elected to Congress, his opponents being the
Hons. P. B. Fouke and Joseph Gillespie. He served
two terms in Congress. He was an ardent politician.
During the great contest of 1850 he voted in favor
of the adjustment measures; but in 1S54 he opposed
the repeal of the Missouri Compromise act and
therefore the Kansas-Nebraska bill of Douglas, and
thus became identified with the nascent Republican
party.

During his first Congressional term, while the
Southern members were following their old practice
of intimidating the North by bullying language,
and claiming most of the credit for victories in the
Mexican War, and Jefferson Davis claiming for the
Mississippi troops all the credit for success at Buena
Vista, Mr. Bissell bravely defended the Northern
troops ; whereupon Davis challenged Bissell to a duel,
which was accepted. This matter was brought ujj
against Bissell when he was candidate for Governor
and during his term of office, as the Constitution of
this State forbade any duelist from holding a State
office.

In 1856, when the Republican party first put forth
a candidate, John C. Fremont, for President of the
United States, the same party nominated Mr. Bissell
for Governor of Illinois, and John Wood, of Quincy,
for Lieutenant Governor, while the Democrats nomi-
nated Hon. W. A. Richardson, of Adams County,
for Governor, and Col. R. J. Hamilton, of Cook
County, for Lieutenant Governor. The result of the

election was a plurality of 4,729 votes over Richard-
son. The American, or Know-Nothing, party had a
ticket in the field. The Legislature was nearly bal-
anced, but was politically opposed to the Governor.
His message to the Legislature was short and rather
ordinary, and was criticised for expressing the sup-
posed obligations of the people to the incorporators
of the Illinois Central Railroad Company and for re-
opening the slavery question by allusions to the
Kansas troubles. Late in the session an apportion-
ment'bill, based upon the State census of 1855, was
passed, amid much partisan strife. The Governor
at first signed the bill and then vetoed it. A furious
debate followed, and the question whether the Gov-
ernor had tlie authority to recall a signature was
referred to the Courts, that of last resort deciding in
favor of the Governor. Two years afterward another
outrageous attempt was made for a re-apportionment
and to gerrymander the State, but the Legislature
failed to pass the bill over the veto of the Governor.

It was during Gov. Bissell's administration that
the notorious canal scrip fraud was brought to light,
'mplicating ex-Gov. Matteson and other prominent
State officials. The principal and interest, aggregat-
ing $255,500, was all recovered by the State except-
ing ,$27,500. (See sketch of Gov. Matteson.)

In 1S59 an attempt was discovered to fraudu-
lently refund the Macalister and Stebbins bonds and
thus rob the State Treasury of nearly a quarter of a
million dollars. The State Government was impli-
cated in this aff"air, and to this day remains unex-
plained or unaloned for. For the above, and other
matters previously mentioned. Gov. Bissell has been
severely criticised, and he has also been most shame-
fully libelled and slandered.

On account of exposure in the army, the remote
cause of a nervous form of disease gained entrance
into his system and eventually developed paraplegia,
affecting his lower extremities, which, while it left
his body in comparative health, deprived him of loco-
motion except by the aid of crutches. While he was
generally hopeful of ultimate recovery, this myste-
rious disease pursued him, without once rela.xing its
stealthy hold, to the close of his life, March 18,
i860, over nine months before the expiration of hia
gubernatorial term, at the early age of 48 years. He
died in the faith of the Roman Catholic Church. 0/
which he harx been a member since 1S54.

GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

'55

l0lra lil00ll.

*«♦

;( )HN WOOD, Governor 1860-1, and
^^^*» the first settler of Quincy, 111.,
was born in the town of Sempro-
nius (now Moravia), Cayuga Co.,
N. Y., Dec. 20, 1798. He was
the second child and only son of
Dr. Daniel Wood. His mother,
nee Catherine Craiise, was of
German parentage, and died
while he was an infant. Dr.
Wood was a learned and skillful
physician, of classical attain-
ments and proficient in several
modern lai.guages, who, after
serving throughout the Revolu-
tionary War as a Surgeon, settled on the land granted
him by the Government, and resided there a re-
spected and leading influence in his section until his
death, at the ripe age of 92 years.

The subject of this sketch, impelled by the spirit
of Western adventure then pervading everywhere,
left his home, Nov. 2, 181S, and passed the succeed-
ing winter in Cincinnati, Ohio. The following sum-
mer he pushed on to Illinois, landing at Shawneetown.
and spent the fall and following winter in Calhoun
County. In 1820, in company with Willard Keyes,
he settled in Pike County, about 30 miles southeast
of Quincy, where for the next two years he pursued
farming. In 1S21 he visited "the Bluffs" (as the
present site of Quincy was called, then uninhabited)
and, pleased with its prospects, soon after purchased
a quarter-section of land near by, and in the follow-
ing fall (1822) erected near the river a small cabin.

18 X 20 feet, the first building in Quincy, of which
he then became the first and for some months tiie
only occupant.

About this time he visited his old friends in YW".
County, chief of whom was William Ross, the lead-
ing man in building up the village of Atlas, of that
county, which was thought then to be the possible
commencement of a city. One day they and others
were traveling together over the country between the
two points named, making observations on the com-
parative merits of the respective localities. On ap-
proaching the Mississippi near i\Ir. Wood's place,
the latter told his companions to follow him and he
would show them where he was going to build a city.
They went about a mile off the main trail, to a high
point, from which the view in every direction was
most magnificent, as it had been for ages and as yet
untouched by the hand of man. Before them swept
by the majestic Father of Waters, yet unburdened by
navigation. After Mr. Wood had expatiated at
length on the advantages of the situation, Mr. Ross
replied, " But it's too near Atlas ever to amount to
anything!"

Atlas is still a cultivated farm, and Quincy is a
city of over 30,000 population.

In 1824 Mr. Wood gave a newspaper notice,
as the law then prescribed, of his intention to apply
to the General Assembly for the formation of a new
county. This was done the following winter, result-
ing m the establishment of the present Adams
County. During the next summer Quincy was se-
lected as the county seat, it and the vicinity then
containing but four adult male residents and halt'

'SO

JOHN WOOD.

that number of females. Since that period Mr.
Wood resided at the place of his early adoption un-
til his death, and far more than any other man was
he identified with every measure of its progress and
history, and almost continuously kept in public jiosi-
tions.

He was one of the early town Trustees, and after
the place became a city he was often a member of
the City Council, many times elected Mayor, in the
face of a constant large opposition political majority.
In 1850 he was elected to the State Senate. In 1856,
on the organization of the Republican party, he was
chosen Lieutenant Governor of the State, on the
ticket with Wm. H. Bissell for Governor, and on the
death of the latter, March 18, i860, he succeeded to
the Chief Executive chair, which he occupied until
Gov. Yates was inaugurated nearly ten months after-
ward.

Nothing very marked characterized the adminis-
tration of Gov. Wood. The great anti-slavery cam-
paign of i860, resulting in the election of the honest
Illinoisan, Abraham Lincoln, to the Presidency of the
United States, occurred during the short period
while Mr. Wood was Governor, and the excitement
and issues of that struggle dominated over every
other consideration, — indeed, supplanted them in a
great measure. The people of Illinois, during all
that time, were passing the comparatively petty strifes
under Bissell's administration to the overwhelming
issue of preserving the whole nation from destruction.

In 1861 ex-Gov. Wood was one of the five Dele-
gates from Illinois to the " Peace Convention " at
VVashingtoii, and in April of the same year, on the
breaking out of the Rebellion, he was appointed

Quartermaster-General of the State, which position
he held tliroughout the war. In 1864 he took com-
mand as Colonel of the 137th 111. Vol. Inf., with
whom he served until the period of enlistment ex-
pired.

Politically, Gov. Wood was always actively identi-
fied witli the Whig and Republican parties. Few
men have in personal experience comprehended so
many surprising and advancing local changes as
vested in the more than half century recollections of
Gov. Wood. Sixty-four years ago a solitary settler
on the "Bluffs," with no family, and no neighbor
within a score of miles, the world of civilization away
beliind him, and the strolling red-m.an almost his
only visitant, he lived to see growing around him,
and under his auspices and aid, overspreading the
wild hills and scraggy forest a teaming city, second
only in size in the State, and surpassed nowhere in
beauty, prosperity and promise ; whose people recog-
nize as with a single voice the proverbial honor and
liberality that attach to the name and lengthened
life of their pioneer settler, "the old Governor."

Gov. Wood was twice married, — first in January,
1826, to Ann M. Streeter, daughter of Joshua Streeter,
formerly of Salem, Washington Co., N. Y. They had
eight children. Mrs. W. died Oct. 8, 186;^, and in
June, 1S65, Gov. Wood married Mrs. Mary A., widow
of Rev. Joseph T. Holmes. Gov. Wood died June 4,
1880, at his residence in Quincy. Four of his eight
children are now living, namely: Ann E., wife of
Gen. John Tillson; Daniel C, who married Marv J.
Abernethy ; John, Jr., who married Josephine Skinner,
and Joshua S., who married Annie Bradley. The
last mentioned now resides at Atchison, Kansas, and
all the rest are still at Quincy.

'wPl

GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

'59

ESblA;CTPTV^^^^7v:\r-v;. \. v\ .v,\ v A^^-vCv-yf. v^.A,v.<t,.i^YV

ll^.i©l\ard ITalfef^.

'^Si*-

t^ICHARD YATES, the "War
^"^ Governor," 1 86 1-4, was born
i>» Jan. 18, 18 18, on the banks of
J, the Ohio River, at Warsaw,
■^ Gallatin Co., Ky. His father
^ moved in 1831 to Illinois, and
after stopping for a time in
Springfield, settled at Island
Grove, Sangamon County. Here,
after attending school, Richard joined
the family. Subsequently he entered
Illinois College at Jacksonville,
where, in 1S37, he graduated with
first honors. He chose for his pro-
fession the law, the Hon. J. J. Har-
din being his instructor. After ad-
mission to the Bar he soon rose to distinction as an
advocate.

Gifted witli a fluent and ready oratory, he noon
appeared in the political hustings, and, being a
passionate admirer of the great Whig leader of the
West. Henry Clay, he joined his political fortunes to
■he party of his idol. In 1840 he engaged with great
=rdor in the exciting " hard cider " campaign for
riarrison. Two years later he was elected to the
Legislature from Morgan County, a Democratic
stronghold. He served three or four terms in the
Legislature, and such was the fascination of his ora-
f^ry that by 1850 his large Congressional District,
extending from Morgan and Sangamon Counties
1 orth to include LaSalle, unanimously tendered him
fne Whig nomination for Congress. His Democratic
opponent was Maj. Thomas L. Harris, a very pop-
v,lar man who had won distinction at the battle of
Cerro Gordo, in the Mexican War, and who had
ijcaten Hon. Stephen T. Logan for the same position,

two years before, by a large majority. Yates wa."
elected. Two years later he was re-elected, over
John Calhoun.

It was during Yates second term in Congress tiuit
the great question of the repeal of the Missouri Coin-
l)romise was agitated, and the bars laid down for re-
opening the dreaded anti-slavery question. He toi)lc
strong grounds against the repeal, and thus became
identified with the rising Republican party. Conse-
quently he fell into the minority in his district, which
was pro-slavery. Even then, in a third contest, lie
fell behind Major Harris only 200 votes, after the
district had two years before given Pierce 2,000
majority for President.

The Republican State Convention of r86o met at
Decatur May g, and nominated for the office of Gov-
ernor Mr. Yates, in preference to Hon. Norman B.
Judd, of Chicago, and Leonard Swett, of Blooming-
ton, two of the ablest men of the State, wlio were
also candidates before the Convention. Francis A.
Hoffman, of DuPage County, was nominated for
Lieutenant Governor. This was the year when Mr.
Lincoln was a candidate for President, a period re-
meijibered as characterized by the great whidpool
which precipitated the bloody War of the Rebellion.
The Douglas Democrats nominated J. C. Allen of
Crawford County, for Governor, and Lewis W. Ro-s,
of Fulton County, for Lieutenant Governor. The
Breckenridge Democrats and the Bell-Everett party
had also full tickets in the field. After a most fear-
ful campaign, the result of the election gave Mr.
Yates 172,196 votes, and Mr. Allen 159,253. Mr.
Yates received over a thousand more votes than did
Mr. Lincoln himself.

Gov. Yates occupied the chair of State during the

i6o

RICHARD YATES.

most critical period of our country- 's history. In the
fate of the nation was involved that of each State.
The life struggle of the former derived its sustenance
from the loyalt)' of the latter; and Gov. Yates
seemed to realize the situation, and proved himself
both loyal and wise in upholding the Government.
He had a deep hold upon the affections of the
people, won by his moving eloquence and genial
manners. Erect and symmetrical in person, of pre-
possessing appearance, with a winning address and a
magnetic power, few men possessed more of the ele-
ments of jwpularity. His oratory was scholarly and
captivating, his hearers hardly knowing why they
were transjxjrted. He was social and convivial. In
the latter respect he was ultimately carried too far.

The very creditable military efforts of this State
during the War of the Rebellion, in putting into the
field the enormous number of about 200,000 soldiers,
were ever promptly and ably seconded by his excel-
lency ; and the was ambitious to deserve the title of
"the soldier's friend." Immediately after the battle of
Shiloh he repaired to the field of carnage to look
after the wounded, and his appeals for aid were
promptly responded to by the people. His procla-
mations calling for volunteers were impassionate
appeals, urging uixju the people the duties and re-
quirements of patriotism ; and his special message
in 1863 to the Democratic Legislature of this State
pleading for material aid for the sick and wounded
soldiers of Illinois regiments, breathes a deep fervor
of noble sentiment and feeling rarely equaled i.i
beauty or felicity of expression. Generally his mes-
sages on jxjlitical and civil affairs were able and com-
prehensive. During his administration, however,
there were no civil events of an engrossing character,
although two years of his time were replete with
partisan quarrels of great bitterness. Military ar-
rests, Knights of the Golden Circle, riot in Fulton
County, attempted suppression of the Chicago Times
and the usurping State Constitutional Convention of
1S62, were the chief local topics that were exciting
during the Governor's term. This Convention assem-
bled Jan. 7, and at once took the high iX)sition that
' he law calling it was no longer binding, and that it
: ad supreme power; that it represented a virtual
assemblage of the whole people of the State, and was
sovereign in the exercise of all power necessary to
effect a peaceable revolution of the State Government

and to the re-establishment of one for the "happiness.,
prosperity and freedom of the citizens," limited only
by the Federal Constitution. Notwithstanding the
law calling the Convention required its members to
take an oath to supix)rt the Constitution of the State
as well as that of the general Government, they
utterly refused to take such oath. They also as-
sumed legislative powers and passed several imjx)rt-
ant "laws!" Interfering with the (then) present
executive duties, Gov. Yates was provoked to tell
them plainly that " he did not acknowledge the right
of the Convention to instruct him in the performance
of his duty."

In 1863 the Governor astonished the Democrats
by " proroguing " their Legislature. This body, after
a recess, met June 2, that year, and soon began to
waste time upon various partisan resolutions ; and,
while the two houses were disagreeing u[X)n the
question of adjourning ««* die, the Governor, having
the authority, in such cases, surprised them all by
adjourning them " to the Saturday next preceding the
first Monday in January, 1865 ! " This led to great
excitement and confusion, and to a reference of the
Governor's act to the Supreme Court, who decided in
his favor. Then it was the Court's turn to receive
abuse for weeks and months afterward.

During the autumn of 1864 a conspiracy was de-
tected at Chicago which had for its object the liber-
ation of the prisoners of war at Camp Douglas, the
burning of the city and the inauguration of rebellion
in the North. Gen. Sweet, who had charge of the
camp at the time, first had his suspicions of danger
aroused by a number of enigmatically worded letters
which passed through the Camp postoffice. A de-
tective afterward discovered that the rebel Gen.
Marmaduke was in the city, under an assumed
name, and he, with other rebel officers — Grenfell,
Morgan, Cantrell, Buckner Morris, and Charles
Walsh — was arrested, most of whom were convicted
by a court-martial at Cincinnati and sentenced to
imprisonment, — Grenfell to be hung. The sentence
of the latter was afterward commuted to imprison-
ment for life, and all the others, after nine months'
imprisonment, were pardoned.

In March, 1873, Gov. Yates was appointed a Gov-
ernment Director of the Union Pacific Railroad, in
which office he continued until his decease, at St.
Louis, Mo., on the 27th of November following.

GGVERA'ORS OF ILLINOIS.

163

Michard J. Oqlesby
%

-^^.

-^3.

-;rf :'^UCHARD J. OGLESBY, Gov-
ernor 1865-8, and re-elected
in 1872 and 1884, was born
July 25, 1824, in Oldham Co.,
Ky., — the State which might
f^X""^ be considered the " mother of
Illinois Governors." Bereft of
his parents at the tender age
%> of eight years, his early education
was neglected. When 12 years of
age, and after he had worked a year
and a half at tlie carpenter's trade,
he removed with an uncle, Willis
Oglesby, into whose care he had
been committed, to Decatur, this
State, where he continued his ap-
prenticeship as a mechanic, working si.K months for
Hon. E. O. Smith.

In 1844 he commenced studying law at .Spring-
field, with Judge Silas Robbins, aud read with him
one year. He was admitted to the Bar in 1845, and
commenced the practice of his chosen profession at
Sullivan, the county seat of Moultrie (bounty.

The next year the war with Mexico was com-
menced, and in June, 1846, Mr. Oglesby volunteered,
was elected First Lieutenant of Co. C, Fourth Illinois
Regiment of Volunteers, and participated in the bat-
tles of Vera Cruz and Cerro Gordo.

On his return he sought to perfect his law studies
by attending a course of lectures at Louisville, but
on the breaking out of the California "gold fever" in
1849, he crossed the plains and mountains to the
new Eldorado, driving a six-mule team, with a com-

pany of eight men, Henry Prather being the leader.

In 1852 he returned home to Macon County, and
was placed that year by the Whig party on the ticket
of Presidential Electors. In r8s6 he visited Europe,
Asia and Africa, being absent 20 months. On his
return home he resumed the practice of law, as a
member of the firm of Gallagher, Wait & Oglesby.
In 1S58 he was the Republican nominee for the
Lower House of Congress, but was defeated by the
Hon. James C. Robinson, Democrat. In i860 he
was elected to the Illinois State Senate ; and on the
evening the returns of this election were coming in,
Mr. Oglesby had a fisticuff encounter with " Cerro
Gordo Williams," in which he came out victorious,
and which was regarded as " the first fight of the
Rebellion." The following spring, when the war
had commenced in earnest, his ardent nature
quickly responded to the demands of patriotism and
he enlisted. The extra session of the Legislature
elected him Colonel of the Eighth Illinois Infantry,
the second one in the State raised to suppress the
great Rebellion.

He was shortly entrusted with important com-
mands. For a time he was stationed at Bird's Point
and Cairo; in April he was promoted Brigadier Gen-
eral ; at Fort Donelson his brigade was in the van,
i)eing stationed on the right of General Grant's army
and the first brigade to be attacked. He lost 500
men before re-inforcements arrived. Many of these
men were from Macon County. He was engaged in
the battle of Corinth, and, in a brave charge at this
place, was shot in the left lung with an ounce ball,
and was carried from the field in expectation of im-

1 64

RICHARD J. OGLESBY.

mediate death. That rebel ball he carries to this
day. On his partial recovery he was promoted as
Major General, for gdlantry, his commission to rank
from November, 1862. In the spring of 1S63 he
was assigned to the command of the i6th Army
Corps, but, owing to inability fron the effects of his
wound, he relinquished tliis command in July, that
year. Gen. Grant, however, refused to accept his
resignation, and he was detailed, in December folio w-
ing, to court-martial and try the Surgeon General of
the Army at Washington, where he remained until
May, 1864, whin he returned home.

The Republican, or Uiion, State Convention of

1864 was held at Springfield, May 25, when Mr.
Oglesby was nominated for the office of Governor,
while other candidates before the Convention were
Allen C. Fuller, of Boone, Jesse K. Dubois, of Sanga-
mon, and John M. Palmer, of Macoupin. VVm.
Bross, of Chicago, was nominated for Lieutenant
Governor. On the Democratic State ticket were
James C. Robinson, of Clark, for Governor, and S.
Corning Judd, of Fulton, for Lieutenant Governor.
The general election gave Gen. Oglesby a majority
of about 31,000 votes. The Republicans had also a
majority in both thj Legislature and in the repre-
sentation in Congress.

Gov. Oglesby was duly inaugurated Jan. i-j, 1865.
The day before tlie first time set for his installation
de.ith visited his lu ne at Decatur, and took from it
his only son, an intelligent and sprightly lad of six
years, a great favorite of the bereaved parents. This
caused the inauguration to be po3t|X)ned a week.

The political events of the Legislative session of

1865 were the election of ex-Gov. Yates to the
United .States Senate, and the ratification of the 13th
amend. nent to the Constitution of the United States,
abolishing slavery. This session also signalized
itself by repealing the notorious " black laws," part
of which, although a dead letter, had held their place
upon the statute books since 1S19. Also, laws re-
quiring the registration of voters, and establishing a
State Board of Equalization, were passed by this Leg-
islature. But the same body evinced that it was cor-
ruptly influenced by a mercenary lobby, as it adopted
some bad legislation, over the Governor's veto, nota-
bly an amendment to a charter for a Chicago horse
railway, granted in 1859 for 25 years, and now
sought to be extended 99 years. As this measure
was promptly passed ov;r his veto by both branches
of the Legislature, he deemed it useless further to
attempt to check their headlong career. At this
session no law of a general useful character or public
interest was perfected, unless we count such the
•urning over of the canal to Chicago to be deepened.
The session of 1867 was still more productive of
private and special acts. Many omnibus bills were
proposed, and some passed. Tiie contests over tiie
..Dcaiion of the Industrial College, the Cipital, the

Southern Penitentiary, and the canal enlargement
and Illinois River improvement, dominated every
thing else.

During the year 1872, it became evident that if
the Republicans could re-elect Mr. Oglesby to ihe
office of Governor, they could also elect him to the
United States Senate, which they desired to do.
-Accordingly they re-nominated him for the Execu-
tive chair, and placed upon the ticket with him for
Lieutenant Governor, John L. Beveridge, of Cook
County. On the other side the Democrats put into
the field Gustavus Koerner for Governor and John
C. Black for Lieutenant Governor. The election
gave the Republican ticket majorities ranging from
35,334 to 56,174, — the Democratic defection being
caused mainly by their having an old-time Whig and
.Abolitionist, Horace Greeley, on the national ticket
for President. According to the general understand-
ing had beforehand, as soon as the Legislature met
it elected Gov. Oglesby to the United States Senate,
whereupon Mr. Beveridge became Governor. Sena-
tor Oglesby 's term expired March 4, 1S79, having
served his party faithfully and exhibited an order of
statesmanship beyond criticism.

During the campaign of 1884 Mr. Oglesby was
nominated for a "third term" as E.xecutive of the
State of Illinois, against Carter H. Harrison, Mayor
of Cliicago, nominated by the Democrats. Both
gentlemen "stumped " the State, and while the peo-
ple elected a Legislature which was a tie on a joint
ballot, as between the two parties, they gave the
jovial " Dick" Oglesby a majority of 15,018 for Gov-
ernor, and he was inaugurated Jan. 30, 1S85. The
Legislature did not fully organize until this date, on
account of its equal division between the two main
parties and the consequent desperate tactics of each
party to checkmate the latter in the organization of
the House.

• Gov. Oglesby is a fine-appearing, affable man, with
regular, well defined features and rotund face. In
stature he is a little above medium height, of a large
frame and somewhat fleshy. His physical appear-
ance is striking and prepossessing, while his straight-
out, not to say bluff, manner and speech are well
calculated favorably to impress the average masses.
-Ardent in feeling and strongly committed to the pol-
icies of his party, he intensifies Republicanism
among Republicans, while at the same time his jovial
and liberal manner prevents those of the opposite
party from hating him.

