USA > Pennsylvania > Cumberland County > Centennial biography : Men of mark of Cumberland Valley, Pa., 1776-1876 > Part 33
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To His EXCELLENCY HENRY M. WATTS :
SIR :--- We, the undersigned, representing a number of American citizens, naturalized citizens, and others, who have served in the Army of the United States, now resident in Vienna, respectfully request the honour of your Excellency's company to dinner, upon such day as may suit your Excellency's convenience.
It would be presumptuous in us to make any comment upon the sudden and untimely removai, by the United States Government, of your Excellency from the high position you so worthily fill ; but we may express our sincere regrets that, by your departure from Vienna, many of us lose a kind friend, and the Government a faithful public servant.
We have the honour to be your Excellency's obedient servants,
A. MEHAFFY, EMILE SAMSON, F. W. PAYNE, M. D .. JOHN DE VELLO MOORE. M. D. In the name of citizens.
LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. VIENNA, May 13th, 1869.
To Messrs. A. MEHAUFY, EMILE SAMSON, F. W. PAYNE, M. D, JOHN DE VELLO MOORE, M. D., Committee.
GENTLEMEN : I am honored by the receipt of your complimentary note of the rath inst., inviting me on your own and on behalf of the citizens and soldiers of the United States, sojourning here, to a dinner prior to my departure from Vienna.
It is quite natural that I should agree with you that the recall of our Government was, under the circumstances, untimely, and that I should feel with you a little mortifi- cation at this sudden severance of our social and diplomatic relations.
No cause has been assigned for it, and all that take an interest in the event are left to conjecture.
There may, therefore, be no indelicacy on my part, or intention to disparage the motives of his Excellency the President of the United States, if I be allowed to say, that the removal was not occasioned by any differences between us in regard to public policy, the usual incident of a new administration.
It will be distinctly remembered that the vacation of this important mission, about two years ago, by my predecessor, Mr. Motley, left a disagreeable impression upon the minds of our people, and that President Johnson failed, in several successive efforts,
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to nominate one whose appointment would be acceptable to the Senate. At last he presented my name, and I was exceedingly gratified to know that it was promptly and unanimously approved.
Without yielding a blind acquiescence to every act of Congress, it was then well understood that my opinions in regard to the reconstruction of the late seceding States were decidedly in favour of the Congressional plan, and that it was this divergent policy that opened the wide breach that unhappily existed in the harmony of the Executive and Legislative Departments, whose administration commenced in peace.
I was not in Washington during the pending of my appointment, either before the President or the Senate ; and when it was tendered to me, only nine months ago, I accepted it as a generous and honourable proof of the public esteem and confidence, and as firmly determined to avail myself of the high position to render some corres- pondent service to the great Western Republic, to which I was bound by every tie, and, if possible, to the great Eastern Empire, to which I was to be attached by an intelligent sympathy of a common brotherhood.
At this brilliant cpoch of the world, when time and space are annihilated by the achievements of science and commerce, the arts and Christianity go hand in hand, spreading their softening influence over the asperities of man's rugged nature, there seemed no reason to me why the remote and young Republic I would have the honour to represent, should not be brought into closer affinity with the more ancient and ven- erable Empire to which I was to be accredited, and produce an amalgam of matter and spirit, which, in the Providence of God, might be congenial to both.
But my mission is at an end, and the shortness of it has not enabled me to finish the work J happily contemplated. I have, therefore, no claim to the distinction you so amiably intended for me, and I beg you will accept my declination of it, with the assurance of a perfect reciprocity of the deep interest you have so kindly evinced for me. I write this much-no more.
Truly yours, &c.,
H. M. WATTS.
On the first day of June, 1869, his Imperial and Royal Majesty accorded to Mr. Watts his last audience, during which the latter jaid down all official authority, and took leave of his Majesty with mutual expressions of the unaffected sorrow, which the marked attention and courtesy that had been shown, both to himself and family by the Imperial Household, naturally occasioned.
After his departure from Vienna, Mr. Watts visited Poland, Russia, Sweden and Norway, Denmark, and other nations of Europe he had not previously seen, deriving much valuable information, and returned home greatly gratified with his experience, more convinced than ever that the Government of the United States is preferable to all.
Mr. Watts is at present largely engaged in the development of the iron and coal interests of the state of Pennsylvania ; is distinguished for his charitable donations, and for the beneficial influence which he exerts on society. His intimate acquaintances recognize him as a truthful, honourable, and firm friend, of quick and comprehensive views, and decided courage in the performance of duty.
