'LI B RA FLY OF THE UN IVERSITY OF ILLINOIS 977.379 •P82.8 II RECORD Clinton, Washington, flarion and Jefferson Counties, ILLINOIS. * Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent •f HMD + Representative Citizens of the Counties, Together with Biographies and Portraits of all the Governors of the State and the Presidents of the United States, CHICAGO: CHAPMAN PUBLISHING CO. 1894, HE greatest of English historians, MACAULAT, and one of the most brilliant writers of the present century, has said: "The history of a country is best told in a record of the lives of its people." In conformity with this idea the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD of tnig county nas Vjeen prepared. Instead of going to musty records, and taking therefrom dry statistical matter that can be appreciated by but few, oui air corps of writers have gone to the people, the men and women who have, by theii enterprise and industry, brought the county to rank second to none among those comprising this great and noble State, and from their lips have the story of their 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 industry and economy have accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with limited > advantages for securing an education, have become learned men and women, with an ; influence extending throughout 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 whose names have become famous. It tells of those in every walk in life who have striven to succeed, and records how that success has usually crowned their efforts. It tells also of many, very many, who, not seeking the applause of the world, have pursued "the even tenor of their way," content to have it said of them as Christ said of the woman performing a deed of mercy — "they have done what they could." It tells how that many in the pride and strength 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 once more reigned in the land. In the life of every man and of every woman is a lesson that should not be lost upon those who follow after. Coming generations will appreciate this volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure, from the fact that it contains so much that would never find its way into public records, and which would otherwise be inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation of the work and every opportunity possible given to those represented to insure correctness in what has been written, and the publishers natter them- selves that they give to their readers a work with few errors of consequence. In addition to the biograph ical sketches, portraits of a number of representative citizens are given. The faces of some, and biographical sketches of many, 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 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 repeated calls were made at their residence or place of business. June, 1894. CHAPMAN PUBLISHING Co. 71861 Governors of Illinois, AND OF THE D8QVS. GEORGE WASHINGTON. **S~ HE Father of our Country was born in West- |C moreland County, Va., February 22, 1732. \*) His parents were Augustine and Mary (Ball) Washington. The family to which he belonged has not been satisfactorily traced in England. His great-grandfather, John Washington, emi- grated to Virginia about 1657, and became a prosperous planter. He had two sons, Lawrence and John. The former married Mildred Warner, and had three children, John, Augustine and Mildred. Augustine, the father of George, first married Jane Butler, who bore him four children, two of whom, Lawrence and Augustine, reached maturity. Of six children by his second mar- riage, George was the eldest, the others being Betty, Samuel, John Augustine, Charles and Mildred. Augustine Washington, the father of George, died in 1743, leaving a large landed property. To his eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an estate on the Potomac, afterwards known as Mt. Vernon, and to George he left the parental resi- dence. 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 mathematics. His spelling was rather defective. Remarkable stories are told of his great physical strength and develop- ment at an early age. He was an acknowledged leader among his companions, and was early noted for that nobleness of character, fairness and veracity which characterized his whole life. When George was fourteen 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 abandoned. Two • years later he was appointed surveyor to the im- mense estate of Lord Fairfax. In this business he spent three years in a rough frontier life, gaining experience which afterwards proved very essential to him. In 1751, though only nineteen 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 Indies 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 demise the estate of Mt. Vernon was given to George. Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddie as Lieu- tenant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia was reorganized, and the province divided into four military districts, of which the northern was assigned to Washington as Adjutant-General. Shortly after this a very perilous mission, which others had refused, was assigned him and ac- cepted. This was to proceed to the French post near Lake Erie, in northwestern Pennsylvania. The distance to be traversed was about six hun- dred miles. Winter was at hand, and the journey was to be made without military escort, through a territory occupied by Indians. The trip was a perilous one, and several times he nearly lost his life, but he returned in safety and furnished a full and useful report of his expedition. A regiment of three hundred men was raised in Virginia and put in command of Col. Joshua Fry, and Maj. Washington was commissioned Lieutenant-Colo- nel. Active war was then begun against the French and Indians, in which Washington took GEORGE WASHINGTON. a most important part. In the memorable event of July 9, 1755, known as "Braddock's defeat," Washington was almost the only officer of dis- tinction who escaped from the calamities of the day with life and honor. Having been for five years in the military serv- ice, and having vainly sought promotion in the royal army, he took advantage of the fall of Ft. Du- quesne and the expulsion of the French from the valley of the Ohio to 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 (Dandridge) Custis, the wealthy widow of John Parke Custis. When the British Parliament had closed the port of Boston, the cry went up throughout the provinces, ' ' The cause oi Boston is the cause of us all! '' It was then, at the suggestion of Vir- ginia, that a congress of all the colonies was called to meet at Philadelphia September 5, 1774, to secure their common liberties, peaceably if possible. To this congress Col. Washington was sent as a delegate. On May 10, 1775, the congress re-assembled, when the hostile -inten- tions of England were plainly apparent. The battles of Concord and Lexington had been fought, and among the first acts of this congress was the election of a commander-in-chief of the Colonial forces. This high and responsible office was con- ferred upon Washington, who was still a member of the congress. He accepted it on June 19, but upon the express condition that he receive no sal- ary. He would keep an exact account of ex- penses, and expect congress to 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 disadvan- tage; 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 December 23, 1783, Washington, in a parting address of surpassing beauty, resigned his com- mission as Commander-in-Chief of the army to the Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He retired immediately to Mt. Venion and resumed his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning all connection with public life. In February, 1789, Washington was unani- mously elected President, and at the expiration of his first term he was unanimously re-elected. At the end of this term many were anxious that he be re-elected, but he absolutely refused a third nomination. On March 4, 1797, at the expiration of his second term as President, 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 army, but he chose his sub- ordinate officers and left 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 prepara- tions his life was suddenly cut off. December 1 2 he took a severe cold from a ride in the rain, which, settling in his throat, produced inflamma- tion, and terminated fatally on the night of the 1 4th. On the i8th his body was borne with mili- tary honors to its final resting-place, and interred in the family vault at Mt. Vernon. Of the character of Washington it is impossible to speak but in terms of the highest respect and admiration. 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 talent and character, which have been able to challenge the reverence of all parties, and principles, and nations, and to win a fame as extended as the limits of the globe, and which we cannot but believe will be as lasting as the exist- ence of man. In person, Washington was unusually tall, erect and well proportioned, and his muscular strength was great. His features were of a beausiful sym- metry. He commanded respect without any ap- pearance of haughtiness, and was ever serious without being dull. JOHN ADAMS. (TORN ADAMS, the second President and the I first Vice- President of the United States, was (2) born in Braintree (now Quiucy) Mass., and about ten miles from Boston, October 19, 1735. His great-grandfather, Henry Adams, emigrated from England about 1640, with a family of eight sons, and settled at Braintree. The parents of John were John and Susannah (Boylston) Adams. His father, who was a farmer of limited means, also engaged in the business of shoe- making. He gave his eldest son, John, a classical education at Harvard College. John graduated in 1755, and at once took charge of the school at Worcester, Mass. This he found but a ' ' school of affliction," from which he endeavored to gain relief by devoting himself, in addition, to the study of law. For this purpose he placed himself under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town. He had thought seriously of the clerical profes- sion, but seems to have been turned from this by what he termed " the frightful engines of ecclesi- astical councils, of diabolical malice, and Calvin- istic good nature, ' ' of the operations of which he had been a witness in his native town. He was well fitted for the legal profession, possessing a clear, sonorous voice, being ready and fluent of speech, and having quick perceptive powers. He gradually gained a practice, and in 1764 married Abigail Smith, a daughter of a minister, and a lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his j marriage, in 1765, the attempt at parliamentary taxation turned him from- law to politics. He took initial steps toward holding a town meeting, and the resolutions he offered on the subject be- came very popular throughout the province, and were adopted word for word by over forty differ- ent towns. He moved to Boston in 1768, and became one of the most courageous and promi- nent advocates of the popular cause, and was chosen a member of the General Court (the leg- islature) in 1770. Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first dele- gates from Massachusetts to the first Continent- al Congress, which met in 1774. Here he dis- tinguished himself by his capacity for business and for debate, and advocated the movement for independence against the majority of the mem- bers. In May, 1776, he moved and carried a res- olution in Congress that the Colonies should assume the duties of self-government. He was a prominent member of the committee of five ap- pointed June 1 1 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 Independ- ence was passed, while his soul was yet warm with the 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 will be de- cided among men. A resolution was passed without one dissenting colony, 'that these United States are, and of right ought to be, free and in- dependent states.' The day is passed. The Fourth of July, 1776, will be a memorable epoch 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, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward forever. You will think me transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of the toil and blood and treas- ure that it will cost to maintain this declaration and support and defend these States; yet, through 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, JOHN ADAMS. 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 Ben- jamin 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 exposed him to great peril of capture by the British cruisers, who were seeking him. He left France June 17, 1779. In September of the same year he was again chosen to go to Paris, and there hold him- self in readiness to negotiate a treaty of peace and of commerce with Great Britain, as soon as the British cabinet might be found willing to listen to such proposals. He sailed for France in No- vember, and from there he went to Holland, where he negotiated important loans and formed im- portant commercial treaties. Finally, a treaty of peace with England was signed, January 2 1 , 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 continued fever and becoming feeble and emaciated, he was advised to go to England to drink the waters of Bath. While in England, still drooping and desponding, he re- ceived dispatches from his own government urg- ing 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, he made 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 regarded him as a traitor. As Eng- land did not condescend to appoint a minister to the United States, and as Mr. Adams felt that he was accomplishing but little, he sought permis- sion to return to his own country, where he ar- rived in June, 1788. When Washington was first chosen President, John Adams, rendered illustrious by his signal services at home and abroad, was chosen Vice- President. Again, at the second election of Wash- ington as President, Adams was chosen Vice- President. In 1796, Washington 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. While Mr. Adams was Vice-President the great French Revolution shook the continent of Europe, and it was upon this point that he was at issue with the majority of his countrymen, led by Mr. Jefferson. Mr. Adams felt no sympathy with the French people in their struggle, for he had no confidence in their power of self-govern- ment, and he utterly abhorred the class of atheist philosophers who, he claimed, caused it. On the other hand, Jefferson's sympathies were strongly enlisted in behalf of the French people. Hence originated the alienation between these distin- tinguished men, and the two powerful parties were thus soon organized, with Adams at the head of the one whose sympathies were with England, and Jefferson leading the other in sympathy with France. The Fourth of July, 1826, which completed the half-century since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, 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 coinci- dence 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 cus- tomary celebration of the day, he exclaimed "Independence forever!" When the day was ushered in by the ringing of bells and the firing of cannons, he was asked by one of his attend- ants if he knew what day it was ? He replied, ' ' O yes, it is the glorious Fourth 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, "Jeffer- son survives." But he had, at one o'clock, resigned his spirit into the hands of his God. OF THE UMIVC.SITY of tl- THOMAS JEFFERSON. ^"HOMAS JEFFERSON was bom April 2, I C 1743, at Shadwell, Albemarle County, Va. \S) His parents were Peter and Jane (Ran- dolph) Jefferson, the former a native of Wales, and the latter born in London. To them were born six daughters and two sons, of whom Thomas was the elder. When fourteen years of age his father died. He received a most liberal educa- tion, having been kept diligently at school from the time he was five years of age. In 1760 he entered William and Mary College. Williams^ burg was then the seat of the Colonial court, and it was the abode of fashion and splendor. Young Jefferson, who was then seventeen years old, lived somewhat expensively, keeping fine horses, and going much into gay society; yet he was ear- nestly devoted to his studies, and irreproachable in his morals. In the second year of his college course, moved by some unexplained impulse, he discarded his old companions and pursuits, and often devoted fifteen hours a day to hard study. He thus attained very high intellectual culture, and a like excellence in philosophy and the lan- guages. 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 distinguished himself by his energy and acuteness as a lawyer. But the times called for greater action . The policy of England had awak- ened the spirit of resistance in the American Col- onies, and the enlarged views which Jefferson had ever entertained soon led him into active politi- cal life. In 1 769 he was chosen a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. In 1775 he mar- ried Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beautiful, wealthy, and highly accomplished young widow. In 1775 he was sent to the Colonial Congress, where, though a silent member, his abilities as a writer and a reasoner soon become known, and he was placed upon a number of important com- mittees, and was chairman of the one appointed for the drawing up of a declaration of independ- ence. This committee consisted of Thomas Jef- ferson, 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 Congress. On June 28, a few slight changes were made in it by Congress, and it was passed and signed July 4, 1776. In 1779 Mr. Jefferson was elected successor to Patrick Henry as Governor of Virginia. At one time the British officer Tarleton sent a secret i expedition to Monticello to capture the Governor. | Scarcely five minutes elapsed after the hurried escape of Mr. Jefferson and his family ere his mansion was in possession 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 years later he was appointed Minister Pleni- potentiary to France. Returning to the United States in September, 1789, he became Secretary of State in Washington's cabinet. This position he resigned January i, 1794. In 1797, he was chosen Vice- President, and four years later was elected President over Mr. Adams, with Aaron 28 THOMAS JEFFERSON. Burr as Vice-President. In 1804 he was re- elected with wonderful unanimity, George Clin- ton being elected Vice-President. The early part of Mr. Jefferson's second ad- ministration was disturbed by an event which threatened the tranquillity and peace of the Union; this was the conspiracy of Aaron Burr. Defeated in the late election to the Vice-Presidency, and led on by an unprincipled ambition, this extraor- dinary man formed the plan of a military ex- pedition into the Spanish territories on our south- western frontier, for the purpose of forming there a new republic. This was generally supposed to have been 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 de- termined to retire from political life. For a period of nearly forty years he had been continually be- fore the public, and all that time had been em- ployed in offices of the greatest trust and respon- sibility. Having thus devoted the best part of his life to the service of his country, he now felt desirous of that rest which his declining years re- quired, and upon the organization of the new ad- ministration, in March, 1809, he bade fare well for- ever to public life and retired to Monticello, his famous country home, which, next to Mt. Vernon, was the most distinguished residence in the land. The Fourth of July, 1826, being the fiftieth an- niversary of the Declaration of American Inde- pendence, great preparations 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. Jeffer- son, as the framer and one of the few surviving signers of the Declaration, to participate in their festivities. But an illness, which had been of several weeks' duration and had been continually increasing, compelled him to decline the invita- tion. On the ad of July the disease under which he was laboring left him, but in such a reduced state that his medical attendants entertained no 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 3d of July, he ex- pressed the earnest wish that he might be per- mitted to breathe the air of the fiftieth anniver- sary. 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 forever. And what a noble consummation of a noble life! To die on that day — the birth- day of a nation — the day which 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, un- der God, of their greatest blessings, was all that was wanting to fill up the record of 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 cham- pions of freedom; hand in hand, during the dark and desperate struggle of the Revolution, they had cheered and animated their desponding coun- trymen; for half a century they had labored to- gether for the good of the country, and now hand in hand they departed. 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 be- came white and silvery, his complexion was fair, his forehead broad, and his whole countenance intelligent and thoughtful. He possessed great fortitude of mind as well as personal courage, and his command of temper 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 unaffected, and his hospitality was so unbounded that all found at his house a ready welcome. In conversation he was fluent, eloquent and enthusiastic, and his language was remarkably pure and correct. He was a finished classical scholar, and in his writ- ings is discernible the care with which he formed his style upon the best models of antiquity. . % JAMES MADISON. (TAMES MADISON, "Father of the Consti- I tution," and fourth President of the United (2) States, was born March 16, 1757, and died at his home in Virginia June 28, 1836. The name of James Madison is inseparably connected with most of the important events in that heroic period of our country during which the founda- tions of this great republic were laid. He was the last of the founders of the Constitution of the United States to be called to his eternal reward. The Madison family were among the early emi- grants to the Ne%v World, landing upon the shores of the Chesapeake but fifteen years after the settle- ment of Jamestown. The father of James Madison was an opulent planter, residing upon a very fine estate called Montpelier, in Orange County, Va. It was but twenty-five miles from the home of Jef- ferson^ at Monticello, and the closest personal and political attachment existed between these illustri- ous men from their early youth until death. The early education of Mr. Madison was con- ducted mostly at home under a private tutor. At the age of eighteen he was sent to Princeton Col- lege, in New Jersey. Here he applied himself to study with the most imprudent zeal, allowing him- self for months but three hours' sleep out of the twenty-four. His health thus became so seriously impaired that he never recovered any vigor of constitution. He graduated in 1 77 1 , with a feeble body, but with a character of utmost purity, and a mind highly disciplined and richly stored with learning, which embellished and gave efficiency to his subsequent 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 associated, all combined to inspire him with a strong love of liberty, and to train him for his life-work as a statesman. In the spring of 1776, when twenty-six years of age, he was elected a member of the Virginia Con- vention to frame the constitution of the State. The next year (1777), he was a candidate for the Gen- eral Assembly. He refused to treat the whisky -lov- ing 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 the Executive Council. Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were Governors of Virginia while Mr. Madison re- mained member of the Council, and their apprecia- tion of his intellectual, social and moral worth contributed not a little to his subsequent eminence. In the year 1 780 he was elected a member of the Continental Congress. Here he met the most il- lustrious men in our land, and he was immediately assigned to one of the most conspicuous positions among them. For three years he continued in Con- gress, one of its most active and influential mem- bers. In 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 national government, and no power to form trea- ties which would be binding, or to enforce law! There was not any State more prominent than Virginia in the declaration that an efficient na- tional government must be formed. In January, 1786, Mr. Madison carried a resolution through the General Assembly of Virginia, inviting the other States to appoint commissioners to meet in convention at Annapolis to discuss this subject. Five States only were represented. The conven- tion, however, issued another call, drawn up by Mr. Madison, urging all the States to send their delegates to Philadelphia in May, 1787, to draft a Constitution for the United States, to take the place of the Confederate League. The delegates met at the time appointed. Every State but Rhode Island was represented. George Washing- JAMES MADISON. ton was chosen president of the convention, and the present Constitution of the United States was then and there formed. There was, perhaps, no mind and no pen more active in framing this immortal document than the mind and the pen of James Madison. The Constitution, adopted by a vote of eighty-one to seventy-nine, 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 power at home and little respect abroad. Mr. Madison was elected by the convention to draw up an address to the people of the United States, ex- pounding the principles of the Constitution, and urging its adoption. There was great opposition to it at first, but at length it 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 fas- cination, whom he married. She was in person and character queenly, and probaby no lady has thus far occupied so prominent a position in the very peculiar society which has constituted our republican court as did Mrs. Madison. Mr. Madison served as Secretary 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 destroyed our com- merce, and our flag was exposed 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 brought 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 non- chalance 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 gundeck of his man-of-war, to fight, by compulsion, the battles of England. This right of search and impressment no efforts of our Gov- ernment could induce the British cabinet to re- linquish. On the i8th of June, 1812, President Madison gave his approval to an act of Congress declaring 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. This is not the place to describe the various adventures of this war on the land and on the water. Our infant navy then laid the found- ations of its renown in grappling with the most formidable power which ever swept the seas. The contest commenced in earnest by the appearance of a British fleet, early in February, 1813, in Chesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole coast of the United States under blockade. The Emperor of Russia offered his services as mediator. America accepted; England refused. A British force of five thousand men landed on the banks of the Patuxet River, near its entrance into Chesapeake Bay, and marched rapidly, by way of Bladensburg, 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 the metropolis. The whole population 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 being captured. But few hours elapsed ere the Presidential Mansion, the Capitol, and all the public buildings in Wash- ington were in flames. The war closed after two years of fighting, and on February 13, 1815, the treaty of peace was signed at Ghent. On the 4th of March, 1817, his second term of office expired, and he resigned the Presidential chair to his friend, James Monroe. He retired to his beautiful home at Montpelier, and there passed the remainder of his days. On June 28, 1836, at the age of eighty-five years, he fell asleep in death. Mrs. Madison died July 12, 1849. JAMES MONROE. ([AMfiS MONROE, the fifth President of the I United States, was born in Westmoreland G) County, Va., April 28, 1758. His early life was passed at the place of his nativity. His an- cestors had for many years resided in the province in which he was born. When he was seventeen years old, and in process of completing his educa- tion at William and Mary College, the Colonial Congress, assembled at Philadelphia to deliberate upon the unjust and manifold oppressions of Great Britain, declared the separation of the Colonies, and promulgated the Declaration of Independence. Had he been born ten years before, it is highly probable that he would have been one of the signers of that celebrated instrument. At this time he left school and enlisted among the pa- triots. He joined the army when everything looked hopeless 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 contending 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 in her strife for liberty. Firmly, yet sadly, he shared in the melancholy retreat from Harlem Heights and White Plains, and accompanied the dispirited j army as it fled before its foes through New Jersey. ! In four months after the Declaration of Inde- i pendence, the patriots had been beaten in seven battles. At the battle of Trenton he led the van- guard, and in the act of charging upon the enemy he received a wound in the left shoulder. As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was promoted to be captain of infantry, and, having re- covered from his wounds, he rejoined the army. He, however, receded from the line of promotion by becoming an officer on the staff of Lord Ster- ling. During the campaigns of 1777 and 1778, in the actions of Brandywine, Germantown and Monmouth, he continued aide-de-camp; but be- coming 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 consid- erable ardor the study of common law. He did not, however, entirely lay aside the knapsack for the green bag, but on the invasion of the enemy served as a volunteer during the two years of his legal pursuits. In 1782 he was elected from King George County a member of the Legislature of Virginia, and by that body he was elevated to a seat in the Executive Council. He was thus honored with the confidence of his fellow-citizens at twenty- three years of age, and having at this early period displayed some of that ability and aptitude foi legislation which were afterward employed with unremitting energy for the public good, he was in the succeeding year chosen a member of the Congress of the United States. Deeply as Mr. Monroe felt the imperfections of the old Confederacy, he was opposed to the new Constitution, thinking, with many others of the Republican party, that it gave too much power to the Central Government; and not enough to the individual States. Still he retained the esteem of his friends who were its warm supporters, and who, notwithstanding his opposition, secured its adoption. In 1789 he became a member of the United States Senate, which office he held for JAMES MONROE. four years. Every month the line of distinction between the two great parties which divided the nation, the Federal and the Republican, was growing more distinct. The differences which now separated them lay in the fact that the Repub- lican 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 power, as the Constitution would warrant; while the Federalists sympathized 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 pos- sibly authorize. Washington was then President. England had espoused the cause of the Bourbons against the principles of the French Revolution. All Europe was drawn into the conflict. We were feeble and far away. Washington issued a proclamation of neutrality between these contending powers. France had helped us in the struggles 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 mag- nanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at whatever hazard, we should help our old allies in their extremity. It was the impulse of a gener- ous and noble nature, and Washington, who could appreciate such a character, showed his calm, se- rene, almost divine, greatness, by