He is quite an effective stump orator. With vehe-
ment, passionate and scornful tone and gestures,
tremendous physical power, which in speaking he
exercises to the utmost; with frequent descents to
the grotesque; and with abundant homely compari-
sons or frontier figures, expressed in the broadest
vernacular and enforced with stentorian emphasis,
he delights a promiscuous audience beyond measure.

&._#^^^:^--

GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

IU7

J o HN M. Pa l mer

liOHN Mc AULEY PALMER, Gov-
ernor 1869-72, was born on
Eagle Creek, Scott Co., Ky.,
Sept. 13, 1S17. During his in-
fancy, his father, who had been
a soldier in the war of 18 12, re-
moved to Christian Co., Ky.,
where lands were cheap. Here
the future Governor of the great
Prairie State spent his childhood
and received such meager school-
ing as the new and sparsely set-
tled country afforded. To this
he added materially by diligent
reading, for which he evinced an
eaily aptitude. His father, an ardent Jackson man,
was also noted for his anti-slavery sentiments, which
he thoroughly impressed upon his children. In 1831
he emigrated to Illinois, settling in Madison County.
Here tlie labor of improving a farm was pursued for
about two years, when the death of Mr. Palmer's
noiher broke up the family. About this time Alton
College was opened, on tlie "manual labor " system,
and in the spring of 1834 young Palmer, with his
elder brother, Elihu, entered this school and remained
18 months. Next, for over three years, he tried
variously coopering, peddling and school-teaching.

Duiing the summer of 1838 he formed the ac-
quain'Lince of Stephen A. Douglas, then making his

first canvass for Congress. Young, eloquent and in
political accord with Mr. Palmer, he won his confi-
dence, fired his ambition and fixed his purpose. The
following winter, while teaching near Canton, he be-
gan to devote his spare time to a desultory reading
of law, and in the spring entered a law office at Car-
linville, making his home with his elder brother,
Elihu. (The latter was a learned clergyman, of con-
siderable orginality of thought and doctrine.) On
the next meeting of the Supreme Court he was ad-
mitted to the Bar, Douglas being one of his examiners.
He was not immediately successful in his profession,
and would have located elsewhere than Carlinville
had he the requisite means. Thus his early poverty
was a blessing in disguise, for to it he now attributes
the success of his life.

From 1839 on, while he diligently pursued his
profession, he participated more or less in local
politics. In 1843 he became Probate Judge. Ip
1847 '^s ^^^s elected to the State Constitutional Con
vention, where he took a leading part. In 1852 Ik
was elected to the State Senate, and at the special
session of February, 1854, true to the anti-slaverj
sentiments bred in him, he took a firm stand in op
position to the repeal of the Missouri Compromise,
and when the Nebraska question became a [lart]
issue he refused to receive a re-nomination for ths
Senatorship at the hands of the Democracy, issuinj,
a circular to that effect. A few weeks afterward

7r,s

JOHN MC AULEY PALMER.

ho .vever, hesitating to break with his party, he par-
iliipated in a Congressional Convention which nonii-
r. L. Harris against Richard Yates, and which
anqualifiedly approved the principles of the Kansas-
Nebraska act. But later in the campaign he made
the plunge, ran for the Senate as an Anti-Nebraska
Democrat, and was elected. The following winter
he put in nomination for the .United States Sejiate
Mr. Trumbull, and was one of the five steadfast men
who voted for liim until all the Whigs came to their
support and elected their man.

In 1856 he was Chairman of the Republican State
Convention at Bloomington. He ran for Congress in
1859, but was defeated. In i860 he was Republican
Presidential Elector for the State at large. In 1861
he was appointed one of the five Delegates (all Re-
publicans) sent by Illinois to the peace congress at
Washington.

When the civil conflict broke out, he offered his
services to his country, and was elected Colonel of the
14th 111. Vol. Inf, and participated in the engagements
at Island No. 10; at Farir.ington, where he skillfully
extricated his command from a dangerous position ;
at Stone River, where his division for several hours,
Dec. 31, 1862, held the advance and stood like a
rock, and for his gallantry there he was made Major
Ceneral; at Chickamauga, where his and Van Cleve's
divisions for two hours maintained their position
when they were cut off" by overpowering numbers.
Under Gen. ShermaUj he was assigned to the i4lh
.\rniv Corps and participated in the .\tlanta campaign.
At Peacii-Tree Creek his prudence did much to avert
disaster. In February, 1865, Gen. Palmer was as-
Figned to the military administration of Kentucky,
which was a . delicate post. That State was about
half rebel and half Union, and those of the latter
element were daily fretted by the loss of their slaves.
He, who had been bred to the rules of common law,
trembled at the contemplation of his extraordinary
power ovjr the persons and property of his fellow
men, with which he was vested in his capacity as
military Governor; and he exhibited great caution in
the execution of the duties of his post.

Gen. Palmjr was nominated for Governor of Illi-
nois by the Republican State Convention which met
at Pe )ri I M.iy 6, 186S, and his nomination would
l)robably have been made by acclamation had he not
oersi^ten^ly declared that he could not accept a can-

didature for the office. The result of the ensuing
election gave Mr. Palmer a majority of 44,707 over
John R. Eden, the Democratic nominee.

On the meeting of the Legislature in January,
1869, the first thing to arrest public attention was
that portion of the Governor's message which took
broad State's rights ground. This and some minor
points, which were more in keeping with the Demo-
cratic sentiment, constituted the entering wedge fir
the criticisms and reproofs he afterward received
from the Republican party, and ultimately resulted
in his entire aleniation from the latter element. The
Legislature just referred to was noted for the intro-
duction of numerous bills in the interest of private
parties, which were embarrassing to the Governor.
Among the public acts passed was that which limited
railroad charges for passenger travel to a maximum
of three cents per mile ; and it was passed over the
Governor's veto. Also, they passed, over his veto,
the "tax-grabbing law" to pay r^.ilrosd subscriptions,
the Chicago Lake Front bill, etc. The new State
Constitution of 1870, far superior to the old, was a
peaceful " revolution" which took place during Gov.
Palmer's term of office. The suffering caused by the
great Chicago Fire of October, 187 1, was greatly
alleviated by the prompt responses of his excellency.

Since the expiration of Gov. Palmers 's term, he has
been somewhat prominent in Illinois politics, and
has been talked of by many, especially in the Dem-
ocratic party, as the best man in the State for a
United States Senator. His business during life has
been that of the law. Few excel him in an accurate
appreciation of the depth and scope of its principles.
The great number of his able veto messages abun-
dantly testify not only this but also a rare capacity to
point them out. He is a logical and cogent reasoner
and an interesting, forcible and convincing speaker,
though not fluent or ornate. Without brilliancy, his
dealings are rather with facts and ideas than with
appeals to passions and prejudices. He is a patriot
and a statesman of very high order. Physically he is
above the medium height, of robust frame, ruddy
complexion and sanguine-nervous temperament. He
lias a large cranial development, is vivacious, social
in disposition, easy of approach, unostentatious in his
liabits of life, democratic in his habits and manners
and is a true American in his fundamental princiiilc
of statesmanship.

GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

17T

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tiVrlir^

OHN LOWRiE BEVER-
IDGE, (Governor 1S7 -1-6, was
■■'^ born 111 the town of Green-
wich, Washington Co., N. Y.,
July 6, 1S24. His parents
were George and Ann Bever-
idge. His father's parents, An-
drew and Isabel Bcveridge, be-
fore their marriage emigrated
from Scotland just before the
Revolutionary War, settling in
Washington County. His father
was the eldest of eight brothers, the
youngest of whom was 60 years of
age when the first one of the num-
ber died. His mother's parents,
James and Agnes Hoy, emigrated
from Scotland at the close of tlic
Revolutionary War, settling also in
Washington Co., N. Y., with their
first-born, whose " native land " was
the wild ocean. His parents and
grandparents lived beyond the time
allotted to man, their average age
being over 80 years. They belonged to the " Asso-
ciate Cliurch," a seceding Presbyterian body of

America from the old Scotch school ; and so rigid
was the training of young Beveridge that he never
heard a sermon from any other minister except that
of his own denomination until he was in his lytli
year. Later in life he became a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, wliich relation he still
holds.

Mr. Beveridge received a good common-school ed-
ucation, but his parents, who could obtain a livelihood
only by rigid economy and industry, could not send
him away to college. He was raised upon a farm,
and was in liis i8th year when the family removed
to De Kalb County, this State, when that section was
very sparsely settled. Chicago had less than 7,000
inhabitants. In this wild West he continued as a
farm laborer, teaching school during the winter
months to supply the means of an education. In the
fill of 1842 he attended one term at the academy at
Granville, Putnam Co., 111., and subsequently several
terms at the Rock River Seminary at Mount Morris,
Ogle Co., 111., completing the academic course. At
this time, the fall of 1845, ^'^ parents and brothers
were anxious to have him go to college, even though
he had not money sufficient; but, njt willing to bur-
den the family, he packed his trunk and with only
$40 in money started South to seek his fortune.

JOHN L. BEVERIDGE.

Vvjor, alone, witliout friends and influence, he thus
entered upon the battle of life.

First, he taught school in Wilson, Overton and
Jackson Cos., Tenn., in which experience he under-
went considerable mental drill, both in book studies
and in the ways of the world. He read law and was
admitted to the Bar, in the South, bat did not learn
to love the institution of slavery, although he ad-
mired many features of Southern character. In De-
cember, 1847, he returned North, and Jan. 20, 1S48,
he married Miss Helen M. Judson, in the old Clark-
Street M. E. church in Chicago, her father at that
time being Pastor of the society there. In the spring
of 1848 he returned with his wife to Tennessee,
where his two children. Alia May and Philo Judson,
were born.

In the fall of 1S49, through the mismanagement
of an associate, he lost what little he had accumu-
lated and was left in debt. He soon managed to
earn means to pay his debts, returned to De Kalb
Co., 111., and entered upon the practice of his pro-
fession at Sycamore, the county seat. On arrival
from the South he had but one-quarter of a dollar in
money, and scanty clothing and bedding for himself
and family. He borrowed a little money, practiced
law, worked in public offices, kept books for some of
the business men of the town, and some railroad en-
gineering, till the spring of 1854, when he removed
to Evanston, 12 miles north of Chicago, a place then
but recently laid out, under the supervision of the
Northwestern University, a Methodist institution.
Of the latter his father-in-law was then financial
agent and business manager. Here Mr. Beveridge
prospered, and the next year (1855) opened a law
office in Chicago, where he found the battle some-
what hard; but he persevered with encouragement
and increasing success.

Aug. 12, 1861, his law partner. Gen. John F.
Farnsworth, secured authority to raise a regiment of
cavalry, and authorized Mr. Beveridge to raise a
company for it. He succeeded in a few days in rais-
ing the company, of course enlisting himself along
with it. The regiment rendezvoused at St. Charles,
m., was mustered in Sept. 18, and on its organiza-
tion Mr. B. was elected Second Major. It was at-
tached, Oct. ir, to tiie Eighth Cavalry and to the
Army of tlie Potomac. He served wit'.i tlie regiment
until November, 1863, participating in some 40 bat-

tles and skirmishes : was at Fair Oaks, the seven days
fight around Richmond, Fredericksburg, Chancellors-
ville and Gettysburg. He commanded the regiment
the greater part of the summer of 1S63, and it was while
lying in camp this year that he originated the policy
of encouraging recruits as well as the fighting capac-
ity of the soldiery, by the wholesale furlough system.
It worked so well that many other officers adopted
it. In the fall of this year he recruited another com-
pany, against heavy odds, in January, 1864, was
commissioned Colonel of the 17th 111. Cav., and
skirmished around in Missouri, concluding with the
reception of the surrender of Gen. Kirby Smith's
army in Arkansas. In 1865 he commanded various
sub-districts in the Southwest. He was mustered
out Feb. 6, 1S66, safe from the casualties of war and
a stouter man than when he first enlisted. His men
idolized him.

He then returned to Chicago, to practice law, with
no library and no clientage, and no political experi-
ence except to help others into office. In the fall of
1S66 he was elected Sheriff of Cook County, serving
one term; next, until November, 1870, he practiced
law and closed up the unfinished business of his
office. He was then elected State Senator; in No-
vember, 187 1, he was elected Congressman at large;
in November, 1S72, he was elected Lieutenant Gov-
ernor on the ticket with Gov. Oglesby; the latter be-
ing elected to the U. S. Senate, Mr. Beveridge became
Governor, Jan. 2r, 1873. Thus, inside of a few
weeks, he was Congressman at large. Lieutenant
Governor and Governor. The principal events oc-
curring during Gov. Beveridge 's administration were:
The completion of the revision of the statutes, begun
in 1869; the partial success of tlie "farmers' move-
ment;" " Haines' Legislature " and Illinois' exhibit at
the Centennial.

Since the close of his gubernatorial term ex-Gov.
Beveridge has been a member of the firm of Bever-
idge & Dewey, bankers and dealers in commercial
paper at 7 1 Dearborn Street (McCormick Block),
Chicago, and since November, 1 881, he has also been
Assistant United States Treasurer : office in the
Government Building. His residence is still at Ev-
anston.

He has a brother and two sisters yet residing in
De Kalb County — James H. Beveridge, Mrs. Jennet
Henry and Mrs. Isabel French.

GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

I7S

Seelb- y M. Cullom,

*:y ■'U^' ■» '-i-i

' HELBY M. CULLOM, Gover-
r.or iS77-83,is the sixth child
of the late Richard N. Cullom,
and was bora Nov. 22, 1829, in
Wayne Co., Ky., where his fa-
ther then resided, and whence
both the Illinois and Tennessee
branches of the family originated. In
the following year the family emi-
grated to the vicinity of Washington,
Tazewell Co., 111., when that section
was very sparsely settled. They lo-
cated on Deer Creek, in a grove at
the time occupied by a party of In-
dians, attracted there by the superior
hunting and fishing afforded in that
vicinity. The following winter was
known as the " hard winter," the snow being very
deep and lasting and the weather severely cold; and
the family had to subsist mainly on boiled corn or
hominy, and some wild game, for several weeks. In
the course of time Mr. R. N. Cullom became a jjrom-
inent citizen and was several times elected to the
Legisl'ature, both before and after the removal of the
cajiital from Vaudalia to Springfiv^ld. He died about

'873-

Until about 19 years of age young Cullom grew up
to agricultural pursuits, attendi-.ig school as he had
opportunity during the winter. Witlitn this time,
nov/ever, he spent several months teaching' school

and in the following summer he "broke prairie "with
an ox team for the neighbors. With the money ob-
tained by these various ventures, he undertook a
course of study at the Rock River Seminary, a
Methodist institution at Mt. Morris, Ogle County;
but the sudden change to the in-door life of a stu-
dent told severely upon his health, and he was taken
home, being considered in a hopeless condition. While
at Mt. Morris he heard Hon. E. B. Washburne make
his first speech.

On recovering health, Mr. Cullom concluded to
study law, under tlie instruction of Abraham Lincoln,
at Springfield, who had by this time attained some
notoriety as an able lawyer; but the latter, being ab-
sent from his office most of the time, advised Mr.
Cullom to enter the office of Stuart & Edwards.
After about a year of study there, however, his health
failed again, and he was obliged to return once more
to out-door life. Accordingly he bought hogs for
packing, for A. G. Tyngj '» I'eoria, and while he re-
gained his health he gained in purse, netting $400 in
a few weeks. Having been admitted to the Bar, ho
went to .Springfield, where he was soon elected City
.'Vttoruey, on the .\nti-Nebraska ticket.

In 1856 he ran on the Fillmore ticket as a Presi-
dential Elector, and, although failing to be elected as
such, he was at tiie same time elected a Re|)rescnta-
tive in the Legislature from Sangamon County, by a
local coalition of the American and Republican par-
ties. On the organization of the House, he received
the vote of the Fillmore men for Speaker. Practicing;

176

SHELBY M. CULLOM.

law until 1S60, he was again elected to the Legisla-
ture, as a Republican, while the county went Demo-
cratic on the Presidential ticket. In January follow-
ing he was elected Speaker, probably the youngest
man who had ever presided over an Illinois Legis-
lature. After the session of 1861, he was a candidate
for the State Constitutional Convention called for
that year, but was defeated, and thus escaped the
disgrace of being connected with that abortive parly
scheme to revolutionize the State Government. In
1862 he was a candidate for the State Senate, but
was defeated. The same year, however, he was ap-
pointed by President Lincoln on a Government
Commission, in company with Gov. Boutwell of
Massachusetts and Cnarles A. Dana, since of the
N"ew York Sun, to investigate the affairs of the
Quartermaster's and Commissary Departments at
Cairo. He devoted several months to this duty.

In 1864 he enteted upon a larger political field,
being nominated as the Republican candidate for
Congress from the Eighth (Springfield) District, in
opposition to the incumbent, JohnT. Stuart, who had
been elected in 1862 by about 1,500 majority over
Leonard Swett, then of Bloomington, now of Chicago.
The result was the election of Mr. Cullom in Novem-
ber following by a majority of 1,785. In 1866 he
was re-elected to Congress, over Dr. E. S. Fowler, by
the magnificent majority of 4 103! In 1868 he was
again a candidate, defeating the Hon. B. S. Edwards,
another of his old preceptors, by 2,884 votes.

During his first term in Congress he served on the
Committee on Foreign Affairs and Expenditures in
the Treasury Department; in his second term, on
the Committees on Foreign Affairs and on Territories ;
and in his third term he succeeded Mr. Ashley, of
Ohio, to the Chairmanship of the latter. He intro-
duced a bill in the House, to aid in the execution of
law in Utah, which caused more consternation among
the Mormons than any measure had previously, but
which, though it passed the House, failed to pass tlie
Senate.

The Republican Convention which met May 25,
1876, nominated Mr. Cullom for Governor, while the
other contestant was Gov. Beveridge. For Lieuten-
ant-Governor they nominated Andrew Shuman, editor
of the Chicago Journal. For the same offices the
Democrats, combining with the Anti-Monopolists,
placed in nomination Lewis Steward, a wealthy

farmer and manufacturer, and A. A. Glenn. The
result of the election was rather close, Mr. Cullom
obtaining only 6,800 majority. He was inaugurated
Jan. 8, 1877.

Great depression prevailed in financial circles at
this time, as a consequence of the heavy failures of
1873 and afterward, the effect of which had seemed
to gather force from that time to the end of Gov.
Cullom's first administration. This unspeculative
period was not calculated to call forth any new
issues, but the Governor's energies were at one time
put to task to quell a spirit of insubordination that
had been begun in Pittsburg, Pa., among the laboring
classes, and transferred to Illinois at Chicago, East
St. Louis and Braidwood, at which places laboring
men for a short time refused to work or allow others
to work. These disturbances were soon quelled and
the wheels of industry again set in motion.

In May, i88o, Gov. Cullom was re-nominated by
the Republicans, against Lyman Trumbull, by the
Democrats; and although theformer party was some-
what handicapped in the campaign by a zealous
faction opposed to Grant for President and to Grant
men for office generally, Mr. Cullom was re-elected
by about 314,565, to 277,532 for the Democratic State
ticket. The Greenback vote at the same tmie was
about 27,000. Both Houses of the Legislature again
became Republican, and no representative of the
Greenback or Socialist parties were elected. Gov.
Cullom was inaugurated Jan. 10, 1S81. In his mes-
sage he announced that the last dollar of the State
debt had been provided for.

M.irch 4, 1883, the term of David Davis as United
States Senator from Illinois e.\p:red, and Gov. Cul-
lom was chosen to succeed him. This promoted
Lieutenant-Governor John M. Hamilton to the Gov-
ernorship. Senator Cullom's term in the United
States Senate will expire March 4, 1889.

Ai a practitioner oflaw Mr. C. has been a member
of the firm of Cullom, Scholes & Mather, a! Spring-
field ; and he has also been President of the State
National Bank.

He has been married twice, — the first time Dec.
12, 1855, to Miss Hannah Fisher, by whom he had
two daughters; and the second time May 5, 1863,
to Julia Fisher. Mrs. C is a member of the Method-
ist Episcopal Church, with which religious body Mr.
C. is also in sympathy.

yfS^ifes-

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GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS.

'79

A :^L/>s>s> :^^

N;i^^*;is-«>^:Ke^s;g^i^sis^S;C*^$;;&>s*;::*#S;g<^;K^**;-;ij<j^s;;^

^^^^

^«s-^^

OHN MARSHALL HAMIL-
^j, TON, Governor 1883-5, ^^^
born May 28, 1847, in a log
liouse upon a farm about two
miles from Richwood, Union
County, Ohio. His father was
Samuel Hamilton, the eldest son
of Rev. VVm. Hamilton, who, to-
gether with his brother, the Rev.
\' Samuel Hamilton, was among the
early pioneer Methodist preachers in
Ohio. The mother of the subject of
this sketch was, before her marriage,
Mrs. Nancy McMoiris, who was
born and raised in Fauquier or Lou-
doun County, Va., and related to the
two large families of Youngs and Marshalls, well
known in that commonwealth; and from the latter
family name was derived the middle name of Gov.
Hamilton.

In March, 1854, Mr. Hamilton's father sold out
his little pioneer forest home in Union County, C,
and, loading his few household effects and family
(of six children) into two emigrant covered wagons,
moved to Roberts Township. Marshall Co., 111., being
21 days on the route. Swamps, unbridged streams
and innumerable hardships and privations met them
on their way. Their new home had been previously
selected by the father. Here, after many long years
of toil, they succeeded in payii.g for the land and
making a coinforfal>le. home. John was, of course,

brought up to hard manual labor, with no schooling
except three or four months in the year at a common
country school. However, he evinced a capacity
and taste for a high order of self-education, by
studying or reading what books he could borrow, as
the family had but very few in the house. Much of
his study he prosecuted by the light of a log fire in
the old-fashioned chimney place. The financial
panic of 1S57 caused the family to come near losing
their home, to pay debts ; but the father and two
sons, William and John, "buckled to'' and perse
vered in hard labor and economy until they redeemed
their place from the mortgage.

When the tremendous excitement of the political
campaign of 1S60 reached the neighborhood of Rob-
erts Township, young Hamilton, who had been
brought up in the doctrine of anti-slavery, took a zeal-
ous [)art in favor of Lincoln's election. Making speci.il
efforts to procure a little money to buy a uniform, he
joined a company of Lincoln Wide-Awakes at M.ng-
nolia, a village not far away. Directly after the
ensuing election it became evident that trouble
would ensue with the South, and this Wide-Awake
company, like many others throughout the country,
kept up its organization and transformed itself into a
military company. During the ensuing summer they
met often for drill and became proficient ; but wheji
they offered themselves for the war, young Hamilton
was rejected on account of his youth, he being then
but .14 years of age. During the winter of 1863-4 lie
attended an academy at Henry, Marshall County.

i8o

JOHN MARSHALL HAMILTON.

and in the following May he again enlisted, for the
fourth time, when he was placed in the 141st 111.
Vol. Inf., a regiment then being raised at Elgin, 111.,
for the 100-day service. He took with him 13 other
lads from his neighborhood, for enlistment in the
service. This regiment operated in Soulhwesteni
Kentucky, for about five months, under Gen. Paine.
The following winter, 1864-5, •^'■- Hamilton taught
school, and during the two college years 1865-7, he
went through three years of tlie curriculum of the
Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio. Tlie
third year he graduated, the fourth in a class of 46^
in the classical department. In due time he received
the degree of M. A. For a few months he was the
Principal of Marshall " College " at Henry, an acad-
emy under the auspices of the M. E. Church. By
this time he had commenced the study of law, and
after earning some money as a temporary Professor
of Latin at the Illinois Wesleyan University at
Bloomington, he entered the law office of Weldon,
Tipton & Benjamin, of that city. Each member of
this firm has since been distinguished as a Judge.
.Admitted to the Bar in May, 1870, Mr. Hamilton
was given an interest in the same firm, Tipton hav-
ing been elected Judge. In October following he
formed a partnership with J. H. Rowell, at that time
Prosecuting Attorney. Their business was then
small, but they increased it to very large proportions,
practicing in all grades of courts, including even the
U. S. Supreme Court, and this partnersliip continued
unbroken until Feb. 6, 1883, when Mr. Hamilton
was sworn in as Executive of Illinois. On the 4th
of March following Mr. Rowell took his seat in Con-
gress.

