USA > New Mexico > Men of our day; or, biographical sketches of patriots, orators, statemen, generals, reformers, financiers and merchants, now on the stage of action > Part 2
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HON. SCHUYLER COLFAX.
His birth and carly life-Removal to the West-Clerk in a country store-Deputy county an- ditor-Studies law-The debating seciety and mock legislature-Owns and edits the St. Joseph Valley Register-Not a printer by trade-Ability with which the paper was con- ducted-Mr. Wilkeson's account ef Mr. Colfax at this time-Mr. Colfax's remarks-A dele- gate to, and secretary of, the Whig National Convention in IS48-Member of the Indiana Constitutional Convention-Opposes the Black laws-A candidate for Congress in 1851, but defeated-Delegate and secretary of the National Whig Convention in 1852-Elected to Con- guess in 1854-His maiden speech-Half a million copies circulated-Canvasses for Colonel Fremont as President-Successive re-elections to Congress-Speaker of the Ilouse for three successive sessions-llis remarkable ability as a presiding officer-llis interest In the Pacific
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railroad-Overland journey to California-"Across the continent"-His canvass for Mr. Lincoln-Cordial and intimate relations with him-Personal appearance-Manner as & speaker-Passage from one of his speeches-Religions character-Nominated for the Vice- Presidency .256-267
HON. WILLIAM PITT FESSENDEN.
Birth and lineage-Educated at Bowdoin college-Studies law. - Removes to Portland-A mem- ber of the Maine Legislature-Declines political office-Becomes eminent as a lawyer-In the Legislature in 1839-Elected to Congress in 1840-Declines a re-nomination-In the Legislature in 1845-6-Important legal cases tried by Mr. Fessenden-Elected to Congress, but does not claim his seat-Member of three successive National Whig Conventions-In the Legislature 1853-4-Chosen U. S. Senator, 1854, by a coalition-Avows himself a Repub- lican-His great services in the Senate-Re-elected twice-Receives degree of LL.D. from Bowdoin and Ilarvard-Chairman of finance committee-Appointed Secretary of Treasury in 1864-Situation of the finances at this time-Mr. Fessenden's wise measures-Their happy result-More comprehensive and efficient taxation-Re-elected to the Senate-Again at the head of the finance committee-His political and personal bearing-Ilis unexpected action with reference to impeachment-His intellectual ability 268-275
HON. JAMES HARLAN.
Birth' and early educational advantages-Educated at Ashbury university-Professor of lan- gnages in Iowa City college-State Superintendent of Public Instruction-Studies law and practices it for five years-President of Wesleyan university, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa-Elected U. S. Senator-Circumstances of election-Resigns the presidency of the university, but accepts the professorship of political economy, etc .- His course in the Senate-IIis severe re- buke of the Democracy-They resolve to get rid of him-Vote to unseat him on account of irregularity in his election-He returns to Iowa and is immediately re-elected, and returns to his seat-A fearless, thorough, and true Republican Senator-Member of the Peace Con- gress of 1861-An intimate friend and adviser of President Lincoln-Review of his Senatorial action-Extract from one of his speeches-Member of Union Congressional Committee in 1864-Appointed Secretary of Interior by President Lincoln-Cannot sympathize with " My Policy"-Resigns-Is returned to the Senate-Ilis high integrity. 276-286
HON. CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS.
Ilis lineage-Birth-Early residence abroad-Fights the English boys for the honor of America- Enters Harvard college-Graduates with high honors-Studies law with Daniel Webster- His marriage-In the State Senate-Contributes to the reviews, etc .- Collects materials for life of his grandfather-Edits the Boston Whig-Nominated by the Free-Soilers for Vice- Presidency-The Boston Whig becomes the Boston Republican-Mr. Adams disposes of his interest in it-IIis " Life and Works of John Adams"-Elected to Congress in 1858 and 1860- IIis course there-Appointed Minister to England by Mr. Lincoln-Ilis extraordinary ability as a diplomatist-His great services to the country-Ilis manner and bearing .. 287-291
HON. JOHN ADAMS DIX.
