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 3
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HON. JOHN A. BINGHAM.
PAGH
Mr. Bingham's conceded ability as a member of Congress, a debater, and a lawyer-His birth and education-He studies and practices law with distinction-Election to Congress in 1854- Re-elected five times-IIe is assigned a prominent place on important committees, and distin- guishes himself-Judge-advocate in the Union army in 1864, and solicitor in the court of claims-Assistant judge-advocate in the trial of the assassins of President Lincoln-Contro- versy with General Butler-A manager in the Impeachment trial-His personal appear- 475-477 ance ..
HON. JAMES F. WILSON.
His eminence as a lawyer-Birth and education-Removes to Fairfield, Iowa-A member of the Iowa constitutional convention-Civil appointments-Chosen State Senator-Re-elected, and made president of the Senate-Manifests remarkable ability-Elected to Congress, and thrice re-elected-Appointed chairman of the Judiciary Committee on the part of the House- A very high honor for so young a member-Acquits himself with great ability-His speech on granting impartial suffrage in the District of Columbia-One of the Impeachment mana- gers .. 478-481
HON. ROSCOE CONKLING.
Circumstances of Mr. Conkling's first election to Congress-His birth and lineage-His educa- tion-He studies law-Appointed district attorney for Oneida county -- Mayor of Utica- Elected to Congress-Thrice re-elected-He detects and convicts some parties of frauds against the government-The "ring" determine to crush him-The exciting Congressional canvass of 1866-Mr. Conkling elected to the U. S. Senate in January, 1867-His intense radicalism-The case of Judge Patterson, of Tennessee-MIr. Conkling's speech. 482-485
MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN A. LOGAN.
Birth, and early advantages of education-Scarcity of schools in Illinois at that time-Enlists in the Mexican war-Is promoted to be lieutenant and adjutant-Returns home and studies law-Elected county clerk-Admitted to the bar-Elected Prosecuting attorney of third judicial district-Sent to the Legislature-Married-Chosen presidential elector-Elected to Congress in 1858 and in 1860-Joins the army as a private at the battle of Bull Run-Re- turns home to stir up his constituents to enlist-Colonel 31st Illinois volunteers-In battle of Belmont-At Fort McHenry-Wounded at Fort Donelson-Brigadier-general at Shiloh- In command at Jackson, Tennessee-Major-general of volunteers, November 29, 1862- Takes part in the siege of Vicksburg-Saves the day at Raymond, Mississippi, May 12, 1863 -Makes the assault, June 25, on Vicksburg-His column the first to enter the city of Vicksburg after its surrender-lle is made its military governor-On furlough at the north in the autumn of 1863, speaking in behalf of the Union-Commauds the fifteenth army corps from November, 1863-Takes part in the march to Atlanta and its terrible fighting- "McPherson and revenge"-In the Presidential campaign of 1864-Jcins his corps at Sa- vannah, and marches through the Carolinas-Commander of the army of the Tennessee- Appointed minister to Mexico, but declined-Elected to the XLth Congress from the State at large, receiving fifty-six thousand majority-One of the Impeachment managers-Charac- ter and personal appearance. 486-490
HON. HENRY J. RAYMOND.
Birth and childhood-Early struggles for education-Enters college, and graduates from the University of Vermont in 1840-Goes to New York-Commences the study of the law, sup- porting himself by literary labor-His connection with the New Yorker and the Cincinnati Chronicle-Becomes attached to the staff of the Tribune in April, 1841-Labors as reporter- His reports of Lardner's and Lyell's lectures-Becomes an editor of the Courier and En- quirer-Edits Harper's Monthly for ten years-The Fourier discussion-Elected to the Leg- islature-Re-elected in 1850, and chosen speaker-Visits Europe-Establishes the New York
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Times-A member of Whig National Convention in 852-Exciting scene-Nominated for Lieutenant-Governor, and elected by a coalition-Joins the Republican party -- Writes the Address to the People, of the National Convention at Pittsburg-Supports and canvasses for Fremont-Visits Europe again, and as an eye-witness describes the battle of Solferino-En- gages actively in the canvass for Lincoln in 1860-Letters to Yancey-His support of the Government during the war-His Wilmington speech-Elected to Congress in 1864-His po- sition that of a moderate Republican-The charge of political inconsistency-Its injustice- His speeches and votes in Congress-The Philadelphia Convention of August, 1866-Mr. Raymond secretary, and writer of the address-Failure of the convention-Mr. Raymond withdraws from politics-His ability as a writer and editor-His published works-His tal- 491-503 ents as a public speaker.