appointing that very James Monroe who was denouncing the pol- icy of the Government, as the minister of that Government to the Republic of France. Mr. Monroe was welcomed by the National Conven- tion in France with the most enthusiastic dem- onstration. Shortly after his return to this country, Mr. Monroe was elected Governor of Virginia, and held the office for three years. He was again sent to France to co-operate with Chancellor Liv- ingston in obtaining the vast territory then known as the province of Louisiana, which France had but shortly before obtained from Spain. Their united efforts were successful. For the compara- tively small sum of fifteen millions of dollars, the entire territory of Orleans and district of Loui- siana were added to the United States. This was probably the largest transfer of real estate which was ever made in all the history of the world. From France Mr. Monroe went to England to obtain from that country some recognition of our rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against those odious impressments of our seamen. But England was unrelenting. He again returned to England on the 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 under Madison. While in this office war with England was declared, the Secretary of War resigned, and during these trying 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. Upon the return of peace he re- signed the Department of War, but continued in the office of Secretary of State until the expira- tion of Mr. Madison's administration. At the election held the previous autumn, Mr. Monroe himself had been chosen President with but little opposition, and upon March 4, 1817, he was in- augurated. Four years later he was elected for a second term. Among the important measures of his Presi- dency were the cession of Florida to the United States, the Missouri Compromise, and the famous " Monroe doctrine." This doctrine was enun- ciated by him in 1823, and was as follows: " That we should consider any attempt on the part of European powers to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety," and that " we could not view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing or controlling American governments or provinces in any other light than as a manifestation by European powers of an unfriendly disposition toward the United States." At the end of his second term, Mr. Monroe re- tired to his home in Virginia, where he lived un- til 1830, when he went to New York to live with his son-in-law. In that city he died, on the 4th of July, 1831. « 3, a. JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. (JOHN QUINCY ADAMS, the sixth President I of the United States, was born in the rural (2) home of his honored father, John Adams, in Quincy, Mass., on the nth of July, 1767. His mother, a woman of exalted worth, watched over his childhood during the almost constant ab- sence of his father. When but eight years of age, he stood with his mother on an eminence, listening to the booming of the great battle on Bunker's Hill, and gazing out upon the smoke and flames billowing 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 Eu- rope, through a fleet of hostile British cruisers. The bright, animated boy spent a year and a-half in Paris, where his father was associated with Franklin and Lee as Minister Plenipotentiary. ] His intelligence attracted the notice of these dis- tinguished men, and he received from them flat- tering marks of attention. John Adams had scarcely returned to this country, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad. Again John Quincy accompanied his father. At Paris he applied himself to study with great dil- igence for six months, and then accompanied his father to Holland, where he entered first a school in Amsterdam, then the University at Ley den. About a year from this time, in 1781, when the manly boy was but fourteen years of age, he was selected by Mr. Dana, our Minister to the Rus- sian court, as his private secretary. In this school of incessant labor and of ennobl- ; ing culture he spent fourteen months, and then . returned to Holland, through Sweden, Denmark, Hamburg and Bremen. This long journey he took alone in the winter, when in his sixteenth year. Again he resumed his studies, under a pri- vate tutor, at The Hague. Then, in the spring of [ 1782, he accompanied his father to Paris, travel- ( ing leisurely, and forming acquaintances with the most distinguished men on the continent, examin- ; ing architectural remains, galleries of paintings, and all renowned works of art. At Paris he again became associated with the most illustrious men of all lands in the contemplation of the loftiest temporal themes which can engross the human mind. After 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 finish his education. Upon leaving Harvard College at the age of twenty, he studied law for three years. In June, 1794, being then but twenty-seven years of age, he was appointed by Washington Resident Min- ister at the Netherlands. Sailing from Boston in July, he reached London in October, where he was immediately admitted to the deliberations ol Messrs. Jay & Pinckney, assisting them in nego- tiating a commercial treaty with Great Britain. After thus spending a fortnight in London, he proceeded to The Hague. In July, 1797, he left The Hague to go to Por- tugal as Minister Plenipotentiary. On his way to Portugal, upon arriving in London, he met with despatches directing him to the court of Berlin, but requesting him to remain in London until he should receive his instructions. While waiting he was married to an American lady, to whom he had been previously engaged — Miss Louisa Cath- erine Johnson, a daughter of Joshua Johnson, American Consul in London, and a lady en- dowed with that beauty and those accomplish- ments which eminently fitted her to move in the elevated sphere for which she was destined. He reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797, where he remained until July, 1799, when, hav- ing fulfilled all the purposes of his mission, he so- licited 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 foi six years, from the 4th of March, 1804. His rep- utation, his ability and his experience placed JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. him immediately among the most prominent and influential members of that body. In 1809, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the Presidential chair, and he immediately nominated John Quincy Adams Minister to St. Petersburgh. Resigning his professorship in Harvard Col- lege, he embarked at Boston in August, 1809. While in Russia, Mr. Adams was an intense student. He devoted his attention to the lan- guage and history of Russia; to the Chinese trade; to the European system of weights, measures and coins; to the climate and astronomical observa- tions; while he kept up a familiar acquaintance with the Greek and L,atin classics. In all the universities of Europe, a more accomplished scholar could scarcely be found. All through life the Bible constituted an important 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. Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of his numerous friends in public and private life in Europe, he 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. Monroe'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, and party spirit was never more bitter. Two hundred and sixty electoral votes were cast. Andrew Jackson received ninety- nine; John Quincy Adams eighty-four; William H. Crawford forty-one; and Henry Clay thirty- seven. As there was no choice by the people, the question went to the House of Representa- tives. 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 as- sault upon Mr. Adams. There is nothing more disgraceful in the past history of our country than the abuse which was poured in one uninterrupted stream upon this high-minded, upright and pa- triotic man. There never was an administration more pure in principles, more conscientiously de- voted to the best interests of the country, than that of John Quincy Adams; and never, perhaps, was there an administration more unscrupulously and outrageously assailed. On the 4th of March, 1829, Mr. Adams retired from the Presidency, and was succeeded by An- drew Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected Vice- President. The slavery question now be- gan to assume portentous magnitude. Mr. Adams returned to Quincy and to his studies, which he pursued with unabated zeal. But he was not long permitted to remain in retirement. In No- vember, 1830, he was elected Representative in Congress. For seventeen years, or until his death, he occupied the post as Representative, 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 morning, and the last to leave his seat in the evening. Not a measure could be brought forward and es- cape his scrutiny. The battle which Mr. Adams fought, almost singly, against the pro-slavery party in the Government was sublime in its moral daring 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 assas- sination; but no threats could intimidate him, and his final triumph was complete. On the 2ist 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 paralysis, and was caught in the arms of those around him. For a time he was sense- less, as he was conveyed to the sofa in the ro- tunda. With reviving consciousness, 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. ' ' ANDREW JACKSON. Gl NDREW JACKSON, the seventh President T I of the United States, was born in Waxhaw /| 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 Waxhaw settlement, 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 ungainly, and there was but very little in his character made visible which was attractive. When only thirteen years old he joined the volunteers 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 serv- ant," was the reply of the dauntless boy. Andrew supported himself in various ways, such 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 amuse- ments of the times than to his studies. In 1 788, he was appointed solicitor for the Western District of North Carolina, of which Tennessee was then a part. This involved many long journeys amid dangers of every kind, but Andrew Jackson never knew fear, and the Indians had no desire to re- peat a skirmish with "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 conditions of the divorce had just been definitely settled by the first husband. The marriage ceremony was per- formed a second time, but the occurrence was often used by his enemies to bring Mr. Jackson into disfavor. In January, 1796, the Territory of Tennessee then containing nearly eighty thousand inhabi- tants, the people met in convention at Knoxville to frame a constitution. Five were sent from each of the eleven counties. Andrew Jackson was one of the delegates. The new State was entitled to but one member in the National House of Representatives. Andrew Jackson was chosen that member. Mounting his horse, he rode to Philadelphia, where Congress then held its ses- sions, a distance of about eight hundred miles. Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Demo- cratic party, and Jefferson was his idol. He ad- mired Bonaparte, loved France, and hated Eng- land. As Mr. Jackson took his seat, Gen. Wash- ington, whose second term of office was then expiring, delivered his last speech to Congress. A committee 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 administration 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 for six years. When the War of 1812 with Great Britain com- menced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair. Aaron Burr sent word to the President that there was an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jack- son, who would do credit to a commission if one were conferred upon 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 attack upon New Orleans, where Gen. Wil- kinson was in command, he was ordered to de- ANDREW JACKSON. scent1, the river with fifteen hundred troops to aid Wilkinson. The expedition reached Natchez, and after a delay of several weeks there without accomplishing anything, the men were ordered back to their homes. But the energy Gen. Jack- son had displayed, and his entire devotion to the comfort of his soldiers, won for him golden opin- ions, and he became the most popular man in the State. It was in this expedition that his tough- ness gave him the nickname of "Old Hickory." Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip Col. Thomas Benton for a remark that gentleman made about his taking part as second in a duel in which a younger brother of Benton' s was en- gaged, he received two severe pistol wounds. While he was lingering upon a bed of suffering, news came that the Indians, who had combined under Tecumseh from Florida to- the Lakes to ex- terminate the white settlers, were committing the most awful ravages. Decisive action became nec- essary. Gen. Jackson, with his fractured bone just beginning to heal, his arm in a sling, and unable to mount his horse without assistance, gave his amazing energies to the raising of an army to rendezvous at Fayettesville, Ala. The Creek Indians had established a strong fort on one of the bends of the Tallapoosa River, near the center of Alabama, about fifty miles be- low Ft. Strother. With an army of two thousand men, Gen. Jackson traversed the pathless wilder- ness 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 breastwork of logs and brush. Here nine hundred warriors, with an ample supply of arms, were assembled. The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly desperate. Not an Indian would accept quarter. When bleeding and dying, they would fight those who endeavored to spare their lives. From ten in the morning until dark the battle raged. The carnage was awful and revolting. Some threw themselves into the river; but the unerring bul- lets struck their heads as they swam. Nearly every one of the nine hundred warriors was killed. A few, probably, in the night swam the river and escaped. This ended the war. This closing of the Creek War enabled us to concentrate all our militia upon the British, who were the allies of the Indians. No man of less resolute will than Gen. Jackson could have con- ducted this Indian campaign to so successful an issue. Immediately he was appointed Major- General. I,ate in August, with an army of two thousand men on a rushing march, Gen. Jackson went to Mobile. A British fleet went from Pensacola, landed a force upon the beach, anchored near the little fort, and from both ship and shore com- menced 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 twenty-six hundred. The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be mentioned 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 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 perhaps never been surpassed. From the shock of her death he never recovered. His administration was one of the most mem- orable in the annals of our country — applauded by one party, condemned by the other. No man had more bitter enemies or wanner 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. Jackson's life were those of a de- voted Christian man. MARTIN VAN BUREN. |ARTIN VAN BUREN, the eighth Presi- dent of the United States, was born at Kin- derhook, N. Y., December 5, 1782. He died at the same place, July 24, 1862. His body rests in the cemetery at Kinder hook. Above it is a plain granite shaft, fifteen feet high, bearing a simple inscription about half-way up on one face. 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 political and intellectual conflicts, and he gained many signal victories, his days passed uneventful in those incidents which give zest to biography. His ancestors, as his name indi- cates, were of Dutch origin, and were among the earliest emigrants from Holland 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. He was decidedly a precocious boy, developing unusual 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 educa- tion, seven years of study in a law-office were re- quired of him before he could be admitted to the Bar. Inspired with a lofty ambition, and con- scious of his powers, he pursued his studies with indefatigable industry. After spending six years in an office in his native village, he went to the city of New York, and prosecuted his studies for the seventh year. In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty-one years of age, commenced the practice of law in his na- tive village. The great conflict between the Federal and Republican parties was then at its height. Mr. Van Buren was from the beginning a politi- cian. He had, perhaps, imbibed that spirit while listening to the many discussions which had been carried on in his father' s hotel. He was in cordial sympathy with Jefferson, and earnestly and elo- quently espoused the cause of State Rights, though at that time the Federal party held the supremacy both in his town and State. His success and increasing reputation led him after six years of practice to remove to Hudson, the county seat of his county. Here he spent seven years, constantly gaining strength by con- tending in the courts with some of the ablest men who have adorned the Bar of his State. Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mr. Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short years she sank into the grave, a victim of con- sumption, 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 1812, when thirty years of age, he was chosen to the State Senate, and gave his strenuous support to Mr. Madison's administration. In 1815, he was appointed At- torney-General, and the next year moved to Al- bany, the capital of the State. While he was acknowledged as one of the most prominent leaders of the Democratic party, he had the moral courage to avow that true democracy did not require that ' 'universal suffrage' ' which admits the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right 48 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 1821 he was,elected a member of the United States Senate, 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 com- munity. In the Senate of the 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 the Senate. He had been from the beginning a determined opposer of the administration, adopt- ing the ' 'State Rights' ' view in opposition to what was deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams. Soon after this, in 1828, hewas chosen Governor of the State of New York, and accordingly resigned his seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the United States contributed so much towards eject- ing 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 regarded 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 stealth- ily accomplish the most gigantic results. By these powers it is said that he outwitted Mr. Adams, Mr. Clay, and Mr. Webster, and secured results which few then thought could be accomplished. When Andrew Jackson was elected President he appointed Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State. This position he resigned in 1831, and was im- mediately appointed Minister to England, where he went the same autumn. The Senate, however, MARTIN VAN BUREN. when it met, refused to ratify the nomination, and he returned home, apparently untroubled. Later he 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 the 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 favorite; and this, probably, more than any other cause secured his elevation to the chair of the Chief Executive. On the 2oth of May, 1836, Mr. Van Buren received 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 involve this country in war with England, the agitation of the slavery question, and finally the great commercial panic which spread over the country, all were trials of his wis- dom. The financial distress was attributed to' the management of the Democratic party, and brought the President into such disfavor that he failed of re-election, and on the 4th of March, 1841, he retired from the presidency. 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 his income, had now fortunately a competence for his declining years. 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 wealth, enjoying in a healthy old age probably far more happiness than he had before experienced amid the stormy scenes of his active life. WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. pGJlLLIAM HENRY HARRISON, the ninth \ A / Ptesident of the United States, was born V V at Berkeley, Va. , February 9, 1773. His father, Benjamin Harrison, was in comparatively opulent circumstances, and was one of the most distinguished men of his day. He was an inti- mate friend of George Washington, was early elected a member of the Continental Congress, and was conspicuous among the patriots of Vir- ginia in resisting the encroachments of the British crown. In the celebrated Congress of 1775, Ben- jamin Harrison and John Hancock were both candidates for the office of Speaker. Mr. Harrison was subsequently chosen Gov- ernor of Virginia, and was twice re-elected. His son William Henry, of course, enjoyed in child- hood all the advantages which wealth and intel- lectual and cultivated society could give. Hav- ing received a thorough common-school educa- tion, he entered Hampden Sidney College, where he graduated with honor soon after the death of his father. He then repaired to Philadelphia to study medicine under the instructions of Dr. Rush and the guardianship of Robert Morris, both of whom were, with his father, signers of the Dec- laration of Independence. Upon the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and notwithstanding the remonstrances of his friends, he abandoned his medical studies and entered the army, having obtained a commission as Ensign from President Washington. He was then but nineteen years old. From that time he passed gradually upward in rank until he became aide to Gen. Wayne, after whose death he resigned his commission. He was then appointed Secre- tary of the Northwestern Territory. This Terri- tory was then entitled to but one member in Con- gress, and Harrison was chosen to fill that position. In the spring of 1800 the Northwestern Terri- tory was divided by Congress into two portions. The eastern portion, comprising the region now embraced in the State of Ohio, was called ' ' The Territory northwest of the Ohio." The western portion, which included what is now called Indi- ana, Illinois and Wisconsin, was called "the Indi- ana Territory." William Henry Harrison, then twenty-seven years of age, was appointed by John Adams Governor of the Indiana Territory, and immediately after also Governor of Upper Loui- siana. He was thus ruler over almost as exten- sive a realm as any sovereign upon the globe. He was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and was invested with powers nearly dictatorial over the then 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 President Madison. When he began his administration there were but three white settlements in that almost bound- less region, now crowded with cities and resound- ing 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 was a French settlement. The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrison reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians. About the year 1806, two extraordinary men, twin brothers of the Shawnee tribe, rose among them. One of these was called Tecumseh, or "the Crouching Panther;" the other Olliwa- checa, or "the Prophet." Tecumseh was not only an Indian warrior, but a man of great sagac- WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. ity, far-reaching foresight and indomitable perse- verance in any enterprise in which he might en- gage. His brother, the Prophet, was an orator, who could sway the feelings of the untutored In- dians as the gale tossed the tree-tops beneath which they dwelt. With an enthusiasm unsur- passed by Peter the Hermit rousing Europe to the crusades, he went from tribe to tribe, assuming that he was specially sent by the Great Spirit. Gov. Harrison made many attempts to con- ciliate the Indians, but at last war came, and at Tippecanoe the Indians were routed with great slaughter. October 28, 1812, his army began its march. When near the Prophet's town, three Indians of rank made their appearance and in- quired why Gov. Harrison was approaching them in so hostile an attitude. After a short confer- ence, arrangements were made for a meeting 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 protestations. Selecting a favorable spot for his night's encampment, he took every precaution against surprise. His troops were posted in a hollow square and slept upon their arms. The wakeful Governor, between three and four o'clock in the morning, had risen, and was sitting in conversation with his aides by the embers of a waning fire. It was a chill, cloudy morning, with a drizzling rain. In the darkness, the In- dians had crept as near as possible, and just then, with a savage yell, rushed, with all the despera- tion which superstition and passion most highly inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the little army. The savages had been amply pro- vided with guns and ammunition by the English, and their war-whoop was accompanied by a shower of bullets. The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as the light aided the Indians in their aim, and Gen. Harrison's troops stood as immovable as the rocks around them until day dawned, when they made a simultaneous charge with the bayo- net and swept everything before them, completely routing the foe. Gov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked to the utmost. The British, descending from the Canadas, were of themselves a very formidable force, but with their savage allies rushing like wolves from the forest, burning, plundering, scalp- ing, torturing, the wide frontier was plunged into a state of consternation which even the most vivid imagination can but faintly conceive. Gen. Hull had made an ignominious surrender of his forces at Detroit. Under these despairing circumstances, Gov. Harrison was appointed by President Madi- son Commander-in-Chief of the Northwestern Army, with orders to retake Detroit and to protect the frontiers. It would be difficult to place a man in a situation demanding more energy, sagacity and courage, but he was found equal to the position, and nobly and triumphantly did he meet all the responsibilities. . In 1816, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member of the National House of Representatives, to rep- resent the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved an active member, and whenever he spoke it was with a force of reason and power of eloquence which arrested the attention of all the members. In 1819, Harrison was elected to the Senate of Ohio, and in 1824, as one of the Presidential Elec- tors of that State, he gave his vote for Henry Clay. The same year he was chosen to the Uni- ted States Senate. In 1836 his friends brought 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-nom- inated by his party, and Mr. Harrison was unani- mously 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 Web- ster at its head as Secretary of State, was one of the most brilliant with which any President had ever been surrounded. Never were the prospects of an administration 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 pleurisy-fever, and after a few days of violent sickness died, on the 4th of April, just one month after his inauguration as President, of the United States. LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS JOHN TYLER. (JOHN TYLER, the tenth President of the I United States, and was born in Charles G) City County, Va., March 29, 1790. He was the favored child of affluence and high social po- sition. At the early age of twelve, John entered William and Mary College, and graduated with much honor when but seventeen years old. After graduating, he devoted himself with great assi- duity to the study of law, partly with his father and partly with Edmund Randolph, one of the most distinguished lawyers of Virginia. At nineteen years of age, he commenced the practice of law. His success was rapid and as- tonishing. It is said that three months had not elapsed ere there was scarcely a case on the docket of the court in which he was not retained. When but twenty-one years of age, he was almost unanimously elected to a seat in the State Legis- lature. He connected himself with the Demo- cratic party, and warmly advocated the measures of Jefferson and Madison. For five successive years he was elected to the Legislature, receiving nearly the unanimous vote of his county. When but twenty-six years of age, he was elected a Member of Congress. Here he acted ear- nestly and ably with the Democratic party, oppos- ing a national bank, internal improvements by the General Government, and a protective tariff; advocating a strict construction of the Constitu- tion 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 County to recruit his health. He, however, soon after consented to take his seat in the State Legislature, where his influence was powerful in promoting public works of great utility. With a reputation thus constantly in- creasing, he was chosen by a very large majority of votes Governor of his native State. His ad- ministration was a signally successful one, and 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 way- ward 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. Tyler was the victor. In accordance with his professions, upon tak- ing his seat in the Senate he joined the ranks of the opposition. He opposed the tariff, and spoke against and voted against the bank as unconsti- tutional; he strenuously opposed all restrictions upon slavery, resisting all projects of internal im- provements by the General 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 principles 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 his profession. There was a split in the Demo- cratic party. His friends still regarded him as a true Jeffersonian, gave him a dinner, and show- ered compliments upon him. He had now at- tained the age of forty-six, and his career had been very brilliant. In consequence of his devotion to public business, his private affairs had fallen into some disorder, and it was not without satisfac- tion that he resumed the practice of law, and de- voted himself to the cultivation of his plantation. 