In July, 187 1, Mr. Hamilton married Miss Helen
M. Williams, the daughter of Prof. \Vm. G, Williams,
Professor of Greek in the Ohio Wejleyan University.
Mr. and Mrs. H. have two daughters and one son.

In 1876 Mr. Hamilton was nominated by the Re-
publicans for the State Sen.ite, over other and older
competitors. He took an active part '■ 0:1 the stump "
in the campaign, for the success of his party, and was
sleeted by a majority of 1,640 over his Democratic-
Greenback opponent. In the Senate he served on
the Committees on Judiciary, Revenue, State Insti-
tutions, Appropriations, Education, and on Miscel'-
lany ; and during the contest for the election of a
U. S. Senator, the Republicans endeavoring to re-

elect John A. Logan, he voted for the war chief on
every ballot, even alone when all the other Republi-
cans had gone over to the Hon. E. B. Lawrence and
the Democrats and Independents elected Judge
David Davis. At this session, also, was passed the
first Board of Health and Medical Practice act, of
which Mr. Hamilton was a champion, agair;; , ;
much opposition that the bill was several times
" laid on the table." Also, this session authorized
the location and establishment of a southern peri-
tentiary, which was fixed at Chester. In the session
of 1879 Mr. Hamilton was elected Vxt.%\A&xA fro tern.
of the Senate, and was a zealous supporter of John
A. Logan for the" U. S. Senate, who war, this time
elected without any trouble.

In May, 1880, Mr. Hamilton was nominated on
the Republican ticket for Lieutenant Governor, his
principal competitors before the Convention being
Hon. Wm. A. James, ex- Speaker of the House of
Representatives, Judge Robert Bell, of Wabash
County, Hon. T. T. Fountain, of Perry County, and
Hon. M. M. Saddler, of Marion County. He engaged
actively in the campaign, and his ticket was elected
by a majority of 41,200. As Lieutenant Governor,
he presided almost continuously over the Senate in
the 32d General .Assembly and during the early days
of the 33d, until he succeeded to the Governorship.
When the Legislature of 1883 elected Gov. Cullom
to the United States Senate, Lieut. Gov. Hamilton
succeeded him, under the Constitution, taking the
oath of office Feb. 6, 1883. He bravely met all the
annoyances and embarrassments incidental upon
taking up another's administration. The principal
events with which Gov. Hamilton was connected as
the Chief Executive of the State were, the mine dis-
aster at Braidwood, the riots in St. Clair and Madison
Counties in May, 1883, the appropriations for the
State militia, the adoption of the Harper high-license
liquor l.iw, the'vetoof a dangerous railroad bill, etc.

The Governor was a Delegate at large to the
National Republican Convention at Chicago in June,

1884, where his first choice for President was John
A. Logan, and second choice Chester A. .\rthur; but
he afterward zealously worked for the election of Mr.
Blaine, true to his party.

Mr. Hamilton's term as Governor expired Jan. 30,

1885, wlien the great favorite "Dick" Oglesby was
inauourated.

J25*Nk,

JOSEPH w. fifi-:r.

183

4i»^

.^e.'iS^i Sit

> •o*o..@>>,A^..o«o. -v

■9*

osKPH WILSON FIFf:R. This
1
5: distiiiguisLed gentleman was

(*^t« elected Governor of Illinois
,%'•■ November 6, 1888. He was
[ \. popularly known daring the
^ X' campaign as "Private Joe." He
had served with great devotion
to his country during the Ke-
bellion. in the Thirty-third
Illinois Infantry. A native of
Virginia, he was born in 1840.
His parents, John and ^larj-
(Daniels) Fifer, were American
born, though of (German de-
scent. His father was a brick
and stone mason, and an old
Henry Clay Whig in politics. John and Mary
Fifer had nine children, of whom Joseph was the
sixth, and naturally witli so large a family it was
.all the father could do to keep the wolf from the
door; to say nothing of giving his children any-
thing like good educational advantages.

Young Joseph attended school some in Vir-
ginia, but it w!us not a good school, and when
his father removed to the West, iu 1857, Joseph had
not advanced much further than the "First Reader."

■^T

Our subject was sixteen then and suffered a great
misfortune iu the loss of his mother. After the deal h
of Mrs. Fifer, which occurred in Missouri, tlie
family returned to Virginia, but remained only a
short time, as during the same year Mr. Fifer
came to Illinois. He settled in McLean County and
started a brickyard. Here Joseph and his broth-
ers were put to work. The elder Fifer soon
bought a farm near Bloomington and began life as
an agriculturalist. Here Joe worked and .attended
the neighboring school. He alternated farm-work,
brick-la3ing, and going to the district school for
the succeeding few years. It was all work and no
play for Joe, j^et it by no means niade a dull buy
of him. All the time he was thinking of the great
world outside, of which he had caught a glimpse
when coming from Virginia, yet he did not know
just how he was going to get out into it. He
could not feel that the woods around the new
farm and the log cabin, in which the family lived,
were to hold him.

The opportunity to get out into the world was
soon offered to young Joe. He traveled a dozen
miles barefoot, in company' with his brother (ieorge,
and enlisted in Company C, 33d Illinois Infantry;
he being then twenty years old. In a few day

184

JOSEPH W. FIFER.

tl'.e regiment was sent to Camp Butler, and then
over into Missouri, and saw some vigorous service
tliere. After a second time lielping to cliase Price
out of Missouri, tlie 33d Kegiment went down
to Milliken's Bend, and for several weeks ■• Private
Joe" worked on Grant's famous ditcii. The regi-
ment then joined the forces operating against Port
(iibson and Vicksburg. Joe was on guard duty in
the front ditches when the flag of surrender was
run \\\) on the 4th of July, and stuck the ba^-onet
of his gun into the embankment and went into the
cit}' with the vanguard of I'nion soldiers.

The next da3% Jul3' 5, the 38d joined the force
after Johnston, who had been threatening Grant's
rear; and tinally an assault w;is made on him at
Jackson, Miss. In this charge -^Private Joe" fell, ter-
ribly' wounded. He was loading his gun when a
minie-ball struck him and passed entirel}" through
ins body. He was regarded as mortally wounded.
His brother, George, who had Ijeen made a Lieu-
tenant, proved to be tlie means of saving his life.
Tlie Surgeon told him unless he had ice liis brotlier
Joe cf)uld not live. It was fifty miles to the nearest
point where ice could be obtained, and the roads
were rough. .\^ comrade, a McLean county man, who
liad been wounded, offered to make the trip. An
ambulance was secured and the brother soldier
started on thejournej-. He returned with the ice.
but the trii). owing to the roughness of tlie I'oads.
was very hard on him. After a few months' care-
ful nursing Mr. Fifer was able to come home. The
33d came home on a furlough, and when the
boys were ready to return to the tented field,
young Fifer was ready to go with them: for he was
determined to finish liis term of three 3^ears. He
was mustered out in October, 1864. having been
in the service three years and two months.

••Private Joe" came out of the arm}' a tall,
tanned, and awkward young man of twent\'-four.
About all he possessed was ambition to be some-
bod}- — and pluck. Though at an age when most
men have finished their college course, the 3-oung
soldier saw that if he was to be anybody- he must
have an education. Yet he had no means to ena-
ble him to enter school as most 3'oung men do.
He was determined to have an education, however,
and that to him meant success. For the followina:

four years he struggled with his books. He entered
Wesleyan University Jan. 1. 1865. He was not a
brilliant student, being neither at the head nor the
foot of liis class. He was in great earnest, how-
ever, studied hard and came forth witii a well-
stored and disciplined mind.

Immediately after being graduated he entei-ed
an ofHce at Bloomington as a law student. He had
alre.adj' read law some, and as he continued to work
hard, with the spur of poverty and promptings of
ambition ever with him, he was ready to hang out
his professional shingle in 1869. Being triist-
worthj' he soon gathered about him some influen-
tial friends. In 1871 he was elected Corporation
Counsel of Bloomington. In 1872 he was elected
State's Attorney of McLean Count}-. This office
he held for eight j'ears, when he took his seat in
the State Senate. Here he served for four years.
His ability to perform abundance of hard work
made him a most valued member of the Legisla-
ture.

^Ir. Fifer was married in 1870 to Gertie, daugh-
ter of William J. Lewis, of Bloomington. Mr.
Fifer is six feet in height and is spare, weighing-
only I.jU pounds. He has a swarth}- complexion,
keen black ej'es. quick movement, and possesses :v
frank and sympathetic nature, .and naturally makes
friends wherever he goes. During the late Guber-
natorial campaign his visits throughout the State
proved a great power in his behalf. His liappv
facult}' of winning the confidence and good wishes
of those with whom he comes in personal contact is a
source of great popularit}', especiallv during a polit-
ical l)attle. As a speaker he is fluent, his hiugu.age
is good, voice clear and agreeable, and manner
forcible. His manifest earnestness in what he s.ivs
as well as his tact as a public speaker, and his elo-
quent and forceful language, makes him a most
valuable campaign orator and a powerful pleader
at the bar. At the Republican State Convention,
held in May. 188S, ^Ir. Fifer was chosen .as its candi-
date for (Governor. He proved a popular nominee,
and the name of •• Private Joe " became familiar
to everyone throughout the State. He waged a
vigorous campaign, was elected by a good m.ijority.
and in due time assumed the duties of the Chief
Executive of Illinois.

fa« — •

■^.o^j^o;

^6)*^

mmm &

^..<=?:-^??'.

^^^'^

M INTRODUQTORY.i^

"»°,C[-JE time has arrived when it
becomes the duty of the
people of this county to per-
petuate the names of their
pioneers, to furnish a record
of their early settlement,
and relate the story of their
progress. The civilization of our
day, the enlightenment of the age
and the duty that men of the pres-
ent time owe to their ancestors, to
'"i.rtr''i'J': y themselves and to their posterity,
oJ ti^'^r-' p'rs demand that a record of their lives
-^, Vr^ r\-^ and deeds should be made. In bio-
graphical history is found a power
to instruct man by precedent, to
enliven the mental faculties, and
to waft down the river of time a
safe vessel in whicli the names and actions of the
people who contributed to raise this country from its
primitive state may be preserved. Surely and ra[)idly
the great and aged men, who in their j^rinie entered
the w-ildenjess and claimed the virgin soil as their
heritage, are passing to tlicir graves. The number re-
maining wliocan relate the incidents of tlie first days
jf settlement is becoming small indeed, so that an
actual necessity exists for the collection and [jreser-
vation of events without delay, before all the early
settlers are cut down by the scythe of Time.

To be forgotten has been the great dread of mankind
from remotest ages. All will be forgotten soon enough,
in spite of tiieir best works and the most earnest
efforts of their friends to perserve the memory of
their lives. The means employed to prevent oblivion
and to perpetuate their memory has been in propor-
tion to the amount of intelligence they possessed.
Th: pyramids of Egypt were built to perpetuate the
names and deeds of their great rulers. The exhu-
mations made by the archeologists of Egypt from
buried Memphis indicate a desire of those people

to perpetuate the memory of their achievements.
The erection of the great obelisks were for the same
purpose. Coming down to a later period, we find the
Greeks and Romans erecting mausoleums and monu-
ments, and carving out statues to chronicle tlieir
great achievements and carry them down the ages.
It is also evident that the Mound-builders, in piling
up their great mounds of earth, had but this idea —
to leave something to show that they had lived. All
these works, though many of them costly in the e.x-
treme, give but a faint idea of the lives and charac-
ters of those whose memory they were intended to
perpetuate, and scarcely anything of the masses of
the people that then lived, the great pyramids and
some of the obelisks remain objects only of curiosity;
the mausoleums, monuments and statues are crum-
bling into dust.

It was left to modern ages to establish an intelli-
gent, undecaying, immutable method of perpetuating
a full history — immutable in that it is almost un-
limited in e.xtent and perpetual in its action ; and
this is through the art of printing.

To the present generation, however, we are in-
debted for the introduction of the admirable system
of local biography. By this system every man, though
he has not achieved what the world calls greatness,
has the means to perpetuate his life, his history,
through the coming ages.

The scythe of Time cuts down all ; nothing of the
physical man is left. The monument which his chil-
dren or friends may erect to his memory in the ceme-
tery will crumble into dust and pass away; but his
life, his achievements, the work he has accomplished,
which otherwise would be forgotten, is perpetuated
by a record of this kind.

To preserve the lineaments of our companions we
engrave their jwrtraits, for the same reason we col-
lect the attainable facts of their history. Nor do we
think it necessary, as we speak only truth of them, to
wait until they are dead, or until those who know
iheni are gone: to do this we are ashamed only to
pul)lish to the world the history of those whose lives
are unworthy of public record.

PORTHAIT AND HIOGRAlMlfcAL ALliUM.

191

'^i

— >-5-^& — °<sS-<ai!l)>-»e-o — ■» {< -

;| LEXANDKK HULL. M. D.,
' Ba of I>ewistovvn, is one of the
most eminent members of the
medical i)rofession in Central
Uliiiois, and not only has he
been honored and distinguisliod
as a physician and surgeon who
has met with more than usual
success in his chosen profession,
but for his excfileut record as
a civic officer, and for the ]iart
he has always taken in the cause of
education and other interests tend-
ing to advance the material pros-
perity of the county. Me has also shown himself
a business man of more than ordinary ability, and
although he has been very lil)eral and charitable to
tlu! i)oor, and has given largely of his means
toward the support of all jirojects tending to alle-
viute human suffering and promote their happiness,
lie has acquired a large competency, and is re-
garded as one of the wealthy and most inHuential citi-
zens of this county. Among those inseparably
identified with the advance of this county, is Dr.
Hull, whose portrait appears on the opposite page,
and before giving a more extended mention of his
history, it might be well to give briefly that o! liis
ancestry. His paternal grandfather. ,Iohn Hull,
was of Euglisli descent but a native of ^Lar\ land,
from which place he removed to Virginia, near
Hari)er's Feny, in 171)8. 'I'lience, in 1807, he. with
a large family, four sons and seven daughters, re-
moved to Licking County. Ohio, not in wagons,
but on pack-horses and on foot, through an un-
broken wilderness, inhabited mostly by Indians,
and onl}- now and then a white man to be seen.

Here he passed the remainder of his life, surrounded
by most of his children, until the time of his death,
at the age of eighty-five years.

His son Philip, the father of our subject, was
born in Harrison Count\-, Md., in 1795, and was
twelve years of age when he accompanied his fam-
ily from \'irginia to Licking County, Ohio. He
there enlisted in tlie War of 1812, and by re.ison
of his seiH'iccs drew a pension in his old age. There
also in 1820 he married Sarah, dalighter of Alex-
ander iMcCracken who was born in the North of
Ireland but of Scotch ancestry. During the Revo-
lutionary War he was brought to this country veiy
nuich against his will as a soldier in the British
Army, was taken prisoner by the Americans and
not released until the close of the war, when he re-
turneil to his native isle. Butso well pleased was he
with what he saw of America, that he soon came
back and settled near lirownsville, Fayette County.
Pa. Shortly afterward he married a Miss Eaton,
and they made this their home for many years, aild
in the meantime reared a largo family of children.
'While yet in Ireland he was converted to Chris-
tianity under the influence and preaching of Adam
Clark, and soon after he united with tlie Methodist
Clinrrh. and became noted as a minister. In 1817 he
and family removed from Pennsylvania to Mus-
kingum County, Ohio, where he resided until his
lieath at the advanced age of nearly ninety years.
He performed most C)f the marriage ceremonies and
preached the greater number of the funeral ser-
mons within the vicinity of his home for one third
of a century in the early days of Ohio, as many of
the older people of this county who knew Liim
there can attest.

In the fall of 1838 Philip Hull left Licking
County, Ohio, to seek a home in the then Far
West, and accompanied l)y his wife and children
made ilie trij) overland in wagons to li'ulton

192

PORTRAIT A^;D BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

County arriving in Lewistown on the 10th of De-
cember. In the spring of 1839 lie bought and
moved on to a tract of land, one hundred and sixty
acres, near the present site of .Suiithfield, on which
was a lo§ cabin and a fen- acres of land fenced and
broken. After living in the cabin for a short lime
a comfortable frame house was built, and the farm
was otherwise improved; but for many }'ears deer
and wild turke3's were plent3^ in the neighborhood
and throughout the county. In the fall of 1S45
he, in company with many of his neighbors, hauled
wheat in waguns to Chicago, two hundred miles
distant, taking with them provisions and horse
feed, camping out, consuming three weeks in mak-
ing the trip. The}' sold their wheat at forty-seven
cents per busliel, and bouglit such articles as were
essential to the family and returned, being well
jileased with their trip and the speculation. These
were the days of hard times, hardships and per-
plexities. There were then no railroads, nor were
there any for many years afterward. But how
changed the scenes, circumstances and conditions
since then.

The parents of our subject continued to reside
on the old homestead until 186.5, when they sold it
to Jacob Zigler, who now occupies it. an(\, regards
it as the best farm in Cass Township. They how-
ever soon bought another, within a mile of Lewis-
town, where the}' resided until the time of their
death, which occurred in 1881 after long lives —
sixty-four years having been spent together in
happy married life. The father died at tlie age of
eight-nine }-ears, and the mother at the .age of
eighty-thi'ee, and both are interred in the Lewis-
tiiwn Cemeterj-. Their children all reside in Lew-
istown — one, a single daughter, and the other
is married to James H. Randall, the father of Dr.
R. A. and Philip Randall, who are engaged in the
drug business in Lewistown, the former being a
finely educated phj-sician and a graduate of Rush
]\Iedical College.

Capt. W. W. Hull, the only brother of our sub-
ject, made an overland trip to California in the
|)ioiieer days of that .Slate, and remained there for
.•■everal 3'ears. Returning home a short time before
the Civil War he entered upon a mercantile busi-
ness in Lewistown, but upon the Ineaking out of
the conflict he enlisted in Company H.. Seventeenth
Regiment. Illinois Infantry, and was chosen Cap- '
Uiin of his company, continuing as such until the
close of the war. He merited the praise and high
esteem in which he was held, as a true patriot and
brave soldier. .Since the war he has been regarded
as one of the leaders of the Republican party, and
has filled nunirrous offices of trust and responsi-
bihty. In 1866 he was a candidate for Sheriff of
Fulton County ou the Republican ticket and

although his party was largelj- in the minority he
was beaten only two votes by the Democratic can-
didate, David J. Waggoner. The Captain was ap-
poinleil Postmaster at Lewistown. serving in this
as in other positions, with credit to himself, and it
niaj- be said of him that he was the only Republi-
can Postmaster in Fulton County who held over
and retained his ]iosition through the entire Cleve-
land administration. The Captain has one child, a
son — Edgar — who is in the revenue department,
at Peoria.

Dr. Hull was but a mere boy when he came with
his ])arents from Ohio to this count}- in 1838. Be-
ing anxious to obtain an education, and the oppor-
tunities and means being limited, for only occa-
sionall}' would a common or district school be taught
and then only for three months in the year, he la-
bored on his father's farm in the da3-time and studied
at night. By dint of hard labor and close applica-
tion to his studies, he fitted himself for teaching, and
at the age of seventeen years taught his first school
in his father's neighborhood with credit to himself
and to the satisfaction of his patrons. Thus he
continued working, teaching and studying until he
acquired a good and liberal education, including to
some extent, the languages. His attention was
quite early directed to the study of medicine, and
as soon as he had earned and laid up a few hundred
dollars he commenced the study with his cousin. Dr.
Abram Hull, then of this county. After complet-
ing the ofHee readings he attended a course of lec-
tures at St. Louis, and the following year entered
Rush Medical College, Chicago, from which insti-
tution he was graduated with honor in 1850, and
in May, thereafter, he located in Cuba, this count}*,
virtually commencing his practice where he was
reared, and in a vev3' short time his practice was
large, lucrative and quite extended. He has per-
formed numerous and diflicult surgical operations;
in fact there is scarcely an operation in the whole
list but what he has jterformed, and with nniform
success. In the practice of medicine he has always
been successful, and always had a large business.
For three years prior and up to the time he re-
niove<l to Lewistown, which was in the fall of 1860,
he had in his employ an excellent phy-sician. Dr.
LaFayette Gray, uncle to John A. Gray, a promi-
nent lawyer of the Lewistown Bar.

In the memorable campaign of 1860 the friends
of Dr. Hull induced him to accept the nomination
for the office of Clerk of the Circuit Court and
Recorder, to which he was elected. That he dis-
<-liarucd the duties of his office in a satisfactory
manner was abundantl3' proven b3' his re-election
to a second term in 1864. The Doctor did not en-
tirely relinquish his medical pursuits and the prac-
tice of his ))rofessiou when elected to the office, as

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

lO.-J

his official labors were performed very considerably
bj' (loputics. Yet. he never lost sioht of the various
details of tlie otiice, ami saw tiiat everytiiin.ir ^vas
done in the very best possilile manner, meanwhile
keeping posted up in the medical literature of the
day, and occasionally performing some important
surgical operation. In fad it is said that some of
the best and raf)sl important operations were per-
forjned while in olliee. and after he closed his
connection therewith he entercil again into the
practice with his usual vigor and entljusiasm. and
thus he has continued to the present time. Perhaps
but few men outside of the large cities have per-
formed more important surgical operations than
he, and but few have h.ad a larger experience in the
treatment of chronic diseases. His knowledge of
the profession and his long continued practice have
given him an extenib^l consultation jiractice.

Dr. Hull, as President: Dr. .1. V. Harris, Secre-
tary, of Canton ; and Dr. J. W. Welch, Treasurer, of
Cuba, com|)ose the Examining Hoard for Pensions
at Lewistown, and have acted as such for five or
more years. The fact that they are retained by the
incoming and adverse administration, is proof that
their work has been well and impartially done, and
to the satisfaction of the Government and the sol-
diers as well. Perhaps but few Boards have been
more painstaking in their examinaticms, or have
treated the soldiers more considerately, carefully
and kindly tlian this Board.

Politically Dr. Hull has always been identified
with the Democratic party. He is a member of the
State and other medical societies, and in reference
to his views and ideas concerning the practice of
meilicine he is orthodox, liberal, and yet indepen-
dent. He is a great reader, a deep thinker, broad
in views, religions, philosophical and social. He
h,as attained an enviable position as a man of in-
fluence in the county, while his course in life has
been such as to win for him tlie admiration and es-
teem of a large circle of acquaintances. He has
written frequently for medical journals, newspa-
pers, etc., and wields a ready and pointed pen. As
stated of him, he has always taken great interest in
educational matters, and especially in his own
town. He is President of the Board of Education
in Lewistown, and has been for the last sixteen
years. Dr. Hull is not only public-s[)iril,ed and en-
ergetic, hut he is social, cordial, and a man of good
morals, strictly temperate in his habits, and posses-
sing the manners of a gentlcinan. He is well cal-
cnlated to make and retain friends, and is one of
the best known citizens of Fulton County.

Dr. Hull was married in November. 18.J7, to
MissN. Perraelia Heckird,of this county, and they
have but one child, a daughter Carrie, now twenty-
three years of age, and singK". And upon her the

father has doted ami done everything in his power
to elevate her socially', morally, ajid in educational
and literary pursuits. I'pon her in these directions
he has spent thousands of dollars, and she has prof-
ited largely by it. She has attended the best col-
leges in Illinois and in ihe East, and isperhapsone
of the best educated young ladies in this portion of
the State. She is now taking musical instruction
in Boston. In the case of Dr. Hull the fact is
demonstrated that success is attributed to his en-
ergy and indomitable perseverance, ami those (piali-
ties which giv(! him

"The strength to dare, the nerve to meet
Whatever threatens with defeat
An all-indomitable will."