JOHN W. MCCULLOUGH, D. D.
OHN WILLIAMSON MCCULLOUGH was born near New- ville, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, November 14th, ISO1.
His grandfather, John McCullough, came to America from the north of Ireland, in 1770, and died in Cumberland county, in posses- sion of about 1000 acres of its best land. . His son, John McCullough, married Mary Williamson, daughter of David Williamson, of Cumber- land county, formerly of Trenton, N. J. They named their son after his maternal uncle, Capt. John Williamson, of Charleston, S. C., and brought him up in the Presbyterian faith. Young Mccullough received his early education in the country schools of the neighbourhood of his birth place. In 1819, he commenced the study of the Languages with Mr. John Cooper, of Hopewell Academy, and in September, 1822, entered Dickinson College, Carlisle, where he graduated in June, 1825. At a very early age he had decided to enter the ministry of his church, and after leaving college pursued his studies to that effect partly at Princeton and partly at Carlisle, under the Rev. George Duffield. He was first licensed to preach at Mercersburg, Pa., in April, 1828. In the same year he removed to Frederick, Md., as pastor of the church there.
On October 15th, 1829, he was ordained a minister of the Gospel in his church at Frederick. Upon this occasion, the sermon was preached by the Rev. Wm. Nevins, of Baltimore, presiding minister. The Rev. John Breckinridge, of Baltimore, gave the right hand of fellowship and made the opening prayer, and the Rev. Mr. Hubbard, of Taney- town, delivered the charge. During his residence at Frederick, he married Mary Louisa Duncan, daughter of Judge Duncan, of Carlisle. She died in 1839, leaving three children.
In 1830, he was elected pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, of Lansingburg, N. Y., where he remained until November, 1834. when he accepted the pastorship of the Presbyterian Church, at Ithica, N. Y. At this time he began to be assailed by grave doubts as to whether he had espoused the proper cause in religion, and having given the subject long, earnest and prayerful consideration, and being fully convinced that he was in error, in March, 1838, he resigned his charge at Ithica and withdrew from the ministry of the Presbyterian
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Church. He at once applied for orders in the Protestant Episcopal Church and was ordained a Deacon in the same April, 27th, 1838, at Carlisle, by the Rt. Rev. Henry U. Onderdonk, D. D., Bishop of Pennsylvania. On the 3d of November of the same year, he was ordained Priest by the same Bishop, at Wilmington, Del., whither he had been called the September before as Rector of Trinity Parish. He found the parish in a languishing condition, but by his unwearied exertions he soon caused it to flourish as it had never done before since its foundation in 1698. In 1841, he married his second wife, Catharine Roberts Canby, daughter of James Canby, of Wilmington.
In 1845, he was was created a Doctor of Divinity by Columbia Col- lege, N. Y., having become conspicuous in the church for his talents and ability. In the spring of 1847, he resigned the rectorship of Trinity parish and accepted a call to St. John's Church, Lafayette, Indiana. Shortly after his arrival there it became necessary to elect a Bishop for that Diocese, and Dr. Mccullough was persuaded by Bishop Kemper to become a candidate for the office. At the election he was defeated by one vote -- his own.
During the winter of 1849 he received a most unexpected offer of the Professorship of Belles Lettres and Mental and Moral Philo- sophy in the University of Tennessee, at Jackson, together with the Rectorship of St. Luke's Church. After due deliberation he accepted the offer and continued in the discharge of his duties at Jackson five years. Meanwhile the University of East Tennessee was started and, unknown to himself, he was being strongly urged by his friends for the Presidency. The following letter picked at random from the papers of the Rev. Thos. W. Humes, of. Knoxville, one of the Trustees, will show the estimation in which he was held by his fellows :
NEW YORK GENERAAL THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. June 20th, 1853.
REV. AND DEAR SIR :- I understand that the Rev. J. W. Mccullough, D. D., is spoken of for the Presidency of the East Tennessee University. May I venture to give my testimony in his behalf, as one who is well known to me and whose name is iden- tified with personal worth, manly bearing, uncommon mental powers, and large attain- ments. As a writer he has few equals, as an executive officer none who knew him ever bring him before their thoughts except as presiding with dignity, with courtesy and effi- ciency. Had I time I could gather from this quarter, among the best and most honoured men, similar expressions of confidence and esteem No university or college in our land but might be proud to secure his distinguished services.