CORNELIUS VANDERBILT.
His ancestry-His birth-Not fond of books-Incidents of his boyhood-The boat-Resolutions and pertinacity of purpose-The purchase of the perriauger-Confidence of "Corneile the boatman"-"Carry them under water part of the way"-His stout defence of his rights- Marriage-The new perriauger and the schooner-Worth $9000-Captain of a steamboat- Plies between New York and New Brunswick-Keeps a hotel also-Leases the New York and Elizabethport ferry-His success in all these enterprises-The Livingston monopoly- Captain Vanderbilt's expedient to avoid arrest-The monopoly pronounced void-Vanderbilt in business for himself-He builds and runs lines of steamers on the Hudson, the Sound, and elsewhere-Opposition lines-His triumphs-The Nicaragua transit-Mr. Vanderbilt's energy and enterprise-Makes the tour of Europe in his own steamship, the " North Star"-His reception-Discerns the necessity of increased facilities of communication with Europe-Pro- position to Government-It is not accepted-Establishes an independent line of fast steamers to Havre-One of his steamers, the Vanderbilt, makes the best time of any steamer on the Atlantic-His subsequent gift of this steamer to the Government-Resolution of thanks by Congress-His title of Commodore-Never insures either vessel or cargo-Vanderbilt the RAILROAD KING-Harlem R. R .- Hudson River R. R .- New York Central R. R .- Erie R. R .- The possible future Lord Paramount of Railroads-His affection for his mother-Kindness
504-519 of heart-Personal appearance ..
ABIEL ABBOT LOW.
The enterprise and energy of the great merchant as worthy of record as the victories of the war- rior-Mr. Low's title to honor and esteem-Birth-Early education for business-Removal to Brooklyn-Residence in China-Partnership there-Return to America-Establishes the house of A. A. Low & Brothers-Takes the lead in the China trade-Establishes a Japan house-Losses during the war-His large-handed liberality-President of New York Cham- ber of Commerce-His ability as a presiding officer-His thorough patriotism and cheerful- ness-His assistance to the Government-Mr. Low in private life.
520-523
JAY COOKE.
Robert Morris and Jay Cooke-Lineage of the Cooke family-Eleutheros Cooke-His talents, eminence, and position-Birth of Jay Cooke-His father's care for the education of his chil- dren-Jay determines to earn for himself-Enters Mr. Hubbard's store as clerk-Goes to St. Louis as bookkeeper and clerk-Returns to Sandusky-Bookkeeper for his brother-in-law in Philadelphia-The firm broken up-Returns to Sandusky-Is offered a position by E. W. Clark & Co .- Accepts, and is in high favor-Becomes a partner at 21-The barkeeper story- Its falsity-Jay Cooke's kindness-He becomes the active business manager and leading partner in the firm of E. W. Clark & Co .- Writes the first money article in a Philadelphia paper-Retires from the firm in 1858 with a handsome fortune-Forms a partnership with his brother-in-law in 1861, under the name of Jay Cooke & Co .- Object of this partnership- Negotiates State and Government loans-The popular loan of fifty millions in 1861-Jay Cooke & Co. place one third of the amount taken-The agency for the five hundred millions of five-twenties-Jay Cooke appointed agent-The risk and responsibility of the undertak- ing-Government takes no risks-His excessive labors-The gloomy outlook at first-The final
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great success-His compensation for this work very small-Mr. Chase's economy-Mr. Chase attempts to float a ten-forty loan-Advance in price of gold-The national banking system- Its struggles at first-Increasing demand of the Government for money-Mr. Chase re- signs-Mr. Fessenden appointed Secretary-Gold still rising-Mr. Fessenden applies to Mr. Cooke to sell the new seven-thirties-His agencies again in operation-The efforts put forth-Success-End of the rebellion-Operations of Jay Cooke & Co. since the war-Mr. Cooke's liberality-The rest for hard-worked persons. 524-538
HON. HUGH McCULLOCH.