-€-*^ ^

Wi 1). .lOHNSON, foreman of the painting
de|)artment of Parlin & Orendorff's manu-
factory in Canton, w.'is born in Newark,
Newcastle C(junty, Del., October 17, 1840. He is
the son of James C. and JMartha (Caldwell) John-
son, and his grandparents came respectively from
Ireland and Scotland. His father was born in New
York, spent some j'ears in Penn.iylvania and
removed thence to Delaware while still a young
man. In 1860 he changed his place of residence to
New Jersey, where he died in 1882 at the age
of seventy-five years. His marriage had been solem-
nized in P(!nnsylvania. which was the native State of
his wife. The union was blessed by the birth of
three children, to whom the mother bade adieu
in 1818 when called from time to eternity, she be-
ing then but thirt3'-two years of age.

The father of our subject subsequently married
Miss Sarah Hickman, and to them was born one
child, — Lola. After the death of his second wife
Mr. Johnson married Miss lilary Case, who is still
living. To this union were born three children, who
are stdl living. The own brother of our subject,
James T. Johnson, w.as graduated from Delaware
College and was for many years I'resident of the
La Grange (Ga.) Female Seminary. During the
war he was pressed into the service of the Confed-
erate Army upon two occasions, but each time was
released about two weeks after his conscription on
account of his eminence as an educator. Ho is still

194

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

living in lliL' SouUicni rily, now cashier of a bank.
Tlie otbfi- child of our subject's tuother is M.ir-
waret E.. the wife of J. T. Conover. of Fleininglon,
N. .1.

Tlie subject of our sketch remained witli liis
f.'itiier until after he liad leaclied liis seven iceiilh
year, receiving a fair education in the common
schools and at the age of sixteen entering the Del-
aware College. One of his sclioolmates there was
Senator Anthonj- M. Higgins. of Delaware, loung
Johnson had been attending the college but a year
wlien the institutiou was broken up and be began
his personal work in life. In 1861 he went to New
Jersey, which State lie made his home until he
tofik up his residence in Canton. At Clinton, in
1862, he enlisted in Conipan3' E, Thirty-first New
.7erse3' Infantry, and being mustered in at Fleming-
ton, was sent to the defense of Wastiington.
remaining in or near that city several months. He
look an active part in the battle of Chancellorsville
and also at Fredericksburg. He had enlisted as a
private, but was elected Fourth Sergeant of his
coniiianj', and after serving as such for a period of
three months, w.is advanced to be First Sergeant,
anil continued in that capacity until discharged.

The regiment was enlisted for nine months,
and at the expiration of that time was mustered
out of the service and disbanded, the last march
l>eing from Falmouth to Washington — a distance
of one hundred miles — which they covered in less
tiian three days' time. Immediatel}' after his dis-
charge Mr. Johnson came West, and in February
following his arrival in this State enlisted in Com-
pany I, Fifty-first Illinois Infantry , and upon the
organization of the company was elected Orderlj^
Sergeant. The troops were first sent to Texas and
stationed in Port Lavaca on Matagorda BaN", and
later were at Nashville and New Orleans, doing
[)ust and camp duty until discharged in September,
1865.

In Boston, in 1869. Mr. Johnson was married to
Miss Mary Colville, a native of Canada who, after
ten j-ears of happy wedded life dieil in LaGrange,
Ga., where she had gone for her health. She left
two children — Stella and Maggie — both of whom
live in Canton. Mr. Johnson was again mairied in
1881, the lady of his choice being Miss Belle Com-

stoek, a native of Woonsocket, Conn., and the
ceremony being solemnized at Detroit. This lady
breathed lier last in 1884, and our subject was once
more united iu matrimony, this time at Canton. 111.,
in September, 1889. with Miss Kittie Flory, of
Clear Springs. Md. Mrs. Johnson is a faithful
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and
both she and her husband have numbers of warm
personal friends, both in Canton and throughout
the countj'.

At the beginning of his business career in this
Slate ilr. Johnson worked for Mr. Parlin in the
capacity of a common hand, but in three years'
time was promoted to his present position — that of
foreman of the painting dei)artment. He li.is had
a share in the municipal offices, having been City
Clerk in 1880, and in 1890 he received the ap-
pointment of Census Enumerator for this place.
He is interested in the social orders, being a charter
member of the Masonic Lodge in Canton, a Knight
of Pythias and a United >A'orkman. He has been an
active political worker, and was for many j-ears
manager of the Canton Opera House.

F. KOBBINS, manufacturer of and dealer
in marble and granite, both imported and
domestic, is one of the most reliable busi-
ness men of Canton. He carries a large line
of goods, varying from the common grades to that
which is fit for the sculpter's chisel, and is there-
fore able to supply the needs of various classes,
from those in humble financial circumstances _to
the capitalist. He is deserving of the patronage of
the jieople and secures a large proportion of the
trade in his line of business. He comes of English
ancestry and his kinsmen in both maternal and
p.aternal lines have for several generations held im-
portant social and commercial positions in the
United States.

Our subject is a son of John and Edee S. (Cum
mings) Robbins, natives of New Hampshire and-
Maine respectively. They removed with their fam-
ily to St. Clair. Mich., in 18.52, and there for two
years the father carried on a farming and milling

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

195

business. At the expiration of lliat time he ro-
moverl to Quincj-, Kj'., at wiiicli iioiiil he was en-
Sageil in the himber business. lUil after a few
years he quitted tlie Blue Grass State and journe}'-
ing northwest located in Canton in the year 1856.
lie purchased a good farm in Buckheart Township,
but retired from agricultural life some years since.
The mother passed away to her final resting' place,
May 18, 1880, and the father died in September.
1890. The latter iiad re.iclied an advanced age, his
natal day having been June 26, 1801. The paren-
tal family included .1. J., born March 23, 1837;
Edee Klizabcth. born September 9, 1838, and now
deceased and J. F.. of whom we write.

The subject of tliis biographical sketch was born
in Newport, Me., August 22, 1843, and remained
at home until he ha<l reached his eighteenth j'ear,
at which age he enlisted in Company A, Fifty- fifth
Illinois Infantry. They were mustered in at Chi-
cago, and then sent to St. Louis where they were in
l)arracks awhile, and then went to Paducah, Ry.,
drilling and |)eiforming the various camp duties.
They next went up the Tennessee River to Pitts-
burg Landing, where they took part in the battle,
and where Mr. Kobbins was severely injured by
some flying missile. After the fight he was placed in
the Held hospital, and from there sent to Hamburg,
Tenn., where he remained a week or so, after-
wards going to Benton Barracks, St. Louis. He
was finally discharged by order of the surgeon as
unable to resume service. Mr. Kobbins suffered
greatly even after reaching home, and it was quite
a while before he was able to attend to business of
any kind.

Our subject having in a measure regained his
health, commenced to learn the marble cutting
trade with .Sanford A- Barrows at Canton. Finish-
ing his apprenticeship in a year's time, he was em-
ployed by this firm for a long time, and traveled
for them in ditferent directions. Finally, in 1879,
Mr. Robbins bought out the business, and has con-
tinued to run it most successfully up to the present
writing. He carries a lar<re sujiply of marble, and
is the oldest man in his line of business in the city.
Mr. Robbins married Miss Jennie Watson, of
Canton, on M.ay 28, 1871. She was a native of Ohio
and a daughter of Stanley and Celia ( Woodhouse)

Watson.' Of this union have been born three chil-
dren, viz: Walter, Fcbruarj' 29, 1872; Leona, Au-
gust 5, 1873, and Clifford, October 3, 1877. The
subject of our sketch is a highly respected gen-
tleman, and one who possesses a great amount
of information. Being a constant reader and in-
terested in ancient matters, he has collected a num-
ber of i)reliistoric relics, and those of our Indians
and Mound Builders.

'• » ^-

S. STETSON. Of the citizens of Farming-
ton, few are so well and none more favor
abl}' known than the subject of this sketch,
who has resided in this city since the
spring of 1856. During this long period he
has made many warm friends, who hold him in
the highest esteem for his integrity of charac-
ter and genial disposition. After a prosperous
career in the commercial world he now rests
from active labor and is passing his last days
in peace and quietude. He is pre-eminentl}- a self-
made man, meriting great praise for the noble
manner in whicli he has at all times overcome ob-
stacles placed in his way. He w.as eighty-five years
of age on January 10, 1890, and is now unable to
care for himself, but receives the best of care from
his devoted wife.

Before giving the principal facts in the life of
Mr. Stetson, a few words with reference to his lin-
eage will not be amiss. His father, Oliver Stetson,
was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and with his
parents, three brothers and two sisters emigrated
from Connecticut in 1800 and located in Otsego
County, N. Y. In the spring of 1804 he was united
in marriage with Mar}' Stewart, the daughter of
John Stewart, and they immediately commenced
housekeeping. A few months later he look his
wife and household goods to her father's liouse,
while he went South to seek employment for the
winter season. He proceeded as far as St. Francis-
ville. Mo., and there died.

In the home of liis grandfather Stewart, the sub-
ject of this sketch was horn January 10, 1S05, and
under the tender care of these loving relatives

Ht(5

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

passed liis ycmth iinlil he was able to care for him-
self. His mother suhsequenth- married Aldrich
Baicora, by whom she had seven children, all de-
eensed. She passed away in 1852 at the age of six-
ty-five years. Nothing of special interest occurred
in the life of our subject until the fall of 1820, when
he became interested in the subject of religion and
related his experience to the First Baptist Church
at Butternuts, Otsego CounDy, N. Y., and was re-
ceived into its fellowship and baptized by Elder
Adams, their pastor, January 7. 1821. Since that
time he has lived a consistent Christian life. In
1840 he was elected a Deacon to fill a vacancy-
caused by the death of Deacon Lull.

In his youth our subject attended the district
schools and was eng.iged in various kinds of work.
In the spring of 1820 he and Mr. Chapin engaged
as partners in the wheelwright trade under the
firm name of Chapin & Stetson. They were thus
employed in Noble vi lie for two years. Mr. Stet-
son was united in marriage April 27, 1826, with
Miss Eliza Robinson, and began their wedded life
in a house rented of Mr. Chapin. In 1828. Mr.
Stetson moved to what is now known as Stetson-
ville, and buying a house and fifteen acres of land,
built, the following year, a shop where he manu-
factured wagons, sleighs and coffins. Finding his
house too small for his family and help, in 1836 he
purchased a more commodious residence and sixty-
three acres of land.

Early in the year 1838, Mr. Stetson sold his
fifteen-acre tract, and fitting one room of his house
for a store, purchased a small stock of dry-goods,
etc., and commenced in the mercantile business,
which he carried on in connection with farming
and the manufacture of potash. He subsequently
built a good store and dwelling house at a cost
of $2,500 and later [)urchased two hundred and
fourteen acres of adjoining land, and erected
house and b.irn, and other buildings suitable
for dairying. In the fall of 185-1 he resolved
to locate in the West, and upon his arrival in
Farmington, 111., was so well pleased with the land
and the prospects that he purchased of A. D. Reed
a store for $2,000 cash. Here he commenced mer-
chandising in partnership with his son, in the fall
of 1 855 the firm being J. S. Stetson <fe Son. They

were prosperous, doing a good business until 1860,
when the partnership was dissolved and the stock
and store sold to George Stetson for «8,500.

Upon the arrival of the family in Farmington in
the spring of 1856, Mr. Stetson purchased a house
and two acres of land of Mr. Underbill for 12.000;
this residence he still occupies. Mrs. Stetson died
of consumption February 9,1863, aged sixty years.
She was the mother of seven children, namelv
Mary Jane, born August 23. 1827 and died at the
age of tweuty-two years; George, born November
30, 1829; David R., December 5. 1831; Fannie
M.. March 8, 1834; Sally Ann. May 6, 1836;
Charles A.. May 4. 1840 and John Lee, January 7,
1846.

On June 14. 1864, Mr Stetson was united in the
holy bonds of wedlock "iih Mrs. Elvira McColiuni.
with whom he had been formerly acquainted
in Morris, Otsego County, N. Y. She was feeble,
and lived but a short time after their union, dying
of consumption June 23, 1854, aged fifty-two years.
Mr. Stetson afterward contracted a matrimonial al-
liance with Mrs. Mary Maxfield. a resident of
Springfield. Otsego County, N. Y. They were mar-
ried May 16, 1866 and came immediately to Farm-
ington. accompanied by the aged mother of Mrs.
Stetson, to whom they gave the most devoted care
until her death, February 28, 1883, at the great age
of ninety-two years.

During the many years of their happy wedded
life, Mrs. Stetson has been a true companion of our
subject and an untiring worker in his behalf. She
is a member of the Baptist Church at Farmington,
and has contributed liberally to its support, at one
time giving 8230 to pay the balance due on the
parson.age. She was born in Warren County. N.
Y. and received a common-school- education. .She
became the mother of two childreu^Orlando and
Minnie, both of whom died in youth. She is the
friend of temperance and everything calculated to
advance the interests of the county.

Mr. Stetson is highly respected as a man of
probity and honor. When he came to Farmington
he found the Baptist Church weak and unable to
support a pastor, but he and his wife and daughter
joined the feeble band and be has sine e served as
Deacon and has been one of the main supporters of

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

197

the L'liurcli in supply preafhing anil in builtlinfr the
house of worshii) at a cost of xo.OOO. He is well-
known in the Otsego (New Yorii) Association, and
in the Peoria Associalion, having served the latter
as Treasurer for about eiglit venrs. He was orig-
inally a Democrat anil voted that ticket until 1840
since whicli time he has su|)ported the Hepulilican
party and its principles. He served four years as
Police Magistrate and in oilier ways aided the
thriving town of Farmingloii.

NDREW TIMMONS is the owner and oc-
cupant of one of the most valuable farms
I'i in the county, its location being on sec-
tions 2, 11 and 12. Young Hickory Town-
ship. His entire landed proiiorty consists of four
iiundred and sixtv-one acres which is divided into
three improved places and cost from ^."5') to $70
per acre. It is fertilized by never-failing water
from springs, every acre being tillable. One hun-
dred and sixty-six acres are rented and the balance
is operate! by Mr. Timmons himself. He raises
full-blooded and graded .Shorthorn cattle, Berk-
shire and Poland-China swine, and also feeds stock
for shipment. I.a.st year he sold one hundred and
cightj- hogs. On the home farm there are two sub-
stantial residences and two commodious barns, each
40.\G0 feet. Farm scales, modern machinery and
every convenience for the domestic and farm econ-
omy will be found there.

Our subject who is the oldest child of his par-
ents, was born near Circleville. Ohio, July 10,1838.
He was seven years old when he accompanied his
parents West, the journey being made in a "prairie
schooner." He was reared on a farm in Knox
Count}', where he began driving oxen to a plow
when not more than eight ^ears old. He aided as
his strength would permit in the improvement of
the raw land, taking advantage first of the subscrip-
tion and afterward of the free schools, wherein his
educational privileges were very fair. He was a
young man of eighteen years when bis father re-
moved to this county and he continued to assist his

parent until he was of age. He then went to Henry
County, locating near Bishops Hill, where he rented
a farm for a year. Corn was but eight cents a
bushel and other farm products brought so low a
price that he found existence a hard struggle.
Sir. Timmons therefore went into Knox County,
! bought twenty .acres and after oi)erating it two
: years sold it and rented his f.ather's jjlaee a year.
In the spring of 1805 he went to Kansas by rail,
sending a team overland, and rented a farm in
Douglas County, near Baldwin City. He lost his
crop and in six months returned to this .State over-
land to begin a new career here. He bought sixty
.acres on Swigle Creek to which he subsequently
added twenty acres, still later trading sixty for an
adjoining farm of one hundred and lwenty-(ive
acres. On his estate, which then consisted of one
Imndred and forty-five acres on sections 11 and 12,
he made his home for some time. He was burnt
out but rebuilt and after a time l)ought the
Roberts place, an improved farm of one hundred
and sixty-six acres on section 12. In 1887 he bar-
gained for one hundred and fifty acres on section 2,
known as the old Fisher [ilace, for which he w.as to
pa}' $10,500. His failure to pay for this place was
prophesied, but contrary to the expectations of his
neighbors, he was clear of debt in less than three
j'ears, and that after paying the highest price tliat
had been given for land here.

In his endeavors to advance his fortunes .Mr.
Timmons has been assistad by a faithful companion,
whose prudent management of household affairs
and words of counsel and encouragement are highly
valued. This ladj' who was formerly known .as Miss
Sarah Campbell, was born near Attica. Ind.. in
Warren County, and became the wife of our sub-
ject in Maquon, Knox County, III., in 1860. The
iiapp}' union has been blest b}' the birth of four
children — l-'anny, Johnson, Arthur and Mina. The
eldest child w<is formerly a school teacher, but is
now the wife of Charles Ulm who lives on tiic farm
of our suliject. Johnson makes his home also here;
Arthur and Mina still reside under the parental
roof.

Mr. Timmons was elected Commissioner of
Highwaj'S but resigned the place after a year's ser-
vice. He has served efficiently in the position of

198

PORTRAIT AIS'D BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

Sc-hool Director, has contributed to tiie building of
churches and to other enterprises which promise to
benelil tlie community, and exercises generous
hospitality. He is a Democrat and during recent
}-ears has been stronger in the faith than ever before.
Our subject is a son of Stephen S. and Lucinda
(Emery) Timraons. tlie former bc^rn in Higliland
and the latter in Picliavvay County. C)l)io. Mrs.
Timmons was a daugliter of the Rev. Stephen
Emery, a local minister of tlie Jletiiodist Episcopal
Churcli, wlio finallj' came to Knox County, 111.,
and after farming there ten years bought a home-
steader's claim in Linn County, Kaii., removed
thither and made that his home during the rem-
nant of his days. Stephen Timmons followed farm-
ing in Pickaway County. Ohio, for somej'ears. then
sold his property and came to Illinois. He hart but
•^5 when he reached this county, but with the same
eiitei'prisiiig spirit which characterizes his son, lie
set to work undismayed to secure a good home.
After having rented land in Fairview Townshii) a
few years, he bought in Knox County and dirt well
there financially. When hereturnert to this county
he bought property in Young Hickory Township
where he now lives retired on a farm of some three
hundred acres. He has reached the age of seventy-
seven years. Like his son, he votes the Democratic
ticket. His worthy companion died in Young
Hickory Township, December 23, 1863. The chil-
dren younger than our subject are, Peter who lives
on section 1, Young Hickory Township; Mrs. Sarah
Combs, of Knox County; Mrs. Margaret Johnson,
fif Sliermau County. Kan.; and Joseph, of London
Mills.

-*J-fc-

AMUEL WILLCOXEN, a wealthy citi-
zen of Buckheart Township, has for nian^'
years been identified with its farming inter-
ests as one of its most practical, wide-awake
and business-like farmers and stock-raisers. He is
a native of Ashe County, N. C, born October 12,
1813. His father, the Rev. Squire Willcoxen, was
• for many years a Baptist preacher. He was also a
North C.irolinian bj' birth and was married in the
State of his nativity to Sarah Tatrira, a daughter

of James Tatrim and a native of North Carolina.
The Rev. Mr. Willcoxen w-as a son of Samuel Will-
coxen and he served in th.e War of 1812.

When our subject was about three years old the
faiiiil}' removed from North Carolina to Kentucky,
where they remained twelve j'ears, and then carae
to this county about 1828. Thus his parents were
among the first settlers of this part of HIinois, lo-
cating in a place called Slabtown. Five years later
they moved into what is now Buckheart Township,
west of the present home of our subject on section
5, and were among the pioneers of the township.
Here the father's death occurred on his farm in
1837 at the age of fifty-nine years. They were tiie
parents of nine children, six girls and three boys,
and Samuel, of whom we write, was the seventh of
the family.

Our subject was reared among the pioneer scenes
in Kentucky and experienced also all the hardships
and privations of pioneer life in Fulton County.
After coming here he attended the old Tatrim school,
which was conducted on the subscription plan, and
tliere he learned to read, write and cipher. He
remained with his parents until he was twenty-
seven years of age, when he married and established
a home of his own. taking as his wife Miss Lucinda
Carner, of this township. She was born in Ken-
tuckj' and was brought to this State when she was
quite young by lier parents, who were [)ioneer set-
tlers here. She has been a very useful assistant to
her husband in the acquirement of his property
and has been a devoted mother to their children, of
whom they have had three: Ellen, wife of Elijah
Johnson; George W.. wlio resides on the old home-
stead, and one who died in infancj'.

B\' wise thrift and pnidrnce, by tlie dint of liaid
and unremitting labor, by careful manageincnl,
shrewdness and foresight in the transaction of
business, Mr. Willcoxen has placed himself among
the most well to-do members of the farming popu-
lation of Buckheart Township. He is very skillful
as a farmer and has his farm well-stocked with cat-
tle, horses and hogs of high grades. Before he
divided his land w'itli his children lie had nine
hundred acres of choice farming land. He still
retains possession of two hundred acres which is
under a high state of cultivation and finely itn-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

199

proved. After marriage he first settled on the old
homestead that belonged to his father, and besides
carrying that on managed one of his mother's and
he lived on it forty-six years, when he bought his
present farm on section 11, Hiiekheart Township,
comprising one hundred and lifty-foiir acres, and
is considered one of the most valuable in the local-
ity. It is supplied with substantial buildings, in-
cluding a large and comfortably furnished I'esidenee
and one of the best brick barns in the neighbor-
hood.

As an early settler of Buckheart Township and as
one of its most able farmeis. who has done much
for its development, our subject occupies a [ironii-
nenl place among the pioneers of this locality and
of the county. lie and his wife are devoted mem-
bers of the Baptist Cliurch, contributing tlicir
quota to its support and helping along its every
good work.

APT. WILLIAM BOYD, Deputy County
, Clerk and Assistant Treasurer of Fulton

^^' County, has long been connected with the
civic life of this part of Illinois, and no public olli-
cial is held in higher estimation for pr.actical aliil-
ity and iine personal character than he. lie was a
brave C)fncer in the I'nion ranks during the late
war, and did noble service for his adopted country.
Capt. Boyd was born August 1. 1830. in the prov-
ince of Ulster, County Antrim, Irel.and. His fa-
ther. John Boyd, was a native of the same county
as was his father, Hugh Boyd, who was of early
Scotch ancestry. He was a farmer, and so far as
known, S|)ent his entire life in County Antrim.
The father of our subject was well-educated, and
when a j'OUTig man taught school, and was also en-
gaged as a music teacher, and as a civil engineer.
He spent his entire life in the county of his birth,
dying in 1840, when sixty years of age. The
maiden name of his wife was Ann Taggart, and she
was born in the North of Iieland. She was twice
married, the name of her tirst husband having been
Keenan.

After the death of the father of our subject, his

mother came to America with live of her eight chil-
dren, .letting sail from Port Rush, early in April,
proceeding from there to Liverpool, and thence to
New York, landing in that city earl\- in June. She
Went directly to Wooster, Ohio, and there her re-
maining days were passed, her death occurring in
18r)l. The names of her children were: Hannah
(daughter of her first marriage); Hugh, Ann, Jen-
nie, John, Robert, William .'uid James. John died
in County Antrim, and the others came to Amer-
ica. Hannah died a few years after her arrival
here; Ann married Hugh Price, and settled near
Columbus, Ohio; Jennie married Joseph Woods,
and settled near Gallion, Ohio; Hugh located in
Wooster, and died there; Robert also died in Woos-
ter; James located in Columbus.

The subject of this biographical sketch was but
twelve 3'ears old when he came to America with his
mother. As she was in limited circumstances, the
brave, manly little lad had to set about earning his
own living at an early age. When he was thirteen
years old, he commenced to learn the trade of a
shoemaker, and followed that until 1849. In that
jear he went to Columbus, and in 1857 came from
that city to Lewistown, where he was engaged at
his trade until 18C2.