Birth and lineage-Educated at Philips' academy, Exeter, N. H., and at Montreal-Enters St. Mary's college, Baltimore-Offered and accepts an Ensign's rank in the army-His promo- tions-His father's death-Captain in the Third Artillery-Visits Cuba-His marriage-Ad- mission to the bar-In political life-Adjutant-General of New York-Secretary of State- In the Legislature-Tour of Europe-U. S. Senator-Nominee of Free-Soilers for Governor- Assistant U. S. Treasurer at New York-Postmaster of New York City, 1859 to 1861- Secretary of the Treasury, January to March, 1861-" If any man attempts to haul down the American flag, shoot him on the spot !"-Presides over Union meeting in Union Park -- Appointed Major-General in regular army, June 16th, 1861-In command of District of Maryland-Transferred to Eastern Virginia-Commands Department of the East-Trial and execution of Beall and Kennedy-Presides at the Philadelphia Convention-Nominated by
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President Johnson Naval Officer of the Port of New York, and the same day U. S. Minister to France-Chooses the latter-Is confirmed, and enters upon his duties in January, 1867- His published works-His personal appearance 292-298
WILLIAM ALFRED BUCKINGHAM.
His lineage-His birth and early training-Benevolence of his parents-His education-A clerk in New York City, and afterward in Norwich-In business for himself-Treasurer of Hay- ward Rubber Company-One of the founders of the Norwich Free Academy-Mayor of Nor- wich-His benevolence-Elected Governor of Connecticut, and seven times re-elected-His prompt and noble action at the ommencement of the war-Equips the troops on his own responsibility-Sends his adjutant-general to Washington to cheer the President-His official letters to the President-His congratulation to the President on the issue of the Emancipation Proclamation-The majorities by which he was re-elected-Close of his gnber- natorial career-His nomination by his State for Vice-Presidency-He withdraws his name from the convention-Is elected to the U. S. Senate-Personal appearance .. 299-305
GOVERNOR REUBEN E. FENTON.
Birth and lineage-Early education-He reads law-Engages in mercantile business, and after a time in the Inmber trade-Is successful-Chosen supervisor-Elected Representative in Con- gress in 1852, and again in 1856, 1858, 1860, and 1802-His course and labors in Congress- His opposition to slavery-Became a Republican in 1854-An active supporter of the Gov- ernment during the war-Nominated for Governor and elected in 1864-His able adminis- tration-His opposition to corruption-Sympathy with the soldiers-His vetoes-His address to President Johnson in Angust, 1866-The political sitnation in the autumn of 1866-Gov- ernor Fenton re-nominated and re-elected by a larger majority than at first-Continuation of his policy-The rebel dead at Antietam-The Governor's message of 186S-His fidelity to the people-His radicalism-His integrity-Resolution of the Republican State Convention in February, 1868.
306-317
HON. OLIVER PERCY MORTON.
Birth and early life-Testimony of his instructor-Enters Miami university-Studies law-Mar- ries-Acquires distinction in the legal profession-Leaves the Democratic for the Republican party-Is nominated for Governor in 1856, hut defeated-Ilis great ability as displayed in the canvass-His energy and tact in the thorough organization of the Republican party-Is nomi- nated for Lieutenant-Governor in 1860, and elected-Governor Law chosen Senator, and Lieutenant-Governor Morton becomes Governor-Condition of affairs in Indiana at this time-Corruption and fraud-Secessionism-He commits the State to loyalty-His exertions to send troops into the field-He sends State agents to care for Indiana soldiers-The condi- tion of Kentucky-He ascertains the plans of the rebels there-Sends aid to the Union mon at Lonisville and elsewhere-The Kentucky Unionists adopt him as their Governor-The Indiana soldier-Governor Morton's fidelity to the absent troops-Malicions charges of his enemies-He is triumphantly vindicated-His influence with the Government-The " Order of American Knights"-Their hatred of Governor Morton-Their falschoods-The " butter- nut ticket"-The copperhead Legislature-Their insults to the Governor-They refuse to pass the appropriation bills-Their intention to embarrass Governor Morton-His course- The bureau of finance-He is re-nominated for Governor-His overwhelming labors at this time-His re-election by a sweeping majority-His complete overthrow of the "Sona of Liberty" organization-IIis zeal for the soldiers-He welcomes them home-The exhanstion which followed when this long-continued tension was cver-Paralysis-He sails for Europe- His health still feeble-He is elected to the Senate-His services there-His speech on re- construction-The two statues. 1 318-331
HON. RICHARD YATES.
