USA > Illinois > The makers of Illinois; a memorial history of the state's honored dead > Part 12
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Paul Selby
T HE history of the republican party in Illinois is elosely associated with the name of Paul Selby, who for a great part of his aetive life was editor of newspapers published in different cities of the state. Mr. Selby was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, July 20, 1825; removed to Iowa with his parents in 1837, and at the age of nineteen went to southern Illinois, where he spent four years teaching, chiefly in Madison county. In 1848, he became a student at Illinois College at Jacksonville, but left the institution before finishing his course to assume the editorship of "The Morgan Journal," in the same eity. He remained with this paper until the fall of 1858, covering the period of the organization of the republican party, in which he took an active part.
While editor of the "Journal" Mr. Selby proposed through that paper an "Editorial Convention," for the purpose of devising a line of poliey to be adopted by the new party then on the eve of being formed. Many other newspapers published throughout the state indorsed the suggestion thus made, and a call was issued for a meet- ing to be held at Decatur on February 22, 1856. Mr. Selby was made chairman of this meeting which demanded the restoration of the Missouri compromise and "the restriction of slavery to its present authorized limits," and after appointing a state central committee called a state convention to meet at Bloomington on tlie 29th of May following.
"There was just a round dozen of us who took part in the pro- ceedings at the Editorial Convention," said Mr. Selby in relating an account of that affair, "though others eamc later and were present at the banquet given in the evening, which was presided over by Rieh- ard J. Oglesby, then a resident of Decatur." At the Bloomington convention the work of completing the organization of the new party, thenceforth called the republican party, was carried out and dele- gates to the national convention were chosen which met in Philadel- phia in the following June where John C. Fremont was nominated for the presideney.
"In the interval between the Decatur meeting and the Blooming- ton Convention called for May 29th, the excitement in the country
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over Kansas grew almost to a frenzy," says Miss Tarbell in her "Life of Lincoln." "The new state was in the hands of a pro-slavery mob, her governor a prisoner, her capital in ruins, her voters intimidated. The newspapers were full of accounts of the attack on Sumner in the United States senate by Brooks. One of the very men who had been expected to be a leader in the Bloomington convention, Paul Selby, was lying at home prostrated by a cowardly blow from a political opponent."
Regarding the incident just referred to Mr. Selby in recent years was reluctant to speak, though he was asked for some particulars. Mr. Selby was a quiet and reserved man, willing to avoid the expres- sion of strong opinions, preferring to maintain an attitude of reserve or even silence upon matters relating to his personal experiences. The writer, having known Mr. Selby for many years, here wishes to pay a tribute of admiration and respect to the excellence of his char- acter, and the thoroughness and accuracy of his historical knowledge on all matters concerning the history of the state.
The "Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois," published in 1906, is largely the work of Mr. Selby, and when we remember that the greater part of his active life was spent in the editorial conduct of the various newspapers with which he was connected it will be readily inferred that the total volume of his writings must be very great.
To resume the story of his life we find that Mr. Selby, in the fall of 1859, removed to the south where he was engaged in teaching in the state of Louisiana until the last of June, 1861. During the opening months of the Civil war he was denounced by some of his southern neighbors as an "abolitionist," then a term of reproach, and was charged with having been connected with the Underground Railroad. His conduct was investigated by the trustees of the in- stitution of which he was the principal, who adopted a resolution de- claring the charges prompted by personal hostility. However, he returned to the north with his family soon after, and entered the service of the government at Cairo, where he made the acquaintance of General Grant and other military heroes of the war.
Mr. Selby became associate editor of "The Illinois State Journal" at Springfield in 1862, and later he was connected with various other newspapers. In 1868, he assumed the editorship of "The Quincy Whig," where he continued for six years. He resumed his old place with "The State Journal" in 1874, and four years later became one of its proprietors. He was appointed postmaster at Springfield by President Hayes in 1880, in which office he remained for six years. In 1889 he sold his interest in "The State Journal" and removed to
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Chicago where he spent the remainder of his life, engaged in literary work especially of a historical character. Mr. Selby received the degree of Master of Arts from his alma mater in 1860. In all he spent over thirty-five years of his life in editorial work.