Capt. Boyd was mostly reared and educated un-
der the institutions of this country-, and early im-
bibed a love for it and became thoroughly Ameri-
canized. During the first months of the great
struggle between the North and South, he watched
the course of events with intense interest, and as
soon as practicable. Laid aside his work to take u|)
arms in defense of the country that had given him
a home. In the month of August. 18G2, he enlisted
in Company II, One Hundred and Third Illinois
Infantr}-, and was mustered in as First Lieutenant,
at Peoria, August 2. In November, he was sent
with his regiment to Bolivar, Tenn., and thence to
La Grange. In December he started for Vicksburg
with Gen. Grant. Commuidcation being cut off
Grant's army went to J.ackson, and there the regi-
ment of our subject was quartered for the winter.
On the return of spring, he and his comrades re-
turned to La Grange, anil there spent a short time,
and were dispatched to Vicksburg from that place
to guard the rear of the Federal army, and aided

200

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

in defeat in uf Jolinston's atlempt to reinforce tliat
city. After tlie fall of Vicksbuig, our subject
went to Jackson and fought gallantly in llie battle
witli tlie enemy at that place. From there his regi-
ment pushed on to Black River, and rested until
fall, and then marched. to Clialtanooga, and did
good service in the battle of Missionary Ridge.
The men were next sent to the relief of Burnside
at Knoxville, and then retired to Scottsboro, Ala.
A few weeks later our gallant young officer accom-
panied by his men, started for Georgia, having been
sent there to attract, the attention of the rebels and
draw them away from Sherman, who had gone on
his Meridian raid. Returning to Scottsboro, the
One Hundred and Third Illinois, nftcr a short rest,
went on another reconnoitering expedition, n>arch-
ing to Cleveland, Tenn., and back to Scottsboro.
May 1, 1864, it joined Sherman's forces, accom-
panied him on the Atlanta campaign. dt)ing noble
service in the principal battles on that long and
ever memorable march. Capt. Boyd and the sol-
diers under him aided in the siege and capture of
Atlanta, fought in the battle of Atlanta Pass, and
after that went witii the army to the Chattahoocliie
River. Our subject received an injur}- that re-
sulted in the loss of one eye, and he was obliged to
resign his commission and give up military life for
which he vvas so eminently litled. His course
througliout his service had marked him as a soldier
who was prompt in obeying orders, was cool and
courageous in any emergency, and as an officer in-
spired his men to brave deeds. His superiors, ap-
preciating these fine qualities, had promoted him to
the rank of captain before his retirement.

After he left the army, Capt. Boyd returned to
Lewistown, and in 1865 established hinjself in the
hardware business, and continued it until 1873,
when he was appointed to his present position as
Deputy County Clerk, and he then sold out his
business interests. As before mentioned, he is As-
sistant Treasurer, and has made a good record in
both offices. His political aililiations are with the
Republicans. Religiously, he is a sound Presby-
terian, and both he and Mrs. Boyd are church mem-
bers. He is identified with the Independent Order
of Mutual Aid.

Our subject has been twice married. In 1852

Sarah S. Miner became his wife. She was a native
of Gratiot, Licking County, Ohio, and a daughter
of Francis and Myra (.Jordan) Miner. Her death
occurretl in 1860. Of the three children born of
her wedded life, tivo are now living: Carrie mar-
ried Alexander Wetherell, and lives near Lima,
Ohio; Ida married Dr. II. P. Stipp, of Sonora. Cal.
The Captain's second marriage, which was solemn-
ized in 1861, was with Miss Lucy J. Foote. a na-
tive of Iowa. There are two children living of the
second marriage: Mrs. Grace Lillie, of Lewistown;
and Wilhird.

Nt„4\ A.RTIN M. WAUGHTEL. Among the
young farmers of this county are many
li" who are pursuing their course in life with
great energy and much skill, and thereliy
attaining satisfactory results. One of this num-
ber is the gentlem;ui above named, who is located
on section 26, Cass Township, occupying the farm
on which his birth took place August 23, 18,i9. His
est.ate consists of one hundred acres, nearly all of
wliicli is improved, and he carries on general agri-
cultural work, raising both grain an<l slock. Cattle
and hogs are the domestic animals which he raises
in the greatest numbers, but he has some fine speci-
mens of horseflesh, among them a team of three-
vear old Normans, weighing three thousand and
thirty-live pounds.

Henry Waughtel, the father of our subject, was
born in Ohio in 1812, but former generations of
the family -had lived in Virginia. He mirrried Mar-
garet Markley, a native of the same State as him-
self, their marriage taking place in this State, to
which both had come in childhood. Mr. Waughtel
belonged to a family which was one of the first to
make a settlement in this part of the Mississippi
Valley. He w.as the first Supervisor of Cass Town-
ship, taking the olHce in 1850. He fought during
the Black Hawk War. He breathed his last in
1885, but his widow still lives and nine of their
twelve children survive.

Our subject received a good common-school edu-
cation and from earl}- boyhood was accustomed to

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAlMUt'AL ALHl'M

201

take part in farm work, to wliicli he lias (•oiitiiuietl
to give his attention, lie began life for himself
when twenty years old, marrying Philena Orwig,
a (laughter of John and Amanda (Hancock) Orwig,
who were ol<l settlers in this ('onuty. The young
couple took possession of forty acres of land
owned by the husband, wliich he operated suc-
cessfully. His wife, who was born in IHCi:?, died
in August, 1884, leaving two sons — John and
IMilton. Mr. Waughtel was again married in Sep-
tember, 1885, his bride being iSarali M. Hinder-
liter, a daughter of Julius Hinderliter. wlio was
one of the old settlers of Cass Township. This
lady was born in 1862, received a good educa-
tion in the common schools, and the home train-
ing which fitted her for the duties of a horae-
kcei)er. She has borne hor husband two children,
one of whom is now living, a son, William.

Mr. Wanghtel has from hi§ early manhood been
more or less closely connected with the |)ub-
lic affairs of the section in which lie lives. He be-
came Sciiool Director in Di.slrict No. 6 as soon as
he was old enough to hold the oUice and is still
its incumbent. At the age of twenty-three years
he was elected Township Collector and served in
that cap.aeity until elected Supervisor, in which he
is now serving his fourth term. He has always
taken an active interest in politics and is one of
the principal workers in the township; he has been
a delegate to county conventions and is now a
committeeman.

. ^— , - ''*-^^=n::^^ ^-,i — ' , . — ;■

^^^ . — ' S:^3i=^», *— » ^— ^ — '

yASHINGTON F. KANDOLI'H. a veteran
of the late war and a well-known farmer
of Canton Townshi[), was born in Joshua
Township, this countj', Januaiy 11, 1812. the
youngest child of John F. and Nancy (Rawalt)
Randolph. He was reared to manhood on his fa-
ther's farm in the place of his birth and made his
home with his parents until his marriage. After
that he settled in Canton Township, where he has
since lived. Ho has always been engaged in farm-
ing with the exception of the two years tiiat he
spent in the army during the war, and he has a

choice f;uiii of eighty acres on section 8, which is
well-improved.

Our subject was one of the bravo volunteers
during the late (JIvil War. He enlisted in the
month of August, 18()2. the year that he attained
his majority, in Company C, One Hundred and
Third Hlinois Infantry and served with credit two
years.

Mr. Randolph was married in Canton Township
to Miss Mar}-, a daughtei' of Homer and Susan
Moore, early pioneers of Fidton County. The
mother, a daughtei- (if John llugen. is living at a
venerable age and is one of the oldest settlers re-
maining in Fulton County. Mrs. Randolph is a
native of Canton Townsliii). Her marriage with
our subject has brougiit them these three chil-
dren: Minnie F.. Lola F.. and Homer F.

Mr. Randolph is a devoted advocate of the
I'roliibition party in politics. H(! has been School
Director and has .served his township well in that
capacity. He is a man of exemplary habits, and
is classed among our most worthy citizens. Mrs.
Randolph, who is held in like respect, is a mem-
ber of the Uaptisl Church.

-^ ^#-^ ■ -—

^RED 0. I'lTI

f(jrnier manager of tlie ex-
tensive livery business founded in Canton
b}' Morrell lligbie, was born in 18.^(). He
is the son of Norris and Elizabeth (Granger) Pitt,
who reside in Peoria and have made that city their
home during the jiast twenty-five years. The
father is the proprietor of a merchant tailoring
establishment, but does none of the actual work
himself, having other inteiests which occupy his
time, except tliat portion which 'ho devotes to the
oversight of the business. He deals quite exten-
sively in Western hinds, and has a prominent pLace
among the Aldermen of the city. He has always
been actively eng.aged in politics, and is generally
known and esteemed throughout the community.
He has five sons, two of whom are in Chicago and
two in Peoria.

The subject of this biographical sketch passed
his childhood and ^outli in Peoria, and there ob-

•202

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

tained a good education in the High School. Upon
first entering the business world he learned his
father's trade, and was connected with him until
1879, wlien he opened a merchant tailoring estab-
lishiiient in Canton. This he carried on success-
fully until his marriage, which occurred during the
ensuing jear. He tlien made his home in Peoria
for a twelvemonth, but at the expiration of that
time returned to Canton, where he pursued his
chosen business until 1885. At that time the fail-
ing health of his father-in-law, Morrell Higbie,
forced him to abandon hard work and Mr. Pitt was
called upon to assume the management of his
liverj- business. He is an eminently successful
business man. and has gained wide popularity by
his genial, happy disposition and strict integrity'.
Mr. Pitt was fortunate in liis choice of a wife,
Miss Frank Higbie being a 30ung lad3' possessed
of a good education, pleasing manners and the
character and disposition calculated to make a
happy home. Tiie congenial couple are the pf.r-
ents of two cliildren — Lucy and Bessie. Mr. Pitt
is a member of the social order of tiie Knights of
Pythias.

i,OAH R. KNOWLES, who is engaged in
farming and stock-raising on section 15,

^ Pleasant Township, where he owns a good
farm, is a veteran of the late war. He was born
in Sussex County. Del., April 19, 1841, to William
W. and Elizabetli (Phillips) Knowles, natives re-
spective]\' of Delaware and Maryland.

Mr. and 5lrs. Knowles removed to Somerset
Count}^ Md. when their son, Noah, of whom we
write, was ten or twelve j'cars old, and there the}*
lived a number of" years. Thej' subsequently re-
moved to Dorchester County, that State and re-
mained there till the fail of 1860, when they came
to Illinois and took up their residence in Fulton
County. In 1865 the parents removed to Nebraska,
where they are living at the present time. Their
wedded life has been blessed to them b^- the birth
of seven children, of whom five survive, namely:
Noah R.; George W., a resident of Johnson County,
Neb. ; Angeline, wife of John Turner of Nebraska;

S. T. T. who makes his home in Missouri; and Sena,
wife of James Turner, of Nebraska.

Our subject had but limited educational advanta-
ges in the common schools of Maryland and Dela-
ware, but he made the best of them. After coming
to Fultim County he worked on a farm b^- the
month for G. C. Cooper, receiving in payment for
his labor $10 a month and his board, continuing
thus employed for about three years. In March,
1864 he enlisted in Company H., Twentj'-eighth
Illinois Infantry, and bore an honorable part in the
war. He was with his regiment at the siege of
Spanish Fort, and he fought in many minor skir-
mishes, besides doing much scouting and provost
duty. He served principally in Tennessee, Missis-
sippi, Louisiana and Alabama and gave proof of
excellent soldierl}' qualities. While in the array
his e)'esight was much injured owing to exposure
and he suffered all the hardships and privations
incidental to life on the l)attlefleld. He was hon-
orably discharged in March, 1866 in Texas, where
he was doing guard duty, and he was mustered out
at Springfield the following April. The value of
his services during the time he was in the array
have been recognized by the Government which
grants him a pension of iS16 a month.

Since the war our subject has given his attention
to farming, and in the spring of 1879 settled on
liis present farm on section 15, Pleasant Township.
Here he has eighty acres of land which is fenced
into convenient fields, is admirably tilled and is
provided with all the necessary buildings and good
farming machinery. Mr. Knoules enjoys the es-
teem and confidence of his fellow-citizens, as his
conduct in all the affairs of life has ever been hon-
orable and upright. In his political views he is a
sound Republican. Socially, he is connected with
the Grand Army, being a member of the Post at
Ipava. Though he docs not belong to any church
he contributes liberally to the support of religious
causes.

The marriage of our subject to I\Iiss Irena
Cooper was celebrated in Januar}', 1867, and has
been productive of much happiness to both. To
them have been born two cliildren, Cora, wife of
Elmer Porter, of this place, and one child who
died in infancj'. Mrs. Knowles is a daughter of
Levin Cooper, whose biography appears elsewhere
in this volume.

<J<3^

J, /^/Y/v^^

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

207

'^f' AMES H. McCALL. This gentleman was a
conspicuous figure in tiie history of Central
Illinois for nearly forty years. He was :i resi-
'fi^!/' 'lent of Peoria, and later of Canton, the lat-
ter city being his home when his career was cut
short by death. In addition to a brief outline of
his life, wc append some notices from the press,
and fraternal resolutions which sufliciently indicate
the place which he held in the mind of the i)ublic.
We also present to the reader portraits of Mr. and
Mrs. McCall.

Jar.u'S Harvey McCall was born in 1809, in the
city of ISallimore, .Md.. of Scotch parents. In 1814,
he removed with his parents to York County, Pa.,
and lived on a farm until he was sixteen years of
age. In 1825 he went into Lancaster County, of
the same State, and was tliere engaged in farming
and sawniillino; until the spring of 1S;5,5, when iie
with his eldest sister, emigrated to I'eoria, 111. hi
tlie fall of tliat same year he rented a grist and saw-
mill on Kickapoo Creek, and after working there
for six months, returned to town, and followed car-
pentering for a year, then alternating that with
farming until 1839, when he, with John Monroe,
built and loaded a tlatboat witli produce, which
they took to Xew Orleans. After returning he en-
gaged in feeding cattle and hogs, and built the first
j)ens in Peoria, feeding with the slop fi-oui Capt. A.
S. Cole's distillery, which was the first distillery
erected in I'eoria.

Mr. McCall, in .\piil, 1846, received injuries, and
was unable to work for several months. In the
spring of 1847, he entered into a partnership in the
sawmill business, and continued there for two years,
then they built an addition of a gristmill, and just
as It was completed it burned to the ground. In
the fall of 1800, he had rebuilt on the old site, and
was running a custom mill, and in the spring of
1852, the first copartnership of Moss, Bradley ife
Co., (the company being McCall, ami afterward
MeCall ik Frazer) was formed. Here he was iJiter-
ested until the fall of 1862, when he removed to
Canton, 111., to take personal supervision of a dis-
tillery, which he had previously bought. Here he
helped to establish tlie First National Bank of Can-
ton, of which he was Presideiil from the time of
its establishment to tlie day of his death.

On June 10. 1845. :Mr. McCall was married to
.Miss Louisa Raj-mond, and to them were born four
children, dangliters, whose record is as follows:
iM.aggie L., wife of Dr. James Entwistle, of C!ii-
cago; Carrie O., who married Georg(> A. Black,
and resides in Omaha, Ncib. ; Josie K., wife of Will-
iam Babcock, Jr.. of Canton, and Agnes M., who
became the wife of Charles Levings, of Chicago.
Mr. McCall cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson,
and was during his entire life a stanch Democrat.
He was always an active politician, and as such
was influential in the councils of his party.

During the fall of 1872 Mr. McCall went to Cali-
fornia on business, and on his way back home met
men whose acquaintance gave him the desire to in-
vestigate part of the mining interests of the Western
country, and on June 16, 1873. he started to do
so. From that time he was among the mountains,
and alll'.ougli it was a disagreeable task to him. he
w'rote more often than usual to his .family, always
sayinn; he was enjoying good health and spirits, and
the day before he was taken sick, wrote home the
same good news, w'liich letter was not received un-
til the day after tin; telegram announcing his death.
The following extracts from the different p;ipers
will partially show the high regard in which he w.as
held in the community, anil also give many items
of interest, for tritles assume an importance not
their own when ct)nneeted with those who have
been loved and lost:

From the Canton Jiegistcr, September 5, 1873:
S.vi) Ai'i'LiCTiON — Sudden Dkatii of
J. II. McCm.i..

On Tuesday last the citizens of Canton were
startled and pained by a report tluit Mr. .lames H.
McCall was dead. An inquiry developed the fact
that tlie rejiort was in all probability^ true, although
the dispatch announcing the fact was very unsatis-
factorj', not to say mysterious. It w.as as follows:
Elko, Nevada, September 1st, 1873.

Geokok a. Br-ACK Canton, III.:

I leave here on the 5 v. ji. train with the remains
of J. H. McCall. Meet me at Bureau Junction.
[.Signed] A. B. Ciiai'.man,

Nothing more vvas learned by, or known to the
family concerning the matter. A letter was re-
ceived from Mr. McCall on Tuesday evening, dated
August 27. in which he writes concerning some
business, and this letter was written by Mr. McCall

268

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

in llie clear and concise manner peculiar to him in
business matters.

Mr. Chapman, who sends the dispatch, formerly
lived in Joliot. 111., and Mr. MuCall became ac-
quainted with hira when in the \Vest a year ago.
Tlie family knew nothing of him. only that lie is
engaged in business at Mountain City, near Elko,
Nev.

Mr.. George A. Black, a son-in-law of Mr. Mc-
Call, started for Omaha, Tuesday, to meet tlie re-
mains, and bring them home; and Col. A. C. Bab-
cock. Mr. McCall's partner, will also meet them
tiiere. They are expected to arrive in the city to-
day, Friday.

Up to noon of Thur.sday, tliere liad been nothing
further in relation to Jlr. McCall's death received,
and there is a hope yet indulged that there may be
a mistake.

Mr. McCail has been one of tlie most enterpris-
ing and public-spirited citizens of Canton, and all
have felt that not his family alone, but the whole
community have sustained an irreiiarable loss. His
remains will be interred in the Canton cemelerj'.

From the Canton Register, September 12, 1873:

De.\th of J. H. McCall.

HIS FUNERAL.

Tiie reported death of Mr. J. H. McCall. men-
tioned by us last week, proved to be onl\- too true,
dispatches from G. A. Black confiiniing the sad news
being received on Thursday evening, just after our
paper was primed.

A. B. Chapman, Esq., a merchant of .Mountain
City. Nev.. who was with Mr. McCall, the greater
portion of the time since tlie latter has been in the
West, has furnished us the following particulars:

Jlr. MoCall had been in liis usual good health up
to the morninir of the 29th ult.. when he was taken
at Mountain City with what appeared to be a con-
gestive chill, from the effects of which he was un-
conscious for sonie time. After coming out of
the chill, consciousness returned, and he at once
announced to Mr. Chapman and his attendants that
lie would not recover, and that it would be uselesiS
to send for a pliysician. A team and driver had
been procured by Mr. Chapman, and was just read^-
to start, when Mr. McCall told lliem to stop, as he
would not live long enough for a physician to
reach him. Jlountain City is only a mining town,
and to obtain a physician it was necessary to send
to Elko, ou the Union Pacific Railro.ad, distant
eighty-six miles from Mountain City. The stage
time between the two points is two days.

After giving directions to Mr. Cliapmau concern-
ing some business matters, sending messages to
loved ones at home, and requesting that Mr. Chap-

man accompany his remains to Canton, at 3:.S0
p. M., on the 30th, he died.

It was impossible to get a coffin, or even himlier
to make one, at Mountain City, and j\lr. Chapman
was compelled to put the body in a rough box,
packed in ice, and haul it over a rough mountain
road in an oi>en wagon to Elko. He started at 1 1
o'clock p. M.. on the 30lh. arriving at Elko at 1 p.
M., on the first of .September. Xot being able to
obtain a casket there, a cofBn was procured, sealed
in zinc, and then enclosed in a box, and at 5 p. m..
on the 1st inst., he started for Omaha. At Omaha
he was met by Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Black, and Col.

A. C. Babcock, who accompanied the remains
home, arriving here at 10:45 a. m , Friday, the 5th.

The remains were met at the depot, and taken
in charge by a committee, consisting of Mes^rs.
William Babcock, J. W. Ingersoll, C. T. Heald, A.

B. Hulil, and H. L. Wright, on the part of the citi-
zens, and W. B. Gleason, .S. Y. Thornton, J. H.
Stipp, W. H. Craig and .1. C. Brinkerlioff. on the
part of the Masonic fraternity. The remains were
taken into the depot building, the colHii opened,
and the bod\' identified. An examiualion was also
made, at the request of friends, by Drs. .Swisher
and Wright, to ascertain if death had ensued from
natural causes.

The remains were then conveyed to his late resi-
dence where they were cared for until Saturday, at
two o'clock, when the funeral took place.

The Masonic fraternity met at their hall at half-
past one o'clock, and formed in procession under
direction of W. B. Gleason. as Marshal, with C. N.
llenkle and \V. H. Craig as assistants. Preceded
by the Cornet Band, they marched to the late resi-
dence of the deceased, where the^' were met b}' the
committee of citizens above mentioned. The re-
mains were taken in charge, and conveyed to the
Congregational Churcli. J. H. Stipp, J. jM. Fox. G.
S. McConnell, S. P. Slocum, W. H. Smith, and J.
R. McQuiad. acting as pall bearers.

The funeral services at the church were con-
ducted by the Rev. H. B. Smith, of Peoria, who
delivered an impressive and feeling address, basing
his remarks on the second and third verses of the
seventh chapter of EcclesLastes:

"It is better to go to the house of mourninfc,
than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the
end of all men; ami the living will lay it to his
heart."

"Sorrow is better than laughter, for by the s.ad-
ness of the countenance the heart is made better."

At the close of the services the h} mn "Scotland,"
a favorite tune of Mr. McCall's was sung by the
choir, and a procession was again formed, the band
and Miisonic fraternity- in the front, followed h^-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

209

the hearse and family then a long line of citizens
on foot and upwards of fifty vehicles in the rear.
The procession proceeded to the cemetery, where
the lemains were interred with the beautiful funeral
service of tlie Masonic fraternitv, conducted by Dr.
Sylvester Stevens, of Knoxville, an old and es-
teemed friend of Mr. McCail's.

During the funeral services the banks were closed,
and business to a great extent suspended. A num-
ber of the Masonic fraternity from Lewistown
Fairview, and other places, besides many others,
came to pay the last tribute of respect to their de-
parted friend.

And thus was laid to re«t one of nature's noble-
men. It is but seldom that one is called upon to
record tlie decease of a man who will be as greatly
missed, in all the walks of life, as James II. McCall.
Althougli a resident of Canton only some ten or
twelve years, lie had so identified himself with all the
best interests and material advancement of tiiecity
and of the county, that he was perhai)s more widely
known than many of our older citizens; and where
known, his name was synonymous with integrity,
justice, honor, and business cai)acity. I'o.ssessed of
ample means, he was ever ready to use them in
public enterptises, and for general good.

In his private life he was known far and wide
for his genero.us, unostentatious hospitality, his ex-
tensive cliarities, and benevolent nature. In his
domestic life he was noted for the almost idolatrous
love for his family. Of a happy and joyous na-
ture himself, he impressed himself so upon all who
came in contact with him in the family circle, and
never was too much occupied, or ever loo much
troubled in spirit to endeavor to make all about
him happy. And never did he appear more lov-
able than in his last days at home, when sur-
rounded by the young friends of his affection.ate
children, he showed that his heart was as young as
any there, and that he could and did enjoy the
sports and esteem the friendship of the youngest
present. Ilis was a heart that never would grow
old, and a warm loving nature that nothing could
over chill so long as the life current coursed through
his veins, lie was a good man. Peace to his ashes.
From the Fulton County Ledger, September 12,
1873:

FCIITHEU PaKTICULAKS of TlIK DkATH op

James H. McCall.
We last week informed our readers of the death of
James H. McCall. Esq. of this city, but could give
none of the particulars, as nothing w.as known ex-
cept the dispatch from Mr. A. B. Chapman, of
Mountain City, Nev., one of the men interested
with him ill mining operations in that vicinity.
The body of Mr. McCall arrived here on Friday

morning, accompanied through by Mr. Chapman,
and met at Omaha by his son-in-law, Mr. George
A. Black, and Col. A. C. Babcock. A committee
from the Masonic Loilge, and also of citizens, and
a large number of our people, were at tlie depot
when the train arrived. The remains were taken
to tlie house, where they remained until Saturday
afternoon, when they were interred in the Canton
cemetery.