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 in 1839 to nom- inate a President. The majority of votes were given to Gen Harrison, a genuine Whig, much to the disappointment of the South, which wished JOHN TYLER. for Henry Clay. To conciliate the southern Whigs and to secure their vote, the convention then nominated John Tyler for Vice-President. It was well known that he was not in sympathy with the Whig party in the North; but the Vice- President has very little power in the Govern- ment, his main and almost only duty being to preside over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it happened that a Whig President and, in reality, a Democratic Vice-President were chosen. In 1841, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice- President of the United States. In one short month from that time, President Harrison died, and Mr. Tyler thus found himself, to his own surprise and that of the whole nation, an occu- pant of the Presidential chair. Hastening from Williamsburg to Washington, on the 6th of April he was inaugurated to the high and re- sponsible office. He was placed in a position of exceeding delicacy and difficulty. All his long life he had been opposed to the main principles of the party which had brought him into power. He had ever been a consistent, honest man, with an unblemished record. Gen. Harrison had se- lected a Whig cabinet. Should he retain them, and thus surround himself with counselors 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 harmony with himself, and which would oppose all those views which the Whigs deemed essen- tial to the public welfare? This was his fearful dilemma. He invited the cabinet which Presi- dent Harrison had selected to retain their seats, and recommended 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 ihe United States. The President, after ten days' delay, re- turned it with his veto. He suggested, however, that he would approve of a bill drawn up upon such a plan as he proposed. Such a bill was ac- cordingly prepared, and privately submitted to him. He gave it his approval. It was 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 se- verely touched the pride of the President. The opposition now exultingly received the President 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 was 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 necessary to resign, forced out by the pressure of his Whig friends. Thus the four years of Mr. Tyler's un- fortunate administration passed sadly away. No one was satisfied. The land was filled with mur- murs and vituperation. Whigs and Democrats alike assailed him. More and more, however, he brought himself into sympathy 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, President Tyler re- tired from the harassments of office, to the regret of neither party, and probably to his own unspeak- able relief. The remainder of his days were passed mainly in the retirement of his beautiful home — Sherwood Forest, Charles City County, Va. His first wife, Miss Letitia Christian, died in Washington in 1842; and in June, 1844, he was again married, at New York, to Miss Julia Gardiner, a young lady of many personal and intellectual accomplishments. When the great Rebellion rose, which the State Rights and nullifying doctrines of John C. Calhoun had inaugurated, President Tyler re- nounced his allegiance to the United States, and joined the Confederates. He was chosen a mem- ber of their Congress, and while engaged in active measures to destroy, by force of arms, the Government over which he had once presided, he was taken sick and soon died. JAMES K. POLK. (I AMES K. POLK, the eleventh President of I the United States, was born in Mecklenburgh Qj County, N. C., November 2, 1795. His parents were Samuel and Jane (Knox) Polk, the former a son of Col. Thomas Polk, who located at the above place, as one of the first pioneers, in j 1735. In 1806, with his wife and children, and ! soon after followed by most of the members of the j Polk family, Samuel Polk emigrated some two or three hundred miles farther west, to the rich val- I ley of the Duck River. Here, in the midst of the | wilderness, in a region which was subsequently called Maury County, they erected their log huts and established their homes. In the hard toil of a new farm in the wilderness, James K. Polk ! spent the early years of his childhood and youth. [ His father, adding the pursuit 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 ob- tain a liberal education. His mother's training : had made him methodical in his habits, had taught j him punctuality and industry, and had inspired I him 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 j him and niade arrangements for him to pros- ecute his studies. Soon after he sent him to Mur- freesboro 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 sophomore class in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplary of scholars, punctual in every exercise, never allow- ing himself to be absent from a recitation or a religious service. Mr. Polk graduated in 1818, with the highest honors, being deemed the best scholar of his class, both in mathematics and the classics. He was then twenty-three years of age. His health was at this time much impaired by the assiduity with which 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 planta- tion, the " Hermitage," but a few miles from Nashville. They had probably been slightly ac- quainted before. Mr. Folk's father was a Jeffersonian Republican and James K. adhered to the same political faith. He was a popular public speaker, and was con- stantly called upon to address the meetings of his party friends. His skill as a speaker was such that he was popularly called the Napoleon of the stump. He was a man of unblemished morals, genial and courteous in his bearing, and with that sympathetic nature in the joys and griefs of oth- ers which gave him hosts of friends. In 1823, he was elected to the Legislature of Tennessee, and gave his strong influence toward 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 County, Tenn. His bride was altogether worthy of him — a lady of beauty and culture. In the fall of 1825 Mr. Polk was chosen a member of Congress, and the satis- faction he gave his constituents may be inferred 6o JAMES K. POLK. from the fact, that for fourteen successive years, or until 1839, he was continued in that office. He then voluntarily withdrew, only that he might accept the Gubernatorial chair of Tennessee. In Congress he was a laborious member, a frequent and a popular speaker. He was always in his seat, always courteous, and whenever he spoke it was always to the point, 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 he performed his arduous duties to a very general satisfaction, and a unanimous vote of thanks to him was passed 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 Octo- ber 14, 1839, took the oath of office at Nashville. In 1841 his term of office expired, and he was again the candidate of the Democratic party, but was defeated. On the 4th of March, 1845, Mr. Polk was in- augurated President of the 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 signature to a joint resolu- tion of Congress, passed on the 3d of March, ap- proving of the annexation of Texas to the Union. As Mexico still claimed Texas as one of her provinces, the Mexican Minister, Almonte, im- mediately demanded his passports and left the 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 received into the Union on the same footing with the other States. In the mean time, Gen. Taylor was sent with an army into Texas to hold the country. He was first sent to Nueces, which the Mexicans said was the western boundary of Tex- as. 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 on the western banks. The anticipated collision soon took place, and war was declared against Mexico by President Polk. The war was pushed forward by his ad- ministration 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 slaughtered. The day of judgment alone can reveal the misery which this war caused. It was by the ingenuity of Mr. Folk'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 California. 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 ma- jestic States to be added to the Union. There were some Americans who thought it all right; there were others who thought it all wrong. In the prosecution of this war we expended twenty thousand lives and more than $100,000,000. Of this money $15,000,000 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. Tay- lor, and the same evening, with Mrs. Polk, he commenced his return to Tennessee. He was then but fifty-four years of age. He had always 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 tranquillity and happiness were be- fore him. But the cholera — that fearful scourge — was then sweeping up the Valley of the Missis- sippi, and he contracted the disease, dying on the 1 5th of June, 1849, in the fifty-fourth year of his age, greatly mourned by his countrymen. % ZACHARY TAYLOR. TAYLOR, twelfth President of j I. the United States, was born on the 24th of /~) November, 1784, in Orange County, Va. His father, Col. Taylor, was a Virginian of j note, and a distinguished patriot and soldier of ; the Revolution. When Zachary was an infant, his father, with his wife and two children, emi- grated to Kentucky, where he settled in the path- ( less wilderness, a few miles from Louisville. In this frontier home, away from civilization and all its refinements, young Zachary could enjoy but few social and educational advantages. 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 I character. He was strong, fearless and self-reli- | ant, and manifested a strong desire to enter the army to fight the 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 a commission as 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 from one of the first families of Maryland. Immediately after the declaration of war with England, in 1812, Capt. Taylor (for he had then been promoted to that rank) was put in command of Ft. Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles above Vincennes. This fort had been built in the wilderness by Gen. Harrison, on his march to Tippecanoe. It was one of the first points of at- tack by the Indians, led by Tecumseh. Its garri- son consisted of a broken company of infantry, numbering fifty men, many of whom were sick. Early in the autumn of 1812, the Indians, stealthily, and in large numbers, moved upon 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 anticipated assault. On the 4th of Sep- tember, a band of forty painted and plumed sav- ages came to the fort, waving a white flag, and informed Capt. Taylor that in the morning their chief would come to have a talk with him. It was evident that their object was merely to ascer- tain 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 capture, death by the most agonizing and prolonged torture. No pen can describe, no imagination can conceive, the scenes which ensued. The savages succeeded in setting fire to one of the block-houses. Until six o'clock in the morning this awful conflict con- tinued, when the savages, baffled at every point and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired. Capt. Taylor, for this gallant defense, was pro- moted to the rank of Major by brevet. Until the close of the war, Maj. Taylor was placed in such situations that he saw but little more of active service. He was sent far away into the depths of the wilderness to Ft. Craw- ford, on Fox River, which empties into Green Bay. Here there was little to be done but to wear away the tedious hours as one best could. There Were no books, no society, no intellectual stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful years rolled on. Gradually he rose to the rank of Colonel. In the Black Hawk War, which re- ZACHARY TAYLOR. suited in the capture of that renowned chieftain, Col. Taylor took a subordinate, but a brave and efficient, part. For twenty-four years Col. Taylor was engaged in the defense of the frontiers, in scenes so re- mote, and in employments so obscure, that his name was unknown beyond the limits of his own immediate acquaintance. In the year 1836, he was sent to Florida to compel the Seminole Indi- ans to vacate that region, and retire beyond the Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty had prom- ised they should do. The services rendered here secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of the Government, and as a reward he was ele- vated to the high rank of Brigadier-Ge'neral by brevet, and soon after, in May, 1838, was ap- pointed to the chief command of the United States troops in Florida. After two years of wearisome employment amidst the everglades of the Peninsula, Gen. Tay- lor obtained, at his own request, a change of command, and was stationed over the Department of the Southwest. This field embraced Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. Establishing his headquarters at Ft. Jessup, in Louisiana, he removed his family to a plantation which he pur- chased near Baton Rouge. 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 by the United States. Soon the war with Mexico 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 everywhere in the na- tion. Then came the battles of Monterey and Buena Vista, in which he won signal victories over forces much larger than he commanded. The tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena Vista spread 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 wonderful popularity in bringing forward the unpolished, unlettered, hon- est soldier as their candidate for the Presidency. Gen. Taylor was astonished at the announce- ment, 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 poli- tics, that for forty years he had not cast a vote. It was not without chagrin that several distin- guished statesmen, who had been long years in the public service, found their 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, remarked, " It is a nomination not fit to be made. ' ' Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nor a fine writer. His friends took possession of him, and prepared such few communications as it was needful should be presented to the public. The popularity of the successful warrior swept the land. He was triumphantly elected over two opposing candidates, — Gen. Cass and Ex-Presi- dent 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 suf- ferings 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, while slavery stood at the door to bar her out. Gen. Taylor found the political conflicts in Washington to be far more trying 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 9th of July, 1850. His last words were, " I am not afraid to die. I am ready. I have endeav- ored to do my duty." He died universally re- spected and beloved. An honest, unpretending man, he had been steadily growing in the affec- tions of the people, and the Nation bitterly la- mented his death. MILLARD FILLMORE. IV A ILLARD FILLMORE, thirteenth President I V I of the United States, was born at Summer 101 Hill, Cayuga County, N. Y., on the yth of January, 1800. His father was a farmer, and, owing to misfortune, in humble circumstances. Of his mother, the daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard, of Pittsfield, Mass., it has been said that she pos- sessed an intellect of a high order, united with much personal loveliness, sweetness of disposi- tion, graceful manners and exquisite sensibilities. She died in 1831, having lived to see her son a young man of distinguished promise, though she was not permitted to witness the high dignity which he finally attained. In consequence of the secluded home and limited means of his father, Millard enjoyed but slender advantages for education in his early years. The common schools, which he occasionally attended, were very imperfect institutions, and books were scarce and expensive. There was nothing then in his character to indicate the brilliant career upon 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 village, where some enterprising man had commenced the col- lection of a village library. This proved an in- estimable blessing to young Fillmore. His even- ings were spent in reading. Soon every leisure moment was occupied with books. His thirst for 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 enkindled in his heart a desire to be something more than a mere worker with his hands. The young clothier had now attained the age of nineteen years, and was of fine personal appear- ance and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so hap- pened that there was a gentleman in the neigh- borhood of ample pecuniary means and of benev- olence,— Judge Walter Wood, — who was struck with the prepossessing appearance of young Fill- more. He made his acquaintance, and was so much impressed with his ability and attainments that he advised him to abandon his trade and de- vote himself to the study of the law. The young man replied that he had no means of his own, no friends to help him, and that his previous edu- cation 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 lend him such money as he needed. Most grate- fully the generous offer was accepted. There is in many minds a strange delusion about a collegiate education. A young man is supposed to be liberally educated if he has gradu- ated at some college. But many a boy who loi- ters through university halls and then enters a law office is by no means as well prepared to prosecute his legal studies as was Millard Fill- more 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 intense 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 com- menced the practice of law. In this secluded, quiet region, his practice, of course, was limited, and there was no opportunity for a sudden rise in fortune or in fame. Here, in 1826, he married a lady of great moral worth, and one capable of MILLARD FILLMORE. 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 advo- cate, gradually attracted attention, and he was invited to enter into partnership, under highly ad- vantageous 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 Repre- sentative from Erie County. Though he had never taken a very active part in politics, his vote and 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 parties that his courtesy, ability and integrity won, to a very unusual de- gree, 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 arena in the most tumultuous hours of our national history, when the great conflict respecting the national bank and the removal of the deposits was raging. His term of two years closed, and he returned to his profession, which he pursued with increas- ing reputation 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 experience as a Representative gave him strength 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 energies were brought to bear upon the public good. Every measure re- ceived his impress. Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute, and his popularity filled the State. In the year 1847, when he had attained the age of forty- seven years, he was elected Comptroller of the State. His labors at the Bar, in the Legisla- ture, in Congress and as Comptroller, had given him very considerable fame. The Whigs were casting about to find suitable candidates for Presi- dent and Vice-President at the approaching elec- tion. 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 trumpet-tones all over the land as a candidate for the presidency. But it was necessary to associate with him on the same ticket some man of repu- tation as a statesman. Under the influence of these considerations, the names of Zachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore became the rallying-cry of the Whigs, as their candidates for President and Vice-President. The Whig ticket was signally triumphant. On the 4th of March, 1849, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated President, and Millard Fillmore Vice-President, of the United States. On the gth of July, 1850, President Taylor, about one year and four months after his inaugura- tion, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the Constitution, Vice-President Fillmore thus be- came President. He appointed a very able cabi- net, of which the illustrious Daniel Webster was Secretary of State; nevertheless, he had serious difficulties to contend with, since the opposition had a majority in both Houses. He did all in his power to conciliate the South; but the pro-slavery party in the South felt the inadequacy of all measures of transient conciliation. The popula- tion of the free States was so rapidly increasing over that of the slave States, that it was inevitable that the power of the Government should soon pass into the hands of the free States. The fa- mous compromise measures were adopted under Mr. Fillmore's administration, and the Japan ex- pedition was sent out. On the 4th of March, 1853, he, having served one term, retired. In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the Presidency by the "Know-Nothing" party, but was beaten by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. Fillmore lived in retirement. During the terri- ble conflict of civil war, he was mostly silent. It was generally supposed that his sympathies were rather with those who were endeavoring to over- throw our institutions. President Fillmore kept aloof from the conflict, without any cordial words of cheer to 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 8, 1874. FRANKLIN PIERCE. [""RANKUN PIERCE, the fourteenth Presi- j>) dent of the United States, was born in Hills- | * borough, N. H., November 23, 1804. His father was a Revolutionary soldier, who with his own strong arm hewed out a home in the wilder- ness. He was a man of inflexible integrity, of strong, though uncultivated, mind, and was an un- compromising Democrat. The mother of Frank- lin Pierce was all that a son could desire — an in- telligent, prudent, affectionate, Christian woman. Franklin, who was the sixth of eight children, was a remarkably bright and handsome boy, generous, 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. The neighbors looked upon him with pride and affection. He was by instinct a gentleman, always speaking kind words, and doing kind deeds, with a peculiar, unstudied tact which taught him what was agreeable. Without de- veloping any precocity of genius, or any unnatural devotion to books, he was a good scholar, and in body and mind a finely developed boy. When sixteen years of age, in the year 1820, he entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me. He was one of the most popular young men in the college. The purity of 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 pe- culiarly winning in his address, and it was evi- dently not in the slightest degree studied — it was the simple outgushing of his own magnanimous and loving nature. Upon graduating, in the year 1824, Franklin Pierce commenced 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 entering, all tended to entice Mr. Pierce into the fascinating yet perilous path of political life. With all the ardor of his nature he espoused the cause of Gen. Jackson for the Presi- dency. 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 years. 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. In 1837, being then but thirty-three years old, he was elected to the Senate, 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 accomplishments, and one admirably fitted to adorn every station with which her husband was honored. Of the three sons who were born to them, all now sleep with their par- ents in the grave. In the year 1838, 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 engage- ments at home, and the precarious 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 FRANKLIN PIERCE. Mr. Pierce into the army. ' Receiving the appoint- ment of Brigadier-General, he embarked with a portion of his troops at Newport, R. I., on the 27th of May, 1847. He took an important part in this war, proving himself a brave and true sol- dier. When Gen. Pierce reached his home in his na- tive State, he was received enthusiastically by the advocates of the Mexican War, and coldly by his opponents. He resumed the practice of his pro- fession, very frequently taking an active part in political questions, 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 en- forcement of the infamous Fugitive Slave Law, which so shocked the religious sensibilities of the North. He thus became distinguished 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 1 2th of June, 1852, the Democratic con- vention met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate for the Presidency. For four days they contin- ued 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-ninth ballot, he received two hundred and eighty-two votes, and all other candidates eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was the Whig can- didate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with great una- nimity. Only four States — Vermont, Massachu- setts, Kentucky and Tennessee — cast their elec- toral votes against him. Gen. Franklin Pierce 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 experienced. The controversy between slavery and freedom was then approaching its culminating point. It be- came evident that there was to be 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 admin- istration, did everything he could to conciliate the South; but it was all in vain. The conflict every year grew more violent, and threats of the disso- lution of the Union were borne to the North on every Southern breeze. Such was the condition of affairs when Presi- dent Pierce approached the close of his four- years term of office. The North had become thoroughly alienated 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 reprehension of his administrative acts. The slaveholders of the South also, unmindful of the fidelity with which he had advocated those meas- ures of Government which they approved, and perhaps feeling that he had rendered himself so unpopular as no longer to be able to accepta- bly serve them, ungratefully dropped him, and nominated James Buchanan to succeed him. On the 4th of March, 1857, President Pierce re- turned to his home in Concord. His three chil- dren were all dead, his last surviving child hav- ing been killed before his eyes in a railroad acci- dent; 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 divided our country into two parties, and two only, Mr. Pierce remained steadfast in the prin- ciples 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 Government. He con- tinued 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 hon- ored communicant of the Episcopal Church, and one of the kindest of neighbors. Generous to a fault, he contributed liberally toward the allevia- tion of suffering and want, and many of his towns-people were often gladdened by his material bounty. JAMES BUCHANAN. (JAMES BUCHANAN, the fifteenth President I of the United States, was born in a small (2) frontier town, at the foot of the eastern ridge of the Alleghanies, in Franklin County, Pa., on the 2^d of April, 1791. The place where the humble cabin home stood was called Stony Bat- ter. His father was a native of the north of Ire- land, who had emigrated in 1783, with little prop- erty save his own strong arms. Five years after- ward he married Elizabeth Spear, the daughter of a respectable farmer, and, with his young bride, plunged into the wilderness, staked his claim, reared his log hut, opened a clearing with his axe, and settled down there to perform his obscure part in the drama of life. 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. His progress was rapid, and at the age of fourteen he entered Dickinson Col- lege, at Carlisle. Here he developed remarkable talent, and took his stand among the first scholars in the institution. In the year 1809, he graduated with the high- est honors of his class. He was then eighteen years of age; tall and graceful, vigorous in health, fond of athletic sports, an unerring shot, and en- livened with an exuberant flow of animal spirits. He immediately commenced the study of law in the city of Lancaster, and was admitted to the Bar in 1812, when he was but twenty-one years of age. In 1820, he reluctantly consented to run as a candidate for Congress. He was elected, and for ten 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 profes- sion, having acquired an ample fortune. Gen. Jackson, upon his elevation to the Presi- dency, appointed Mr. Buchanan Minister to Rus- sia. The duties of his mission he performed with ability, and 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 Cal- | houn. He advocated the measures proposed by President Jackson, of making reprisals against France to enforce the payment of our claims against that country, and defended the course of the President in his unprecedented and wholesale removal from office of those who were not the supporters of his administration. Upon this question he was brought into direct collision with Henry Clay. He also, with voice and vote, ad- vocated expunging from the journal of the Senate the vote of censure against Gen. Jackson for re- moving 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 slavery, he advocated that they should be respectfully re- ceived, 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 for- eign government as in any of the States where it now exists. ' ' Upon Mr. Folk's accession to the Presidency, Mr. Buchanan became Secretary of State, and as such took his share of the responsibility in the 76 JAMES BUCHANAN. 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 Texas 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 perpetuation 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 1850, which included the Fugitive Slave Law. Mr. Pierce, upon his election to the Presidency , honored Mr. Buchanan with the mis- sion to England. In the year 1856, a national Democratic Con- vention nominated Mr. Buchanan for the Presi- dency. The political conflict was one of the most severe in which our country has ever engaged. All the friends of slavery were on one side; all the advocates of its restriction and final abolition on the other. Mr. Fremont, the candidate of the enemies of slavery, received one hundred and fourteen electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received one hundred and seventy-four, and was elected. The popular vote stood 1,340,618 for Fremont, 1,224,750 for Buchanan. On March 4, 1857, the latter was inaugurated. Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only four years were wanting to fill up his three-score years and ten. His own friends, those with whom he had been allied in political principles and action for years, were seeking the destruc- tion of the Government, that they might rear upon the ruins of our free institutions a nation whose corner-stone should be human slavery. In this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly bewildered. He could not, with his long-avowed principles, 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 per- jury of the grossest kind, unite with those en- deavoring to overthrow the Republic. He there- fore did nothing. The opponents of Mr. Buchanan's administra- tion nominated Abraham Lincoln as their stand- ard-bearer in the next Presidential canvass. The pro-slavery party declared that if he were elected and the control 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. As the storm increased in violence, the slave- holders claiming the right to secede, and Mr. Buchanan avowing that Congress had no power to prevent it, one of the most pitiable exhibitions of governmental imbecility was exhibited that 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 upon his sword-hilt, he exclaimed: "The Union must and shall be preserved!" South Carolina seceded in December, 1860, nearly three months before the inauguration of President Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in listless despair. The rebel flag was raised in Charleston; Ft. Sumter was besieged; our forts, navy-yards and arsenals were seized; our depots of military stores were plundered, and our cus- tom-houses and post-offices were appropriated by the rebels. The energy of the rebels and the imbecility of our Executive were alike marvelous. The na- tion looked on in agony, waiting for the slow weeks to glide away and close the administration, so terrible in its weakness. At length the long- looked-for hour of deliverance came, when Abra- ham Lincoln was to receive the scepter. The administration of President Buchanan was certainly the most calamitous our country has ex- perienced. His best friends can not recall it with pleasure. And still more deplorable 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 country's banner should triumph over the flag of the Rebellion. He died at his Wheatland retreat, June i, 1868. ABRAHAM LINCOLN. (p\ BRAHAM LINCOLN, the sixteenth Presi- Hdent of the United States, was born in Hardin County, Ky., February 12, 1809. About the year 1780, a man by the name of Abraham j Lincoln left Virginia with his family and moved into the then wilds of Kentucky. Only two years after this emigration, and while still a young man, he was working one day in a field, when an Indian stealthily approached and killed him. His widow was left in extreme poverty with five little chil- dren, three boys and two girls. Thomas, the youngest of the boys, and the father of President Abraham Lincoln, was four years of age at his father's death. When twenty-eight years old, Thomas Lincoln built a log cabin, and married Nancy Hanks, the daughter of another family of poor Kentucky emigrants, who had also come from Virginia. Their second child was Abraham Lincoln, the sub- ject of this sketch. The mother of Abraham was a noble woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created to adorn a palace, but doomed to toil and pine, and die in a hovel. " All that I am, or hope to be," exclaimed the grateful son, "I owe to my angel- mother. ' ' When he was eight years oi age, his father sold his cabin and small farm and moved to Indiana, where two years later his mother died. As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly family was the usual lot of humanity. There were joys and griefs, weddings and funerals. Abraham's sister Sarah, to whom he was tenderly attached, was married when a child of but four- teen years of age, and soon died. The family was gradually scattered, and Thomas Lincoln sold out his squatter's claim in 1830, and emi- grated to Macon County, 111. Abraham Lincoln was then twenty-one years of age. With vigorous hands he aided his father in rearing another log cabin, and worked quite diligently at this until he saw the family com- fortably settled, and their small lot of enclosed prairie planted with corn, when he announced to his father his intention to leave home, and to gc out into the world and seek his fortune. Little did he or his friends imagine how brilliant that fortune was to be. He saw the value of educa- tion and was intensely earnest to improve his mind to the utmost of his power. Religion he revered. His morals were pure, and he was un- contaminated 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 Illinois, and thence by the Mississippi to New Orleans. What- ever Abraham Lincoln undertook, he performed so faithfully as to give great satisfaction to his employers. In this adventure the latter were so well pleased, that upon his return they placed a store and mill under his care. In 1832, 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 twenty-three 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 Mr. Stuart a load oi books, carried them back, and began his legal studies. When the Legislature assembled, he trudged on foot with his pack on his back one hundred miles 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 removed to Springfield and began the practice of law. His success with the jury was so great 8o ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 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 ques- tion. 