Paul Selby died March 19, 1913, at River Forest, near Chicago, in the eighty-eighth year of his age. His remains were taken to Springfield for burial.
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MARSHALL B.VAN ARMAN
Marshall B. Van Arman
OR almost a quarter of a century Marshall B. Van F Arman was a resident of Joliet, prominent and hon- onored in Masonic circles, reliable, enterprising and progressive in his business connections. For a long period he engaged in carriage manufacturing in that city, controlling one of the important industries there. He was born January 11, 1853, in Canada, a son of John Van Arman, who was a native of Pennsylvania and a representative of an old Dutch family. He followed the occupation of farming in the Keystone state but afterward removed to Frankfort, Canada, where he was living at the time of the birth of his son Marshall. He con- tinued to reside in that country until called to his final rest, and his wife also died in Canada.
Marshall B. Van Arman, who was one of a family of seven chil- dren, pursued his education in the Canadian schools and when his school days were over sought and secured employment in a woolen factory. He worked at different places and when he ceased to engage in the woolen manufacturing business he learned the trade of car- riage making, becoming an expert in that line. He started for him- self in the business at Brighton, Canada, about the time of his mar- riage and there resided until 1888, when he crossed the border into the United States. After living at several places in the west he came to Joliet on the 9th of September, 1888, and on the 1st of January, 1891, opened his carriage factory which he conducted up to the time of his death, on the 4th of February, 1912. In the intervening period covering twenty-one years he had built up a business of large and gratifying proportions. His output was noted for its excellent work- manship, fine finish and durability, while promptness and fair deal- ing were strong elements in the conduct of his business and in the attainment of success.
In Brighton, Canada, on the 1st of January, 1877, Mr. Van Arman was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Brooks, a daughter of Jacob Brooks, a boot and shoe merchant of Canada, who spent his entire life in that country. Mrs. Van Arman was one of six children and by her marriage became the mother of two children: Birdie, who
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died when twenty years of age; and Marshall E., an architect who is following his profession in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Mr. Van Arman was ever prominent in fraternal circles. He held membership with the Masons, the Modern Woodmen and the White Cross, and was not content to merely have his name on the member- ship roll but aided quietly, earnestly and effectively in the upbuilding of those organizations. He attained the Knight Templar degree in the York Rite of Masonry and also became a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. He was serving as a member of the Joliet drill team of the Knight Templars when they won the prize at Chicago and in other ways he furthered the interests of Masonry and secured the advance- ment of principles for which it stands. He was also a member of the First Baptist church and took active and helpful part in its work. He was, moreover, devoted to his family as few men are and every hour possible he spent with his wife and children. One of the local papers, commenting on his life, said: "He was not a man to come out and ask praise; he was satisfied with the approbation of his own conscience. An exceedingly busy man, he was known by his customers and lodge companions best, and by them he was highly esteemed for his splendid character. His cheerful manner made him many friends." Joliet had every reason to regard him as one of her valued citizens and one who contributed much to her welfare. He ever had a hand out- stretched to aid his fellowmen and the spirit of brotherly kindness found exemplification in his life.
Frances Elizabeth Willard
A STATUE of Frances Willard was placed in Statu- ary Hall, in the capitol at Washington, in February, 1905, having been presented to the national govern- ment by the state of Illinois as one of its two repre- sentatives in that "Valhalla of the Republic." The gift was accepted by the United States senate in the form of a resolution with "the thanks of congress," in which Miss Willard was referred to as "one of the most eminent women of the United States."
Frances came of a distinguished ancestry. Major Simon Wil- lard arrived on the "wild New England shore" in 1634, and was one of the founders of Concord, Massachusetts. Her father, Josiah Flint Willard, of the seventh generation from the one above named, became a resident of Churchville, New York, where Frances was born September 28, 1839. From there the family moved to the west settling on a farm near Janesville, Wisconsin, in 1846. In 1858 the family took up their residence in Evanston. Frances graduated from the Northwestern Female Seminary in the year following her ar- rival in Evanston.