Birth-President of the State Bank of Indiana-Comptroller of the currency-Succeeds Mr. Fessenden as Secretary of the Treasury-His financial views-His management-Sympa- thizes with Mr. Johnson 539
GEORGE PEABODY.
Mr. Peabody the most princely giver of modern times-His birth-Adverse circumstances- Brief opportunities of early education-A clerk at eleven years of age-A partner in a busi- ness house at seventeen-A partner in the wholesale dry-goods trade at nineteen-Removed to Baltimore-Branch houses in New York and Philadelphia in 1822-Visits Europe-The head of the house of Peabody, Riggs & Co .- Visits Europe often-Takes up his residence there in 1837-Withdraws from the firm in 1843, and establishes a banking house to deal in American securities-His reputation for integrity and high honor-His kindness to Ameri- cans-Crystal palace exhibition-Mr. Peabody's liberallty-The toast to the Danvers bi-centennial-Donations to Danvers-Contributes to the Grinnell Arctic Expedition-His gifts for the founding of the Baltimore Institute-Lodgings for the poor of London-The Queen's acknowledgment of his generosity-Visit to the United States in 1866-The educa- tional fund of $2,100,000-The noble gifts to Harvard and Yale-Other donations-Five 540-545 millions of dollars in gifts.
HORACE GREELEY.
Birth-Family history-Hardships in early life-Picking stones-His thirst for knowledge-His cleverness at spelling-The spelling match-ITis eagerness in study-His father removed to Bedford, New Hampshire-More hard work-His carly choice of a vocation-His father's failure-Removal to Vermont-Boy life in Vermont-Bee hunting-Teetotalism-Becomes a Universalist-Commences to learn the printer's trade-The printing-office at East Poultney, Vermont-The debating society-His extraordinary memory-The fugitive slave chase- The paper discontinued-Mr. Greeley works at Sodus, New York, and at Erie, Pennsylvania -Resolves to try his fortunes in New York city-His description of his entry into the nie- tropolis-His early experiences-The pocket Testament-Other work-He undertakes to publish a newspaper-partnership with Mr. Winchester-The New Yorker prosperity-Mar- riage-The crisis of 1837-Living through it-Mr. Greeley edits also the Jeffersonian in 1838, and the Log Cabin in 1840-Starting the Tribune-Ilis sher s-M -. MeElrath a partner- Fourierism-The monthly American Laborer-Book publishing-ine Lititiny and Semi- Weekly Tribune-Burning of the Tribune office-Mr. Greeley in Congress-Great success of the Tribune-Becomes an Association-Mr. Greeley's " Hints towards reform"-Visits Eng- land-His services to popular literature there-Other books-His course during the war- Mobbing of the office-His "History of the American Conflict"-Personal character and ways-Peculiarities of opinion-The Tribune his idol-His independence of opinion ...... 546-567
WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON.