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 contest in 1858 for a seat in the Senate, form a most notable part of his history. The issue was on the slavery question, and he took the broad ground of the Declaration of In- dependence, that all men are created equal. Mr. Lincoln was defeated in this contest, but won a far higher prize. The great Republican Convention met at Chi- cago on the 1 6th of June, 1860. The delegates and strangers who crowded the city amounted to twenty-five thousand. An immense building called " The Wigwam," was reared to accommo- date the convention. There were eleven candi- dates for whom votes were thrown. William H. Seward, a man whose fame as a statesman had long filled the land, was the most prominent. It was generally supposed he would be the nomi- nee. Abraham Lincoln, however, received the nomination on the third ballot. Election day came, and Mr. Lincoln received one hundred and eighty electoral votes out of two hundred and three cast, and was, therefore, con- stitutionally elected President of the United States. The tirade of abuse that was poured upon this good and merciful man, especially by the slave- holders, was greater than upon any other man ever elected to this high position. In February, 1861, Mr. Lincoln started for Washington, stop- ping in all the large cities on his way, making speeches. The whole journey was fraught with much danger. Many of the Southern States had already seceded, and several attempts at assassi- nation were afterward brought to light. A gang in Baltimore had arranged upon his arrival to "get up a row," and in the confusion to make sure of his death with revolvers and hand-gren- ades. A detective unravelled the plot. A secret and special train was provided to take him from Harrisburg, through Baltimore, at an unexpected hour of the night. The train started at half-past ten, and to prevent any possible communication on the part of 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; but during no other administration had the duties devolving upon the President been so manifold, and the responsibilities so great, as those which fell to his lot. 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, both personal and national. Contrary to his own estimate of himself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the most cour- ageous 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 1861, however, plans had been made for his assassination, and he at last fell a victim to one of them. April 14, 1865, he, with Gen. Grant, was urgently invited to attend Ford's Theatre. It was announced that they would be present. Gen. Grant, however, left the city. President Lincoln, feeling, with his char- acteristic kindliness of heart, that it would be a disappointment if he should fail them, very re- luctantly 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 brain. 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. His was a life which will fitly become a model. His name as the Savior of his country will live with that of Wash- ington's, its Father. ANDREW JOHNSON. G| NDREW JOHNSON, seventeenth President LJ of the United States. The early life of An- I I drew Johnson contains but the record of pov- erty, destitution and friendlessness. He was born December 29, 1808, in Raleigh, N. C. His par- ents, belonging to the class of "poor whites" of the South, were in such circumstances that they could not confer even the slightest advantages of education upon their child. When Andrew was five years of age, his father accidentally lost his life, while heroically 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 reader write, was apprenticed to a tailor in his native town. A gen- tleman was in the habit of going to the tailor's shop occasionally, and reading to the boys at work there. He often read from the speeches of distinguished British statesmen. Andrew, who was endowed with a mind of more than ordinary ability, became much interested in these speeches; his ambition was roused, and he was inspired with a strong desire to learn to read. He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet, and with the assistance of some of his fellow- workmen learned his letters. He then called upon the gentleman to borrow the book of speeches. The owner, pleased with his zeal, not only gave him the book, but assisted him in learning to com- bine the letters into words. Under such difficul- ties he pressed onward laboriously, spending usu- ally ten or twelve hours at work in the shop, and then robbing himself of rest and recreation to de- vote such time as he could to reading. He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located at Greenville, where he married a young lady who possessed some education. Under her instructions he learned to write and cipher. He became prominent in the village debating society, and a favorite with the students of Greenville College. In 1828, he organized 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 work- ing-class, to which he belonged. In 1835, he was elected a member of the House of Represent- atives of Tennessee. He was then just twenty- seven years of age. He became a very active member of the Legislature, gave his support to the Democratic party, and in 1840 "stumped the State," advocating Martin Van Buren's claims to the Presidency, in opposition to those of Gen. Harrison. In this campaign he acquired much 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 suc- cessive elections held that important post for ten years. In 1853, he was elected Governor of Tenn- essee, and was re-elected in 1855. In all these responsible positions, he discharged his duties with distinguished ability, and proved himself the warm friend of the working classes. In 1857, 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 probably 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 sup- ported the compromise measures, the two essen- ANDREW JOHNSON. tial features of which wer£, 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 free States of the North should return to the South persons who attempted to escape from slavery. Mr. Johnson was never ashamed of 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 Savior was the son of a carpenter. ' ' In the Charleston-Baltimore convention of 1860, he was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for the Presidency. In 1861, when the purpose of the Southern 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 Tenn- essee, and repeatedly imperiled his own life to protect the Unionists of that State. Tennessee having seceded from the Union, President Lincoln, on March 4, 1862, appointed him Military Gov- ernor of the State, and he established the most stringent military rule. His numerous proclama- tions 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 inconsistency with, and in the most violent opposition to, the princi- ples laid down in that speech. In his loose policy of reconstruction and general amnesty, he was opposed by Congress, and he characterized Congress as a new rebellion, and lawlessly defied it in everything possible to the ut- most. 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 Tenure of Office Act, articles of impeachment were preferred 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 ar- ticle so would it vote upon all. Thirty-four voices pronounced the President guilty. As a two-thirds vote was necessary to his condemnation, he was pronounced acquitted, 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 Presidency. The Nation rallied with enthusiasm, unparalleled since the days of Wash- ington, around the name of Gen. Grant. Andrew Johnson was forgotten. The bullet of the assassin introduced him to the President's chair. Not- withstanding this, never was there presented to a man a better opportunity to immortalize 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 January 26, after an exciting struggle, he was chosen by the Legislature of Tennessee United States Senator in the Forty-fourth Congess, and took his seat in that body, at the special ses- sion convened by President Grant, on the sth of March. On the 27th of July, 1875, the ex-Presi- dent 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 health, but on reaching the residence of his child the following day, he was stricken with paralysis, which rendered him unconscious. He rallied oc- casionally, but finally passed away at 2 A. M., July 31 , aged sixty -seven years. His funeral was held at Greenville, on the 3d of August, with every demonstration of respect. ULYSSES S. GRANT. HLYSSES S. GRANT, the eighteenth Presi- dent of the United States, was born on the 2gth 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 Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio. In this re- mote frontier hamlet, Ulysses received a common- school education. At the age of seventeen, in the year 1839, he entered the Military Academy at West Point. Here he was regarded as a solid, sensible young man, of fair ability, 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 Infantry to one of the distant military posts in the Missouri Territory. Two years he passed in these dreary solitudes, watching the vagabond Indians. The war with Mexico came. Lieut. Grant was sent 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 Resaca de la Palma, his second battle. At the battle of Monterey, his third en- gagement, it is said that he performed a signal service of daring and skillful horsemanship. At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant j returned with his regiment to New York, an-1 : 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 J the Pacific shores, Capt. Grant was sent with a j battalion to Ft. Dallas, in Oregon, for the protec- tion of the interests of the immigrants. But life was wearisome in those wilds, and he resigned his commission and returned to the States. Hav- ing married, he entered upon the cultivation of a small farm near St. Louis, Mo., but having little skill as a farmer, and finding his toil not re- munerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering into the leather business, with a younger brother at Galena, 111. This was in the year 1860. As the tidings of the rebels firing on Ft. Sumter reached the ears of Capt. Grant in his counting- room, he said: "Uncle Sam has educated me for the army; though I have served him through one war, I do not feel that I have yet repaid the debt. I am still ready to discharge my obliga- tions. I shall therefore buckle on my sword and see Uncle Sam through this war too. ' ' He went into the streets, raised a company of volunteers, and led them as their Captain to Springfield, the capital of the State, where their services were offered to Gov. Yates. The Gov- ernor, impressed by the zeal and straightforward executive ability of Capt. Grant, gave him a desk in his office to assist in the volunteer organiza- tion that was being formed in the State in behalf of the Government. On the 1 5th of June, 1861, Capt. Grant received a commission as Colonel of the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. His merits as a West Point graduate, who had served for fifteen years in the regular arm}', were such that he was soon promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General, and was placed in command at Cairo. The rebels raised their banner at Padu- cah, near the mouth of the Tennessee River. Scarcely had its folds appeared in the breeze ere Gen. Grant was there. The rebels fled, their banner fell, and the Stars and Stripes were un- furled in its stead. He entered the service with great determina- tion and immediately began active duty. This was the beginning, and until the surrender of Lee at Richmond he was ever pushing the enemy ULYSSES S. GRANT. with great vigor and effectiveness. At Belmont, a few days later, he surprised and routed the rebels, then at Ft. Henry won another victory. Then came the brilliant fight at Ft. Donelson. The nation was electrified by the victory, and the brave leader of the boys in blue was immediately made a Major-General, and the military district of Tennessee was assigned to him. Like all great captains, Gen. Grant knew well how to secure the results of victory. He imme- diately pushed 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 seventy -two cannon. The fall of Vicksburg was by far the most severe blow which the rebels 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 Texas, 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 to the aid of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas at Chattanooga, and by a wonderful series of strategic and technical measures put the Union army in fighting condition. Then followed the bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout Moun- tain and Missionary Ridge, in which the rebels were routed with great loss. This won for him unbounded praise in the North. On the 4th of February, 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 the duties of his new office. Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge of the army to concentrate the widely-dispersed National troops for an attack upon Richmond, the nominal capital of the rebellion, and endeavor there to destroy the rebel armies which would be promptly assembled from all quarters for its de- fense. The whole continent seemed to tremble under the tramp of these majestic armies, rushing to the decisive battle-field. Steamers were crowd- ed with troops. Railway trains were burdened with closely-packed thousands. His plans were comprehensive, and involved a series of cam- paigns, which were executed with remarkable energy and ability, and were consummated at the surrender of Lee, April 9, 1865. The war was ended. The Union was saved. The almost unanimous voice of the nation de- clared Gen. Grant to be the most prominent in- strument in its salvation. The eminent services he had thus rendered the country brought him conspicuously forward as the Republican candi- date for the Presidential chair. At the Republican Convention held at Chicago, May 21, 1868, he was unanimously nominated for the Presidency, and at the autumn election received a majority of the popular vote, and two hundred and fourteen out of two hundred and ninety-four electoral votes. The National Convention of the Republican party, which met at Philadelphia on the 5th 01 June, 1872, placed Gen. Grant in nomination for a second term by a unanimous vote. The selec- tion was emphatically indorsed by the people five months later, two hundred and ninety-two elect- oral -votes being cast for him. Soon after the close of his second term, Gen. Grant started upon his famous trip around the world. He visited almost every country of the civilized world, and was everywhere received with such ovations and demonstrations of respect and honor, private as well as public and official, as were never before bestowed upon any citizen of the United States. He was the most prominent candidate before the Republican National Convention in 1880 for a renomination for President. He went to New York and embarked in the brokerage business under the firm name of Grant & Ward. The latter proved a villain, wrecked Grant's fortune, and for larceny was sent to the penitentiary. 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, 1885, the nation went in mourning over the death ot the illustrious General. o RUTHERFORD B. HAYES. QUTHERFORD B. HAYES, the nineteenth j UC President of the United States, was born in P\ Delaware, Ohio, October 4, 1822, almost three months after the death of his father, Ruther- ford 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 chieftains, 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. Misfortune overtaking the family, George Hayes left Scotland in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son George was born in Windsor, and remained there during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, married Sarah Lee, and lived from the time of his marriage until his death in Simsbury, Conn. Ezekiel, son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was a manufacturer of scythes at Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes, son of Ezekiel and grandfather of President Hayes, was born in New Haven, in August, 1756. He was a farmer, blacksmith and tavern-keeper. He emigrated to Vermont at an unknown date, settling in Brattleboro, where he established a hotel. Here his son, Rutherford Hayes, the father of President Hayes, was born. He was married, in September, 1813, to Sophia Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt, whose ancestors emigrated thither from Connecticut, they having been among the wealthiest and best families of Norwich. Her ancestry on the male side is traced back to 1635, to John Birchard, one of the principal founders of Norwich. Both of her grand- fathers were soldiers in the Revolutionary War. The father of President Hayes was an industri- ous, frugal, yet open-hearted man. He was of a mechanical turn of mind, and could mend a plow, knit a stocking, or do almost anything else that he chose to undertake. He was a member of the church, active in all the benevolent enterprises of the town, and conducted his business on Chris- tian principles. After the close of the War of 1812, for reasons inexplicable to his neighbors, he resolved to emigrate to Ohio. The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day, when there were no canals, steamers, or rail- ways, was a very serious affair. A tour of in- spection was first made, occupying four months. Mr. Hayes decided to move to Delaware, where the family arrived in 1817. He died July 22, 1822, a victim of malarial fever, less than three months before the birth of the son of whom we write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore bereavement, 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 Vermont, and in an orphan girl, whom she had adopted some time before as an act of charity. Rutherford was seven years old before he went to school. His education, however, was not neg- lected. He probably learned as much from his mother and sister as he would have done at school. His sports were almost wholly within doors, his playmates being his sister and her asso- ciates. These circumstances tended, no doubt, to foster that gentleness of disposition and that del- icate consideration for the feelings of others which were marked traits of his character. His uncle, Sardis Birchard, took the deepest interest in his education; and as the boy's health had improved, and he was making good progress in his studies, he proposed to send him to college. His preparation commenced with a tutor at home; 92 RUTHERFORD B. HAYES. but he was afterwards sent for one year to a pro- fessor in the Wesley an University in Middletown, Conn. He entered 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 de- termined to enter the I,aw School at Cambridge, Mass., where he remained two years. In 1845, after graduating at the I^aw School, he was admitted to the Bar at Marietta, Ohio, and shortly afterward went into practice as an at- torney-at-law with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fre- mont. Here he remained three years, acquiring but a limited practice, and apparently unambitious of distinction in his profession. In 1849 he moved to Cincinnati, where his am- bition found a new stimulus. For several years, however, his progress was slow. Two events occurring at this period had a powerful influence upon his subsequent life. One of these was his marriage with Miss L,ucy Ware Webb, daughter of Dr. James Webb, of Chillicothe; the other was his introduction to the Cincinnati Literary Club, a body embracing among its members such men as Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase, Gen. John Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and many others hardly less distinguished in after life. The mar- riage 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 womanhood. The L,iteraryClub brought Mr. Hayes into constant association with young men of high character 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 Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, but he declined to accept the nomination. Two years later, the of- fice of City Solicitor becoming vacant, the City Council elected him for the unexpired term. In 1 86 1, when the Rebellion broke out, he was at the zenith of his professional life. His rank at the Bar was among the first. But the news of the attack on Ft. Sumter found him eager to take up arms for the defense of his country. His military record was bright and illustrious. In October, 1861, he was made Lieutenant-Colo- nel, and in August, 1862, promoted Colonel of the Seventy-ninth 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 Moun- tain 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 breveted Major-General, "for gallant and distinguished services during the campaigns of 1864, in West Virginia." In the course of his arduous services, four horses were shot from un- der him, and he was wounded four times. In 1864, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress from the Second Ohio District, which had long been Democratic. He was not present during the campaign, and after the election was importuned to resign his commission in the army; but he fi- nally declared, " I shall never come to Washing- ton until I can come by way of Richmond." He was re-elected in 1866. In 1867, Gen. Hayes was elected Governor of Ohio, over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a popular Democrat, and in 1869 was re-elected over George H. Pendleton. He was elected Governor for the third term in 1875. In 1876 he was the standard-bearer of the Re- publican party in the Presidential contest, and after a hard, long contest was chosen President, and was inaugurated Monday, March 5, 1877. He served his full term, not, however, with satis- faction to his party, but his administration was an average one. The remaining years of his life were passed quietly in his Ohio home, where he passed away January 17, 1893. JAMES A. GARFIELD. (TAMES A. GARFIELD, twentieth President I of the United States, was born November 19, G) 1831, in the woods of Orange, Cuyahoga County, Ohio. His parents were Abram and Eliza (Ballou; Garfield, both of New England ancestry, and from families well known in the early history of that section of our country, but who had moved to the Western Reserve, in Ohio, early in its settlement. The house in which James A. was born was not unlike the houses of poor Ohio farmers of that day. It was about 20 x 30 feet, built of logs, with the spaces between the logs filled with clay. His father was a hard-working farmer, and he soon had his fields cleared, an orchard planted, and a log barn built. The household comprised the father and mother and their four children, Mehetabel, Thomas, Mary and James. In May, 1823, the father died from a cold contracted in helping to put out a forest fire. At this time James was about eighteen months old, and Thomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps, can tell how much Jfames was indebted to his brother's toil and self-sacrifice during the twenty years succeeding his father's death. He now lives in Michigan, and the two sisters live in Solon, Ohio, near their birthplace. The early educational advantages young Gar- field enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the most of them. He labored at farm work for others, did carpenter work, chopped wood, or did anything that would bring in a few dollars to aid his widowed mother in her struggles to keep the little family together. Nor was Gen. Garfield ever ashamed of his origin, and he never forgot the friends of his struggling childhood, youth and manhood; neither did they ever forget him. When in the highest seats of honor, the humblest friend of his boyhood was as kindly greeted as ever. The poorest laborer was sure of the sym- pathy of one who had known all the bitterness of want and the sweetness of bread earned by the sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple, plain, modest gentleman. The highest ambition of young Garfield until he was about sixteen years old was to be cap- tain of a vessel on Lake Erie. He was anxious to go aboard a vessel, but this his mother strongly opposed. She finally consented to his going to Cleveland, with the understanding, however, that he should try to obtain some other kind of em- ployment. 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 suc- cess, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos Letcher, on the Ohio & Pennsylvania Canal. He remained at this work but a short time, when he went home, and attended the seminary at Chester for about three years. He then entered Hiram and the Eclectic Institute, teaching a few terms of school in the mean time, and doing other work. This school was started by the Disciples of Christ in 1850, of which body he was then a member. He became janitor and bell-ringer in order to help pay his way. He then became both teacher and pupil. Soon "exhausting Hiram," and needing a higher education, in the fall of 1854 he entered Williams College, from which he grad- uated in 1856, taking one of the highest honors of his class. He afterwards returned to Hiram Col- lege as its President. As above stated, he early united with the Christian, or Disciples, Church at Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous member, often preaching in its pulpit and places where he happened to be. Mr. Garfield was united in marriage, Novem- ber ii, 1858, with Miss Lncretia Rudolph, who proved herself worthy as the wife of one whom all the world loved. To them were born seven children, five of whom are still Irving, four boys and one girl. 96 JAMES A. GARFIELD. Mr. Garfield made his first political speeches in 1856, in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and three years later he began to speak at county mass-meetings, 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 1861 was admitted to the Bar. The great Rebellion broke out in the early part of this year, and Mr. Garfield at once resolved to fight as he had talked, and enlisted to defend the Old Flag. He received his commission as Lieu tenant- Colonel of the Forty-second Regi- ment of Ohio Infantry August 14, 1861. He was immediately put into active service, and be- fore he had ever seen a gun fired in action, was placed in command of four regiments of infantry and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the work of driving out of his native State the able rebel officer, Humphrey Marshall, of Kentucky. This work was bravely and speedily accomplished, although against great odds, and President Lin- coln commissioned him Brigadier- General, Janu- ary 10, 1862; and "as he had beej 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 next ordered to re- port to Gen. Rosecrans, and was assigned to the " Chief of Staff." The military history of Gen. Garfield closed with his brilliant services at Chick- amauga, where he won the rank of Major- General. Without an effort on his part, Gen. 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 sixty years mainly by two men — Elisha Whittlesey and Joshua R. Giddings. It was not without a strug- gle that he resigned his place in the army. At the time he entered Congress he was the youngest member in that body. There he remained by successive re-elections until he was elected Presi- dent, in 1880. Of his labors in Congress, Senator Hearsays: "Since the year 1864 you cannot think of a question which has been debated in Congress, or discussed before a tribunal of the American people, in regard to which you will not find, if you wish instruction, the argument 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." Upon January 14, 1880, Gen. Garfield was elect- ed to the United States Senate, and on the 8th of June, of the same year, was nominated as the candidate of his party for President at the great Chicago Convention. He was elected in the fol- lowing November, and on March 4, 1881, was inaugurated. Probably no administration ever opened its existence under brighter auspices than that of President Garfield, and every day it grew in favor with the people. By the ist of July he had completed all the initiatory and prelimi- nary wofk of his administration, and was prepar- ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Will- iams College. While on his way and at the depot, in company with Secretary Elaine, a man stepped behind him, drew a revolver, and fired directly at his back. The President tottered and fell, and as he did so the assassin fired a second shot, the bullet cutting the left coat sleeve of his victim, but inflicting no further injury. It has been very truthfully said that this was ' ' the shot that was heard around the world. ' ' Never before in the history of the nation had anything occur- red which so nearly froze the blood of the people for the moment as this awful deed. He was smitten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his life, 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, how- ever, remained master of himself till the last, and by his magnificent bearing taught the country and the world one of the noblest of human les- sons— how to live grandly in the very clutch of death. Great in life, he was surpassingly great in death. He passed serenely away September 19, 1883, at Elberon, N. J., on the very bank of the ocean, where he had been taken shortly be- fore. The world wept at his death, as it rarely ever had done on the death of any other great and noble man. CHESTER A. ARTHUR. E HESTER A. ARTHUR, twenty-first Presi- dent of the United States, was born in Frank- lin County, Vt.