tIm birth and education-A member of the Ilinois Legislature for six years-A Representative in Congress in 1851-5-Elected Governor of Illinois in 1860-His patriotism and energy-His extraordinary labors in raising troops in 1861-62-His letter to President Lincoln-Its ap-
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peal for the employment of all loyal men, white or black, in putting down the rebellion- Governor Yates's success in raising troops-Ilis eloquent appeal to the Illinois Legislature- The outrageous conduct of the Legislature-Their determination to thwart his measures- Governor Yates prorogues them to December 31st, 1864, when the legal existence of the Legislature would terminate-His constant and earnest labors for the soldiers-IIis election to the U. S. Senate-The reports in relation to his intemperance-His letter to his con-
332-338 stituents-Hlis moral courage, ..
HON. GEORGE S. BOUTWELL.
Birth, lineage, and education-In a country store-The old library-Self-culture-IIis earnestness as a student-Ile studies law-A public lecturer-A political speaker-A member of the Massachusetts Legislature for seven years out of nine-Other offices held by Mr. Boutwell- A candidate for Congress-Nominated for Governor, and elected in 1851 and 1852-In the Constitutional Convention of 1853-For ten years a member of the board of education, and for five years its secretary-Literary and scientific honors-IIis interest in agriculture-His anti-slavery views-Member of the Peace Congress in 1861-Commissioner of internal revenue in 1861-62-Member of Thirty-eighth, Thirty-ninth, and Fortieth Congresses-A manager in the Impeachment-Ilis habits of mind-His effectiveness as a speaker ........ 339-341
HON. REVERDY JOHNSON.
Birth and lineage-IIe studies law-Reports the decisions of the Court of Appeals-Appointed deputy attorney-general of Maryland-Removes to Baltimore-Civil appointments-Elected State Senator-Serves for four years-Resigns to devote himself to his extensive practice- Senator in Congress 1845-49-Attorney-General United States, 1849-50-Retires from office- Ilis reputation as a jurist-Delegate to Peace Conference, 1861-U. S. Senator, 1863-69-His course during the rebellion-Ilis devotion to the Constitution-On the committee on recon- struction-Ilis arguments in the Senate-The judicial character of his mind .. 345-347
HON. JAMES W. NYE.
Prevalent ideas concerning the Senators and Representatives in Congress from the new States- Their erroneousness-Senator Nye's birth and early education-His study of the law-Comes to New York-Enters political life-IIis eloquence-The measures he advocated-Police commissioner in New York-IIis labors in the Fremont and Lincoln campaigns-Appointed Governor of Nevada Territory-Elected Senator from Nevada in 1865, and subsequently, for six years from 1867-His labors in the Senate-Accompanies the body of President Lincoln to Illinois. 348-350
REV. WILLIAM GANNAWAY BROWNLOW.
His birth and ancestry-Early struggles-ITis early education imperfect and irregular-Learns a trade-Goes to school-Enters the Methodist ministry-His political experiences in South Carolina-Controversy on slavery-IIis prediction-His account of his political creed-Estab- lishes the Knoxville Whig in 1837-Its character-" The Fighting Parson"-Discussion with Rev. J. R. Graves-Debate with Rev. Abram Payne-Brownlow for the Union uncondition- ally-Ile is persecuted by the secessionists-Ilis paper stopped-His imprisonment for four months-Sent into the Union lines-Makes a tour of the Northern States-" Brownlow's Book"-Residence in Ohio-Returns to Nashville and Knoxville-IIe re-establishes his paper under the title of "The Knoxville Whig and Rebel Ventilator"-Its fearless denun- ciation of rebels-He has gradually become a Radical-Elected Governor of Tennessee in 1865, and re-elected in 1867-Elected U. S. Senator for six years from March, 1869-His ac-
351-358 count of himself-Ilis intensity of expression ..