After some years spent in teaching, she was chosen president of the "Evanston College for Ladies." the later name of the institution from which she had graduated. This name again was changed to that of the "Woman's College," in 1873, and became affiliated with the Northwestern University, Frances becoming the dean. She re- signed, however, in 1874, and "abandoning a brilliant educational career," she entered upon the work which was to absorb her powers and energies for the remainder of her life.
In 1874, Miss Willard was elected president of the Illinois Wo- man's Christian Temperance Union, and thenceforth gave her whole time to the work in which it was engaged. In 1883, she projected the World's Woman's Christian Temperance Union, of which she later became the president. "Under her leadership the temperance crusade," said Senator Cullom in the course of his address on the occasion of the reception and acceptance by congress of the statue of Miss Willard, "spread as if by magic throughout the United States. Not content with what she had accomplished herc at home, on several
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occasions she visited England and assisted the temperance movement, where she addressed immense audiences in different parts of the country."
While on this visit to England an interesting form of the temper- ance crusade is described in the address referred to. "The most strik- ing and unique incident of her work was the celebrated 'Polyglot Petition for Home Protection' presented 'to the governments of the world.' It was signed throughout the civilized world, and in fifty dif- ferent languages. The signatures mounted upon canvas, four columns abreast, made more than a mile of canvas and nearly five miles of signa- tures, seven hundred and seventy-one thousand two hundred in all. * * It was ten years in circulation. In an eloquent and impres- sive speech, Miss Willard presented it to President Cleveland, Feb- ruary 19, 1895. The English branch was headed by Lady Henry Somerset, the magnificent English woman who is leading in temper- ance reform in England. On the American petition, like Abou Ben Adhem, and for the same reason, Neal Dow's name 'led all the rest'."
The late Senator Dolliver added his tribute on the occasion men- tioned. "It was my fortune to hear her more than once," said he, "ad- vocating before the people her favorite reforms. She was one of the most persuasive orators who ever spoke our tongue, and her influ- ence, apart from the singular beauty of her character, rested upon that fine art of reaching the hearts and consciences of men which gave her a right to the leadership which she exercised for years. I remember once hearing her speak in the state of Maine, when Gen- eral Harrison was a candidate, and shared in a full measure the im- patience of my own party with those who, under their sense of duty, were engaged in turning our voters aside in an effort to build up an organization of their own, pledged to the prohibition of the liquor traffic in America.
"I remember that I was especially irritated because the party which Miss Willard represented was not willing to let us alone in Maine. Notwithstanding all my prejudices, I invited a friend, a hardened politician, then famous in public life, to go with me to hear Miss Willard speak. He reluctantly consented upon condition that we should take a back seat and go out when he indicated that he had had enough. For more than two hours this gifted woman, with mar- velous command of language, with a delicate sense of fitness and simplicity of words, with a perfect understanding of the secret place of the human heart, moved that great multitude with a skill that be- longs to genius alone, and to genius only when it is touched with live coals from the altar. And when it was all over we agreed to-
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gether that in all our lives we had never witnessed a display so mar- velous of intellectual and spiritual power."
That Frances Willard was gifted with eloquence to a remarkable degree many competent judges have testified. "Her greatest oratori- cal triumphs," said Rev. N. D. Hillis, "were in villages and cities, where some hall not holding more than a thousand people was crowded with appreciative listeners. At such times she stood forth one of the most gifted speakers of this generation, achieving efforts that were truly amazing. What ease and grace of bearing! What gentleness and strength! What pathos and sympathy! How exquisitely modu- lated her words! If her speech did not flow as a gulf stream; if it did not beat like an ocean upon a continent, she sent her sentences forth, an arrowy flight, and each tipped with fire."
But Frances was not alone an orator; she was an organizer as well. She often said that "alone we can do little, separated, we are the units of weakness; but aggregated, wc become batteries of power. Agitate, educate, organizc, -- these are the deathless watchwords of success." Whittier, in his tribute, recognized this trait in her char- acter. One of the verses of his poem written in her memory after her death was as follows:
"She knew the power of banded ill, But felt that love was stronger still, And organized for doing good, The World's united womanhood."