At one o'clock v. m., on Saturday, Morning Star
Lodge A. F. & A. M. met in their rooms and
formed in procession and marched to the Imuse,
preceded by the Canton band, which had volun-
teered for the occasion, and escorted the remains to
the Congregational Church, where services were
held, the Rev. Mr. Smith of the rniversalist Church,
Peoria, preaching the sermon. The church w.as
crowded.

The attendance at the cemetery was the largest
wo have ever seen at a funeral in this city. The en-
tire city seemed to turn out to pa>- this last tribute
to him who was one of our best, most liberal and
enterprising citizens. A number tif M.asons >Tere
here from Lewistown and Fairview Lodge.

James H. JlcCall was sixty-four years of age in
June last. lie was born in Baltimore, Md.; came
West in 1835, soon after settling in Peoria. In
1845 he married Jliss L. Raymond, of Peoria, who
with their four children, daughters, survive him.
In the fall of 18C2 he removed his family to Can-
ton, and has since resided here. He has been one
of our most active business men, and by economy,
industry and uprightness had amassed a large
amount of pro|)erty. At the time of his death lie
was President of the First National Bank of this
cilv'. and the owner of a large amount of stock.
Early last sp'-ing Mr. McCall iiad a severe attack
of congestion of the liver, and his attending phy-
sician. Dr. Fleming, then informed him that if he
should ever have another attack of the disease, it
w^ould cause his death. About the last of iMay or
the first of June, he went West to prospect as to
the value of certain silver mines, in which the Mr.
Chapman mentioned above and others were inter-
ested, and which were n presented to liira as very
valuable hist fall, while he was returning from a
trip to California, by some of the parties, whom he
met on the cars, and who were anxious to get some
parties with capital to take an interest in them. He
liad assured himself that there was a fortune in the
enterprise. He had himself selected specimens of
an average yield of quartz, and had them assayed,
and they produced ^449.32 to the ton, which was
considered veiy rich; and having satisfied himself
of the value of the mines, he had made arrange-
ments to invest in the enterprise.

210

PORTRAIT A>'D BlUURAPlllCAL ALBUM.

On Friday morning, 29lh ult., lie was taiven sicic
wilh congestion of the liver, and fell llial liis time
was sliorl in tliis world, lie sent for Mr. Cliap-
nian, told Inni about liis affairs and what disposi-
tion was to be made of what he had witli him. That
a day or two before he had refeived a draft for
§1,000, and of this he wanted S600 used to pay
some bills he had contractt-d, and the remainder to
be used in takino; his body home to Canton. There j
was no physician nearer tlian Elko, in Kevada, a
town eiiihty-six miles north of Mountain City, and
about six lumdred miles by rail from San Francisco.
Mr. Chapman proposeil to send for a physician, but
Mr. McCall said it w.as no use — a physician couhi
do him no good if there, and he would be dead be-
fore one could reach him. And in a little more
than twenty-four hours from the lime he was taken,
he was a corpse. His remains were taken to Elko,
where they were placed in a zinc case, soldered
tight, and thus brought home.

His death will be a great loss, not only to his
family ami friends, but to our little city also. As
we said last week, he was ever ready to lend a help-
ing hand to the needy, and was one of the foremost
in anything which pertained to the growth and in-
terest of our little city. But death is no respecter
of persons. The rich and the poor, the high" and
the low, must all bow before him, and in a day and
an hour that we know not of, are we called upon to
yield to bis cold embrace.

We learn from the Peoria Democrat that ^Ir. Mc-
Call served for several j-ears .as a member of the
City Council of Peoria, commencing in 18.5.5. The
Democrat very truthfully says:

"As a man, .as a neighbor, and as a citizen, we
can only speak of Mr. McCall in terms of commen-
dation; sociable, cheerful, amiable, and generous,
his society was sough i, by all classes, and by the
young and the old. Those who have i)artaken of
"his hos()itality in the years that are gone, will not
soon forget the pleasant family circle of which he
was the head. It is within the bounds of truth to
say that few men were more greatly blessed in the
home which their own exclions have endowed,
than James H. McCall. A spirit of affectioli and
Irusl prevailed the whole circle, and those who en-
tered it were compelled to drink of its influence."

From the Peoria National Democrat, September
6, 1873:

Anothek oi' TiiK Old Men Gone.

The friends of .Tames II. McCall, formerly a resi-
dent of this city, but latterly a resident of Canton,
in Fulton County, were sadly surprised on Thnrs-
d:i\' last, bv a telegram published in the Democrat

of that day, of the death of that gentleman in Ne-
vada, the previous d.ay. The ))ainfulness of the
circumstances was intensified by the vagueness of
the report. None of the attending fads were given,
onl\' the bare mention that he was dead, leaving
the imagination to supply the cause and incidents
of de.itli, and these, as the deceased was known to
have in his possession a considerable amount of
money, naturally led to the conclusion that violence
had been used, and that murder had been commit-
ted.

Later dispatches, however, relieved the minds of
the friends of that mistake, and state that he died
of congestive chills. His death was sudden and un-
ex|)ected. On the 27th ult. he wrote to his family
a letter which they received on the day of his ileath.
and gave directions relative to some business mat-
ters, and in it there is no indication of ill-health.
He was taken sick on the morning of the 29th, and
died the afternoon of the following day.

We have no information at hand relative to the
nativity or age of the deceased. He first became
known to the writer of this sketch while in the
City Council of Peoria, where he served some four
or five years, commencing in 1855. He was then
engaged in business with Capt. W. .S. Moss, now
of California, and was considered one of our best
and most respected business men. Soon after that
time he removed to Canton, where he has since re-
sided, and there, as here, his interest in business
affairs was reached. Several months ago his atten-
tion was called to a mining operation in the new
State of Nevada, and after due consideration, he
concluded to embark in it. and it was while carry-
ing out that determination that he met his death.
As soon as the f.act of his death was announced, his
son-in-law, Mr. George A. Black, started to meet
the train on which the body was to be brought, and
it was expected that the sad cortege would arrive
in Canton yesterday, and that there the obsequies
would be celebrated. We may receive intelligence
from that place before this number of our pajier
goes to press.

Few men have exhibited a greater show of pub-
lic spirit than the deceased. He was always ready
to assist, wilh his purse and his hands as well as his
advice, anv feasilde project for public improve-
ments, the friend of education, and a leader in many
benevolent an<l generous enter|)rises. We might
cite hundreds of cases where he has proven these
assertions true, but it is unnecessary to do so, for
his works in this regard were known to all his
neighbors and acquaintances. He was one whom
his adopted city can illy spare.

Mr. JNIcCall was a devotefl member of the Ma-
sonic fraternity, and until increasing years led him

PORTRAl r AM) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

211

to oftener seek tlie delights of the home circle, was I
a regultir attendant of the order, and we have licard
him expre>;.s the belief that it was one of tlie licst
means yet devised to awaken the hearts of nuMi lo
the too often neglected virtues of benevolence luxl
charilj-. The society of which he wns a menilier
ver}' properly take charge of the remains, follow
tliem in their last journey, and deposit them in the
place appointed for all living.

The t)low is a severe one upon Ihe family so sud-
denly bereaved, but they have the infinite cimsola
tion that the deceased neglected no duty, shirked :
no responsii)ility. nor wronged any iixlividnal; that j
he goes home with a clear record and the prayers
of the needy as his demit from the earthly lodge.
.Seldom are we called upon to chronicle the death j
of a man in all respects so commendable as .lames
H. McCall.

MASONIC NOTICE.

Members of Peoria Lodge No. 15, are requested
to meet at the Toledo. Peoria & Western depot, at
11:30 A. M., this (Saturday) morning, for the pur-
jiose of attending the funeral of onr late brother, J.
11. McCall, of Canton.

,1. F. Hazzaku, W. M.

From the Peoria Daily Transcript, September 8,

KS7:5:

FuNiiUAL OF James H. McCaij..

The funeral of James IL McCall which took place
in Canton on Saturday, was the largest ever held
in that city. The Masonic fraternity, of which the
deceased was an honored member, did all iu their
power to add by their rites lo the solemnity of the
occasion. Rev. II. B. Smith, pastor of the I'niver-
Sftlist Churcli in this city, olliciated as clergyman.
The cemetery was crowded with those anxious to
do honor lo the memory of a man well known and
respected in the country at lartre. and revered and
loved in his own more immediate circle of friends
and relatives.

From the Klko, (Nev.) Independent, September
13.

i)ii;i>

In Mountain City, Nev., August ;30, 1S7M. J. II.
McCall, a native of Canton, 1!!,, aged sixty-two
years.

Deceased was President of the Peoria Nevada
Smelling and Relining Company, operaling in
Bruno, and was temporarily sojourning in XorLli-
ern Nevada attending to the interests of the com-
pany. As it wiU be at least some satisfaction to
his bereaved family and his numerous friends to
know that in his last moments nothing was left un-
done to alleviate his suffciings. wc will rncnlion
that Messrs. Chapman, Fisk and llazeltinc, and iMes-

dames Fisk and Walsh, and others did all in their
power to smooth his pathway '-to tliat undircovered
country from whose bourne no travrler returns,''
Being loth to leave him in the land of tlie stranger,
far from family an<l friends, Col. A. B. Chapman
at once started with the remains to Canton, 111..
Mr. McCall's former liorne. While a large circle
of friends vvill miss his accuslome<I cheering pres-
ence, let us console oui'selves with the triought that
our loss is his gain, and tliat he has only gone be-
fore across mystic river.

Resolutions of the 3fusunfs.
To the Worshipful Master, Warden, and Breth-
ren of Morning Star Lodge, No. 31), A. F. cl' A. M.
Masons. Canton, 111. :

We your committee appointed to di-aft resolu-
tions upon the death of our worthy brother, James
H. McCall, would i-espectfully submil th'.' follow-
ing:

WiiEUEAS. It has pl(>aseil the (Jrand Master of
the uiriverse, in the dispensation of His providence,
to remove from this world to the (irand Lodge
above, and to rest from his labors here, our worthy
anil esteemed brother-, .lames II. McCall:

Resolred, That in the death of br-other McCall,
the fraternity has lost a farthfirl member; the com-
munity au enterprising and upright crtizen; the
wife a devoted husband, and the children an affec-
tionate parent.

Resolved. That while we jjlace a record of our
brother's decease among the archives of this lodge
and huinbly bow to the will of our divine Master,
we woirld express our deep regret that we have
been called upon to mourn the loss of onr deceased
bi-other, cut down in the nselulrress of his life.

Resolved. That we deeply symi)alhize with the
f.amily of our late brother in their sudden bereave-
ment! an<l direct the Secretary to send them a copy
of these resolutions, under the seal of tlie lodge.

Resolcedfiirlher. That these resolutions be spread
upon the records of the lodge, and the Secretary
certify a copy to Peoria Lodge, No. 1'), of which
brother McCall was a member.

All of which is resiiectfully submitted.
[Signed] James II. Stiim',

J. C. BUINKERIIOFF,

S. Y. Thornton,

Iv II. ClJllTIS,

\V. B. Gleason.

^SAIAH PRICKPyrr. Tins countv is the home

I of a goodly number of men who began LIreir

'it, life-work without capital other than lliat

afforded by their native abilities, the education

212

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

which was obtainerl in pioneer scliools and the in-
dustrious haliits whieli the3- were taught in boy-
hood. Tailing up the battle of life with a deter-
mined spirit, they have succeeded in surrounding
themselves with comfort, bestowing upon their
offspring good advantages in the wa3' of home care
and educational privileges, and while accumulating
property have won the thorough respect of their
fellow-men. One of this number is Isaiah Prick-
ett, a resident of Lewistown Township, where he
owns two hundred and twenty acres of land, also
having the title to eighteen hundred acres of swamp
land in Waterford To'-vnship.

Tradition states that three brothers bv the name
of Prickett emigrated from England to America
during the early Colonial days, one locating in
Virginia and the others farther south. From tlie
former is descended ?)ur subject, whose grandfather
was killed b3- Indians, having his career cut short
before he had reached the prime of life. His son,
Nicholas, the father of our subject, grew to man-
hood in his native State, and there married Cath-
erine Knapp, an estimable woman of German
ancestry who was born in Pennsylvania. After
their marriage the young couple removed to Oliio,
making their home iu Clermont Count}- for a time
and then removing to Clarke County, where the
wife breathed her last in 1847.

The father of our subject bought a mill site on
Buck Creek at the landing known as Lagonda, now
included in the city of Springfield and occupied by
the Champion Agricultural Implement Works. In
company with his brother he built a mill which
was one of the first put up in that count}'. About
1826 he visited Vermilion County, III., with the in-
tention of buying laud and locating, but was taken
sick and died at the liome of his friend, Aek Mor-
gan. Our subject was thus left fatherless when
ten years old, his birth having taken place in
Clarke County, Ohio, March 7, 181 P. During his
youth he attended the pioneer schools, the temple
of learning in which he pursued his studies being
built of logs, heated by a fireplace, and hav-
ing the light admitted through greased paper which
covered the opening cut from the logs. It was
supplied with home-made furniture, the benches
being of slabs with wooden pins for legs, and desks

being unknown except one around the sides of the
room where the advanced scholars stood to write,
this being a board laid on wooden pins projecting
from the walls.

Young Prickett began his life's labors as a farm
hand, receiving §6.25 per month when seventeen
years old, and the following year driving a team
from Lagonda at §13 per month. In 1836 he emi-
grated to Indiana, making the removal willi a
team and took his place among the early settlers
in Noble County, where there were more Indians
than white men at the date of his arrival. He
bought a tract of Government land and built a
log house, but a few months later sold the place
and entered another tract upon which he also built.
Before moving into his new house, however, he
sold the land and entered still another tract, where
he cleared a considerable acreage. There he made
his home until 1852 when, on account of the un-
healthfulness of the region, he started with his
family for the Prairie State. They left the home
which he had rented on the 1st of September and
eleven days later arrived in Lewistown, since
which time they have made this county their
home.

Mr. Prickett lived on his brother's farm until
February, 1 854, then bought a tract where he now
resides. A clearing of eight acres and a hewed
log house constituted the improvements. The
farm now contains one hundred and thirty acres,
has been suj.plied with well-built, commodious and
conveniently-located frame buildings and the other
improvements which might be expected of an ener-
getic man. Eighty acres of section 10, of the same
township, together with the swamp land before
mentioned, have been purchased by our subject,
who has shown himself a thorough farmer, a wor-
thy citizen and a good neighbor. i

The home of our subject is -presided over by an
estimable woman who, prior to November 20,
1834, was known .as Miss Eliza Laughridge. She
is a daughter of Abraham and Su.«an (Nelson)
Laughridge, natives of the Old Dominion, who are
numbered among the pioneers of Ohio, to which
State they removed in 1817. In Greene County,
thai State. Mrs. Prickett was born September 13,
1818. She received the education usual to the

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

213

sons and (iaiigliters of pioneers in a section where
sciiools were early inslituteii, together with the
training In useful (ionicstie knowledge wliich lias
qualifii'd her lo thoroughly discharge her duties as
housekeeper, wife and mother.

Of the children born to IMr. and Mrs. Prickett
four are now living — John is settled on his own
home in Lewistown Township; Nicholas A. still
remains under the parental roof; Susan C. is the
wife of Orville M. Macomber; Eliza J. is the wife
of John Rlaconiber. A son, Harrison, died in Lew-
ist(jwn in 18B7. lie devoted four years of his life
lo the service of his country, being Captain of
Company A, Fifty-fifth Illinois Infiintr}'. Mr.
I'lickctt was a Whig- until 18.')G. when the Repub-
lican party was organized and he. like niost of his
associates, took his stand in the ranks of the new
organization, to wiiose principles he has stanchly
adhered from that dav to this.

lU^OX. WILLIAM N. CLINE, M. 1). Success
y in any profession can oidy be attained
^ tlirough industry and study, and the good
physician must necessarily be the hardest of
workers and best of students. Fulton County is
proud to number among her physicians the one with
whose name we will introduce this sketch. His career
presents a remarkable example of wh.al may b(> ac-
complished by assiduous application and unremit-
ting toil. A most conscientious man, whatever he
undertakes is done llioroughly. In one respect he
differs from tlic majority of the human race, in that
age mellows and softens his nature, instead of the
reverse, as is often the case. With every onward
movement made in the science to which he has de-
yoted his life, he is familiar, and time lias served
only to enlarge his vic«"s and broaden his ideas.

In Rockingham County, \'a.. Dr. Clinew.as born
December 20, 18-20, to Joseph and Isabella (Pence)
('line, botli of whom were natives of the Old Do-
minion. The father was of German, and the mother
of Scotch-Irish descent. They were marrie<i in
Virginia, where for many years .afterward they con-
tinued to reside, removing thence to Ohio, where

the mother died. The father removed to Illinois
in 185.5, and died in 18()8. To them were born
seven children, four of whom are living at this
writing, namely: Mrs. Albright, of Rockford, 111.;
Josci)h C, George W., ani William N. The father
and mother were worthy people who gave to their
children all the advantages [)ossiljle, and reared
them to worthy manhood and womanhood. Their
honorable and upright lives were not the least of
the heritage which they transmitted to tiicir chil-
ili'en.

In the parental family, our subject was the eld-
est child, and until lifteen years of age, resided at
the old honu'slead in Virginia. The father was a
man of great prominence, having represented his
district in the Legislalnie of N'irijinia for a long
period .of years, and being besides connected with
public works of the State, and a magistrate of the
County Court. William N. accompanied his frither
to Ohio, and in 1840, having determined upon a
professional career, became a student in the Jeft'er-
son Meilical College. I'liiladelphia; he had previ-
ously received a thorough training in a private
school in Virginia, as well as in the schools of
Ohio. Thus, by thorough application and close
study, he laid the foundation f(jrhis future success.

In 1842 the Doctor came West, locating in what
was then Centerville, but now Cuba, III., aii'l be-
ginning the practice of medicine at once. His
thorough training and previous experience in Ohio
inaile it comparatively e.asy for him to win the con-
lidence of the people, and his success was assured
from the start. His practice increased rapidly eac^h
year, and his long experience now reinlers his opin-
ions and decisions valuable. Hy means of his en-
ergy, tact, and liberality, he is able to materially
advance the interests of the community where he
resides.

Dr. Cline has been twice married, his first wife
being Miss Lois, daughter of .Martin and Susan
Webster, the father a wealthy agriculturalist of
Lewistown Township, this county. Mrs. Cline was
born in the State of New York, near Chautauqua,
and received an excellent education, of which, prior
to her marriage, she made use in ISeaching. Her
union with our subject took place May 30, 1844,
and tiiey had a family of five children, two of

214

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

•whom are decensed. Tlie three now living, are:
Mrs. F. E. Kiiiirsbury, of Des Moines, Iowa; Clara
L., (Mrs. Merrill). who lives in Rialto, Cal., and Ross
C -who is City Ticket Agent for the Wabash Rail-
road at Toledo, Ohio. Mrs. Cline died in 18G6.

The second union of our subject was celebrated
December 21, 1869, when Mrs. Jane S. Talcott, of
East Hartford, Conn., became liis bride. She was a
native of Connecticut, where she_received a good
education, and was at one time a teacher in the
seminary at IMancliosler. She is a most intellectual
and cultivated lady, and wins friends wherever she
f,'oes. She comes of illustrious ancestrj', being a
member of one of the most highly respected fami-
lies in Connecticut, and who vvere of aristocratic
Puritan origin. Her parents, Solomon and Pliebe
Spencer, were natives of Connecticut, and are now
deceased.

In whatever community Dr. Cline has resided, he
has alwa\ s held impditant offices, and has taken a
a prominent [)nrt in the management of public af-
fairs. Poliiically. he is a stanch Democrat, and a
strong advocate of temiierance. On the adoption
of township organization he was for a number of
years a member of the Board of Suiiervisors from
Putnian Township, later was for one terra School
Commissioner of Fulton County. He represented
the county in the Statu Legislature in 1855-56, and
in 1857 was elected President of the Mississippi &"
Wabash Railway (now lliat [jortion of tlie Toledo,
Peoria & Western, between Peoria, 111., and Keo-
kuk, Iowa) then in process of construction.

At the commencement of the war, railroad build-
ing ceased, and Dr. Cline accepted the Presidency
of the Farmers' and ilerchants' Insurance Com-
pany, Quincy, III., which position he held six years;
iie then resigned as I'resident of that company to
accept the same position with the Fulton County
Coal ('ompany at Cuba. In 1877 he again resumed
the practice of his profession, which he still con-
tinues. He is now, and has been since its organ-
ization. President of the Cuba Library Association,
:in iustitutidu of which he is very proud. He is
now, and has for several years been President of
the Cuba Improvement Association, and of the
Cuba Building and Loan Association, the latter or-
ganization being one of great benefit to the county.

It will thus be seen that for forty years he has held
positions of trust, responsibility and honor, con-
ferred upon him by iiis fellow-citizens or associates
in business. Gifted by nature with high endow-
ments, he lias cultivated these to the utmost, and
his indefatigable labor has brought to him the es-
teem of his fellow-men.

ilLs^, UGH F. HILLPOT. There is always a vast
amount of interest felt in the private life of
those brave men who gave up home, famil}'
and friends to tiglit for their country, and
there undergo all the privations and hardships
chaiacteristic of a soldier's life. Such bravery is
highly appreciated am9ng all the civilized nations
upon the earth and everybody feels an interest in
hearing of the private life of a soldier, and es-
pecially of one who won such an enviable reputa-
tion as did the subject of our sketch, and who was
numbered' among "the boys" delegated to guard
the corpse of Abraham Lincoln when he was
assassinated.

Mr. Ilillpot is the veteran dry-goods merchant
of Fairview, having been engaged in business there
ever since he came out of tlie army. His father,
Jacob F. Hillpot, was a native of Bucks County,
Pa., and followed the occupation of an agriculturist.
lie died at, the age of fifty-five years. The mother
of our subject bore the maiden name of Julia Frank-
enfield, was also a native of Bucks County and
was descended from an old Penns3'lvania family.
Her ancestors came in a very early day fiom
Holland. She died at the age of thirty-three years,
after having become the mother of six children,
viz: Reed, who is a blacksmith and residing in
Fairview; Hugh F., our subject; Jonas who was in
the War of 1812, was a farmer and met his death
accidentally by falling off a iiaymow; George is a
painter and lives in Fairview; Lovina who died
at the age of eighteen, and an infant. After the
death of our subject's mother, Mr. Hillpot married
Mary Most who bore him six children, four of
whom lived to the age of manhood and woman-
hood; Mary Ellen, now Mrs. Fratz and residing in

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

215

Pliiladelpliia; Eilizabetli wlio is manierl also resifles
in that city, as does also Jacob and Grier.

Our subject was born in Bucks County, Pa.,
September 1"2, 1833, where he [lassed his youtliful
days on a farm until reaching his twenty-first
birthday. lie then commenced to learn the trade
of a bl.acksmith and worked faithfully at it for
three years in New .lersey. His brother, who was
living in Fairview, wrote for our subject to join him
an<l accepting the invitation, he reached Fairview
November 22, ISfjT. He then engaged in the
blacksmith business in partnership with his brother
and a Mr. A3-ers, and continued thus until 1861
when the partnership was dissolved and the year
following our subject enlisted in the army. He
joined Company D, One Hundred and Third In-
fanlr}-. Thej- drilled at Fairview and Peoria and
from the latter city in the fall of 1862, went
through Blooraington and Cairo to Bolivar, Tenn.,
where they at once commenced skirniishiug. They
were next sent to La Grange, Tenn., and from that
point to Holly Springs, thence to Waterford and
reached Jackson, in the same State, where they
wintcied.