I understand the election will take place very soon. I have just returned from a trip to the country and fearing even that this may be too late I send it at once. But he
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sure of this, had timely application been made, so high does the Rev. Dr. stand among scholars of my acquaintance, that any amount of most honourable testimonials could have been forwarded.
Most respectfully,
SAMUEL ROOSEVELT JOHNSON, D. D., Prof. Syst Divinity in ( Episcopal ) General Theological Seminary.
At the proper time he was elected to the office ; he at first declined it, but being persistently pressed finally accepted it. His reluctance, however, was well founded, for circumstances arose which rendered it impossible for him in justice to himself to retain the office more than one year. He resigned and removed to Baltimore, Md., where he remained till 1860. At that time his health being far from good he decided to try a change of climate, and accepted a call to the very pleasant though small parish at Waverly, N. Y. He resigned this in 1864, and accepted the Rectorship of St. Paul's Church, Alton, Ills .. where he remained two years. At the end of that time his health hav- ing utterly failed, he resigned and removed to Detroit. Mich., where he remained about one year, during part of which he was in temporary charge of St. John's Church. In September, 1867, he started east, and on his way, while stopping at Waverly to visit his many warm friends, was taken ill and after a few days of acute suffering died October 14th, 1867. His remains rest in the Old Swede's Church-yard at Wilmington, Del.
HON. CHARLES BINGHAM PENROSE,
TON of Clement Biddle Penrose and Anna Howard Bingham, was born on October 6th, 1798, at his father's country seat, near Frankford, Philadelphia.
In 1805, his father, being appointed Land Commissioner by Presi- dent Jefferson, moved to St. Louis, Mo. In IS12, he enlisted as a private in one of the volunteer companies of that city; but the organ- ization was not called into active service during the war.
In 1819, Mr. Penrose studied law in Philadelphia, with the late Samuel Ewing, Esq., and on being admitted to the bar, in 1821, settled in Carlisle. Here he at once took his place among the foremost in the number of eminent jurists of which that bar could then justly boast. Popular manners, legal erudition, close attention to business, and admirable oratorical powers, soon secured him a large practice.
In 1833, Mr. Penrose was elected to the State Senate, and on the expiration of his term was re-elected. In this capacity he achieved dis- tinction, even among the men of ability who at that time were chosen to this office. In 1841, President Harrison appointed him Solicitor of the Treasury, which position he held until the close of President Tyler's Administration, discharging its duties with marked ability and fidelity.
When he resigned his office, returning to Pennsylvania, he resumed the practice of his profession in Lancaster, with success. In 1847, he settled in Philadelphia, his native city, and soon became largely engrossed in his professional pursuits. In 1856, he was elected as a Reform candidate to the State Senate, and against the earnest opposi- tion of his family, consented to serve. He laboured most faithfully in aid of the good cause he had espoused, but the work and exposure were more than his constitution could bear, and after a short illness he died of pneumonia, at his post in Harrisburg, on April 6th, 1857.
The character of Mr. Penrose was distinguished by many strong and prominent points. He was emphatically self-reliant, depending on his own resources in the accomplishment of his plans and purposes. The earnestness of his temperament was indicated in everything he under- took. Whatever his hand found to do, he did with all his might. Such was the enthusiasm of his nature, that it kindled a warm sym- pathy on all sides in his favour, and greatly aided him in carrying for- ward his life work. To selfishness he was an entire stranger. " He
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looked not only upon his own things, but also on the things of others." Benevolence beamed in his countenance, and often found expression, not in good wishes merely, but also in acts of delicate and seasonable kindness. His mode of life was simple and frugal. Everything like ostentation was shunned by him, and he abhorred self indulgence of all sorts. His generosity was apparent to everybody, amounting almost to a fault. His manner, which was highly cultivated, was gentle, courteous, and genial, offensive to none, attractive to all. Especially was he gracious to his inferiors, careful of their rights, and considerate of their feelings. Best of all, he was a Christian. He was a consistent and exemplary member of the Presbyterian Church, recog- nizing it practically as "the whole duty of man to fear God, and keep His commandments."