Birth-His mother-Superiority of her mind-His father-Apprenticeship-Schools-Inden- tured to & printer-Writes for the paper-Contributes to other periodicals-Starts two or three papers, but is unsuccessful-Ilis decided anti-slavery views-Associates with Benja- min Lundy, in Baltimore, as editor of the Genius of Emancipation-IIis articles excite hos- tility-Arrested and imprisoned, on the charge of libel-Release through Arthur Tappan's efforts-Lectures on slavery-Issues the first number of the Liberator in January, 1831-
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His declarations-Extreme poverty of himself and his partner-His persecutions-Organ- izes the New England Anti-Slavery Society-Visits England in 1833-His cordial reception there-American Anti-Slavery Society formed-MIobs-George Thompson obliged to return to England-Mr. Garrison mobbed-Inscription in his cell-The peace question-Mr. Gar- rison a non-resistant-World's Anti-Slavery Convention-Woman's rights-Mr. Garrison again in Europe in 1840-His religious position-His action during the war-His efforts for emancipation-Fort Sumter-At the close of the war withdraws from the American Anti- Slavery Society-Discontinues the Liberator-Visits England in 1867-A banquet given him by John Bright and others-Other honors-American testimonial of $33,000-Letter of the 568-581 committee-Mr. Garrison's reply-His letter to a friend.
WENDELL PHILLIPS.
Oratory an American gift-What constitutes the most effective orator-Is it natural or acquired -Mr. Phillips' first publlc oration-His birth and ancestry-Educated at the Boston schools, Harvard college, and Cambridge law school-His remarkable scholarship-His fas- tidiousness-Danger from this-Garrison mobbed-Phillips' sympathies roused-He avows himself a co-worker with Garrison-The thirty years' contest-His ideal always in advance -The business of his life-His gifts as a public lecturer-The Lovejoy murder-Mr. Phil- lips' reply to the attorney-general at Faneuil Hall-Mr. Phillips at the anniversaries of the American Anti-Slavery Society-His power over his audiences-He quells mobs by his man- ner-Incident-Mr. Delane, of the London Times-Other reforms advocated by Mr. Phillips -His versatility, and wide general culture-He does not consider his work done-His 582-589 peculiarities-Mr. Phillips in private life.
REV. HENRY WARD BEECHER.
His popularity-Reasons for it-Versatility of talent-Lectures-Remarkable industry-Culti- rated taste-Extraordinary intellectual power of the Beecher family-Dr. Lyman Beecher- Birth of Henry Ward-Death of his mother-His youthful training-Desire to go to sea- His love of humor in college and since-His general culture-The Saxon origin of most of his language-His theological course-Not a controversialist-Settled at Lawrenceburg, In- diana-Called to Indianapolis-His remarkable popularity there-Publishes lectures to young men-Edits an agricultural paper-Growing reputation-Called to Plymouth church, Brooklyn-Accepts-The fashion to " go and hear Beecher"-Peculiarity of his preaching- The crowded house maintained-Growth of his church-Increase of his salary-Outside work-His care of his body and brain-His immense labors-Edits the Independent-For once overworked-He goes to Europe-Is compelled to speak there in behalf of his country- Mobs-His success-His subsequent labors for the soldiers-His leaning to excessive mercy to the South-His eyes opened-His earnest patriotism. 590-602
HON. ANDREW GREGG CURTIN.
Birth and education-Ancestry-Studies law-Admitted to the bar-Takes an interest in poli- tics-Canvasses for General Harrison, for Henry Clay, for General Taylor, and General Scott-On the electoral ticket in 1848 and 1852-Declines nomination for Governor-State Secretary-Labors in behalf of education-Devotes himself to the practice of law-A leading railroad man-Nominated and elected Governor in 1860-His incessant labors in raising troops, organizing a reserve corps, and protecting Pennsylvania during the war-Invasions of Pennsylvania-Re-elected in 1863-Actively engaged in business since his retirement from office-His political services-Pressed by his friends for Vice-Presidency, but withdraws his 603-606 name ..
HON. GERRIT SMITH.