Miss Willard was the author of a little book entitled "Ninetcen Beautiful Years," written when she was twenty-four years of age. It was the simple story of her sister Mary's life, who passed away at the age of nineteen years. This little volume was published in 1863, and has passed through many editions. It still enjoys a steady salc. She was also the author of a volume entitled "Glimpses of Fifty Years," filled with the accounts of her multitudinous activities, and of those associated with her in the causes she had so deeply at heart.
There have been a number of volumes written about Frances Wil- lard and, including the various contributions to the press issues of every description, the literature pertaining to her and her activities has become voluminous. Her home in Evanston was known as "Rest Cottage," which is still maintained as a place of pilgrimage for the multitudes who knew her in her life.
Frances Willard died in New York city, February 18, 1898. Her remains were brought west and, after cremation, were buried in the
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family lot at Rosehill cemetery. At her funeral, and at the numer- ous memorial assemblages held in her memory, there was a remark- able outpouring of tributes. Among those in poetical form some stanzas from a poem by Charles William Pearson may be quoted:
"Oft have we seen her on her throne of power, While eager multitudes enchanted hung, Oblivious of the swiftly passing hour, Chained by the Orphean magic of her tongue.
"The aged bent beneath the weight of years, The young in all their beauty, all their pride, The rich and poor, in common, shed their tears For she, a sister to mankind, had died."
MELVILLE W. FULLER
Melville TU. Fuller
MONG the men of Illinois who have risen to eminenee A the name of Melville W. Fuller is enrolled near the head. Coming to Chicago in 1856, he earried on the practice of his profession as a lawyer for thirty-two years, and until his appointment by President Cleve- land to be chief justice of the United States supreme eourt in 1888.
Melville Weston Fuller was born February 11, 1833, at Augusta, Maine. He received his education at Bowdoin College, and entered upon the study of law in Bangor, and, aeeording to the eustom of the time, in the office of a praetieing lawyer. During his legal studies he spent a year at the Harvard Law School, then under the direction of Joel Parker, Theophilus Parsons and Emory Washburn, exeellent lawyers and great teachers.
In an address before the Chieago Bar Association, Judge Edward O. Brown said: "But though in the office and law school young Ful- ler had received the technical legal edueation, the development of which thereafter was to plaee his name on the roll of fame, it was his previous aeademie eourse at Bowdoin College, if we may trust his own words thirty-five years later at a eommeneement dinner, that the foundations of his eharaeter and general eulture were firmly laid. Speaking then of his teachers at Bowdoin he said: "They labored to ground the student in the eternal verities, which would enable him when rains deseended, and winds blew, and floods eame, to withstand the storm as only one ean finally do whose feet are planted on that roek.'
"Well did this gentle and courageous soul-this kindly, patient, mueh-enduring man exemplify in after years the spirit in which he had taken his teachers' lessons. Tried by griefs which tore his heart asunder in the midst of worldly sueeess, he faeed good and ill fortune alike with heart undaunted and faith in God and his fellowmen un- abated. In 1856, he had begun to praetiee law in his native eity of Augusta. He had always a keen relish and taste for participation in publie affairs, and at the outset of his eareer he combined with his budding praetiee editorial writing for a demoeratie newspaper, and beeame a member and president of the eity eouneil of Augusta.
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"But the call of the west was even stronger then for eastern youths than now. Thinking perhaps of the wonderful success which twenty years before his political leader Douglas had won in the decade after his arrival in Illinois, Mr. Fuller came to Chicago before his first year at the bar had ended. He entered the office of the late S. K. Dow, a former townsman and acquaintance, at a salary of six hundred dol- lars a year.
"The rapid and spectacular rise to eminence and power of his leader and his future close friend, Douglas, Fuller did not have, but a little more than thirty years afterward, speaking of himself to his comrades at the bar, he could say: 'It has come to pass that as the star of empire moving westward hangs fixed and resplendent above the glorious valley of the Mississippi, a member of this bar and a citi- zen of Chicago has been designated to the headship of the mightiest tribunal upon earth. Of that tribunal, or the grave and weighty re- sponsibilities of that office, it does not become me now to speak, nor could I, if it were.otherwise appropriate, for I am oppressed with the sadness inevitable when one after long years of battle puts his armor off and retires from the ranks of his comrades.'"