GOVERNOR RICHARD J. OGLESBY.
Birth and early training-Studies law-Volunteers for the Mexican war-Promoted to a first lieutenancy-Returns and resumes his practice-Crosses the plains to California-Returns to Illinois in 1851-Elected to the Legislature in 1852-Makes a tour through Europe and
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the East in 1856-57-Nominated for Congress but defeated-Elected to the State Senale in 1860-Colonel 8th Illinois infantry-Promoted to be Brigadier-General-Foremost in every battle-Severely wounded at Corinth, October 4th, 1862-Promoted to Major-Generalship- Reports for duty April 1st, 1863-Commands left wing of 16th army corps-His wounds compel his resignation-Nominated for Governor of Illinois, and elected November 1864- 359-362 Opens the great fair at Chicago, May, 1865-His patriotism
HON. GALUSHA A. GROW.
Birth and early training-Removal to Pennsylvania-Struggles of his mother to support and educate her boys-Enters Amherst college-Graduates with high honors-Studies and prac- tices law-His success-Nominated for Congress in 1850-Circumstances of the nomination- Elected-Re-elected by very large majorities to five successive Congresses-Defeated by a new apportionment in 1862-Feeble health-Goes to Europe in 1855-Makes a tour in the Western Territories in 1857-His industry and efficiency in Congress-" Father of the Home- stead Bill"-His speech on the subject-Opposes slavery steadily-Speech on the Brooks- Sumner outrage-Postal Reform-Speaker of the House, 1861-63-Volunteers for defence of 363-370 Washington-His character and record.
HON. EDWIN D. MORGAN.
Advantages of business training in public affairs-Birth of Mr. Morgan-His clerkship-Be- comes a partner-Removes to New York-His business enterprise and success-Alderman- Commissioner of Emigration-Avows himself a Republican-Nominated for Governor in 1858, aud elected-Re-elected in 1860-His great labors and responsibilities during the first two years of the war-Major-General of Volunteers-Will not receive pay-Sends for- ward 223,000 troops-Elected United States Senator-His course in the Senate-Offered the 371-374 position of Secretary of Treasury, but declines it.
HON. CHARLES SUMNER.
Birth-Ancestry-Education-Eminenco as a scholar-Studies law-His great attainments in the literature of the law-Edits the " American Jurist"-Reporter to the Circuit Court- Sumner's Reports-Lecturer in the law school, and editor of law treatises-Visits Europe- His cordial reception there-Incidents-Return to America-Devotes himself to law studies, and to lecturing on law-Oration on "the true grandeur of nations"-Offered a place as Judge Story's successor in the Law School-Determines to enter political life as an Abolitionist- His public addresses on slavery-Associates himself with the Free-Soil party-Elected United States Senator in 1851-His avowed position-His great speeches on slavery-The Kansas-Nebraska bill-"The worst and best bill at the same time"-Anti-slavery speeches out of Congress-His eloquence-ITis speech on "The crime against Kansas"-The murder- ous assault of Brooks and his associates upon Mr. Sumner-The effect upon the nation- The distressing result of the injuries inflicted upon Mr. Sumner-His recovery, and return to his place in the Senate-His oration on " The barbarism of slavery"-HIis opposition to all compromise-Advocates universal emancipation-Chairman of committee on foreign re- lations-His great services in the Senate during the war-His published Orations, and other works-Character. 375-388
HON. HENRY WILSON.