His philanthropy-His birth, lineage, and education-Studies law-Vice-President of Coloniza- tion Society-Withdraws from it-His eloquence-Ilis anti-slavery views-Mental charac- teristics -- Philanthropy on other subjects-Temperance-Hostility to tobacco-Prison reform -" Bleeding Kansas"-Land reform-Gives away two hundred thousand acres of land,
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mostly in small farms, and money with each-Troubles with his colonists-John Brown- Elected to Congress-Resigns-Attacked violently by the press after the John Brown raid- Temporary insanity-Sustains the Government during the war-Helps to bail Jefferson Davis-His religious views-The reduction of his estate by his lavish giving-His published 607-611 works ..
THEODORE TILTON.
Birth and education-Early anti-slavery training-Prefers journalism as a calling-Engaged on the Independent-His advancement-Becomes editor in chief-His editorials-His poems- Mr. Tilton as a lecturer-Speech at dinner of New England Society-Personal appear- 612-618 ance ..
HON. EZRA CORNELL.
Birth-Early training-Mechanical genius-Builds a house-In machine shop-Takes a flour- ing mill-In agricultural business-Becomes interested in telegraphs-Laying telegraph wire in pipes-Originates the air-line plan-Opposition of public men to telegraph lines at first-Professor Renwick-Mr. Cornell's success-His large investments-President of State Agricultural Society-In State Senate-The Cornell library at Ithica-His magnificent benefactions to education-The Cornell University-Genessee College-The agricultural laud grant-His plans-The noble character of this beneficence. 619-628
MATTHEW VASSAR.
English birth-Ancestry-Emigration to this country-Settlement in Dutchess county-Sowing barley-Making ale-His preference for other business-Misfortunes of his father's family- Commences business as a brewer-His success-Marriage-Amasses a large fortune-Tour in Europe-His ideas of some benevolent enterprise-Different directions in which his atten- tion was turned-Decides on a college for women-Gives over $100,000 toward it-Called VASSAR COLLEGE-His views in regard to it-The college-Its perfection of arrangements- Founder's Day. 629-639
DANIEL DREW.
Birth-Early education-Removal to New York city-Steamboat enterprise-Origin of the "People's Line"-Becomes a stock broker-Founding of the "Drew Theological Seminary"_ Other benefactions-Personal appearance .. 640-643
ALEXANDER TURNEY STEWART.
His store in 1825 and 1868-A native of Belfast, Ireland-Reared by a Quaker grandfather-Au elegant classical scholar-Emigrates to New York-A teacher-Enters business-Is dis- charged by one of his salesmen-The calico dress --- "You won't last very long"-MIr. Stew- art's principles in business-His keen foresight and admirable taste-Great memory-No speculation-His fondness for classical literature and for the fine arts-His extension into all the branches of trade-The great advantages of a vast capital well managed-Competition with other houses-Applications for charity-His large benefactions-Politicai views-Build- ing honses-His foreign branches-Income-Houses for the poor. 641-653
GENERAL ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT.
N all human history, whenever a nation has been rent by internal convulsions, or threatened with destruction by foreign invasion, the occasion has always developed some great leader to command its armies, or restore peace between its embittered factions.
In tracing the lives of the men thus called to leadership, three facts constantly attract our notice. They are almost, without exception, of and from the people; rarely or never from the aristocratic class. Though intelligent and thoughtful men, they have usually led quiet and often obscure lives till called to their great duties, and not unseldom, neither they nor their friends were aware of the power which was held in reserve in them. And, finally, they have not been the men first selected by popular acclaim, for the work which they accomplish.
Our great captain has been no exception to these general laws. He is a man of the people; though educated for the army and serving in it for some years in a subordinate capacity, his life had been quiet and obscure, and neither he nor his friends were conscious of his possession of these rare faculties which he subsequently displayed. Moreover, in these days, when General Mcclellan was regarded as "the coming man, there seemed as little probability that this plain taciturn briga- 2
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MEN OF OUR DAY.
dier at the West, would become the general-in chief of all our armies, and perhaps the President of the United Stat:B, as that the diminutive sub-lieutenant of the French army, would be- come Emperor of France, and arbiter of the destinies of Europe.