Mr. Ilillpiit received a severe sunstroke wliile
engaged in the siege of Vicksburg and was entirely
unconscious for several weeks. His company was
ordered to Corinth and luka, at which latter place
Mr. Hillpot was again the victim of a sunstroke
while building a fortification and was in the hospi-
tal at Memphis, Tenn., for some time but upon
reaching St. Louis, I\lo., was discharged from the
regular service and assigned to the reserve corps —
Company V. With his company he went to Wash-
ington. I). C and upon the evening when Presi-
dent Lincoln was assassinated, they were called to
assist the police in controlling the crowd. A few
of the soldiers — our subject among the number —
were selected to guard the body of our martyred
President for three days and nights. At the close
of the war he received his honorable discharge at
Washington, July 18, 1805.

February 28, 1866, Mr. Hillpot was united in
marriage with Miss Sarah Wan Liew, daughter of
Cornelius and Mary (Suydara) Van Liew. Mrs.
Hillpot came to Fairview with her two brothers
who are prosperous farmers in this county. Of her

union with our su'ijcct there have been born two
children — Jchn \'. L. who is a graduate of the
(ialesburg Business College, has th(^ entire charge
of his father's store, and Eli/nbeth C, who is a
charming young laily of eighteen jcars, makes her
home with her parents.

The Kepublicau part}' numbers Mr. Hillpot as
one of its stanch adherents, although previous to
the war he was a Democrat. He is a charter mem-
ber of Blair Post, G. A. R., at Fairview. Owing
to ill-health brought aljout by the sunstroke re-
ceived during tlu' war, Mr. Hillpot is unable to
take charge of his business, but finds a competent
sulistitute in his son. He is an exceedingly popular
man in the cummunity and has accumulated a
goodly amount of the " almighty dollar."

APT. JOHN S. SMITH. No one is more
, universally esteemed in Farmiugton than

i^y the old soldier whose name appears at the
head of this sketch. Whenever Farmiugton cele-
lirates, Capt. Smith aids with money and work;
wlienever she liecorates Capt. Smith is there; when-
ever any great political or other publico event oc-
curs Capt. Smith is promptly on hand to .act as
master of ceremonies. His military experience gives
him a special litncss for organizing and conducting
such affairs, and his comrades of the Grand Army,
among whom he is a great favorite, are certain to
desire his leadership in an^^thing in which they bear
a part. Notwithstanding the prominent position
which our subject thus occupies so frequentlj' he
is one of the most unostentatious of men, always
preferring an inconspicuous position and never fail-
ing to withdraw from the public gaze as soon as his
duties will |)erinit.

The father of our subject was another .lohn
Smith, a native of Kentucky, whither his parents
had emigrated from Germany. For twenty j-ears
he was Justice of the Peace in Harrison County,
Tnd. He was au intimate friend of the father of
Judge Gresham, who while he was Sheriff in that
county was shot by a man whom he was trying to
arrest. The prisoner was biought before Justice

216

PORTRAIT AND BIOORAPHICAL ALRUM.

Smith for examination and bound over for trial.
Mr. Smitii was a w heel w right and manufacturer of
caniif^es. He married Nancy Grant who was dis-
tantly related to tho famous general of that name.

The parents of our subject removed to Fulton
County. 111., many years ago. locating on a tract of
land Ave miles west of Canton. Mr. Smitli soon
sold his farm and about 1840 established in Farm-
ington the first enterprise of a manufactuiing na-
ture in the city. It was a carding and cloth-dressing
factory. The projjrietor subsequently removed to
West Jersey, Stark County, where he engaged in
his olden occupation of the manufacture ot wagons.
He died in ISGG at the age of seventy-two years.
He was quite prominent in church circles. His
eldest brotiier. a leading scientist and electrician of
this State, is the inventor of the electrical apparatus
by means of which teelli may ba extracted without
pain.

The mother of our subject died at the age of
forty-tvco years, leaving seven children named re-
spectively, Theresa A., Elias, George L.. John
Springle, iMartha C, Mary and Adeline. The fa-
ther married a second time, having- by liis last union
one son — Abner.

Capt. Smith was born at Corydon, Harrison
County, Ind., March 28, 1833. His first recollec-
tions are of farm life in Fulton County, 111. He
atti-nded the early schools, receiving an ordinary
education, in addition to which he was carding boy
in the mill, worked with his father in the wagon-
making trade and on the farm in the summer time.
At the age of eighteen years he began a regular
two j'ears' apprenticeship as a house, carriage and
sign painter, continuing to work at his trade until
the needs of his country determined him to take up
arms in her defense. He enlisted August 16, 1862,at
Farmington in the One Hundred and Third Illinois
Infantry. He assisted in recruiting a company and
was elected by the boys Second Lieutenant of Com-
pany C. The troops were drilled at Camp Peoria.
mustered into service tlicre and sent to the front,
Lieut. Smith was retained as Post Commander at
Peoria while the rest of the regiment were in Ten-
nessee, but in December joined them at Waterford,
Miss.

Resuming his position as Second Lieutenant, tiie

first heavy engagement in which our subject took
part was the battle at Vicksburg. this being fol-
lowed by that at Black River where he was detailed
to act as Captain of another company. At Jackson
hard fighting and close quarters were the fate of
the boys, who not long afterward again met the
enemy at Buzzards Roost. Tenn.. whither our subject
had been sent in February, 186 I, to support Gen.
John M. Palmer. At Resaea Lieut. Smith had a
narrow escape from a piece of a shell, but there, as
on other battlefields, he escaped unhurt. The
man3' skirmishes in which he and his company were
engaged are beyond the limits of mention in a
sketch like this. The prominent battles in which
he took part after those mentioned were Dallas,
New Hope Cliurch, Noonday Creek, Kenesaw
Mountain, Roswell Mills and the battle of Atlanta.
Prior to the, last he had charge of a detachment
scouting through Alabama under orders from Gen.
Sherman, their object being to secure horses for
recruiting the artillery and anjbulance supply and
finding out the position and strength of the guer-
rillas. During the month of January', 1864, he was
aid-de-camp on the brigade staff of Col. Dickerman.

After having participated in the engagement at
Atlanta July 22, 1864, Lieut. Smith was elected
Captain of Company I, One Hundred and Third
Illinois Infantrj', and a few days later appointed
Assistant Quartermaster, guarding stores in that
city about a month. He was then permanently de-
tailed under Col. Garber and served as Assistant
Quartermaster, having charge of the hospital stores
of the Fifteenth Armj- Corps. As such, he acted
at Atlanta, Chattanooga, Nashville, New York Cit^-,
Hilton Head, S. C, Charleston, Moorehead City,
N. C, and Newbern, being at the latter place when
Johnston surrendered. There he was discharged by
reason of the close of the war about June 1, 1865.
He had fought in the whole Atlanta cani|:aign
which was rated by Gen. Sherman as one hundred
days of solid fighting. He was never wounded but
at Kenesaw had fojir bullet holes through his hlouse.

Returning to his home our subject settled down
to his trade, at which he continued to work until
1870 when, on account of ill-health caused by
painting, he embarked in the general merchandise
business. In the crisis of 1873 he suffered the loss

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

of about $3,000 which iicniiy niiiu'il him fiiinn-
eially and oblis^ed him t(i practically begin anew.
He turned his attention to the business of lire in-
surancfe and collections, and is at present Secretar}'
of the Farmers' JIutnal Insurance Companj'. He
is a Notary Public and Justice of the Peace, hav-
ing been elected to the latter position six years
since and re-clocled in 188'.). He has been Notary
for an equal length of time.

In 1877 our subject enlisted in llio State service,
becoming a member of the Fourth Illinois National
Guards and being elected by ever}- vote of Com-
pany E to the Captainc}', which he held two and a
half years. He is a steadfast Republican, well
acquainted with many of tlie leading politicians of
the .State and very popular in political circles. He
has never sought political honors, but has done
good service for the party, having been a member
of the County Central Committee twelve years and
of the Executive Committee five years; he is still
serving on the latter. Capt. Smith voted for Gen.
Fremont in 1856 and from that day has never failed
to cast a straight Rei)ublican ballot at every Pres-
idential election except during the year 1864, when
he was absent from the polls by reason of his pres-
ence amid scenes of conflict.

On three different occasioni C'ai)t. Smith hasl)een
solicited to accept the office of Sheriff, but persist-
ently declined. He was one of the prime movers
in organizing the Grand Army Post in Farming-
ton, and served efficiently as its Commander for
two years. He is a Deacon in the Congregational
Church and has been Trustee and Superintendent
of the Sunday-school several years. He is the owner
of the Mason House Block in which he is domiciled
and he likewise owns a line residence on Fort
.Street. He carries on a stock farm, making a spe-
cially of sheep, he and his wife owning a tract of
one hundred and forty acres of land.

In the fall of 1861 Mr. Smith ^yas united in mar-
riage with Miss Harriet, daughter of Jacob Hand,
formerly Supervisor of Farniington Township and
a well-known capitalist therein. Mrs. Smith was a
good, true woman who faithfuU}' discharged the
duties which she saw before her as long as her
strength would permit. She was called hence in
1886. and two years later our subject was marrie i

a second time, his compnuiou on (his occasion be-
ing Mrs. Caroline Wilcox. The present Mrs. Smith
is a daughter of Luther and Nancy (Wilson)
Birge. Deacon Birge is well-known as one of the
original Abolitionists of this .section, who with the
assistance of our subject conducted several loads
of slaves away at various times on the underground
railroad.

E^Nf^

lALTHASER JACOBS. For varied reasons
^ numbers of foreigners come each year from
Euiopean countries to make for themselves
homes in the United States and here i)ursue
the tr.ade or profession which they learned in their
native land. To this class belongs the subject of
our present sketch, he having been born in one of
the Rhine Provinces, in Germany, November 25,
1827. His parents, Peter and Mary (Rechner)
Jacobs, never came to America, the father dying
previous to the time of our sul)ject's journey hither
and the mother passing away from earthly scenes
in the year 1864. The parental family consisted
of eight children, all living except John, the first-
born. The survivors are: George. Joseph, Jacob,
Balthaser, Anloiie, I'llizabeth and Mary, and all
but our subject reside in l!ieir native land.

Mr. Jacobs spent his early years on his father's
f:irm and obtained a fair common-school education,
also learning the trade of a wagon-maker. He
started for America in 1850, and upon reaching
the New World spent three weeks in New York
City, and then went to Buffalo, where he worked at
his trade. At a later date he was a carpenter in
the country around Buffalo and Niagara Falls,
and in 1855 came to this State, settling in Polo,
where for a year he remained doing carpenter's
work.

The young man then pnrciiased eighty acres of
Land which he cultivated until the year 1865, from
which time until 1869 he traveled throughout the
State. Finally locating in Canton he began gar-
dening on a sm.'dl scale and has continued the occu-
pation up to the present time, and gradually
increased his business until he is now one of the

218

PORTRAIT AND BlOGRArillCAL ALBUM.

leading nurserymen of the place. lie began with
three lots, a quarter of an acre, on which he laiseii
the earliest and best potatoes in the market, and
now owns eleven lots on Ehn Street, with one anc
a half on WLite Street, in the heart of the city, anc
has three greenhouses 'unl two duelling houses.
He does a large gardening business and has the
leading trade as a florist; he is also engaged in
berry culture.

Jn May, 1877, Mr. .Tacobs was united in mar-
riage with Miss Maria Walter, daughter of Conrad
Walter, and a native of (iermany. !Mrs. Jacobs is
an excellent housewife and is devoted to the inter-
ests of her family, the circle including four sous —
George, Carl, Lewis and John, and a babe un-
named.

Our subject is a Catholic, and his wife belongs to
the Unitarian Church. The}' are religions people,
and embrace every passing opportunity to .'advance
the interests and welfare of their neighbors and
friends. JMr. Jacobs is well and favorably known
in business circles as a thrifty, industrious and
honest man who manages his affairs in a most svs-
tematic way. As a citizen he is law-abiding, sober
and quiet, attending strictly to his own atfairs. and
for over twenty years he has been regarded as one
of the best of the German born citizens of the
countv.

(i^T'OSTER G. SMUrH operates three hundred
iN© ^""^ twent}' acres, of which he owns eighty
/!}> ~~ acres, situated in Fairview Township. His
entire time and attention is devoted to farming
and stock-raising; he breeds thoroughbred Short-
horn cattle and .Shropshire sheep, and has a herd of
thoroughbreds and fort}' graded Siiort horns. He
is justl}' proud of his fine horses, and has met with
success in this line also. Both in business and so-
cial circles he is extensively known, and though
not a member of any church is active in advancing
the inte:ests of all religious matters. He is Chair-
man of the Executive committee of the Methodist
Cemetery Association, known as the Foster Ceme-
ter}'.

Socially, Mr, Smith is a jjrominent member of

the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having
attained the highest degree in that order. He is a
member of Patriarchs Militant, and represented
Fairview Lodge, No. 120, at the State Grand Lodge
of Springfield and Cairo, and also visited the Sover-
eign Grand Lodge at Columbus, Ohio, in 1889.
He first belonged to Morning Star Lodge, No. "20,
I. O. O. F., at Piaeerville, Cal. His interest in his
lodge h.is been at all times great and he is well and
favorably kno«n to fraternity circles. He belongs
to tlie Fulton Encampment. No. .il, at Farmington,
and the Canton Oriental of the Patriarchs Militant,
No. 33.

With the pioneer historj- of Fulton County the
father of our subject was very closely identified.
He was born in Madison County, Ohio, his family
having emigrated there from Virginia. He bore
the name of Jonathan Smith, and the date of liis
birth was September 11, 1808. He was united in
marriage in the Buckeye State with Ann Foster,
who was also born there, and they came to Illinois
in 1837, buying two eighty-acre tracts of land at
the Government land sales in ( jiiiney. Tlie father
had visited this county in 1833, and was favoralily
impressed with the outlook here. Two years later
he came and raised a crop, and in 1837 located on
section 35, where he lived until called home.

The father became the owner of five hundred
and forty acres in Fairview Township and four
hundred and eight}' acres in Iowa. He began life
without means, having been left an orphan at the
early age of ten years. So well did he succeed in
his efforts that, as stateil above, before his death he
became the owner of one thousand and twenty
acres of land in Illinois and Iowa. When quite
young he was compelled to hire out, receiving for
his services from ^7 to ><10 per month, and thus was
his beginning matle. He died February 25, 1886,
after attaining to the age of seventy -seven years,
fi\ e months and fourteen days. The mother's
death occurred Feliruary 17, 1888. at the age of
seventy-one years, five months and eighteen days.

To Jonnthan and Ann (Foster) Smith were born
nine children, as follows: Sarah Jane, Foster G,,
Mary E., Ellen A., .lohn H., America A., Alice M.,
Martha F. aiul one who died in iiifancy unnamed.
Sarah is the wife of A. J. McCombs, and lives in

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

219

Fail-view Township; Mary E. is the wife of .John
Bi-oiulCiolil, a fiuit "jrower of California; Ellen A.
married Di'. S. B. Beer, of Fnirview ; Julm II. mar-
ried Mary A. Wyckoff, and is a farnuT in Marsiiall
County, Iowa; America .\. is the wife of W. T. (icii-
tle. a farmer of Fairvit'w Township; Alice M. autl
Martha V. are living' witli tlieir brother on the old
homestead.

He of whom we write was born April 21. 1.S40.
on the Smith liomestead. and passed his life in the
usual manner of fanners' lads in frontier countries.
AVhen he had reacheil maturity lie made an extended
trip to California, in 18G1, and engaged in the
lumber business and niiniuL; operations. He passed
nine years there, and finally reluctantly returned
East and has since engaged as a farmer and stock-
raiser. He is highly esteemed in this communit}'
as a man of probity and honor, and his life of in-
dustry and enterprise has brought him success
from a financial point ofview and a high position
in the county which is his native liome.

ylLLlAM PARLl^'. There is probably no
resident of this county whose work is so
widely known as that of the gentleman
above named, who is the pioneer nianufsicturer of
the noted Canton Clipper Plow. Since the day
when he landed in this place, then a small village,
he has instituted and carried to successful operation
a mammoth business enterprise, has materially- as-
sisted in the ujibuilding of the flourishing city, and
won for liimself a comfortable fortune. These
results have left him the same unostentatious and
kindly man he was before Fortune had smiled
upon him. To the men employed in the establish-
ment lie is a sympathizing friend, possessing their
confidence in a rcmarkal>le degree. He is the old-
est continuous plow manufacturer in the entire
Northwest.

Mr. Parliii was born in Acton. Mass., Januai-3'
21, 1817, being the fouith of five children born to
Wainer and Lydia (Davis) Parlin. His parents
were natives of the same count\- as himself and the

fathers of each were Revolutionary soldiers. A
cousin of (jrandfatlier Davis, one Capt. Davis, was
the first officer killed at Concord. The Parlins are
of English descent. Warner Parlin was a farmer
by occu|)aUon and of considerable prominence in
the vicinity of his home. He passed his days in tlie
old Bay State, dying about the year 1838 in tlie
sixty-seventh year of his age. His wife also breathed
her last in her native State. Of their children he
of wliom \vc write and an elder brother are all
that survive.

Our subject passed his boyhood on the farm,
pursuing the advantages open to him in the com-
mon schools. Having no taste for agriculture, he
determined to learn the trade of a blacksmith aiul
in his seventeenth year entered upon an a|)prentice-
ship. By the time he became of age he had
mastered all departments of the business and was
ready to begin work as a journeyman. He traveled
throughout his own Slate and tlien drifted west to
St. Louis, Mo., stopping for a lime and working at
his trade. After settling his bills he started North
on a steamboat, arriving at Copperas Creek Land-
ing on the Illinois River on llie Eourth of .Tul^',
1840. After paying his passage his finances were
reduced to twenty-five cents which he expended in
reaching Canton. He little dreamed of what awaited
him in the village that he entered with a kit con-
sisting of three hammers tied up in a leathern
apron.

Mr. Parlin at once applied for work and was em-
ployed by R. C. Cultoii. His first work was done
on Monday morning, July 6. Mr. F'.mry went
to the shop to get a froe made for splitting lath to
plaster on, wishing it to be about half the size of a
cooper's froe. Mr. Culton had a job on hand and
as Mr. Emr3' was in a luirr}-, asked his new journey-
man if he could make the utensil. Tlie prompt
reiily was, •• I will try, sir." Selecting a suitable
piece of iron and getting his fire in shape he drew
and turned the e^e, with the next heat shaped the
froe nearly half way. and with the third finished it.
Mr. Eniry, who was himself a blacksmith, always
declareil that it was the quickest and most mechani-
cal piece of work he had ever seen done. He then
and tliere predicted a successful future for the
young stranger. Tlie iiiipleiiienl then made by

220

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

onr subject was presented to him by a son of its
original owner on July 4, 1890, wlien friends
galliererl to celebrate tlie fiftieth aiiiuvcrsar3' of iiis
arrival in Canton.

After workino for Mr. Culton a year, young
Parlin was taken into partnership by him. the
connection continuing two years and being then
dissolved by mutual consent. Mr. Parlin then
started in business on his own account, his first
shop being a very cheap one, scarcely more than a
shed, but under its humble roof he laid the founda-
tion of the preseDt]magnificent Canton Plow Works.
At first he devoted himself to general blacksmith-
ing during the summer and to making a few plows
in the winter, hammering the moldboard l)y hand
out of wrought iron. He also made other tools
needed by the farmers, proving himself quite a
benefactor to the community in those earl}' da3-s.
As his business increased he built a brick shop
which is still standing and in use as a part of his
present works. In 1873 the large three-story brick
building, 2G0x300 feet in dimensions, was erected,
furnished with an engine of 125-horse power and
various kinds of machinery adapted for the busi-
ness.

The establishment at present furnishes employ-
ment for three hundred and twenty-five to three
hundred and fifty men. The Canton Clipper Plow
has been sold in every part of the civilized world
and has been ship|)ed in quite a number to the
British possessions, also to Mexico and South Amer-
ica. Although this implement is the most noted
of the manufacUires of tlie company-, their cultiva-
tors and harrows also bear a good reputation. Five
traveling salesmen are kept on the road obtaining
orders. In 1853 Mr. Parlin took W. J. Orendoiff
in as a partner and in 1867 the firm was merged
into an incorporated company under the State laws.
Upon tlie reorganization William Parlin became
President, W. J. Orendorff Vice President and
Treasurer, and W. H. Parlin Secretary.

At the home of the bride in Orion Township
January 7, 1845. Mr. Parlin was united in marriage
with Miss Caroline Orendortl. daughter of John
Orendorff, Esq., wlio came to this county in 1825,
from Sduih Carolina. She is a sister of W. J.
Orendorff of the P16w Company. During the

many j'ears in which she has been the honored
companion of our subject she has been worthily
carrying out her obligations as a wife and mother
and fulfilling the duties she owes to society. She
and her husband have had four children, two sons
and two daughters. Artemus F., the first-born,
has been removed from them by death. The only
son now living is the Secretary and Manager of
the compan}'. Clara E., the third child, is j'et with
her parents; Alice C, is the wife of Charles E.
Ingersoll, a dealer in lumber in Canton.

Mr. Parlin has filled several offices of trust, hav-
ing been Supervisor of Canton Township, a mem-
ber of the City Council one term, and of the
School Board for a much more extended period.
In politics he is a stanch Republican. He is proud
of the fact that his first Presidential vote was cast
for the Whig candidate, William Henry Harrison,
and that he has lived to see a grandson of that
official filling the same exalted station. He is a
member of Morning Star Lodge, Xo. 734, A. F. &
A. M., and was President of thel]\Lasonic Mutual
Benefit Society for twelve years. His attractive
residence with its beautiful grounds is pointed out
to every visitor of the city "as the home of]a man
whom all delight to honor, joining in the wish ex-
pressed on the anniversarv of his advent intoQthe
count}' — that man}' more may[|be allotted]^him be-
fore his life's work is complete.

ILLIAM T. GENTLE. There is not a
%r\//i' more successful resident of Fairviow

\^^ Township than is the subject of our sketch
who is widely known as the successful owner of
fine Shropshire sheep. His estate is peculiarly
well adapted to stock-raising, and he has been in
that business during the years intervening between
boyiiood and the present date. At this writing he
has on hand about three hundred thoroughbreds
and high grades. He received his start from
George Allen, of AUerton. 111.

Mr. Gentle was born in Hamilton County, Ohio,
about four miles from Cincinnati. His jiarents
came to this State in 1855. settling in Farmington

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

221

Township. Tin' father died in 1S79. at the age of
fifty-five; the mother is still living and makes her
home with our sulijeet, being now sixty-three years
of age. To Iheiii were born four i-liihlren, viz:
William T.; .John W .. who resides in Iowa, mar-
rie<l .Miss Lou Terwilliger of London Mills, 111.;
Hester A., who married L. C". .lolmson, die(i at her
home in Iowa, leaving three child;eu; Thomas E.
makes his liome in Prescott, Iowa.

Our subject's parents and all the ehildren with the
exceiition of William T. moved to Creston, Iowa
in ISTtiand there the father died in 1879. Tlie
the mother returne<i to live with our subject. The
birth of Mr. Gentle took plaee September 24, 184C,
and he was only nine j'cars of age when he came
to Illinois. His education was received partly in
lliis State and partly in Ohio, and he reached
man's estate on his father's farm in Farmington
Township. In 1869 Mr. Gentle married Miss
America A. .Smith, the si.vth child of Jonathan
Smith, deceased, one of the wealthiest citizens who
ever resided in Faii-view Town8hi|i. Her brother,
Foster G. Smith, is re|>resented in another part of
this Alium. Her birth occurred in Fairview
Township where the most of her birlli was passed.
She attended school at Yates City. Of their union
have been born three children, viz: Lacie O., Min-
nie A. and Matlie F. Misses Lacie and Minnie A.
are students at the State Normal at Bloomington,
thus fitting themselves to enjoy the wealth and
comforts of their beaulifvd home in the highest
possible manner, and to add sunsliine to an already
happy home.