Judge Brown, in his address, spoke of the fact that at the time of his appointment Fuller was comparatively an unknown man. Con- cerning this he said: "If he had not sooner achieved distinction in the world of politics and statesmanship, and thus become more widely known throughout the country, it was because during his rise at the bar the political party of his choice and deep conviction was out of power in state and nation. He had been a leader and wise counsellor in that party here at home, as we who were connected with it all know; representing it in the constitutional convention of 1861, and the legis- lature of 1862, and becoming, in a succession of national conventions, a leading figure among its Illinois delegates. I remember in his later years his deploring to me, that because of his intense interest in secur- ing among the declarations of the national democratic platform of 1864 one in favor of the Monroe doctrine and against the European usurpation in Mexico, he had allowed to stand without sufficient pro- test that pronouncement of the convention concerning the failure of the Federal arms in the Civil war, that its candidate General McClel- lan so promptly repudiated."
In the course of his address Judge Brown referred to Fuller's law practice while in Chicago. "It is enough to say," he continued, "that with ardor and success he devoted himself to the duties of advo- cate and counsel for his public and private clients, and that although offered the most important and desirable of permanent corporation
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employments, he would bind himself for no continuous serviee to one elient or set of clients, preferring the free hand and the life of the lawyer of the elder time. Through all his life he was in his profession as in other things a high-minded conservative, doing the best to make the law a noble and ennobling profession and no mere huekstering trade. Prudent and thrifty as every man ought to be, and abhorring debt, he was never mercenary, avarieious or grasping. * **
"And now we turn from the rising lawyer, the sueeessful advo- cate and wise counsellor, to regard a elear-brained, simple, strong, single-hearted man, a patient, upright self-restrained, quietly digni- fied judge who for almost a quarter of a eentury filled the most exalted judicial seat of the world. He was the eighth chief justice of the United States. I do not intend to indulge in fulsome eulogy. I will not say that he equalled John Marshall in scope of intellect and keen- ness of appreciation of the great principles of jurisprudence, but I will say that in that great place he was no unworthy successor in the
line. * ยท * That the late chief justice or any other judge who ever sat in high place was, in the performance of his duties, always and ideally wise and great, were a vain and foolish thing to say. Chief Justice Fuller will not, either in the decisions which he formulated for his brethren or in those in which, faithful to his high convietions of duty, he dissented from the majority of the eourt, be adjudged al- ways right by the new age fast driving upon us its new aspirations, and its new standards of thought and social ethies. Some of them will stand the test of time as some of those of his predecessors have done; others of his, as of theirs, as time sweeps on, will doubtless be but historieal marks that show the line at which the flood then rested."
Chief Justice Fuller died on the 4th of July, 1910, at his summer home near Bar Harbor, Maine. He was seventy-seven years old at the time of his death.
Of the opportunities of such a position as that held by Chief Jus- tiee Fuller for a period of almost twenty-two years, the New York World said editorially: "To be Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court is to wield a power that no other judge in all the world wields, and the man who holds that great office for twenty or thirty years leaves his indelible seal upon the life of the nation."
Edward Dickinson Baker
T HE Mexican war of 1846 afforded an opportunity for many Illinois men of that time to win military repu- tations, which later aided them greatly in the pur- suit of political honors. Colonel Baker, a prominent figure in that war, however, had already attained emi- nence before its opening, having been elected to the legislature in 1837, and to congress from the Springfield district in 1844. He resigned his seat in congress to accept the colonelcy of the Fourth Regiment of Illinois Volunteers, which became a part of the American army in the invasion of Mexico. In that war Baker dis- tinguished himself greatly, for when the gallant Shields fell wounded at the battle of Cerro Gordo, he instantly took command of the bri- gade, charged magnificently upon the enemy's guns, and helped to complete the utter route of the Mexican army.
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