General Grant is descended from Matthew Grant, a native of Plymouth, England, or its vicinity, who emigrated to Dorches- ter, Massachusetts, in 1630, and to Windsor, Connecticut, in 1636. His son and grandson, both named Samuel, settled in the adjacent town of Tolland. Noah, a son of the second Samuel, removed to Coventry, Connecticut, and two of his sons, Noah and Solomon, were officers (captain and lieutenant) in the Provincial army, in the old French war, and both were slain at Crown Point, or its vicinity, in 1756. Captain Noah Grant left a family in Coventry, and his eldest son, also Noah, entered the Continental army at the beginning of the Revolutionary war, as lieutenant of militia, and remained in it till its close, and, though in many battles, was never wounded. After the war he settled in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where his son, Jesse Root Grant, one of a numerous family, was born, in January, 1794. The father removed in 1799 to what is now Columbiana county, and in 1805 to Portage county, Ohio.
At the age of sixteen, Jesse was apprenticed to his half- brother, then living at Maysville, Kentucky, to learn the tan- ning business, and after serving his time, he set up for himself at Ravenna, Portage county, Ohio. Here several years of toil were followed by a severe and protracted illness from inter- mittent fever. In 1820 he removed to Point Pleasant, Ohio, twenty-five miles above Cincinnati, and the same year married Miss Hannah Simpson, of Clermont county, Ohio. Their eldest child, Ulysses Simpson Grant, or as he was christened, Hiram Ulysses Grant, was born at Point Pleasant, April 27, 1822.
His father, who is still living, an enterprising and shrewd
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GENERAL ULYSSES SIMPSON GRANT.
self-reliant business man, was ready to enter upon any honest undertaking which gave a promise of success. He continued his business as a tanner, but did not confine himself exclusively to that, and whatever he undertook prospered. The mother of the general is also still living, a woman of sound judgment, and superior moral and mental endowments, marked and supe- rior moral and mental traits, a sincere and consistent Christian, whose steadiness, firmness, and strength of character have im- pressed themselves indelibly upon her children.
The young Ulysses is said to have developed, almost from infancy, a remarkable passion for horses. From the age of five years, his father states, he would ride the horses to water, stand- ing up on their bare backs, and at eight or nine would stand up on one foot and drive them at full speed. At seven and a half years he harnessed and drove a horse alone all day, climbing into the manger to put the bridle and collar on. At eight and a half, he would drive a team day after day hauling wood, and at ten would manage a pair of spirited horses on a long journey, with perfect skill and safety. So complete was his mastery of horses that he broke them with great facility, and no horse could throw him. From the various incidents which his father, with a pardonable pride, relates of him, we find evidence of his possessing, even in childhood, the qualities of system, method, calculation, self-possession, and that cool imperturbable courage and persistency which have since marked his character. His judgment was beyond his years. Few boys in their twelfth year could have been trusted to go to a large city two hundred miles distant, and take a deposition to be used elsewhere in a lawsuit; and fewer still, at the same age, would have had th . judgment and mechanical tact to load upon a wagon a number of pieces of heavy timber a foot square, and fourteen feet long with no aid except that of a horse.
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MEN OF OUR DAY.
His self-possession and imperturbability were fairly illus- trated in an incident which ais father relates of him as occurring when he was about twelve years old.
"He drove a pair of horses to Augusta, Kentucky, twelve miles from Georgetown, and was persuaded to remain over night, in order to bring back two young ladies, who would not be ready to leave until the next morning. The route lay across White Oak Creek. The Ohio river had been rising in the night, and the back water in the creek was so high, when they came to cross it in returning, that the first thing they knew the horses were swimming, and the water was up to their own waists. The ladies were terribly frightened, and began to scream. In the midst of the excitement, Ulysses, who was on a forward seat, looked back to the ladies, and with an air perfectly undis- turbed, merely said : 'Don't speak-I will take you through safe.'"
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