( on the sth day of October, 1 830, and was the eldest of a family of two sons and five daughters. His father was the Rev. Dr. William Arthur, a Baptist clergyman, who emi- grated to this country from County Antrim, Ire- land, in his eighteenth year, and died in 1875, in Newtonville, near Albany, after a long and suc- cessful ministry. Young Arthur was educated at Union College, Schenectady, where he excelled in all his studies, j After his graduation he taught school in Ver- | mont for two years, and at the expiration of that time came to New York, with $500 in his pocket, and entered the office of ex -Judge E. D. Culver as a student. After being admitted to the Bar, he formed a partnership with his intimate friend and room-mate, Henry D. Gardiner, with the inten- j tion 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 re- turned to New York, where they hung out their shingle, and entered upon a successful career al- most from the start. Gen. Arthur soon after mar- ried the daughter of Lieut. Herndon, of the United States Navy, who was lost at sea. Con- gress voted a gold medal to his widow in recog- nition of the bravery he displayed on that occa- sion. Mrs. Arthur died shortly before Mr. Arthur's nomination to the Vice-Presidency, leav- ing two children. Gen. Arthur obtained considerable legal celeb- rity 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 Jonathan 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. William 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 slaveholders, but he, too, 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 Gen. Arthur in the same cause in 1856. Lizzie Jen- nings, a respectable colored woman, was put off a Fourth Avenue car with violence after she had paid her fare. Gen. Arthur sued on her behalf, and secured a verdict of $500 damages. The next day the company issued an order to admit colored persons to ride on their cars, and the other car companies quickly followed their example. Be- fore that the Sixth Avenue Company ran a few special cars for colored persons, and the other lines refused to let them ride at all. Gen. 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. Morgan, of that State, appointed him Engineer-in-Chief of his staff. In 1861, he was made Inspector-General, and soon afterward be- came Quartermaster-General. In each of these offices he rendered great service to the Govern- CHESTER A. ARTHUR. ment during the war. At the end of Gov. Mor- gan's term he resumed the practice of law, form- ing a partnership with Mr. Ransom, and then Mr. Phelps, the District Attorney of New York, was added to the firm. The legal practice of this well-known firm was very large and lucrative, as each of the gentlemen composing it was an able lawyer, and possessed a splendid local reputa- tion, if not, indeed, one of national extent. Mr. Arthur always took a leading part in State and city politics. He was appointed Collector of the Port of New York by President Grant, No- vember 21, 1872, to succeed Thomas Murphy, and he 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, 1880. This was perhaps the greatest political convention that ever assembled on the continent. It was composed of the lead- ing politicians of the Republican party, all able men, and each stood firm and fought vigorously and with signal tenacity for his respective can- didate that was before the convention for the nomination. Finally Gen. Garfield received the nomination for President, and Gen. Arthur for Vice- President. The campaign which followed was one of the most animated known in the his- tory of our country. Gen. Hancock, the stand- ard-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 was Garfield and Arthur. They were in- augurated 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 nations were throbbing in unison, longing for the recovery of the noble, the good President. The remarkable patience that he manifested during those hours and weeks, and even months, of the most terrible suffering man has ever been called upon to en- dure, was seemingly more than human. It was certainly godlike. 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 re- mainder of the term he had so auspiciously be- gun. 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 Garfield from further suffering, and the world, as never before in its history over the death of any other man, wept at his bier. Then it became the duty of the Vice-President to assume the respon- sibilities of the high office, and he took the oath in New York, September 20, 1881. The position was an embarrassing one to him, made doubly so from the fact that all eyes were on him, anxious to know what he would do, what policy he would pursue, and whom he would select as advisers. The duties of the office had been greatly neglected during the President's long illness, and many im- portant measures were to be immediately decided by him; and to still further embarass 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 Govern- ment in his own hands, and, as embarrassing as was the condition of affairs, he happily surprised the nation, acting so wisely that but few criticized his administration. He served the nation well and faithfully until the close of his administra- tion, March 4, 1885, and was a popular candidate before his party for a second term. His name was ably presented before the convention at Chi- cago, 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- rying with him the best wishes of the American people, whom he had served in a manner satisfac- tory to them and with credit to himself. One year later he was called to his final rest. LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS STEPHEN GROVER CLEVELAND. (STEPHEN GROVER CLEVELAND, the ?\ twenty -second President of the United States, Q) was born in 1837, in the obscure town of Caldwell, Essex County, N. J., and in a little two-and-a-half-story white house, which is still standing to characteristically mark the humble birthplace of one of America's great men, in striking contrast with the Old World, where all men high in office must be high in origin and born in the cradle of wealth. When the subject of this sketch was three years of age, his father, who was a Presbyterian minister with a large family and a small salary, moved, by way of the Hudson River and Erie Canal, to Fayetteville, N. Y., 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 Pompey 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 dis- tinguishing trait of all geniuses and independent thinkers. When he arrived at the age of four- teen years, he had outgrown the capacity of the village school, and expressed a most emphatic de- sire to be sent to an academy. To this his fa- ther decidedly objected. Academies in those days cost money; besides, his father wanted him to become self-supporting by the quickest pos- sible means, and this at that time in Fayetteville seemed to be a position in a country store, where his father and the large family on 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 commenced his career as salesman, and in two years he had earned so good a reputation for trustworthiness that his employ- ers desired to retain him for an indefinite length of time. But instead of remaining with this firm in Fayetteville, he went with the family in their re- moval to Clinton, where he had an opportunity of attending a High School. Here he industri- ously pursued his studies until the family re- moved with him to a point on Black River known as the "Holland Patent," a village of five or six hundred people, fifteen 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 tD accept, at a small salary, the position 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 calling in life, and, revers- ing the traditional order, he left the city to seek his fortune, instead of going to the city. He first thought of Cleveland, Ohio, as there was some charm in that name for him; but before proceed- ing to that place he went to Buffalo to ask 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 the old gentleman; " do you, indeed? Whatever 104 STEPHEN GROVER CLEVELAND. 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 of- fice of Rogers, Bowen & Rogers, of Buffalo, and told them what he wanted. A number of young men were already engaged in the office, but Gro- ver's persistency won, and he was finally per- mitted to come as an office boy and have the use of the law library, receiving as wages the sum of $3 or $4 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 winter was a memorably severe one, his shoes were out of repair, and as for his overcoat he had none; yet he was, nevertheless, prompt and regular. On the first day of his service there, his senior employer threw down a copy of Black- stone 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 clerks and students, as they thought that was enough to scare young Grover out of his plans; but in due time he mastered that cumbersome volume. Then, as ever afterward, however, Mr. Cleve- land exhibited a talent for executiveness rather than for chasing principles through all their metaphysical possibilities. "Let us quit talking and go and do it, ' ' was practically his motto. The first public office to which Mr. Cleveland was elected was that of Sheriff of Erie County, N. Y., in which Buffalo is situated; and in such capacity it fell to his duty to inflict capital punish- ment upon two criminals. In 1881 he was elected Mayor of the City of Buffalo, on the Democratic ticket, with especial reference to bring- ing about certain reforms in the administration of the municipal affairs of that city. In this of- fice, as well as in that of Sheriff, his performance of duty has generally been considered fair, with possibly a few exceptions, which were ferreted out and magnified during his Presidential cam- paign. As a specimen of his plain language in a veto message, we quote from one vetoing an iniquitous 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 most bare-faced, impudent and shameless scheme to betray the interests of the people and to worse than squander the people's money." The New York Sun afterward very highly commended Mr. Cleveland's administra- tion as Mayor of Buffalo, and thereupon recom- mended 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 very public throughout the na- tion after he was nominated for President of the United States. For this high office he was nominated July n, 1884, by the National Demo- cratic Convention at Chicago, when other com- petitors 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 Re- publican statesman, James G. Elaine. President Cleveland resigned his office as Governor of New York in January, 1885, 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, 1885. The silver question precipitated a controversy between those who were in favor of the continu- ance of silver coinage and those who were op- posed, Mr. Cleveland answering for the latter, even before his inauguration. On June 2, 1886, President Cleveland married Frances, daughter of his deceased friend and part- ner, Oscar Folsom, of the Buffalo Bar. Their union has been blessed by the birth of two daugh- ters. In the campaign of 1888, President Cleve- land was renominated by his party, but the Republican candidate, Gen. Benjamin Harrison, was victorious. In the nominations of 1892 these two candidates for the highest position in the gift of the people were again pitted against each other, and in the ensuing election President Cleveland was victorious by an overwhelming majority. I BENJAMIN HARRISON. HENJAMIN HARRISON, the twenty-third ft President, is the descendant of one of the \,J historical families of this country. The first known head of the family was Maj.-Gen. Harrison, one of Oliver Cromwell's trusted followers and fighters. In the zenith of Cromwell' s power it be- came the duty of this Harrison to participate in the trial of Charles I., and afterward to sign the death warrant of the king. He subsequently paid for this with his life, being hung October 13, 1660. His descendants came to America, and the next of the family that appears in history is Benjamin Harrison, of Virginia, great-grandfa- ther of the subject of this sketch, and after whom he was named. Benjamin Harrison was a mem- ber of the Continental Congress during the years 1774, 1775 and 1776, and was one of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence. He was three times elected Governor of Virginia. Gen. William Henry Harrison, the son of the distinguished patriot of the Revolution, after a successful career as a soldier during the War of 1812, and with a clean record as Governor of the Northwestern Territory, was elected President of the United States in 1840. His career was cut short by death within one month after his in- auguration. President Harrison was born at North Bend, Hamilton County, Ohio, August 20, 1833. His life up to the time of his graduation from Miami University, at Oxford, Ohio, was the uneventful one of a country 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 the daughter of Dr. Scott, Principal of a female school at Oxford. After graduating, he determined to enter upon the study of law. He went to Cincinnati and there read law for two years. At the expiration of that time young Har- rison received the only inheritance of his life — his aunt, dying, left him a lot valued at $800. He regarded this legacy as a fortune, and decided to get married at once, take this money and go to some Eastern town and begin the practice of law. He sold his lot, and, with the money in his pocket, he started out with his young wife to fight for a place in the world. He decided to go to Indian- apolis, which was even at that time a town of promise. He met with slight encouragement at first, making scarcely anything the first year. He worked diligently, applying himself closely to his calling, built up an extensive practice and took a leading rank in the legal profession. In 1860, Mr. Harrison was nominated for the position of Supreme Court Reporter, and then be- gan his experience as a stump speaker. He can- io8 BENJAMIN HARRISON. vassed the State thoroughly, and was elected by a handsome majority. In 1862 he raised the Seventeenth Indiana Infantry, and was chosen its Colonel. His regiment was composed of the raw- est material, but Col. Harrison employed all his time at first in mastering military tactics and drill- ing his men, and when he 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 ("or his bravery at Peachtree Creek he was made a Brigadier-General, Gen. Hooker speaking of him in the most complimentary terms. During the absence of Gen. Harrison in the field, the Supreme Court declared the office of Supreme Court Reporter vacant, and another person was elected to the position. From the time of leaving Indiana with his regiment until the fall of 1864 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 term. He then started to rejoin Sherman, but on the way was stricken down with scarlet fever, and after a most trying attack made his way to the front in time to participate in the closing incidents of the war. In 1868 Gen. Harrison declined a re-election as Reporter, and resumed the practice of law. In 1 876 he was a candidate for Governor. Although defeated, the brilliant campaign he made won for him a national reputation, and he was much sought after, especially in the East, to make speeches. In 1880, as usual, he took an active part in the campaign, and was elected to the United States Senate. Here he served for six years, and was known as one of the ablest men, best lawyers and strongest debaters in that body. With the ex- piration 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 country. The convention which assembled in Chicago in June and named Mr. Harrison as the chief st. md- ard-bearer of the Republican party was great in every particular, and on ttis account, and the at- titude it assumed upon the vital questions of the day, chief among which was the tariff, awoke a deep interest in the campaign throughout the nation. Shortly after the nomination, delegations began to visit Mr. Harrison at Indianapolis, his home. This movement became popular, and from all sections of the country societies, clubs and delegations journeyed thither to pay their re- spects to the distinguished statesman. Mr. Harrison spoke daily all through the sum- mer and autumn to these visiting delegations, and so varied, masterly, and eloquent were his speeches that they at once placed him in the fore- most rank of American orators and statesmen. Elected by a handsome majority, he served his country faithfully and well, and in 1892 was nom- inated for re-election; but the people demanded a change and he was defeated by his predecessor in office, Grover Cleveland. On account of his eloquence as a speaker and his power as a debater, Gen. Harrison was called upon at an early age to take part in the dis- cussion of the great questions that then began to agitate the country. ; lie w,as an uncompromising anti-slavery man v aijd_was •'matched against some of the most eminent1:, .Demi^atic speakers of his State. No man who felt the touch of his blade desired to be pitted with him again. With all his eloquence as an orator he never spoke for ora- torical effect, but his words always went like bul- lets to the mark. He is purely American in his ideas, and is a splendid type of the American statesman. Gifted with quick perception, a logi- cal mind and a ready tongue, he is one of the most distinguished impromptu speakers in the nation. Many of these speeches sparkled with the rarest eloquence and contained arguments of great weight, and many of his terse statements have already become aphorisms. Original in thought, precise in logic, terse in statement, yet withal faultless in eloquence, he is recognized as the sound statesman and brilliant orator of the day. During the last days of his administration Presi- dent Harrison suffered an irreparable loss in the death of his devoted wife, Caroline (Scott) Har- rison, a lady of many womanly charms and vir- tues. They were the parents of two children. GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. HADRACH BOND, the first Governor of Illinois after its organization as a State, serving from 1818 to i&22, 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, 1812, and serving until Oct. 3, 18:4. These were the times, the reader will recollect, when this Gov- ernment had its last struggle with Great Britain. The year 1812 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-emp- tion on the public domain. On the expiration of his term a1. 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 Jonas, 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 the 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, 1818, the 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 to 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 ]X>rtion of the State be- ing mainly in Madison County. Thus it appears that Mr. Bond was honored by the naming of a SHADRACH BOND. county before he was elected Governor. The present county of Bond is of small limitations, 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 their promotion to the chief offices of the Slate, even before the constitution was drafted, a foregone con- tlusion. 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 Ke it 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 ftrrous Missouri • Compromise was adopted by Congress, limiting slavery to the south of the parallel of 36° 30' except in Missouri. While this measure 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 1818 was a com promise 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 htm 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 1820 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 tc 7,460 for the latter. Gov. Bond was no orator, but had made many fast friends by a judicioas be;towment of his gubernatorial patronage, and these worked zealously for him in the campaign. In 1827 ex-Gov. Bond was appointed by the 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 with the ladies. He died April n, 1830, in peace and Contentment. UNIVERSITY GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. DWARD COLES, second Governor of Illinois, 1823- 6, was born Dec. 15, 1786, in Albemarle Co., Va., on the old family estate called "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 Mary College, at Williamsburg, Va. This college he left in the summer of 1807, 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 notables 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 i > 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 more 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 part of the non-slaveholding portion of the Union he woula 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- EDWARD COLES. ander) of the error committed by his minister at Washington, and the consequent withdrawal of the the latter from the post. On his return, Mr. Coles visited other parts 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, 111., 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 pf 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 desctibed in his own language : "The effect upon them was electrical. They stared at me 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 landing 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 politeness and general intelli- gence, the greatest struggle that ever occurred in Illinois on the slavery quesiion culminated in the furious contest characterizing the campaigns and elections of 1822-4. 1° 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. Browne and Gen. James 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 plural- ity over Judge Phillips 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 lo 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 whkb 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 time 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 revsaled the schemes of the conspirators in a masterly .tian- 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 those 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, 1868, and is buried at Woodland, near that city. GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. INIAN EDWARDS, Governor from 1827 to 1830, was a sou of Benjamin Edwards, and was born in Montgomery County, Maryland, in March, 1775. 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 principles. His education in early youth was in company with and partly under the tuition of Hon. Wm. 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 further educated at Dickinson College, at Car- lisle, Pa. He next 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 County before he was 2 1 years of age, and was re- lected 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 rSo4 was chosen a Presidential Elector, on the Jefferson and Clinton ticket. In 1806 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 r8og, 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, 1809. Edwards arrived at Kaskaskia in June, and on the i ith of that month took the oath of office. At the same time he was appointed Superin- tendent of the United States Saline, this Governmen interest then developing into considerable proportion in Southern Illinois. Although during the first thre years of his administration he had the power tomak new counties and appoint all the officers, yet he alway 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 1810 committing sundry depreda- tions in the Territory, crossing the Mississippi from the Territory of Louisiana, a long correspondence fol- lowed between the respective Governors concerning the remedies, which ended in a council with the sav- ages at Peoria in 1812, and a fresh interpretation of the treaties. Peoria was depopulated by these de- predations, and was not re-settled for many .years afterward. As Gov. Edwards' term of office expired by law in 1812, 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 and 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- uater and a conscientious statesman. He thought seriously of resigning this situation in 1821, 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 Wm. 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," disgraced the statute books of both the Territory and ;he State of Illinois during the whole of his career in ihis commonwealth, and Mr. Edwards always main- tained the doctrines of freedom, and was an important r.ctor in the great struggle which ended in a victory for his party in 1824. In i826--7 the Winnebago and other Indians com- mitted some depredations in the northern part of the State, and the white settlers, who desired the lands 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 havs 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 was also liberal to the poor, several widows and ministers of the gospel becoming indebted to him 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 well' 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 1818; in Edwardsville (named after him) from that time to 1824; and from the lat- ter date at Belleville, St. Clair County, until his death, July 20, 1833, of Asiatic cholera. Edwards County is also named in his honor. Of THE UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS GO VERNGRS OF ILLINOIS. 123 J..OHN REYNOLDS, Governor 1831- 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- posed 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 1 800 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 2oth 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. Accordingly 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. JOHN REYNOLDS. From his services in the West, in the war of 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 1818 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 'udicial 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 excitement. 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 recommended 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 gubernatorial 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 person 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 general Government the war was terminated without 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 coming up at this time, t was heartily condemned by both President Jackson and 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 considering himself a backwoodsman, as r.e had scarcely been outside of the State since he became of age, and had spent nearly all his youthful lays 'u the wildest region of the frontier. His first •nove 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 years, 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 lady 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 bluff 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, Mr. 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 1860, aged and infirm, he attended the National Democratic Convention at Charleston, S. C., as an anti-Douglas Delegate, where he received more attention from the Southern Delegates than any other member. He supported 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, 1861, he urged upon the Buchanan officials the 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. UNIVERSITY GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. ILLIAM LEE D. EWING, Governor of Illinois Nov. 3 to 17, 1834, was a native of Kentucky, and probably of Scotch ancestry. He had ine 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 Public Mor eys at Vandalia soon after the organization of Uii* State, and that the public moneys in his hands vere deposited in various banks, as they are usually •.*• tlu present 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 C olonel in the Black Hawk War, and in emergencies no acted also as Major. In the summer of 1832, ^hen i was rumored among the whites that Block Hawk and "iis men had encamped somewhere on Reck River, Gen. Henry was sent on a tour of reconnoisance, and with orders to drive the Indians from the State. After some opposition from his •ubordinate officers, Henry resolved to proceed up Rock River in search of the enemy. On the iQth of iuly, 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 might make speedy and forced marches. For some miles the travel was exceedingly bad, crossing swamps and the worst thickets ; but the large, fresh trail gave life and animation to the Americans. Gen. Dodge and Col. Ewing were both acting 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 battle, 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 his 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 river. 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- [2ft 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," which 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 chosen to preside over that body. At the August election of 1834, 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 i7th days, in- clusive, of November. On the ryth 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 agth 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 early 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. LIBRARY Cf i HE l'N!Vn-:?MV' i.f I' GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 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 Sandusky, or Fort Stephenson. In Illinois he first appeared in a public capa- city as Major-General of the Militia, a 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. \s 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 militaiy achievements. His chances of success against Cook were generally regarded as hopeless, luit 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 denouement, 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 personal considerations had ever before controlled an election in Illinois. From the above date Mr. Duncan retained his seat in Co.igress 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 ibove all other issues that could arise; but he was douotless 132 JOSEPH DUNCAN. sincere in his opposition to the old hero, as the latter «ad 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 against the course of the President. The measures te 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 mainly 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- mpted the State. The hard times of 1837 came on, and the disasters that attended the inauguration of ihese plans and the operation of the banks were mu- tually charged upon the two political parties. Had any one 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 ; but as many jealous men had hold of the same plow handle, 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 the eastern boundary of the State in the direction of Terre Haute, Quincy via Springfield to the Wabash, Bloomington to Pekin, and Peoria to Warsaw, — in all about 1,300 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- jibuted 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 jlaced at a little over $10,000,000, which was not more than 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 in this fair State was the murder of Elijah P. Love- py in the fall of 1837, 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 themselves, 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,gor 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 policy 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 right. 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, 1844, a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church, leaving a wife but no children. Two children, born to them, had died in infancy. LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. HOMAS CARLIN, the sixth Governor of the State of Illinois, serving from 1838 to 1842, was also a Ken- tuckian, being born near Frankfort, that State, July 1 8, 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 him through life. In 1803 his father removed lo Missouri, then a part of " New Spain," where he died in 1810. In 1812 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- sc-ri, where he followed farming, and then removed to Greene County. He located the town site of Car- no 'ion, in that county, and in 1825 made a liberal donation of land for county building purposes. He was the first Sheriff 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 Mon-ys, 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, witli 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 State 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 State 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 utter absurdity. Hence the question of arresting its career of profligate expenditures did not become a leading one with the dominant party during the campaign, 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 tor the office of Govjrnor, and S. H. Anderson for Lieuten- ant Governor, while the Whigs nominated Cyrus Ed- wards, brotherof Ninian Edwards, formerly Governor, and W. H. Davidson. Edwards came out strongly for a continuance of the State policy, while CarHr remained non-committal. This was the first time that the two main political parties in this State were unembar-assed by any third party in the field. The result of the election was: Carlin, 35,573; Ander- son, 30,335 ; Edwards, 29,629 ; and Davidson, 28,- 715- Upon the meeting of the subsequent Legislature (1839), the retiring Governor CDuncan} in his mes- 1 3* THOMAS CARLIN. 