Birth-Early struggles with poverty-His thirst for knowledge-His reply to Senator Ham- mond-He enters a shoe shop to learn the trade-Attempts to obtain a collegiate education -He is foiled by fraud-In the academy-Visit to Washington-Discussion-Return to Natick and shoemaking-Enters political life-Elected to the Legislature-State Senator- Petitions against admission of Texas as a slave State-Speech in opposition to farther ex- tension and longer existence of slavery in America-Becomes a Free-Soiler in 1848-Edits the Boston Republican-Again in the Legislature-State Senator-Originates the coali- tion-Candidate for Congress, and for Governor-Elected United States Senator in 1855, as successor to Edward Everett-Horror of the old line Whigs-Mr. Wilson's qualifications for
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the position-He is twice re-elected-Ilis hostility to slavery-His defiance of the Southern leaders-The attack on Mr. Sumner "brutal, murderous, and cowardly"-Brooks's chal- lenge-Wilson's reply-Brooks silenced-Wilson's courage-Chairman of military affairs- His incessant labors in that committee and in the Senate-Incidents of the early days of the war-General Scott's appreciation of his services-His military service-Raises two regi- ments-Volunteer aid on General Mcclellan's staff-The General's regret at his resignation -Military measures originated by him-Mr. Cameron's opinion-His intercourse with Sec- retary Stanton-Mr. Wilson's constant exertions in behalf of the army-Other measures advocated by him-Anti-slavery legislation-The Freedmen's Bureau Bill-His zeal for the oppressed-His character-A candidate for the Vice-Presidency 389-408
HON. JOHN SHERMAN.
His ancestry-The family large-John sent to Mount Vernon, Ohio, to school-At fourteen be- gins to earn his own way-Studies civil engineering with Colonel Curtis-Curtis removed from office, and Sherman discharged-Wants to go to college, but cannot accomplish it- Studies law and literature, and works as a law clerk, all at the same time-Admitted to the bar-In partnership with his brother Charles-In political life-Delegate to national con- ventions-Presidential elector-Elected to Congress-His services there-Re-elected three times-Chosen United States Senator, in Mr. Chase's place, in 1861, and re-elected in 1867- His labors on the finance committee-His bill to fund the public indebtedness-His support of home industry-Action on reconstruction-His new funding bill in XLth Congress-Its provisions-IIis defence of it-Personal appearance .. 409-419
HON. LYMAN TRUMBULL.
Birth and parentage-His education-Removal to Georgia-Admission to the bar-Removal to Illinois and settlement in Chicago-Election to the State Legislature-Becomes Secretary of State-Justice of tho Supreme Court of Illinois-Representative in Congress-Election to the U. S. Senate-Twice re-elected-IIis opposition to secession-Advocacy of conciliation- Chairman of the Judiciary Committee-He moves an amendment to the Confiscation Bill- Advocates and defends the Emancipation Proclamation-Sustains the act suspending the habeas corpus-Defends the first Freedman's Bureau Bill, attaching an amendment provid- ing for permanent confiscation of rebel property-Aided iu drawing up the second and third Freedmen's Bureau Bills-Presented the Civil Rights Bill-His course in regard to the im-
420-424 peachment of the President.
HON. SAMUEL C. POMEROY.
Personal appearance-Parentage-Education-A student at Amherst college-In business-The Wayne County Liberty Party Convention-Returns to Massachusetts-A member of the Legislature in 1852-Mr. Pomeroy's opposition to slavery-Anthony Burns-Eloquent ap- peal-The Kansas-Nebraska Bill-Mr. Pomeroy's zeal and activity-The N. E. Emigrant's Aid Society-Mr. Pomeroy, agent-His incessant and protracted labors-Mrs. Pomeroy's heroism-The journey to Kansas-The Bible and spelling-book-Governors Reeder and Geary-The border ruffians-Ile gets possession of the town of Atcheson and its news- paper-Stumps the State against the Lecompton fraud-The famine-"Seed Corn Pomeroy"- His great efforts to feed the starving-Chosen U. S. Senator-Re-elected in 1867-A Radical in the best sense-" The Slaveholder's Rebellion"-Other measures-His character ........ 425-433
HON. CORNELIUS COLE.