The subject of this sketch is the owner of t)ne
hundred and luiiety acres of valuabh; land on sec-
tion 26. He is a member of the Independent Or-
der Odd of Fellows lodge at Fairview and has been
through the chairs in same, and is also a member of
the Modern \A'oodmen lodge. Mrs. (ientle and
her two eldest daughters are members of the
l-)augliters of Rebecca lodge in Fairview Town-
ship, and Mrs. Oentle is holding tlie Noble Grand
Chair for the secoml term. Both our subject and
his wife are members of the Providence Chapel,
Methodist Episcopal Church, and the former is
Trustee. The entire family are active workers for
the Sunday-school and other worthy causes that

benefit anil adxtince the interests of hiimanity. He
believes in protection to Americar, industries. Mr.
(Jentle has h.ad possession of his] present farm for
three years and it is one of the finest in the;sur-
rounding country. His fame and |)opularity have
extended much beyond the limits of the township
and his genial, cordial manners^have gainedOhim
the friendship of all wlio'have beenfassocialed with
him either in commercial or social circles.

||RENUS T. SCl'DDER. There is in the de-
ll velopment of every successful life a lesson to
tL ever3- one; for if a man is industriously ambi-
tious and honorable in his ambition, he will un-
doubtedly rise to a position of i)romiiu'nce. whether
having the |)restige of family and wealth, or the
obscurity of poverty. We are led to these reflec-
tions in reviewing the life of Mr. .Scudder, who is
a dealer in drugs and toilet articles in Farmington.
He has attained his present enviable position as a
competent and popular druggist b)- indomitable
energy and a laudable desire to reach the top round
of the ladder of fortune.

At present Mr. Scud<ler is engaged in a nourish-
ing business, and owns in addition to his elegant
store, a residence on East Street, in the northern
part of the city. He is a gentlemrui of excellent
taste and fine personal appearance, and has many
warm friends in the coinmunitj' where he makes his
home. He has engaged in his present business
since September, 1889, and is doing a flourishing
tiade. In addition to his drug business Mr.
Scudder is well posted in the inaiiageraent of tele-
phone lines and fixtures, having charge of the
telei)lu)ne olDce, which is located in the back [lart
of his large store.

The birth of our subject occurred in New York
State, August 8, 18.51, and his |)arents were John
T. and Sarah A. (Taft) Scu<lder, natives of New
York. He received a good education in the com-
mon schools, and his father being a physician of
considerable talent, our subject had an inherited
tendency toward the study of medicine, and was
thus prepared to become an excellent [jharmacist.

222

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

In 1881 be opened a dnio-store in Fannington,
and for seven years continued to do a first-elass
business. Selling out his interest in 1888, he
worked for two years in the Nebraska Telephone
Exchange.

As before stated the father of our subject was an
exi)prt in the "healing art," and after settling in
Prairie City, 111., in 1853, continued to practice his
chosen profession and enjoyed a large and lucrative
practice. His death occurred there in August,
1867, after he had attained his fort3--fiflh year.
The mother is still living, and is over sixty
years of age. She bore her husband ten children,
of whom six survive, viz.: Irenus T., our subject;
Albert 1).. Miner R.. Ida M.. John L. and Clem-
ent V.

A very important event in the life of our sub-
ject was his marriage, which was celebrated
February 4. 18S.5, with ISIrs. Caroline Negly, of
Farniington. Mrs. Scudder is a most estimable
woman, a devoted wife and a good neighbor. She
was born December 20, 1846, and was the daughter
of M. A. and C. Brown, both of wlioni are de-
ceased. Mr. Scudder is a strong Democrat in his
political opinions; socially, he is a member of the
Masonic fraternity, and is universally conceded to
bea business man of unusual ability.

^=^EORGE BURNETT is noted for his indus-
'11 (--, trious habits and enterprising spirit, and is
^^^^ the oldest settler of Fairview Township who
is engaged in- any active pursuit. When only five
years of age he was brought to this count}' by his
parents, William and Sarah(Poland)Burnett, but his
birth occurred in Harrison Count}', W. Ya., April
19. 1830. The trip from Virginia to this State was
made in 1835, in a wagon pulled b}' three horses.
The parents sought a new home and found it in Ful-
ton County. 111., where the father bought a claim
with a cabin on it for SIOO. He entered the land
from the Government and at once started to work
to improve it. They went to Ellisville to mill and
the coinitry around was in a purely primeval state.
The lirst school our subject attended was where

Lyons graveyard is now located, and he can give a
most interesting description of this country in its
pioneer daj's when game abounded on ever}' side
having seen fourteen or fifteen deer in a herd many
a time. Breaking up and clearing land and farm-
ing engaged his time and attention from an early
period in life. He has turned acres of the virgin
sod of the State of Illinois, and has had a long and
prosperous career as an agriculturist.

INIr. Burnett was married in 1854 to Miss Abigail
Barbee, daughter of Franklin and Lucinda (Mer-
ris) Barbee, natives of Virginia and Canada re-
spectively. Her parents were married in' Ohio,
where she was born, and later moved to Illinois,
settling in Scott County and in 1853 coming to
Fulton County. Mrs. Burnett was only seven-
teen years of age wiien she was married and to
her and our subject have been born four chil-
dren: John F. married Miss Eliza Pratt, who died
in 1888 leaving four chililren; he is now in charge
of the home farm; Eliza E., married Henry Rist
and lived in Fremont County, Iowa, where she
died in 1880 at the age of twenty-two years; Mary
C. died when seventeen years cf age; Clymena R.
is the wife of Joseph T. Gourley. and has one child,
Blanche R. Mr. Burnett has noted with great sat-
isfaction all the improvements in the way of farm
machinery and the general progress throughout his
county. He is opposed to secret societies and
gives strict attention to his business in which he
has met with marked success. He is also giving
much attention to stock-raising and is very proud
of his horses. The principal part of his wealth has
been accumulated in the pork producing industry.
He is a member of the Rei)ublican party, and re-
ligiously, he and his estimable wife belong to the
United Brethren Church.

Our subject's father was a native of County
Tyrone, Ireland, and left that country when only
eighteen years of age. coming to the Uniteil States
and settling in ^'irginia where he married the
mother of our subject. They came to Illinois from
Virginia in 1835 and were numbered among the pio-
neers of Fairview Township, locating on section 18.
The motberdied in 1859 when fifty seven years of
age and the father in 1862 when sixty-one years
old. To them wore born twelve children: viz:

'o-\^\yy^ iy\n.ZAj(iJ,

^"yy^^

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

225

Rachel, who married John Roberts, died at Ipava
leaving five children; Elizabeth, who married John
Ilubunks, lived in Iowa. She died at the home of
her fiillier leaving six children; John, wlio resides
in Davis County, Iowa, married Charlotte Johnson
and has had thirteen children; George is the sub-
ject of our sketch; Martin died in infanc_y; Mary,
wlio married Reuben Hungerford, lives in Metrop-
olis, III.; James lives in Fairvicw Townsliii), of
wliich he is one of the well-to-do farmers. He was
twice married; Margaret died when twenty-tliree
years of age; Sarah A., the wife of Benjamin
Sampson, lives in Warren Count}', HI., and is the
mother of seven children; Martha, was tlie wife of
Alex. Pliillippi, and at her death left two children;
Anettie is the wife of Wm. Boden, of Sacramento,
Cal.. and lias two children; William, who married
Neosha Davis, died in 1888 when forty years of
age.

\T]OSEPH VINTON HARRIS, M. D. The
city of Canton is not without her share of
members of tiie learned professions, who are
a credit to the pursuit they have chosen and
to the town itself. Among ihose who have taken
up the calling of a medical practitioner is Dr.
Harris vvho devotes himself assiduously to his prac-
tice and tiie scientific investigations which will en-
hance his professional knowledge and skill. He is
well citalilished in reiuitalion as a pliysician and is
recognized as among Ihe able practitioners of Cen-
tral Illinois.

Before outlining tlie life history of our subject it
maj' be well to make a brief record regarding liis
parents. His fathfr, Coll)crt Harris, was born in
Prince George's County, Md., July 30, 1798. In
182G he located in Belmont County, Ohio, on a
tract of land which lie leaserl for ten years. He
cleared and cultivated it until tiie expiration of his
lease, when he bought one hundred and sixty acres
in Monroe County and removing tiiillicr resided
tiiere until his death, which occiu'red March 2-1,
18.T.'i. He left a widuw and eleven cliildren. Of
the latter si.\ only are now living. The mother

died in March, 1853. She bore the maiden name
of Catherine E. Crupijei-, and was born in Leesburg,
Loudoun County, V.a. July 8, 1808.

The subject of this biographical notice was the
sixth son of his parents and was born in Jlonroe
County, Ohio, October 22, 1839. He entered the
common schools and further advanced his knowl-
edge by an attendance at Fairview (Ohio) Acad-
emy. He then turned to teaching as a temporary
expedient, continuing to make his home in Fair-
view and pursuing his peaceful pedagogical labors
in the country. In 1860 he took up the study of
medicine in the ollice of Dr. .1. T. McPherson of
Cambridge, Ohio, and in due time took his first
course of lectures al llie medical college in Cleve-
land.

Upon the breaking out of the Civil War the
Doctor enlisted ii: the Union Army November 7,
18G1, as he considered his duty to his country par-
amount to his desire to become a physician. He
was enrolled in Comjjany H, Sixty-fifth Ohio In-
fantry', Col. Charles G. Harkcr commanding. The
regiment was assigned to the Army of the Cumber-
land, under command of Gen. Buell, and became a
part of the Fourth Armj' Corps. His regiment
took part in a number of the most noted conflicts
of the war, among them being Sliiloh, Holly
Springs. Stone River, Chickamauga, Kenesaw
Mount.-un, Franklin and Nashville. The interven-
ing time was spent in skirmishing, marching and
the various important, although monotonous, (bfties
of cani|)aigu life.

At Decatur, Alii., in the fall of 1864, Dr. Harris
was shot in the hip. and from the effects of the
wound he was kept at Howard Hospital in Nash-
ville for three months. He then rejoined his reg-
iment, serving until the close of the war and was
mustered out JNIay 12, 186.5. lie had been pro-
moted from the ranks to the position of Hospital
Steward and Acting Assistant Surgeon, in w hich po-
sitions he was enabled to relieve suffering and aid
in restoring his comrades to health, while at the
same time he gained an experience which has been
of great value to him in hili'r years.

After his discharge Dr. Harris returned to Ohio,
but the same fall removed to Canton where he pur-
sued his practice about five 3'ears. He then I'ntered

226

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.

Rush Medical College in Chicago and after com-
pleting his second course of lectures was graduated
in 187L He resumed his professional labors in
Canton and has long been considered a permanent
member of the fraternity here.

October 19, I860, the rites of wedlock were cele-
brated between Dr. Harris and Miss Ellen S. Platt-
enburg. at that time a resident of this city. She
is a daughter of Perry and Ellon S. (Doddridge)
Plattenburg. and was born in Wellsburg, Va., her
mother also being a native of the Old Dominion.
She came to this State with her parents when quite
young and grew to maturity here, receiving a good
education and a careful home training. Her union
with our subject has been blest by the birth of
two children — Ellen E. and Joseph Perr3-.

Dr. Harris belongs to the State Medical Society
and is a member of the Lewistown Board of Exam-
ining Surgeons for pensions. He belongs to Morn-
ing Star Lodge, No. 734, A. F. and A. M., and has
attained the Thirt3'-secoud degree of the Ancient
Scottish Rite Masonry. Politically, he is, and
always has been, an earnest and stanch Republican.
His pleasant home in the midst of agreeable sur-
roundings is one of the notable centers of the
social life of the cultured society of the cit\-.

In connection with this biographical review we
are pleased to present, elsewhere in this volume, a
lithographic portrait of Dr. Harris.

-^^

^^-^- HARLES C. EHRENHART is prosperously
conducting in Lewistown an extensive ag-
^J ricultural implement business. He owns the
handsome brick block, a large building 42x80 feet
in dimensions, on South Main Street, where he is
established, and he is one of the solid men of the
city.

Our subject is a Bavarian 1)3- birth, born in the
German Fatherland in the month of November,
1850. His father, Michael Ehrenhart, w,as a native
of the same locality as himself, and a son of one
Mathew Ehrenhart, the latter having been born in
Austria and going from there to Bavaria during
llie lime of the Austrian Revolution, spending the

remainder of his life there. The father of our sub-
ject was reared to agricultural pursuits, and when
a 3'oung man entered the army in accordance with
the laws of (iermany, and for nine or ten years
served as a soldier. In 1866 he came to America
with his eight children, setting sail from Rotterdam
in the month of October, and landing at New York
the following January-. He came to Illinois, and
for a time lived in Rio Township, Knox Counl3'.
At the expiration of three j'ears he removed from
there to Galesburg, and was in the emplo3' of the
Chicago, Burlington & Quinc3- Railroad the en-
suing seven j'ears. He still resides in that city.

The maiden name of the mother of our subject
was Susannah Lantz, and she was also of Bavarian
birth. She died in Bavaria in 1863 or 1864, and
her death was a serious loss to her fauiilv. She
and her husband reared eight children, named
Phillip, Charles, Amelia, Mathew, Frank. Martha,
Fred and Mary.

The son of whom this sketch is written w.as
carefully trained l)3- his worthy' parents in all that
goes to make an honest man and a good citizen ; and
in the public schools of his native place, which he
attended most of the time quite steadil3- till he came
to America in 1866, he received an excellent edu-
cation. The first two or three 3'ears after his
arrival in this country he w.as employed on the farm
with his father in Knox Count3'. We next hear of
him as a clerk in a grocery store in Galesburg, and
his six 3'ears experience in that capacity in that
place proved of invaluable service to him, and there
he laid the foundation of his career as a business
man. His next eniploymenl was as agent for sew-
ing machines in Iowa. He spent three seasons there
verj' profitahl3', and then located permanentlj- in
Lewistown in the month of September, 1877. Here
he engaged in the butchering business, continuing
in that some six years. After that he turned his
attention to the lumber trade, and one year later
added the sale of agricultural implements, and is
still conducting the implement business, which he
has extended greatlj', and is in receipt of a good
income from that source.

Mr. Ehrenhart and Miss Eliza Brookmeier united
their lives and fortunes Januar3' 5, 1877, and their
marriage has been productive of much domestic

PORTRAIT AND BrOGRAPIlICAl. ALBUM.

227

felicity. Four eliildien. Lillie. Amelia, Annie and
Clifton, complete their pleasant lionie ciicle. Mrs.
Kbrenhart is a native of Iowa, .and .1 dausi;liter of
Jacob Biooknieicr. a native of Wuvtembuis;, Ger-
many, and a pioneer of Iowa. She is a sincere
Christian and an esteemed member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church.

Mr. Ehrenhart is an ambitious, wide-awake man,
whose capabilities, industry and methodical business
habits have been the making of ium.a'id given him
good financial standing in this comnuinily. He
belongs to Lewistown Lodge, No. 33.0, 1. G. 0. F.,
and to Commonwealth Lodge, No. Gl, M. A.

'^ AMES GRIGGS is one of the oldest settlers
of Fulton County, to which he came as earl^-
as the yeru- 1829. Long years of raerito-
f(®/' rious conduct in private and public life have
won for him a r(:pntation which is the choicest
heritage he can leave to bis posterity when called
from time to eternity. He is the owner and occu-
pant of one hundred and sixty acres of finely
imi)roved land on section 1, Orion Township, and
is cl.assed among those who make of agriculture
both an art and a science. He combines qualities
of two prominent nationalities, being of German an-
cestry in the paternal line and French in the ma-
ternal.

The parents of our subject, George and Sarah
(Harker) Griggs, removed from the Empire State
to Peoria County, 111., in 1829. The country to
which they had come was full of Indians and they
endured raanj' trials from the savages, particularly
after the outbreak of the Black Hawk War in 1830.
The father was a soldier during the War of 1812.
The parents were rewarded for all their trials and
privations by seeing their family grow to honored
raanhood and womanhood. The circle comprised
eight children, whose record is as follows: Harvey
married Elizabeth Long, now deceased, and makes
his home in Peoria County ; Pruella married Will-
iam Thurston, their home being in Elmwood, Peo-
ria County; Mary is unmarried and lives with her
brother James of this notice; Franklin I), married

Deborah Largent and lives in Farmington; Asen-
eth, who is now deceased, was the wife of (George
Champ; Susan, also deceased, was the wife of
William Bown; Jeremiah married Eunice Yaw
and lives at Oak Hill, Peoria ('ount3'.

The birthplace of our subject was Cayuga
County, N. Y.. and his natal day June 10, 1819.
After reaching in.".turity he was united in marriage
to Miss Mary Ann Bown who died within a year
after their mairiage. He was joined in wedlock
with his present wife, formerly Duleena E. Mc-
Mains, in 1856 and the union has been blessed by
the birth of live childien. The first-born, (George
W., married Belle Gruniger and lives in Peorif
Countj-; Edwin E. married Maude Frank, tliei:
home being in this township; Mary Ann became
llie wife of Frank .lacobs a resident of Peiu'ia
County; Susan, is unm.arricd and is still making
her home under the |i;ircntal roof and engaged in
the profession of teacliing. All the children have
been given good educations and three have been
engaged in teaching.

Mr. Griggs and the various members of his
family take a great interest in educational matters
which he has assisted .as a School Director for over
twenty-five years. His first Presidential vole was
cast for Martin ^'an Buren and f(jr years he has ad-
hered to the doctrines of Democracy as firmly as
when he first adaijtcd them. He is a Baptist in his
religious faith.

^ ESSE HEYLIN, editor of the Lewistown
Lance, a weekly paper devoted to the inter-
ests of the Republican party and the people,
;' is a native of this county and is one of whom
it may well be proud, for, though he is a young
tiian, he has already won his way to distinction as a
journalist of signal ability.

Fanners Township is the place of the birth of
our subject and December 15, 18G5, the date of
that important event in his life. His father. Henry
Ileylin, was of English birth and antecedents, the
city of London the place of his nativity. His
father, whose name was Joseiih Ilo^liu, was also

228

PORTRAIT AND HIOGRAPIIICAL ALBUM.

bdiTi in that great metropolis. Me was a silk man-
ufacturer and carried on tliat business in London
some years. He came to America before tiie war,
located at first in Fulton County, where he resided
for a time, and then took up his residence in New
York City, where his remaining days were p.assed.
lie reared four ciiildren, who weie named, Joseph
(r.. Mary, William and Henry. Mary died in Lon-
don when quite young, and Joseph still resides
there. William and llenr}' came to this countrj',
and William engaged in the silk and tassel business
in New York City and there died.

The father of our suliject was reared and edu-
cated in Lon<lon, and came to the Ihiiled States
aliout 1840. He located in New York City, and soon
became a sailor, followed the sea some years in a
whaling vessel, and during the Mexican War was
in the marine service. After that he came to Illi-
nois and followed the trade of a carpenter in Ber-
nadolte Township, .\fter a few years he removed
to Farmers Township where he dwelt until death
rounded out his life April 29, 1886. The maiden
name of his wife was Eliza L. McQueen. She was
born in Syracuse, N. Y.;her father, John McQueen
was also a native of that State, and a farmer of
tliat place. He remove<l from New York to Mis-
souri and settled near Jefferson City where he
bought land and improved a good farm, which re-
mained his home until his death The maiden
name of his wife, the grandmother of our subject,
was Mary Scott. She was born in New York City
and spent her last years at the home of her son-in-
law in Missouri. The mother of our subject resides
in Farmers Township. She reared four children,
John, Ellen, Joseph and Jesse. Joseph died at the
age of twenty -six years ; John lives in Frontier
County. Neb.; Ellen married George Carrison,
since deceased and lives in Farmers Township.

Jesse Heylln, of whom we write, was given iiis
first schooling in the home district and his learn-
ing was further advanced 1)3- his attendance at the
Normal School at Macomb, and later he pursued a
course of study at Jennings Seminary at Aurora.
He thus obtained a sound basis for his future pro-
fessional career. At the age of eighteen he com-
menced teaching, and was thus quite steadily
engaged for the three ensuing years. In 1887 he

went to Garden City, Kan. as a proof reader and
night reporter on the Garden City Daily Sentinel.
Five months later, so well appreciated were his ser-
vices, he was appointed city editor of that sheet,
which position he held until he resigned it in 1888.
He then returned home and commenced teaching,
continuing thus emiiioyed one year. August 2,
1889, Mr. Heylin established the Lewistown Lance,
a carefully edited paper issued weeklj', having its
full share of patronage from the reading public.

Finergj', patience and perseverance have accom-
plished their good work in the efforts of our subject
to establish a newspaper that shall be readable and
justif}' its claim as a wide-awa.ve, public-spirited
journal of sound literary merit, and a pure family
paper, one of the best of its kind luiblished in this
part of Illinois.

HESTER B. CHURCHILL, a well-known
farmer of Joshua Township, is classed
among the pioneers of this county who
lave dtnie good service in advancing its agricultu-
ral development. He is a native of the .State of
New York, and was born in 1824. He came to
Fulton County in 1837, and cast in his lot with the
pioneers whom he found woi'king zealously to i)ro-
mole the growth of this section of the country.
He entered at that lime his present homestead
on wiiich he has resided for more than foity years.
He has evolved a fine farm from the wild tract of
land that he purchased from the Goverment. has
it under excellent improvement, and provided with
good buildings.

Prior to coming to this State, Mr. Churchill was
married in 1847 to Miss Catherine M. Turkic, who
has been a devoted helpmate an<l an active assist-
ant in the pioneer labors of her husband. Nine
children have been born to them, as follows: Har-
riett, Mildon, Chester, Leonard, Washington,
George, William, Stephen and Kate. Of these the
following are deceased: Mildon, Chester, Leonard,
AVashington, George and William. Stephen is a
resident of .loshua Township; Kate married Homer
Randolph, and lives in Canton Township. Mrs.

PORTRAFT AND BIOGRAPrilCAL ALBUM.

229

Churchill is a zealous and active worker in the
Christian Church, of which slie is a devoted
member.

In pioneer limes -Mr. Ciiurcliill was widely known
as one of the best musicians in this i)nrt of the
countrj'. His services were in constant demand to
])]ay llie violin for countiy dances, as the young
people would rather have "old Church,"' as they
called liiiu. than any one else, and he would be
called to go even as far as Peoria to furnish music
for j)arties. Ills children have inherited his musical
gifts and are well-trained musicians. Our subject
cast his llrst Ijallot in this county, and has alw.ays
voted the Democratic ticket, lie h.is taken an
active part in educational matters and has been Di-
rector of schools in his own town-ihip for over
twenty years. At oiu> time he was a prominent
member of the Grange when that t)rder was Bour-
isliing.

^ AMKS K. WELCH, iM. IJ., is one of the most
eminent physicians practicing his i)rofession
within the limits of this count}', and he is
((®l/ also closely connected with its business in-
terests as a druggist in Cuba, his place of residence,
and with its public life as Chairman of the County
Ik)ard of Su[)ervisors.

The Doctor is a native of Nelson County, K\'.,
born September 4, 184.5. His father, .lames W., was
also a native of Kentucky .as was his mother, whose
maiden name was Mary Swaze)'. They married and
lived in that State until 1818, and then touk up
their residence among the pioneers of McDouough
Ciiunty, this Slate, where they remained until their
death; the mother dieil in 185() and the father in
187S. At one lime he w.as engaged in business at
Blandiusville.

Our sutjject was one of eighteen children of whom
eight are now living. When four years old lie ac-
comi)anied his parents to Illinois and received his
eleinenlary education in the district schools of
McDouough County. During his >-outh he received
a severe wound which prevented his entering the
army when the Rebellion broke out. He had a de-
cided talent for medicine, and entered upon his

stuilies for that profession with enthusiasm, was
graduated with honor from the Kei)kuk Mediial
College in the class of '65 and is a line cxponenl <>(
the Allopathic school of medicine.

After leaving college. Dr. Welch established him-
self as a physician in Cuba, and for twenty-four
3ears has been in active practice. He has a laii;e
patronage that extends far beyond the limits of the
village and township, having an experience of
ivventy-live years in Ibis locality and being im-
mensely popular with all cLas