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. Chicago 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 io 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. Scales, Samuel H. Treat and Stephen A. Douglas — all Democrats. It was during 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 Mormons 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 their 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 1840-1, 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 Mormon leader, as a fugitive from justice. Gov. Carlin issued th~ 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 Adam 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, i.z before his ele- vation to office, in agricultural pursuits. In 1849 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. GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. '39 JHOMAS FORD, Governor from 1842 to 1846, and au- thor of a very interesting history of Illinois, was born at Uniontown, Pa., in the year r 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 girls. 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 schooling, under the instructions of a M\ 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 public life. She exercised a rigid economy to provide her children an education ; but George 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 for 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 - . •* GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. '43 AUGUSTUS C. FRENCH, Governor of Illinois from 1846 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 ot Nathaniel French, who emigrated from England in 1687 and settled in Saybury, Mass. In early life young French lost his father, but continued lo 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 Srief 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- phen A. Douglas. In 1839. Mr. French was appointed Receiver of the ITiiied States La:id 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), Walter B. Scales, 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, Win. McMurtry, Newton Cloud, J. B. Hamilton and W. W. Thompson. The resolutions declared strongly against the resuscita- tion of the old State Banks. The Wliigs, wiio 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. Wilcox, 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 ; but in the meantime 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, sweeping every other political issue in its course. The elec- tion in August gave Mr. French 58.700 votes, and Kilpatrick only 36,775. Richard Kells, Abolitionist candidate for the same office, received 5,152 vot*>s AUGUSTUS C. FRENCH. By the new Constitution of 1848, 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 incumbe.it 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 5,639 for 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 Wm. 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 office 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- rangement the revenue was materially increased. About the same lime, the distribution of Government land warrants among the Mexican 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 treasury. The aggregate taxable property of the State at this time was over $100,000,000, and the population 851,470. In 1849 the Legislature adopted the township or- ganization law, which, however, proved defective, and was properly amended in 1851. 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 urged upon that body by Gov. French. In 1850 some business men in St. Louis com- 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 thera 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; r.nd 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 1851 the Legislature passed a law authorizing free stock banks, which 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. Qair Co., 111. LIBRARY OP THE UNIVERSITY uflLLIMIS GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS, 0el 3L matteeott. |:OEL A. MATTESON, Governor 1 85 3-6, 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 his father had given him, made a tour in the South, worked there in building railroads, experienced a slorin 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, with his wife and one child, to Illinois, and entered a claim on-Government land near the head of Au Sable River, in what is now Kendall County. At that time there were not more than two neighbors within a range of ten miles of his place, and only .hree or fo ir house; between him and Chicago. He opened a l.irge 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 1835 he bought largely at the Government land sales. During the speculative real-estate mania which brokeout in Chicago in 1836 and spread over the State, he sold his lands under the inflation of that period and removed to Joliet. In 1838 he became a heavy contractor on the Illinois & Michigan Canal. Upon the completion of his job in 1841, when hard times 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 his canal debts and leave him a surplus of several thousand dollars. His enterprise next prompted him to start a woolen mill at Joliet, in which he prospered, and which, after successive enlargements, became an enormous establishment. In 1842 he was first elected a State Senator, but, by a bungling apportionment, jc. in Pearson, a Senator holding 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 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 $1,600,000 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. Knowlton. 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 rirtues and all the amiable qualities of neighbor or citizen, he had few superiors. 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 Tcrri 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. On 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 1856 put into the field a full national and State ticket, carrying the State, but not the nation. The Legislature of 1855 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 $137,818,079 to $349,951,272; the pub- lic debt was reduced from $17,398,985 to $12,843,- 144; taxation was at the same time reduced, and the State resumed paying interest on its debt in New York as fast as it fell due ; railroads were increased in their mileage from something les,s 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 scrip, amount- ing to $224,182.66. 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 uf 1872-3, at Chicago, GO VEKMORS OF ILLINOIS. •'- i. •llL?!;1--' Y.<'I ;.V..'i . 'i . 'i . 'i . •'' . V . 'X' . V . i1 . '>' . ']' . i1 .V.i ILLIAM H. BISSELL, Gov- ernor 1857-60, was born April 25, 1811, in the State of New York, near Painted Post, Yates County. His parents were obscure, honest, God-fearing people, who 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- ble 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 he 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 lo 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. He was chosen by the Legislature Prosecut- ing Attorney for the 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. BISSELL. 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 htm 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. Conside j 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 1854 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 mos't 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 up 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 the 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 implicating 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.S °°- (See sketch of Gov. Matteson.) In 1859 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 affair, and to this day remains unex- plained or unatoned 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 relaxing its stealthy hold, to the close of his life, March 18, 1860, over nine months before the expiration of his gubernatorial term, at the early age of 48 years. He died in the faith of the Roman Catholic Church, oj which he har» been a member since 1854. UNIVERSI 1 1 Oj GC VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. |;OHN WOOD, Governor i86o-i,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 Crause, 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 languages, 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, 1818, 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 1821 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, 1 8 x 20 feet, the first building in Quincy, of which he then became the first and for some months the only occupant. About this time he visited his old friends in Pike 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 Mr. 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 in 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 half JOHN WOOD. that number of females. Sinoe 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 posi- 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, 1860, 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 1860, resulting in the election of the honest Illinoisan, Abraham Lincoln, to the Presidency of the United States, occurred during Ihe 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 Washington, and in April of the san.e year, on the breaking oi't of the Rebellion, he was appointed Quartermaster-General of the State, which position he held throughout the war. In 1864 he took com- mand as Colonel of the 1 37th 111. Vol. Inf., with whom he served until the period of enlistment ex- pired. Politically, Gov. Wood was always actively identi- fied with 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 behind him, and the strolling red-man 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, 1826,10 Ann M. Streeter, daughter of Joshua Streeter, formerly of Salem, Washington Co., N. Y. They had eight children. Mrs. W. died Oct. 8, 1863, and in June, 1865, 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 Mary 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. LIBRARY OF I HE UNIVERSITY ft ILLINOIS ICHARD YATES, the "War Governor," 1861-4, was born Jan. 18, 1818, on the banks of the Ohio River, at Warsaw, Gallatin Co., Ky. His lather moved in 1831 to Illinois, andt after stopping for a time in Springfield, settled at Island ve, Sangamon County. Here, after attending school, Richard joined the family. Subsequently he entered Illinois College at Jacksonville, where, in 1837, 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 with a fluent and ready oratory, he soon 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 Garrison. 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- • ^ry that by 1850 his large Congressional District, f Mending from Morgan and Sangamon Counties . .jrth to include LaSalle, unanimously tendered him t 'i*. Whig nomination for Congress. His Democratic opponent was Maj. Thomas L. Harris, a very pop- ; 'ar man who had won distinction at the battle of Cerro Gordo, in the Mexican War, and who had oeater. Muii. Stephen T. Logan for the same position, two years before, by a large majority. . Yates waf elected. Two years later he was re-elected, over John Calhoun. It was during Yates second term in Congress that the great question of the repeal of the Missouri Com- promise was agitated, and the bars laid down for re- opening the dreaded anti-slavery question. He took 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, he 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 1 860 met at Decatur May 9, 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, who were also candidates before the Convention. Francis A. Hoffman, of DuPage County, was nominated foi Lieutenant Governor. This was the year when Mr. Lincoln was a candidate for President, a period re- membered as characterized by the great whirlpool which precipitated the bloody War of the Rebellion. The Douglas Democrats nominated J. C. Allen cf Crawford County, for Governor, and Lewis W. Ross, 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 loyalty 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 popularity. His oratory was scholarly and captivating, his hearers hardly knowing why they were transported. 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 upon 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 in beauty or felicity of expression. Generally his mes- sages on political 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 1862, 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 position 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 support 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 import- ant "laws!" Interfering with the (then) present executive duties, Gov. Yates was ^revoked 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 upon the question of adjourning sine 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. UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS I GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 163 ICHARD 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 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 the 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- ticeship as a mechanic, working six months for Hon. E. O. Smith. In 1844 he commenced studying law at Spring- field, with Judge Silas Robbins, and 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 County. 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 1856 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 1858 he was the Republican nominee for the Lower House of Congress, but was defeated by the Hon. James C. Robinson, Democrat. In 1860 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, being 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 ina- i64 RICHARD J. OGLESBY. mediate death. That rebel ball he carries to this day. On his partial recovery he was promoted as Major General, for gallantry, his commission to rank from November, 1862. In the spring of 1863 he was assigned to the command of the i6th Army Corps, but, owing to inability from the effects of his wound, he relinquished this command in July, that year. Gen. Grant, however, refused to accept his resignation, and he was detailed, in December follow- ing, to court-martial and try the Surgeon General of the Army at Washington, where he remained until May, 1864, when he returned home. The Republican, or Union, 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. Wm. Brass, 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 the Legislature and in the repre- sentation in Congress. Gov. Oglesby was duly inaugurated Jan. 17, 1865. The day before the first time set for his installation death visited his home 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 postponed 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 i3th amendment 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 1819. 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 over 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 turning 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. The contests over the .ocation of the Industrial College, the Capital, 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 the 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 S6,I74i — the Democratic defection being caused mainly by their having an old-time Whig and Abolitionist, Horace Greeley, on the national ticket fot 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, 1879, 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 Executive of the State of Illinois, against Carter H. Harrison, Mayor of Chicago, nominated by the Democrats. Both gentlemen " stumped " the State, and while the peo- ple elected a Legislature which was a tie on a join'; ballot, as between the two parties, they gave the jovial " Dick" Oglesby a majority of r 5,01 8 for Gov- ernor, and he was inaugurated Jan. 30, 1885. 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 weL 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 hisjovia. 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 gesturcr,. tremendous physical power, which in speak'ng 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 er.ichasis, he delights a promiscuous audience beyond measure GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 16, )HN Me AULEY PALMER, Gov- ernor 1869-72, was born on Engle Creek, Scott Co., Ky , Sept. 13, 1817. During his in- fancy, his father, who had been a soldier in the wnr of 1812, re- moved to Christian Co., Ky., where lands were cheap. Here the future Governor of the greai 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 the labor of improving a farm \vas pursued for about two years, when the death of Mr. Palmer's mo;her broke up the family. About this time Alton College was opened, on the "manual labor " system, and in the spring of 1834 young Palmer, with his elder brother, Elihu, entered this school and remained 1 8 months. Next, for over three years, he tried various')' coopering, peddling and school-teaching. Dining the summer of 1838 he formed the ac- quaintunce °f Sie;ihe.i 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. Ir 1847 he was elected to the State Constitutional Con vention, where he took a leading part. In 1852 h*. 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 partj issue he refused to receive a re-nomination for th< Senatorship at the hands of the Democracy, issuinj a circular to that effect. A few weeks afterward i6S JOHN MC AULEY PALMER. however, hesitating to break with his party, he par- ticipated in a Congressional Convention which noini- T. L. Harris against Richard Yates, and which unqualifiedly 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 ne put in nomination for the United States Senate Mr. Trumbull, and was one of the five steadfast men who voted for him 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 1860 he was Republican Presidential Elector for the State at large. In 1861 ne 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 :4th 111. Vol. Inf., and participated in the engagements at Island No. 10; at Farndngton, 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 General; 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. Sherman, he was assigned to the I4lh Army Corps and participated in the Atlanta campaign. At Peach-Tree Creek his prudence did much to avert disaster. In February, 1865, Gen. Palmer was as- signed 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. Palmer was nominated for Governor of Illi- nois by the Republican State Convention which met at Pe >ri i M ly 6, 1868, and his nomination would probably have been made by acclamation had he not oersistently declared that he could not accept a can- didature for the office. The result of the ensuing election gave Mr. Palmer a majarity of 44,707 over John R. Eden, the Democratic nominee. O.i 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 pjints, which were more in keeping with the Demo- cratic sentiment, constituted the entering wedge f>r the criticisms and reproofs he afterward received f ro n the Republican party, and ultim uely resulted in his entire alenia'ion from the Litter 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 ; a.id it was passed over the- Governor's veto. Also, they passed, over his veto, the "tax-grabbing law" to pay nulroed 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, 1871, 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 h:is 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 [>oint 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 has a large cranial development, is vivacious, social in disposition, easy of approach, unostentatious in his habits of life, democratic in his habits and manners and is a true American in his fundamental principle' of statesmansliii . GO VERKORS OF ILLINOIS. 171 . '. .,'1 . ', •.>'> •,,','•.:', ••. ', •. y.,<i '. v. '. '. 'X';: v : >' : i> .••.'..•','..• ,';v :.'..• .':.'.: >*•: .' : .'<;.' OHN LOWRiE BEVER- IDGE, Governor 1873-6, was born in the town of Green- wich, Washington Co., N. Y., July 6, 1824. His parents were George and Ann Bever- idge. His father's parents, An- drew and Isabel Beveridge, 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 the 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 Church," 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 igth year. Later in life he became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which 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 his 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 fall 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, his parents and brothers were anxious to have him go to college, even though lie had not money sufficient; but, n 4 willing to bur- den the family, he packed his trunk and with only $40 in money started South to seek his fortune JOHN L. BE VE RIDGE. Poor, alone, without 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, but 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, 1848, 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 1849, 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 .aw, worked m 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, 111., was mustered in Sept. 1 8, and on its organiza- tion Mr. B. was elected Second Major. It was at- tached, Oct. ii, to the Eighth Cavalry and to the Army of the Potomac. He served with the regiment until November, 1863, participating in some 40 bat- tles and skirmishes : was s\ Fair Oaks, the seven days fight around Richmond, Fredericksburg, Chancellors- ville and Gettysburg. He commanded the regiment thegreaterpartofthesummerof i863,andit waswhlle lying in camp this year that he originated thu policy of encouraging recruits as well as the fighting capac- ity of the soldiery, by the wholssale furlough system It worked so well that many other officers adopted it. In the fall of this year he recruited anothercom- pany, against heavy odds, in January, 1864, was commissioned Colonel of the i7th 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, 1866, 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 i.ito office. In the fall of 1866 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, 1871, he was elected Congressmaii'at large; in November, 1872, 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. 21, 1873 Thus, inside of a few weeks, he was Congressma i 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 t'l •; "farmers' move- ment;" " Haines' Legislature " a. id Illinois' exhibit at the Centennial. Since the close of his gubernatorial term ex-Gov Beveridge has been a member of the finn of Bever- idge & Dewey, bankers and dealers in commercial paper at 71 Dearborn Street (McCormick Block), Chicago, and since November, 1881, 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. SHELBY M. CULLOM. HELBV M. CULLOM, Gover- nor 1877-83, ib the sixth child of the late Richard N. Cullom, and was born 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 t'ne 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. Culloro became a prom- inent citizen and was several times elected to the Legislature, both before and after the removal of the capital from Vandalia to Springfield. He died about '873- Until about 19 years of age young Cullom grew up tc agricultural pursuits, attending school as he had lunortunity during the winter. Within this time, owevet, he spent several months teaching «r.hool. 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 hopelesa 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 the 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 healtb failed again, and he was obliged to return once more to out-door life. Accordingly he bought hogs for packing, for A. G. Tyng, in 1'eoria, and while he re- gained his health he gained in purse, netting $400 in a few weeks. Having been admitted to the Bar, he went to Springfield, where he was soon elected City Attorney, on the Anti-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 the same time elected a Representa- 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. |76 SHELB Y M. CULLOM. law until 1860, 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 1 86 1, 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 party scheme to revolutionize the State Government. In 1862 he was a candidate for the State Senate, but was defea'eJ. 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 New 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 entered upon a larger political field, being nominated as the Republican candidate for Congress from the Eighth (Springfield) District, in opposition to the incumbent, John T. 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, ani >ther 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 Oliio, to the Chairmanship of the latter. He intro- duced a bill in the House, to aid in the execution of law i:i Utah, which caused more consternation among the Mormons than any measure had previously, but which, though it passed the House, failed to pass the 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, nlaced 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, 1880, GJV. Cullom was re-nominated by the Republicans, against Lyinan Trumbull, by the Democrats; and although the former 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 forthe Democratic State ticket. The Greenback vote at the same time 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, 1881. In his mes- sage he announced that the last dollar of the State debt had been provided for. March 4, 1883, the term of David Davis as United States Senator from Illinois expired, and Gov. Cul- lo n was chosen to succeed him. This promoted Lieutenant-Governor John M. Hamilton to the Gov- ernorship. Senator Cullom's term in the United St.-ites Senate will expire March 4, 1889. A.S a practitioner oflaw Mr. C. has been a member ofthe firm of Cullom, Scholes & Mather, at Spring- field ; and he has also been President of the State National Bank. He has been married twice, — the first time Dec. itt, 1855, to Miss Hannah Fisher, by whom he had trto daughters; and the second time May 5, 1863, to Julia Fisher. Mrs. C is ,1 member ofthe Method - isl Episcopal Church, with which religious body Mi. C. is also in sympathy. GO VERNORS OF ILLINOIS. OHN MARSHALL HAMIL- TON, Governor 1883-5, was born May 28, 1847, in a log house upon a farm about two miles from Richwood, Union County,Ohio. His father was muel Hamilton, the eldest son of Rev. Wm. 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 haher sold out his little pioneer forest home in Union County, O., and, loading his few household effects and family (of six children) inlo two emigrant covered wagons, moved to Roberts Township. Marshall Co., 111., being 2 1 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 payihg for the land and .nakir.g a com fort •->>>'•> home. John was, of course, I 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 be 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 1857 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 1860 reached the neighborhood of Rob- erts Township, young Hamilton, who had been brought up in the doctrine of anti-slavery, took a zeal- ous part in favor of Lincoln's election. Making special efforts to procure a little money to buy a uniform, he joined a company of Lincoln Wide-Awakes at Mag- 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 when 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 he attended an academy at Henry, Marshall County, JOHN MARSHALL HAMILTON. and in the following May he again enlisted, for the fourth time, when he was placed in the 14151 111. Vol. Inf., a regiment then being raised at Elgin, 111., for the too-day service. He took with him 13 other lads from his neighborhood, for enlistment in the service. This regiment operated in Southwestern Kentucky, for about five months, under Gen. Paine. The following winter, 1864-5, Mr. Hamilton taught school, and during the two college years 1865-7, ne went through three years of the curriculum of the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio. The 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 partnership continued arnbroken until Feb. 6, 1883, when Mr. Hamilton was sworn in as Executive of Illinois. On the 4th •f March following Mr. Rowell took his seat in Con- gress. In July, 1871, Mr. Hamilton married Miss Helen M. Williams, the daughter of Prof. Win. G. Williams, Professor of Greek in the Ohio Wesleyan University. Mr. and Mrs. H. have two daughters and one son. In 1876 Mr. Hamilton was nominated by the Re- publicans for the State Senate, over other and older competitors. He took an active part " on the stump " in the campaign, for the success of his party, and was elected 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 Judg? David Davis. At this session, also, was passed the first Board of Health and Medical Practice act, of which Mr. Hamilton was a champion, against co much opposition that the bill was several times " laid on the table." Also, this session authorized the location and establishment of a southern peni- tentiary, which was fixed at Chester. In the session of 1879 Mr. Hamilton was elected President pro tern. of the Senate, and was a zealous supporter of John A. Logan for the U. S. Senate, who was 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 ^abash County, Hon. T. T. Fountain, of Perry County, and Hon. M. M. Saddler, of Marion County. Reengaged 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. Clairand Madison Counties in May, 1883, the appropriations for the State militia, the adoption of the Harper high-license liquor law, the veto of 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. Arthur; but he afterward zealously worked for the election of Mr. Elaine, true to his party. Mr. Hamilton's term as Governor expired Jan. 30, 1885, when the great favorite "Dick" Oglesby was inaugurated. GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 183 5EPH WILSON FIFER. This distinguished gentleman was elected Governor of Illinois November 6, 1888. He was popularly known during the campaign as "Private Joe." He had served with great devotion to his country during the Re- bellion, in the Thirty-third Illinois Infantry. A native of Virginia, he was born in 1840. His parents, John and Mary (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, with 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. Joseph attended school for a while in Virgina, but it was not a good school, and when his father removed to the West, in 1857, Joseph had not ad- vanced much further than the "First Reader." Our subject was sixteen then and suffered a great misfortune in the loss of his mother. After the death of Mrs. Fifer, which occurred in Missouri, the family returned to Virgina, 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 brothers were put to work. The elder Mr. Fifer soon bought a farm near Bloomington and began life as an agriculturist. Here Joe worked and attended the neighboring school. He alternated farm- work, and brick-laying, going to the district school for the succeeding few years. It was all work and no play for Joe, yet it by no means made a dull boy 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 George, and enlisted in Company C, Thirty-third Illinois Infantry, he being then twenty years old. In a few days, the regiment was sent to Camp Butler, and then over into Missouri, and saw some vigor- ous service there. After a second time helping to chase Price out of Missouri, the Thirty-third Regi- 184 JOSEPH W. FIFER. ment went down to Milliken's Bend, and for several weeks "Private Joe" worked on Grant's famous ditch. The regiment then joined the forces oper- ating against Port Gibson and Vickshurg. Joe was on guard duty in the front ditches when the flag of surrender was run up on the 4th of July, and stuck the bayonet of his gun into the embank- ment and went into the city with the vanguard of Union soldiers. The next day, July 5, the Thirty-third joined the force after Johnston, who had been threatening Grant's rear; and finally an assault was made on him at Jackson, Miss. In this charge "Private Joe" fell, terribly wounded. He was loading his gun, when a minie-ball struck him and passed entirely through his body. He was regarded as mortally wounded. His brother, George, who had been made a Lieutenant, proved to be the means of sav- ing his life. The Surgeon told him that unless he had ice his brother could not live. It was fifty miles to the nearest point where ice could be obtained, and the roads were rough. A comrade, a McLean County man, who had been wounded, offered to make the trip. An ambulance was secured and the brother soldier started on the journey. He re- turned with the ice, but the trip, owing to the roughness of the road, was very hard on him. Af- ter a few months' careful nursing, Mr. Fifer was able to come home. The Thirty-third 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 his term of three years. He was mustered out in Oct- ober, 1864, having been in the service three years and two months. "Private Joe" came out of the army a tall, tan- ned, and awkward young man of twenty-four. About all he possessed was ambition to be some- body— and pluck. Though at an age when most men have finished their college course, the young 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 young men do. He was determined to have an education, however, and that to him meant success. For the following four years he struggled with his books. He en- tered Wesleyan University January 1, 1865. He was not a brilliant student, being neither at the head nor at the foot of his class. He was in great earnest, however, studied hard and came forth with a well-stored and disciplined mind. Immediately after being graduated, he entered an office at Bloomington as a law student. He had previously read law a little, and as he continued to work hard, with the spur of poverty and prompt- ings of ambition ever with him, he was ready to hang out his professional shingle in 1869. Being trustworthy, he soon gathered about him some in- fluential friends. In 1871 he was elected Corpora- tion Counsel of Bloomington. In 1872 he was elected State's Attorney of McLean County. This office he held eight years, when he took his seat in the State Senate. He served for four years. His ability to perform abundance of hard work made him a most valued member of the Legislature. Mr. 