Birth-Early education-Graduates from Wesleyan university, Conn .- Studies law-Admitted to the Oswego bar-Emigrates to California overland-Digs gold-In 1850 commences the prae- tice of law in San Francisco-His opposition to slavery-Defends some negroes whom it was sought to reduce to slavery again-Marries-Edits the Sacramento Daily Times-Returns to the practice of his profession-District Attorney for Sacramento-Elected Representative in Congress in 1863-His speeches on the China mail line-On slavery-The Constitutional amendment for its abolition-A friend of Mr. Lincoln-Re-elected to the House, but chosen Senator by the Legislature in December, 1865. 434-440
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HON. THADDEUS STEVENS.
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His two periods of public service-Ilis birth and early training-Education at Dartmouth college -Removal to Pennsylvania-Teaches, and studies law at the same time-Admitted to the bar-Gains a large practice-Enters upon a political career-In the Pennsylvania legisla- ture-Member of Constitutional convention, but refused to sign the Constitution because it restricted suffrage on account of color-The imbroglio of the governors, Ritner and Porter- Stevens said to be "Governor Ritner's conscience-keeper"-A canal commissioner-Removal to Lancaster-Manufacturing-Abandons politics-A member of the XXXIst and XXXIId Congresses-Opposes the Kansas-Nebraska and other bills in the interest of slavery -- Re- mains at home for six years-Elected to the XXXVIth Congress, and each one since-The leader of the House-The measures he has initiated and supported-His part in the Im- peachment trial-His able plea-He favors impartial suffrage -- Mr. W. H. Barnes's descrip- 441-447 tion of him-His grim humor
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN BUTLER.
Moral and physical qualities often inherited-General Butler's ancestry-His birth-Death of his father-Fitted for college-Enters Waterville college, Maine-Gradnates-Studies law- Voyage to Labrador-His indomitable energy, and fondness for work-Ilis interest in poli- tics-A democrat-Delegate to national conventions-A coalitionist in 1852-A member of the legislature, and of the constitutional convention-Opposes the Know-Nothing party vehemently-Deprived of his command as colonel by Governor Gardner-He is elected Brigadier-General by the militia officers, and receives his commission from Governor Gard- ner-Runs for Governor in 1858 and 1859, but is defeated-A member of the State Senate- The measures advocated-A delegate to the Charleston Democratic convention in 1860-His opposition to southern aggressions there-Nominates Breckinridge-Unpopular at home- Runs again for Governor, but is badly defeated-Visits Washington-His eyes opened-lle returns home and urges Governor Andrew to prepare for war-Starts for Washington with three regiments, one having gone the previous day, April 18, 1861-Landing at Annapolis- The march from Annapolis to Washington-Laying track all the way-In command of the department of Annapolis-Baltimore in rebel hands-He takes possession of the city-At Fortress Monroe-Big Bethel-Slaves " contraband of war"-Expedition to Fort Hatteras- The New Orleans expedition-Butler commands the land forces-Ship Island-He takes pos- session of New Orleans-His occupation and government of the city-What he accomplished -He is relieved of his command-His services elsewhere in 1862-The New York riots-In command of the army of the James-The attack on Petersburg-The Dutch Gap canal- Subsequent movements-Expedition against Fort Fisher-Failure-Subsequent reduction of the fort by Admiral Porter and General Terry-General Butler elected to the XLth Con- gress-One of the managers in the Impeachment trial-His opening plea-His character and ability as a lawyer-Incidents illustrative of his satirical power-He squelches Fer- 448+465 nando Wood.
HON. WILLIAM D. KELLEY.
Birth-Parentage-Early struggles-Removal to Boston-Becomes skilled in the art of enam- elling-Contributes to the newspapers of the day, and gains some reputation as a writer- Removes to Philadelphia-Studies law, and is admitted to the bar-Is appointed attorney- general of the State-Elected Judge of the Court of Common Pleas-Re-elected upon an independent ticket-Extracts from an address before the Linnæan Society of Pennsylvania college-Was nominated as the Republican candidate for Congress, but not elected-Elected and three times returned-Was council for the Government in the prosecution of the pirates of the rebel privateer " Jeff. Davis"-Speech on impartial suffrage-Other important speeches in Congress and abroad-Introduction of a bill securing the right of suffrage to the colored population of the District of Columbia-Visit to the Southern States-Opposition to Mr. Johnson's policy-High character.
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