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 one hundred and fifty pounds. He has a swarthy com- plexion, keen black eyes, quick movement, and pos- sesses a frank and sympathetic nature, and natur- lly makes friends wherever he goes. During the late gubernatorial campaign his visits throughout the State proved a great power in his behalf. His faculty of winning the confidence and good wishes of those with whom he comes in personal contact is a source of great popularity, especially during a political battle. As a speaker he is fluent, his lan- guage is good, voice clear and agreeable, and man- ner forcible. His manifest earnestness in what he says, as well as his tact as a public speaker, and his eloquent and forceful language, make him a most valuable campaign orator and a powerful pleader at the bar. At the Republican State Convention, held in May, 1888, Mr. Fifer was chosen as its candidate 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 majority, and in due time assumed the duties of the Chief Executive of Illinois. GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. >. fillgeld. )HN P. ALTGELD, the present ||j Governor of Illinois, is a native |pw of Prussia, born in 1848. Shortly after his birth his parents emi- grated to America, locating on a farm near Mansfield, Ohio. When but a mere lad, young Altgeld had to walk from the farm to Mansfield with butter, eggs and garden produce, which he peddled from house to house. About 1856, his parents moved to the city of Mansfield, and for a time our subject was engaged morning and evening in driv- ing cattle to and from the pas- ture, a distance of eight miles. When fourteen years of age he hired out as a farm hand, and con- tinued in that avocation the greater part of his time until he was sixteen years of age, when he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Sixty- fourth Ohio Infantry, and served until the close of the war. On being mustered in, the regiment was sent to Washington and was actively engaged in the various campaigns in and around that city until the surrender of Lee. In the fall of 1864, young Altgeld was taken sick, while with his regi- ment in the front, and the surgeon desired to send him to a hospital hi Washington; but he asked to be allowed to remain with the regiment, and soon recovering from his sickness was actively engaged until the close of the war. He was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio, in the spring of 1865. The succeeding summer he worked with his father on a farm, during which time he became connected with the Sunday-school and was given charge •)! the Bible class. Before entering the army he had but very limited educational advantages, having attended school but a part of two summers and one winter. He had at home, however, studied the German language and had become familiar with some German authors. Determining to fit himself for a useful life, he resolved to attend a select school at Lexington, Ohio, and in a little eight-by-ten room, meagrely furnished, he kept "bachelor's hall," and in time was so far advanced that he secured a certificate as teacher, and for two years was engaged in that profession. At the end of that time he left home and traveled exten- sively over the country, working at odd jobs, un- til he finally reached Savannah, Mo., where he en- tered a law office, and in 1870 was admitted to the Bar. In the fall of 1872, he ran as Prosecuting Attorney for Andrews County, Mo., and was de- feated by four votes. He ran again in 1874 and was elected. But life in the small town of Savan- nah was a little too monotonous for him, and he determined to locate in Chicago. In October, JOHN P. ALTOELD. 1875, lie resigned the office of Prosecuting Attor- ney, moved to Chicago, and at once commenced the practice of law. For some years after he had but little to do with politics, confining himself to his piactice and dealing in real estate. One year after his arrival in Chicago he found himself with- out a dollar, and in debt some $400. By a streak of good luck, as it might be termed, he won a case in court, from which he received a fee of $900, and after paying his debt he had $500 left, which he invested in real estate. This venture proved a successful one, and from that time on the profits of one transaction were invested in others, and to-day he is numbered among the millionaire resi- dents of the great metropolis of the West. In 1884, Mr. Altgeld was nominated for Con- gress, but was defeated by three thousand votes. In 1886, he was nominated and elected Judge of the Superior Court of Cook County. His services as Judge were such as to commend him to the peo- ple. Early in the year 1892, by the solicitation of many friends, he announced himself as a candi- date for Governor. At the convention held April 27, he received the nomination and at once entered upon an active canvass. Alone, he traveled all over the entire State, and visited and consulted with the leading politicians of every section. He made few public speeches, however, until near the close of the campaign, but it was very evident that he was master of the situation at all times. When the votes were counted at the close of election day, it was found that he had a majority of the votes, and' so became the first Democratic Governor of Illinois since 1856. Born in poverty, alone, single-handed and un- aided, he faced the world, and with a determina- tion to succeed, he pressed forward, until to-day he has a National reputation, and is the envied of many. The lesson of his life is worthy of careful study by the young, and shows what can be done by one who has the desire in his heart to attain a front rank among the noted men of the country. Clinton, Washington, rtarion and Jefferson Counties, •f ILLINOIS. «• INTRODUCTORY E 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 themselves and to their posterity, demand that a record of their lives 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 which the names and actions of the people who contributed to raise this country from its primitive state may be preserved. Surely and rapidly the great and aged men, who in their prime entered the wilderness and claimed the virgin soil as their heritage, are passing to their graves. The number re- maining who can relate the incidents of the first days jf settlement is becoming small indeed, so that an actual necessity exists for the collection and preser- 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 their 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 *o the amount of intelligence they possessed. Thi 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 theii 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 ex- 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 curiosiiy; 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 extent 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, thougl he has not achieved what the world calls greatness, has the means to perpetuate his life, his histoiy, 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 portraits, 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 ihose who know them are gone: -to do this we are ash.imed only to publish t> the woild the history of those whose live? are unwcnhy of public record. BIOGRAPHICAL. ipssa AMUEL L. DWIGHT. The record of the ^j£ eminent men of Illinois, perpetuated for lvL£H 8enerations yet to come, will contain among its galaxy of legal luminaries the name of S. L. Dwight, of Centralia, who both at the Bar and in the legislative halls has won a prominence and success justly merited. In his life he has furnished an illustration of what per- sistent industry and studious application will do for a man in securing his success, for the exercise of these qualities has been the potent factor in raising him from poverty to prosperity, and from a position of obscurity to one of prominence. In every duty, whether of public or private life, Mr. Dwight has been faithful. When the dark clouds of the Rebellion overshadowed the nation, he was one of the boys in blue who volun- teered in the defense of the Union. Such was his ability that he arose through successive promo- tions from private to Captain and aid-de-camp, and when, the war ended, he resigned official com- mand to resume the duties of civic life, he carried with him the esteem of his soldiers and the regard of every patriotic citizen to whom his valor was known. The subject of this sketch is of distinguished lineage and is the grandson on his mother's side of the illustrious Zadock Casey, at one time State Senator, also Lieutenant-Governor of Illinois, and for about twelve years a Member of Congress. Born in Georgia of Irish descent. Governor Casey was in early life a minister in the Methodist Church, but after coming west he engaged in farming and became the owner of large and valu- able tracts of land. Later he was interested in mining at Casey ville, St. Clair County. With the public life of the state his name is indissolubly connected, and for years he was Jefferson County's most prominent citizen. Governor Casey and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Rachel King and was born in Ten- nessee, became the parents of seven children, all of whom attained mature years, while three of them are now living. Samuel K., who was a successful lawyer and a member of the State Senate, had the contract for the building of the Joliet State Prison, and was in other ways prominently connected with public affairs until his death at Mt. Vernon. Hiram died in Texas when a young man. Ma- hala P., our subject's mother, died in 1841. Dr. N. R. is engaged in the practice of medicine at Mound City, 111. Judge Thomas S., an influential attorney, served as State's Attorney of Jefferson County, also as a member of the State Legislature, and afterward on the Circuit and Appellate Benches of Illinois; his death occurred in Springfield. Dr. John R., the youngest member of the family, is now a physician and surgeon of Joliet, 111. The father of our subject was born and reared in Massachusetts, and as a child displayed the possession of a high order of ability. When only eight years of age he could read Latin, and in his other studies was equally in advance of others of his age. Entering Yale College, he conducted his studies in that institution until graduating there- from. In an early day he came to Illinois, accept- ing the position of Principal of the Mt. Vernon schools, and while there he married Miss Mahala P. Casey. They settled in Mt. Vernon, where on the 15th of March, 1841, the subject of this sketch was born, and where soon afterward his mother died. After the death of his mother, Mr. Dwight was reared in the home of Governor Casey and ac- 204 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. quired his early education in the public schools of Mt. Vernon. The information there gained was supplemented by attendance in McKendree College, at Lebanon, and in a private school at Mt. Vernon. In 1860 lie commenced to read law in the office of Tanner & Casey, and while pursu- ing his studies the war broke out. Prompted by patriotic impulses, he entered the service of his country, enlisting in 1863 as a private in Com- pany I, Sixtieth Illinois Infantry. From the ranks he was promoted to be First Lieutenant and Cap- tain, and later became aide-de-camp on the staff of General Vanderver, in which position he con- tinued until he took command of his old com- pany. He was mustered out in July, 1865, and after participating in the Grand Review at Wash- ington was sent to Louisville, Ky., thence to Springfield, III., where the regiment was disbanded in August. He took part in the battles of Rocky Face and Kenesaw Mountains, the Atlanta Cam- paign, the march to the sea, the Carolina campaign and the engagement at Goldsboro. When his country no longer needed his services, Captain Dwight returned to Mt. Vernon, and in July, 1866, came to Centralia, where he completed his legal studies. For a time he wag a student in the law school at Benton, 111., and in 1869 was admitted to the Bar. lie then formed a partner- ship with Louis F. Case}1, which continued until the death of the latter, in May, 1892. Mr. Casey was an able lawyer and served as a member of the Legislature of Illinois. Subsequently remov- ing to Texas, he was there State's Attorney for several years and a member of the Texas State Senate. At the close of the war he returned to Illinois, and in May, 1866, settled in Centralia, where he continued the practice of law until his demise. On the 4th of September, 1872, Mr. Dwight was united in marriage with Miss M. Irene, daugh- ter of Capt. R. D. Noleman. This lady was born in Jefferson County, 111., and received an excel- lent education in Jacksonville. Socially, Mr. Dwight is connected with the Grand Army of the Republic, and served as Commander of the post for two years. He is also a member of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and is identified with the Knights of Pythias. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and are prominent people of the community, oc- cupying a leading position in social circles. In politics a Democrat, Mr. Dwight has been an active worker in the interests of that party for many years. Frequently he has been a delegate to the state conventions, and has also been a member of the State Democratic Central Commit- tee. He represented his district in the Twenty- seventh General Assembly, and has held various other positions of honor and trust. As an influ- ential member of the Democracy he is known throughout the state. He is an able advocate, a logical reasoner, possessing keen perceptive powers and acute discrimination, and among Centralia 's attorneys none is more successful than he. JUDGE WILLIAM STOKER, the Nestor of the Bar of this county, who is now suc- cessfully engaged in practice in Centralia, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, on the 10th of November, 1822, and is a son of Isaac Stoker, a native of Virginia. The great-grandfa- ther, Balzer Stoker, was born on the Rhine in Ger- many, and crossing the Atlantic, became the founder of the family in America. He first located in Baltimore, Md., but afterward engaged in farm- ing near Harper's Ferry, Va. His son John, the grandfather of our subject, was reared in Virginia, and educated at Annapolis, Md. He followed milling and farming and was also a Methodist preacher. During the Revolution he was one of the valiant defenders of the Colonies, and held the rank of Lieutenant. His wife, who bore the iiiaiden name of Elizabeth Critten, was also a na- tive of Virginia. The father of our subject was reared on the old homestead and in 1811 accompanied his parents to Montgomery County, Ohio, the family becoming pioneers of that locality. lie- there married Mas- sey Fryback, daughter of John Fryback, who was a native of Virginia, and who in 1809 became one of the pioneers of Montgomery County, Ohio. There he entered land from the Government, and PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 205 to this he added until he became one of the most extensive land holders of the locality. Isaac Stoker and his wife began their domestic life in Ohio, where they resided until 1838, and then removed to Washington County, 111. There the father entered a tract of prairie and timber land from the Government, and upon the farm which he developed made his home until his death, which occurred in August, 1847. His wife passed away January 11, 1864. During the Mexican War, he served as a member of the Sixth Illinois Infantry under Capt. James Burns. He was a successful agriculturist, carrying on gen- eral farming and stock-raising, and ere his death became the owner of eleven hundred acres of land. His wife was a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, and was a sincere Christian woman. All of their five children grew to mature years and two are yet living, our subject and Mrs. Har- riet A. Le Compte, a widow living in Nashville. Nancy was the wife of John O. Hornet, who was killed by the explosion of a cannon after his re- turn from the Mexican War. She then married William Kingston, who is also now deceased. Jacob, a farmer of Washington County, 111., died in 1854, and John H., a stock-dealer, who served in the late war, died in 1879. Mr. Stoker of this sketch was in his sixteenth year when he came to Illinois. He was educated near Dayton, Ohio, attending the old subscription schools. He remained on the old home farm until twentj' years of age, and then read law with Ben- jamin Bond, a noted attorney of the Third Judi- cial Circuit, located in Carlyle, 111. September 11, 1844, in Nashville, he was admitted to the Bar un- der Judge James Shields, afterward General Shields, who served as United States Senator from three different states. At that time the Circuit Judges constituted the Supreme Court of the state. After his admission to the Bar Mr. Stoker began practice in Nashville, where he remained until 1845, when he went to Salem. Soon afterward, however, he was forced to suspend his labors for nine months on account of trouble with his eyes. In May, 1846, Mr. Stoker enlisted in Company A, Second Illinois Infantry, under Col. W. A. Bis- sel and Capt. E. C. Coffey. He was engaged in detail service but took part in the battle of Buena Vista, and was mustered out June 18, 1847. He then engaged in law practice in Louisville, Clay County, 111., where he engaged from 1848 until 1854, when he came to Centralia. Since that time he has been one of the prominent attorneys of that place and has done an extensive law business. Mr. Stoker was married June 27, 1849, to Miss Martha Ann, daughter of Peter Green, who was born and reared in Kentucky, and then removed to Indiana, where he remained until 1832. After his marriage Dr. Green went to Clay County, 111., where he engaged in the practice of medicine un- til his death, in 1869. He was one of the pioneer physicians of that county. His family numbered ten children, of whom Mrs. Stoker is the fifth in order of birth. To our subject and his wife have been born three children. Eugene Lc Compte, a member of the law firm of Whitehead & Stoker, located at 728 Chicago Opera House Block, Chi- cago, is a very successful attorney. While in Ma- rion County he served as State's Attorney, was City Clerk and City Attorney, and was one of the or- ganizers of the Centralia Building and Loan As- sociation. He has also served as a member of the State Legislature. Harriet H. E. is the wife of Dr. W. Scott Marshall, a successful physician of Chi- cago. W. A. is a graduate of the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati, and is now engaged in practice in Centralia. In politics Judge Stoker has been a stalwart Republican since 1860, previous to which time he was a Whig. He has been a very active and prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1855, when he aided in its organiza- tion. For many years he has served as one of its Trustees, is also one of the Trustees of McKendree College, at Lebanon, and was a representative from the Southern Illinois Conference to the General Conference of the Methodist Church in 1872. He is a mejnber of the Mexican Veterans' Association of Illinois, which he joined during the second year of its existence. In connection with his other business interests he is one of the Directors and stockholders of the Exchange Bank of Centralia, and was one of its organizers. In the legal profes- sion he has won a well merited success, having PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. steadily worked his way upward to a position of prominence among his professional brethren. He is one of the honored pioneers of the community, few having longer resided in Centralia, and it is therefore with pleasure that we present his sketch to our readers. eAPT. JAMES CREED, of Walnut Hill, is recognized as one of the leading fruit grow- ers of Marion County. For many years he has been connected with this enterprise and has won a high degree of success in the undertaking. As he is widely and favorably -known in this com- munity we feel assured that a record of his life will prove of interest to many of our readers. The Captain is a native of Texas, but was reared in Rutherford County, Tenn., and in 1844 came to southern Illinois, locating in what is now Saline County. The region was then but sparsely settled, wild game of all kinds was found in abundance and much of the land was still in the possession of the Government. Captain Creed's parents were natives of South Carolina, and were of English and French descent, respectively. His father, Robert Creed, went to Texas and served in Captain Anderson's Company under Gen. Samuel Houston, in the war which oc- curred in the establishment of the state's indepen- dence. The maternal grandfather of our subject, David Reed, was one of the heroes of the Revolu- tion, but would never accept the pension tendered to the soldiers of that war. He reached the age of one hundred years. The 'family was represented in the Mexican War by our subject, who in June, 1846, enlisted in the Third Illinois Regiment, serving for twelve months. He saw some hard service, took part in the bombardment of Vera Cruz, and later went to Cerro Gordo Pass, participating in the engage- ment at that place, where General Shields was in command. About 1876 Mr. Creed saw the Gen- eral in Centralia, and they had a pleasant conver- sation concerning the events of the campaign. After his return home thn Captain was married, in 1848, to Miss Stacy J. Randolph, a descendant of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independ- ence. Six children were born to them, who grew to mature years. Nancy E., who was educated in the Southern Illinois Normal at Carbondale, and suc- cessfully engaged in teaching for ten years; James H., a resident farmer of Marion County; Scott; S. Angaline, wife of Charles E. Jennings, of Wash- ington; Mathias W. nnd Edith, wife of Charles P. Root, a teacher of this county. During the Civil War Captain Creed was again found as one of the defenders of the country. He aided in organizing Company K, of the Seventy- first Regiment of Illinois, and was unanimously elected its Captain. With his troops he was largely engaged in guarding the bridge at Big Muddy River, and for about two years was ac- tively engaged in raising recruits for the army. In 1865 he came to the farm on which he now re- sides, and has since been engaged in general farm- ing and fruitgrowing. He has developed and im- proved a farm of four hundred acres, has about one hundred acres planted in apples, and is also considered one of the most successful peach grow- ers of this region. His farm is one of the valua- ble ones of the county, and upon it he has erected a beautiful brick residence, a fine country home. His wife was called to the home beyond in 1885, and her loss was mourned by many friends. She was a member of the United Baptist Church of Centralia, to which the Captain also belongs. He is likewise connected with the Grand Army post of Walnut Hill. In Captain Creed we see one of the founders of the Farmers' Grange. He was a member of the first farmers' club ever held. This was established in a lyceum of Walnut Hill, of which he was a member, and from this club sprang the Grange which has become a wide-spread organization. He is probably the only surviving member of the origi- nal club. He has traveled all over the state organ- izing Granges and has been the most prominent member of the society. Since the war the Captain has been identified with no political organization, but holds himself free to support the man whom he thinks best qualified for the oflice. A pleasant, genial gentleman, he has the high regard of all, and in the community in which he has so long re- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 207 sided is recognized as one of its honored citizens. He was a candidate for Congress on the Green- back ticket, his opponents being A. J, Sparks, of Carlyle, and B. B. Smith, of Salem. He was nom- inated by the Labor party for State Senator, and indorsed by the Republicans, and at one time was a candidate for the Legislature, running indepen- dent. BAUGH. It is always a pleasure to see persevering industry crowned with success, and to find those well advanced in years able to retire from the toils of life and spend their declining years in comfort and repose. A goodly number of the citizens of Marion County have met with success in their worldly affairs and thus have no fears for the future. Among this number is George Baugh^whccis now retired and who is one of its most prosperous citizens. He is now living in Centralia, and being a general fa- vorite, his friends will be well pleased to read this sketch of his life. Our subject was born in Germany November 6, 1815, and is the son of George and Catherine Baugli, also natives of the Fatherland, where the former was a weaver by trade. Three years after his birth the parents crossed the Atlantic and lo- cated in Maryland, where the mother died shortly after coming here, and the father lived only about two years when he too passed away. The parental family included four children, only two of whom, our subject and Henry, are living. The latter makes his home near Springfield, this state. George Baugh of this sketch was reared to manhood in Washington County, Md., where he learned the miller's trade, which he followed there until reaching his twenty-third 3rear. Six months later he came to Ogle County, this state, and spent the succeeding three years in operating a mill near Mt. Morris. He then went to Lee County and for six years operated a mill there. While residing in Lee County, Mr. Baugh was married, January 13, 1851, to Miss Catherine Em- mert, the daughter of Joseph Emmert, a minister of the Dunkard Church in that county. Mr. Em- mert was of German descent and an old resident of that locality. Mrs. Catherine Baugh was born in Washington County, Md., June 6, 1822. In 1865 Mr. and Mrs. Baugh came to Marion County, where our subject purchased land, which he rented. In 1866 he moved into the city and has since led a retired life. His union with Miss Emmert resulted in the birth of five children, all of whom are living, with one exception. Mary Alice is the wife of Harry Prather, and they live in St. Paul, Minn., where Mr. Prather is engaged in the grocery business; Dora Catherine is at home; Melinda married William Fowler, who is a grocer in Eau Clare, Wis.; and Ida is at home. Susanah is deceased. Miss Dora is a very fine artist, and for some time has been engaged in teaching paint- ing. Mr. Baugh owns a very fine home in Centralia, which comprises seven acres of land adorned with a handsome residence, bearing all the modern im- provements and furnished in an elegant manner. The property in Lee County which he formerly owned included two hundred and twenty acres of fine farming land, and in Alma Township, Marion County, he is the possessor of a quarter-section which he rents. In politics our subject is a strong Democrat, and while he never aspires to any political office, he is interested in matters of public interest and is prominent in local affairs. With his family he oc- cupies a high social position in the city and en- joys the confidence of his many friends. . KELL, who is now extensively engaged in farming, stock-raising and fruit grow- ing on section 9, Grand Prairie Township, Jefferson County, is recognized as one of the val- ued and leading citizens of the community. He is a representative of one of the early families of the county and was born April 24, 1859, on the same section where he now lives. His father, James Kell, removed with the family to Walnut Hill in 1860, and there purchased and operated a saw- mill. At that place our subject spent his early boyhood days, and at the age of seven he entered PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. school. His education was acquired during the winter season, while in the summer months he worked at home. When a youth of fourteen years, he became a member of the Walnut Hill Cornet Band, and in one year's time had become an expert and skilled performer on the E flat cor- net. When this organization was disbanded, he became a leader and instructor of other bands. His love of music has not only afforded him much pleasure, but has been a source of enjoyment to others. In 1879 our subject formed a partnership with his brother, D. B. Kell, in the general merchan- dising business at Walnut Hill, and under the firm name of D. B. Kell & Bro. they continued operations until December, 1882, when he with- drew from the firm. He then purchased a large farm of two hundred and eighty acres on section 9, Grand Prairie Township, and in 1884 began the improvement of the same by erecting a very large barn. A short time afterward his barn was de- stroyed by fire, but with characteristic energy he rebuilt it in 1885. In 1888 he erected his commo- dious residence at a cost of $2,000. His outbuild- ings are all models of convenience, and the neat appearance of the place indicates the thrift and enterprise of the owner. In connection with gen- eral farming, he deals extensively in horses and mules, and is also interested in fruit growing. He now has upon his farm two thousand apple trees, one thousand peach trees and two hundred pear trees. On attaining his majority, Mr. Kell married Miss Sarah E., daughter of F. R. Foust, a wealthy fruit grower, their wedding being celebrated Jan- uary 13, 1881. Their family numbered seven chil- dren: Clara M., born May 25, 1882; James R., Novembei-5, 1883; William T.,May 5, 1886; Fred and Frank (twins), January 27, 1888, the latter of whom died September 30, of that year; Dornton A., born August 3, 1889; and Cecil, May 21, 1892. The cause of education finds in Mr. Kell a warm friend, and he has served as School Director for several years. He was elected Supervisor of his township at the spring election of 1888, was again elected in 1890, and the third time in 1892. In 1893 he was chosen Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, having the honor of being the young- est and at the same time the only Republican who ever served as Chairman. He is a warm advo- cate of Republican principles and takes an active interest in the success and growth of his party. He is recognized as a public-spirited and progress- ive citizen, who takes pleasure in the upbuilding of the county. JOHN ROBERTSON, a retired farmer resid- ing in Centralia, was born in Tecumseh, Lena wee County, Mich., February 20, 1834, and is a son of John C. Robertson, a native of New Jersey. The grandfather, David Robertson, was also a native of that state. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Matilda Goheen, was the youngest of a family of eight children, and was born and reared in Livingston County, N. Y. About two years after their marriage, they located in Lenawee County, Mich., where some time pre- vious the father of our subject had entered land from the Government. There were only eleven families in the county at the time, and the Robert- sons, like the others, lived in true pioneer style. They lived on the Indian trail between Detroit and the west, and the red men were seen in the neighborhood in great numbers. Bears and wolves were frequently shot, and deer and other wild game could be secured in abundance. J. C. Robertson made a home in Michigan, but after- ward removed to La Grange County, Ind., becom- ing one of its honored pioneers. Subsequently he bought a farm in Hillsdale County, Mich., and carried on a store in the town of Hillsdale for about three years. The succeeding three years of his life were spent upon a farm in Steuben County, Ind., after which he lived with his son in Hillsdale until his death, which occurred in 1884. His wife passed away in 1864. In the Robertson family were twelve children, all of whom grew to mature years, while seven j'et abide. Charles G., who for twenty-three years en- gaged in school teaching in Hillsdale, Mich., now follows farming in that locality; John is the next younger; Harriet is the widow of O. II. Jewett, of PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Toledo, Ohio; Cyrus is ex-Postmaster of Pleasant Lake, Ind.; Frances Helen is the wife of Mr. Kelly, a farmer of Reading, Mich.; Arthur is a farmer of Hillsdale; Agnes Matilda is the wife of Marshall II. Weber, a prominent attorne}' of Winona,Minn. The father was a Whig in politics until the organ- ization of the Republican party, when he became one of its stanch supporters. Both he and his wife were faithful members of the Presbyterian Church. Born in a pioneer home, John Robertson was reared amid the wild scenes of the frontier, both in Michigan and in Indiana. He has shared in the hardships and trials of such a life, and has aided in the arduous task of developing a new farm. He was married in 1858 to Eliza Barkley, daughter of Robert Barkley, a farmer and * minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They became the par- ents of two children, Arthur W., who is engaged in farming in Centralia Township, Marion County, and Amy Matilda, wife of John M. Martin, a far- mer of the same community. The mother died May 6, 1861, and in May, 1862, Mr. Robertson was married to -Mrs. Melissa Norris, widow of J. B. Norris, of Hillsdale County, Mich., and a daugh- ter of Virgil Gould. Her father was a native of AVatertown,N. Y., and Mrs. Robertson was married in Hillsdale, Mich., where she resided. ' In 1858, Mr. Robertson located in Reading, Mich., but after two years removed to Allen, Mich., where he remained until 1866. In the spring of that year he came to Marion County, 111., and pur- chased forty acres of land on section 13, Centralia Township. To this he added until he owned one hundred and twenty acres. He was successfully engaged in general farming, stock-raising and in fruit growing, and was thus employed until December 9, 1890, when he came to Centralia, where he has since made his home. All of the im- provements upon his farm were placed there by himself, and his labors made it one of the valuable and desirable country homes of the neighborhood. Mr. Robertson has ever taken an active interest in the cause of education, and for twelve years en- gaged in teaching through the winter season. He is now serving his second term as a member of the Board of Education in Centralia. He has also been Commissioner of the township, and is now Town- ship Supervisor. In politics he is a stalwart Re- publican, and is a member of the Farmers' Protec- tive Association of Marion County. From an hum- ble position he has steadily worked his way upward to one of affluence, and he is now living retired in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. GILLESPIE B. WELDEN occupies the re- sponsible position of postal clerk of the Illinois Central Railroad, running between Chicago and Centralia, in which latter place he makes his home. He was born in Bradford County, Pa., December 4, 1839, and is the son of Matthew W. Welden, also a native of the Keystone State. The father of our subject was reared and mar- ried in his native place, his wife bearing the maiden name of Lydia A. Camp. Matthew W. was a farmer in Pennsylvania, where he resided until 1849, the winter seasons being occupied in lumbering. Thinking to better his condition in this then far western county, he came with his family to Illinois and located in Lee County, where he lived until 1857, and then removed to Du Quoin. In the last-named place he was en- gaged in farming and stock-raising until his death, in 1872. Gillespie B. was a lad of nine years when his parents came to Illinois, and in Lee Count}' his education was conducted in the common schools. On the outbreak of the Civil War, in April, 1861, he enlisted as a member of Company G, Twelfth Illinois Infantry, at a time when the first call was made for seventy-five thousand volunteers. He only enlisted for three months, and on the expira- tion of that time again entered the ranks of the same company, this time fora period of three years. He participated in many hard-fought battles of the war, being present before Ft. Donelson, Ft. Henry, Shiloh and Corinth. At Shiloh he was se- verely wounded and was thus disabled from active service for about three months. Again at Corinth he received a slight wound. Mr. Welden was mustered out of service at Chattanooga, Term., August 1,1864, and return- ing to Illinois, located at Cairo, where he was 210 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. given employment in the postoftice. Later he en- tered the railway postal service, which line of business he has continued to follow ever since, with the exception of the year 1868, when he was removed by President Johnson. His first route lay between Cairo and Centralia, between which points Mr. Welden traveled until 1890, when his "run" was changed to Chicago and Centralia. Our subject was united in marriage January 6, 1867, to Miss Delia E. Middleton, and of their union were born two children: Alfredda, now Mrs. Edward P. McFarland, residing in Centralia, and Matie. lu politics Mr. Welden is a strong Re- publican. He is the oldest postal clerk in the employ of the Government on the Illinois Central Railroad, and in Centralia, where he has made his home for nearly thirty years, he is widely and favorably known. Socially, he is a Grand Army man, and in religious matters worships with the Methodist Episcopal congregation at this place. Mrs. G. B. Welden is the daughter of Watson J. Middleton, a native of Tennessee and the son of William Middleton. In an early day, her father came with his parents to luka Township, Marion County, where he grew to manhood and was married to Miss Mary McGuire, also a native of Tennessee. Grandfather William Middleton was a prominent man in his locality and a soldier in the War of 1812. §HOMAS B. MOORE, a successful farmer re- siding in section 2, Grand Prairie Town- ship, Jefferson County, was born on the 27th of March, 1820, in Ohio. His father, Oliver Moore, was of Irish descent, and for many years resided in Philadelphia, where he worked at the blacksmith's trade. In an early day he emigrated to Clermont County, Ohio, and in 1827 he moved to Cincinnati. Our subject was one of nine children of the family. His educational privileges were limited, and at the age of eighteen he began learning the baker's trade, serving an apprenticeship of a year and a-half in Cincinnati. Not liking this work, however, he sought and obtained a situation in a machine shop, and was employed on the building of engines for about a year. He then removed to Jeffersonville, Ind., where he worked in a factory, making edged tools. He served a two years' ap- prenticeship to that business and then went to Clark County, Ind., where he was engaged in oper- ating a sawmill for a year. During this time he became acquainted with Edmond Beadles and his family, who were preparing to emigrate to Illinois, and he was induced to join them. At about sun- rise on the morning of November 5, 1840, the party started, and after a journey of four weeks reached their destination, on the 5th of December, and located on section 10, Grand Prairie Town- ship. The acquaintance thus formed between Mr. Moore and Miss Olivia Beadles, sister of Richard Beadles, was followed by marriage in February, 1842, the wedding ceremony being performed by John Breeze, Justice of the Peace. To this worthy couple were born thirteen children, eight of whom are still living, Margaret, wife of J. R. Gardner, a successful farmer of Shiloh Township, Jefferson County; Azelia, wife of R. B. Hubbard, a prosper- ous farmer of Dahlgrecn, 111.; Luana, wife of Sam- uel Copple, an agriculturist of Grand Prairie Township; Oliver, who wedded Mary Root and owns and manages a large fruit farm; Edgar, who is now living in Colorado; Thomas B., Jr., a suc- cessful farmer, who married Mattie Dobbs, who died November 8, 1885; William Tell, who married Alma Garrett and is engaged in farming in Dix, 111.; and Susan, wife of F. M. Corners, a successful fruit grower. The mother of this family was born No- vember 4, 1825, and was a devout Christian lady, who for many years held membership with the Methodist Church. She was an earnest worker in the church, and the suffering and needy found in her a friend. She passed away December 29, 1893, and her loss was mourned not only by her family, but by all who knew her. After his marriage, Mr. Moore located on a farm on section 16, Grand Prairie Township, and build- ing a smithy, worked at the blacksmith's trade un- til 1844. He then removed to section 14, built a residence upon his land, and for a year engaged in the operation of a sawmill, which he built for PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 211 R. D. Noleman. On the expiration of that period he located one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 11, Grand Prairie Township, securing the same through a land warrant, which he had pur- chased of a soldier of the Mexican War. With characteristic energy he began to clear and im- prove his farm, and placed the entire amount un- der a high state of cultivation. There he made his home for eighteen years, or until 1868, after which he purchased fifty-six acres on section 2 of the same township. Here he has since made his home, being comfortably situated amidst pleasant sur- roundings. For thirty-seven years he served as Justice of the Peace, and no more capable officer ever held that position. He gave five-eighths of an acre of land on which to erect a house of wor- ship. In politics he is a Republican, and during the war he was a zealous member of the Union League. He is a prominent and representative citizen, and has done much to improve this part of the county. JAMES ADAMS, who is the proprietor of a meat market in Centralia, began business along this line in 1888, and has worked up a good trade, which he well deserves. He has the honor of being a native of Illinois, his birth having occurred in Washington County Jan- uary 4, 1837. His parents were David and Cath- erine (McCrossen) Adams. The father was a na- tive of Ireland, and on emigrating to America located in Philadelphia, where he married Miss McCrossen, a native of that city. In 1835 he re- moved to Washington County, 111., becoming one of its pioneers, and entered land from the Gov- ernment six miles north of Nashville. Not a fur- row had been turned or an improvement made upon the place, but he at once began transforming the wild prairie into rich and fertile fields. In 1848 he went to New Orleans, where he died of yellow fever, but his widow is still living in Nashville, 111. She is a member of the Baptist Church, and Mr. Adams was a member of the Presbyterian Church. The grandfather, James Adams, and an uncle of our subject, Hugh Adams, also took up land from the Government in Wash- ington County, and were numbered among its early settlers. Our subject was reared on the old home farm, and was educated in the district schools and in the seminary of Nashville. In that place in 1858 was celebrated his marriage with Miss Mary Hill, daughter of Ephraim Hill, an early settler of St. Clair County, who afterward removed to Wash- ington County. After his marriage Mr. Adams embarked in merchandising, but later bought a farm of eighty acres four miles west of Nashville, and there carried on agricultural pursuits for two years. On the 25th of August, 1862, we find our sub- ject among the boys in blue of Company I, Eightieth Illinois Infantry, and he was mustered in with the rank of First Lieutenant. With his regiment he went south to Nashville and Mur- freesboro, and during a raid, on the 3d of May, 1863, he was captured at Rome, Ga. For one year he was incarcerated in Libby Prison, and was then taken to Macon, Ga., where he was kept in a stockade for two months. Later they were taken to Charleston, S. C., and put under the fire of the Union guns. For about five months he was held a prisoner at Columbus, S. C., and the night before Sherman entered that city was taken to the outskirts of the town and given his liberty, being thence sent to Annapolis, and on to St. Louis. In June, 1865, Mr. Adams was mustered out. For twenty-two months he was held a pris- oner and suffered all the hardships and rigors of southern prison life. He now draws a pension of $12 per month. When the country no longer needed his services, our subject returned to Nashville and embarked in the butchering business, which he carried on until 1886. He then spent two years in travel- ing in the west in the stock business, and in July, 1888, came to Centralia, where he has since made his home. To him and his wife were born three children: David L.; Jessie J., the wife of Andrew Myer, a merchant of Centralia; and Edna May, who is now studying bookkeeping and elocution in Jones' Commercial College, of St. Louis. In politics Mr. Adams is a stalwart Repub- lican, and is a member of the Grand Army of the 212 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Republic and the Knights of Honor. Both he and his wife belong to the Presbyterian Church, and are numbered among the highly respected people of this community. JH. JOHNSON is the senior member of the firm of J. II. & J. T. Johnson, proprietors of the Centralia Mills. This is one of the leading enterprises of Centralia, and the owners are men of excellent business and execu- tive ability, who deserve the success which attends their efforts. Our subject was born in Lancaster County, Pa., July 5, 1838, and is of Scotch descent. His grandfather, James Johnson, was born in Scot- land. His father, Samuel Johnson, was born in Dauphin County, Pa., whence he removed to Lan- caster County, where he engaged in the milling business. He there married Annie Heidler, and continued to make his home in that county until his death, which occurred in 1854. His widow still survives him. Their family numbered eight children, of whom three are yet living: Samuel, a commercial traveler, residing in Newberg, N. Y.; James W. II., of Lancaster County; and J. H. Two of the children were drowned. Our subject was reared in his native county and after attending the public schools completed his education in a seminary in the same county. He learned the milling business with his father and uncle, and followed that pursuit in the east until 1866. In the meantime he was married. On the 15th of December, 1859, he wedded Henrietta, daughter of Jacob Mathiot, a prominent farmer and citizen of Lancaster County, Pa. Four chil- dren were born of this union: Flora A.; J. T., who is engaged in business with his father; Lewis S., a grocer; and William M., a jeweler of Centralia. In 1866 J. II. Johnson left the east and removed with his family to Stephenson County, 111., where he remained for two years, after which he engaged for three years in the milling business in Sioux City, Iowa. On the expiration of that period he removed to Washington County, 111., where he followed milling until his arrival in Centralia, in 1873. In 1877, he bought an interest in his pres- ent milling property, becoming a member of the firm of May, Johnson <fe Cunningham, which con- nection continued for about three years, when the senior partner died, and the firm became Johnson & Cunningham. In 1890 the latter retired and the present partnership between our subject and his son was formed. The mill was supplied with a fine roller system in 1882, and has a capacity of one hundred barrels of flour per day. They are doing a good business, for the flour which they manufacture is of excellent quality and hence finds a ready sale on the market. Mr. Johnson is a leading member of the Masonic fraternity, and has served as Junior Warden of the lodge in Centralia. In politics he is a stanch Re- publican, and for two years served as Alderman of the city. He takes an active interest in every- thing pertaining to the welfare of the community, and is a man of good business ability, who by his enterprise and well directed efforts has steadily worked his way upward until he is now numbered among the substantial residents of his adopted county. ZEDDOCK C. JENNINGS, who is now living near Walnut Hill, is a representative of one of the honored pioneer families of Marion County. Among the first settlers who came to Illinois were Israel Jennings and his family. He was the grandfather of our subject, and was a na- tive of Kentucky. In that state he grew to ma- ture years and was married, and thence came with his wife and children to Marion County. The members of his family were: Israel, who died in this county, leaving a family; Charles, father of our subject; William, who located in Texas; and George, who was married, and at his death left two daughters, one of whom, Mrs. White, died leaving a son, John. The father of this family served in the War of 1812. Charles Jennings was born in Kentucky, and ere attaining to mature years accompanied the family to Illinois. Here he met and married Maria Davidson, and to them were born eight children: Joseph us, who died in Marion County, learing a family; Sarah, widow of Robert Nole- PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 213 man; Harriet, wife of Frank Marshall, of Salem; Lizzie, widow of Silas Bryan, of Virginia, and the mother of William Bryan, United States Senator from Nebraska; America, wife of William Stites, of Centralia; Z. C., of this sketch; Nancy, wife of Dr. James Davenport, of Salem; and Docia, wife of Abraham Van Antwerp, of Sedalia, Mo. The father located on a farm near Walnut Hill, where lie reared his family. He was a man of excellent business ability, and by his good management and industry he became quite wealthy, accumulating nine hundred acres of valuable land. He held membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church, took an active part in politics and was an uncom- promising Democrat. The best interests of the community ever found in him a friend, and he was recognized as a progressive and valued citizen. The gentleman whose name heads this record was born in Marion County in 1838, was reared upon the old homestead farm and acquired his education in the common schools and in an academy. When twenty-two years of age he chose as a companion and helpmate on life's jour- ney Miss Mary J., daughter of James C. Baldridge, of Jefferson County. The young 'couple began their domestic life upon the farm which has since been their home. It then comprised only forty acres and was a part of the tract which the grand- father, Israel Jennings, had entered from the Gov- ernment. His landed possessions have been in- creased, however, from time to time until he now owns a valuable tract of four hundred and twelve acres all in one body. It is under a high state of cultivation and is one of the best stock farms in the county, the owner raising a high grade of fine horses and cattle. All the improvements upon the place were made by him and stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. To Mr. and Mrs. Jennings were born six chil- dren. Dwight, who was born in 1860, and was graduated from the St. Louis Medical College, has been successfully engaged in practice in that city for several years. He was married in Carlyle to Cora Locy. Emmett is engaged in stock-raising in Sprague, Wash. Maggie is the wife of Louis Thomas, of Centralia. Samuel is engaged in bus- iness with his father, Hattie is the wife of Ed- ward Jones, of Francisco, Ind. Maria S. died aged six months. The parents and their children are all members'of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the family is one of prominence in the community. Our sub- ject is a Democrat in politics and has held the office of Town Supervisor for four years, but has never been an aspirant for public office, preferring to give his entire attention to his business inter- ests. In 1889 he established a box factory in Walnut Hill for the manufacture of fruit boxes and still carries on this euterprise, having a ready sale for these commodities. He carries forward to a successful completion whatever he undertakes and his prosperity is well deserved. H. CULLIMORE is engaged in the manu- facture of fruit package boxes in Centralia. This is one of the leading industries of the place, and the owner is now carrying on opera- tions on quite an extensive scale. As he is wide- ly and favorably known in this community, we feel assured that the record of his life will prove of interest to many of our readers, and therefore gladly gave it a place in this volume. Mr. Cullimore was born in New York City, Jan- uary 1, 1837, and is a son of Thomas and Jane Cullimore. His parents were married in England, their native land, about 1820, and emigrating to America, located in New York, where the father followed his trade of boiler-making. In 1837, he removed with his family to Cleveland, Ohio, and a few years later embarked in business for himself as a boiler-maker, continuing operations along that line until his death, which occurred in 1860. His wife passed away in 1864. He was a successful business man, and built up a large manufactory in Cleveland. He held membership with the Method- ist Episcopal Church. Our subject is the only survivor in a family of three children. He was reared and educated in Cleveland, and after attaining to mature years 214 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD followed fanning in Cuyalioga County, Ohio. In the city of Cleveland in 1857 was celebrated his marriage with Miss Eliza, daughter of James Culli- more, who was also a native of England. The lady was born in Baltimore, Md., and reared near Cleveland, and in that locality the young couple began their domestic life upon a farm, which con- tinued to he their home until the autumn of 1860, when they removed to Baltimore. In May, 1861, Mr. Cullimore enlisted in Com- pany G, First Maryland Infantry. He entered the service as a private, but was made Third Sergeant, then Orderly-Sergeant, afterward Sergeant-Major, and later became Second Lieutenant. He partici- pated in the battle of Winchester, and on the 23d of May, 1862, at Port Royal, was captured by Stonewall Jackson. He was sent to Lynchburg, and thence to Belle Isle, and four months later was taken to Annapolis, where on the 17th of September he was exchanged. He then rejoined his regiment, which went to the Shenandoah Val- ley, and did guard duty at Maryland Heights until July 2, 1863, when they started across the moun- tains to head off Lee's Cavalry. Mr. Cullimore was sent to Baltimore on recruiting service, and on the expiration of his three months' term was there mustered out, June 30, 1864. Our subject then returned to his old farm near Cleveland, where he remained two years, and in 1868 he came to Centralia. He bought a fruit farm of forty-two acres within the city limits, on which was a twelve-acre orchard of apple and peach trees. Much of the land he planted in strawberries and for twenty years was the most extensive strawberry raiser of this locality; He was very successful in his undertakings, and the fine fruit which he grew found a ready sale in the market. In 1888, however, he retired from busi- ness life and is now enjoying a well earned rest from that enterprise. He is now managing the factory where are manufactured boxes in which to ship fruit. Mr. Cullimore takes a very active part in politi- cal affairs and is a stanch supporter of the Re- publican party. In March, 1889, he was appoint- ed Postmaster of Centralia, and filled that office until July, 1893. He has also been Alderman of the city. Socially, he is connected with the Grand Army of the Republic, and both he and his wife are faithful members of the Baptist Church. The best interests of the community ever receive the hearty support and co-operation of Mr. Culliraore, whose progressive and public-spirited measures have made him one of the leading citizens of his adopted county. OBERT J. MOORE. An honorable position among the business men of Centralia is accorded our subject, who is the present Secretary of the Centralia Building and Loan Association and manager and lessee of the Sadler Opera House. He is a native of the Em- erald Isle and was born in County Tyrone Octo- ber 15, 1864. Our subject was a lad of six years when he was brought to America by his paternal uncle, who located in the city of Chicago. Subsequently Robert J. went to a farm near Lisbon, 111., where he attended the common school and afterward supplemented the knowledge gained therein by attendance at the Jennings' Seminary in Aurora. Later he became a student in the Northwestern Normal College at Geneseo, from which institu- tion he was graduated in 1887 with the degree of Bachelor of Science. After completing his education Mr. Moore came to Centralia and accepted the position of Princi- pal of the East Side public schools, in which capac- ity he was retained for two years. Then, being desirous of following the profession of a lawyer, he began reading law in the office of W. & E. L. Stoker, of Centralia, and on the election of E. L. Stoker to the Legislature our subject was ap- pointed to fill the vacancy thus occasioned in the Secretaryship of the Centralia Building and Loan Association. The Centralia Building and Loan Association was organized in 1879 and has handled since that time over three-quarters of a million dollars. It has eight hundred shareholders and has made al- U8F.AKY OF THE IVEP.SITY of ILLINOIS PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 217 together six hundred and seventy-five loans. The business of the association is on the increase, and during the years 1892, 1893 and 1894 has nearly doubled. Its officers are: T. Leander Parkinson, President; R. J. Moore, Secretary; James E. Mar- shall, Treasurer; S. A. Frazier, Attorney. The Directors are T. L. Parkinson, Seymour Andrews, Will J. Blyth, S. A. Frazier, T. S. Hobbs, Michael Touve, John II. Oxley, A. W. Schroeder and Rob- ert J. Moore. Politically, Mr. Moore is a strong Republican. While1 his private affairs naturally receive the major part of his time and attention, yet he is in- terested in matters of public importance and is prominent in local affairs. He is a member of the Library Board of the city, of which he is Vice- President and Treasurer, and is Secretary of the Centralia Provident Association. Socially, our subject is a Knight of P3'thiasand an Odd Fellow. He is a young man of excellent judgment and has always been progressive, fear- less and honest in every measure calculated to benefit the community. PERDINAND KOHL, Cashier of the Old National Bank of Centralia. The Old Na- tional is the successor of the First National Bank, which was organized in 1865, and went into voluntary liquidation twenty years later. In March of 1885 an organization was perfected called the Old National Bank, which purchased the assets of the First National. The capital stock of the institution is $80,000, surplus capital #20,- 000. Its officers are: E. S. Condit, President; S. M. Warner, Vice-President; and Ferdinand Kohl, Cashier. The Directors are: E. S. Condit, F. Kohl, S. M. Warner, S. L. Dwight, W. M. Casey, Jacob Erbes and C. C. Davis. The present banking house was erected in 1888, and is one of the most substantial structures of the city. A native of Germany, our subject was born in Nassau, Prussia, October 28, 1831, and is the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Zeyher) Kohl, natives of Germany. The father, who was a cabinet-maker by trade, emigrated to America with his family in 1853 and settled at Belleville, St. Clair County, 2 111., but after a sojourn there of two years came to Centralia, where he continued to reside until his death in 1873. In his family were six children, all of whom are still living. They are: Jacob, who is in business at Centralia; Mrs. Louisa Heiss, who resides in this city; Julius, a prominent phy- sician and surgeon of Belleville, 111., and a member of the Illinois State Board of Health; Mrs. Chris- tina Oster, a widow; Mrs. Minnie Geiss, the wife of a manufacturer residing in Belleville, 111.; and Ferdinand, of this sketch. In the land of his birth our subject was reared, and in its schools he gained a practical education, becoming a fluent speaker of the German, English and French languages. After leaving school, he devoted his attention to mercantile pursuits, and served a four years' apprenticeship to a business embracing grocery, flour mills, vermicelli factory and a general wholesale line. Afterward he gained a fair knowledge of the lumber business through a clerkship of two years. In 1853 he emigrated to the United States, and proceeding direct to Illi- nois, settled at Belleville, St. Clair County, where for two years he was a clerk in the employ of Kellermann Bros. The year 1855 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Kohl in Centralia, where lie formed a partnership with S. M. Warner, and for ten years engaged in the general mercantile business, the firm being Kohl <fc Warner. In 1865 he accepted the position of Cashier in the First National Bank, and when, in 1885, the bank was merged into the Old National, he still retained his position. Of the latter insti- tution he was one of the organizers, and has been its only Cashier. With other important enter- prises of the city and county, his name is indis- solubly associated. He is Secretary, Treasurer and Director of the Centralia Light & Power Com- pany, in the organization of which he was a prom- inent factor. He aided in the organization of the Centralia Fair Association, of which he is now the Treasurer. He has been Director and Treasurer of the Centralia Iron & Nail Works, and at the pres- ent time is Director and Treasurer of the Centralia Mining <fc Manufacturing Company. In the city of New York, May 11, 1860, Mr. Kohl was united in marriage with Miss Louisa 218 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Jokel, who was born and reared in Frankfort, Ger- many. The union has resulted in the birth of six children: Arnold, senior member of the firm of Kohl Bros., grocers of Centralia; Oscar, Cashier of the First National Bank of San Bernardino, Cal.; Ferdinand, who is the junior member of the firm of Kohl Bros., Centralia; Walter, who lias been clerking in the Old National Bank, but is now traveling for his health, being at present in Colo- rado; Flora, who resides with her parents; and Harry, a clerk for Kohl Bros. In politics a Republican, Mr. Kohl has been so closely engrossed in his business as to leave little time for public affairs. He is a friend of the pub- lic school system, and has served as a member of the Board of Education. He and his wife are identified with the German Evangelical Church, and he was one of the organizers of the church at Centralia, which he has served as Trustee for many years. He is still a member of the firm of Kohl & Warner, an enterprising firm of this city, and the owners of the Kohl & Warner Block. He began in business without means, but by industry and good business methods he has accumulated a handsome competence. He is peculiarly adapted for the intricate business of banking, and the solid foundation