Mr. Penrose was united in marriage with Valeria Fullerton Biddle, a lady of rare culture, attractive address, and lovely Christian character. Their home had every endearment which unity of coun- sel and plan, as well as tenderness and strength of affection could impart. It was pervaded by the very atmosphere of love. Their eldest son, William M. Penrose, now deceased, was an eminent member of the bar of Carlisle. Their second son, R. A. F. Penrose, as a sketch of him elsewhere in this volume shows, lives in Philadelphia, and has attained great distinction in the medical profession. Their third son, Clement Biddle Penrose, has a fine legal standing and prac- tice in the same city. Their eldest daughter remains with the widowed mother, and the younger daughter is the wife of William Blight, Esq .. all residents of Philadelphia.
ROBERT COOPER GRIER,
SSOCIATE JUSTICE of the United States Supreme Court, was born in Cumberland county, Pa., March 5th, 1794.
He was the eldest son of Rev. Isaac Grier, and grandson of Rev. Robert Cooper, D. D., both of whom were Presbyterian ministers. In the autumn of 1794, his father took charge of the Academy at Northumberland, Pa., having a full complement of scholars. At the same time he taught a grammar school, preached to three congrega- tions, and tilled his own farm for the support of his family. He was a superior Latin and Greek scholar, and, as may be imagined, a man of remarkable energy of character. He educated his son in the best manner, commencing with the Latin tongue at six years of age, and when he was but twelve years old he had mastered both it and the Greek language.
Young Grier continued his studies with his father until 1811, when he entered the Junior Class at Dickinson College, and graduated there in IS12. There he surpassed all his fellow-students in his profound knowledge of the Ancient Languages, besides excelling in Chemistry. He remained at the college, after he had taken his degree, for a year, and taught a grammar school therein. His father's health having failed about this time, he returned to Northumberland and assisted him in his educational establishment. After his father's death, in 1815, he succeeded him as Principal, lectured on Chemistry, Astronomy and Mathematics, besides teaching Greek and Latin. His leisure hours he devoted to the study of law. He was admitted to practice in 1817. and opened his office in Bloomsburg, Columbia county; in ISIS, he removed to Danville, in the same county. His practice increased till 1833, when he was appointed by Governor Wolf, Judge of the District Court of Allegheny county.
Judge Grier now removed to Pittsburgh. On the 4th of August, 1846, he was nominated by President Polk, one of the Judges of the United States Supreme Court, and unanimously confirmed the next day. In 1848, he removed to Philadelphia, and continued to reside there until his death, which occurred September 25th, 1870.
Judge Grier was eminently distinguished for integrity of purpose, fidelity to his client, and benevolence to those of limited means, pre- ferring justice to gain. He stood very high as a lawyer and as a judge.
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The esteem of his legal brethren was exhibited in the great deference given to his decisions, and their warm personal friendship. At the death of his father, he took charge of his brothers and sisters, ten in number, cared for and educated all, as a faithful guardian, until they were settled in life.
In 1829, Judge Grier married Isabella, daughter of John Rose, a native of Scotland, who still survives him.
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JAMES HUTCHISON GRAHAM.
AMES HUTCHISON GRAHAM, Judge, was born Septem- ber roth, ISog, in West Pennsborough township, Cumberland county, Pa. At Dickinson College, in the same county, he received a careful classical education, graduating in the class of 1827. Upon leaving this institution, he commenced the study of law in the office of Andrew Carothers, a prominent member of the Carlisle bar, and was admitted to practice January, 1830. The skill he evinced in the management of his first cases, soon placed him among the most promising members of this very able bar, and in 1839, he was ap- pointed by Governor Porter, Deputy Attorney-General of the State, a position he held for six years with signal credit, as was testified in 1850, by his election as President Judge of the Ninth Judicial District, composed of the counties of Cumberland, Perry and Juniata.
To this honourable part, Judge Graham was again elected in 1861, for another period of ten years, so that at his retirement from this office, in 1871, he had passed a score of years upon the bench. His decisions were characterized by marked ability and were rarely reversed by the Supreme Court upon review-probably as seldom as those of any District Judge in the State. After his retirement, he resumed practice at the bar in Carlisle, also actively interesting himself in giving instruction in the law department of Dickinson College. In 1862, his Alma Mater conferred upon him the degree of LL. D., an honour, in his instance, well merited by a profound acquaintance with forensic literature, and uncommon skill in bringing its principles to bear on the practical questions of life. He has been twice married, his second wife and a large family still surviving.
HON. R. M. MCCLELLAND.
OBERT M. MCCLELLAND was born August Ist, 1807, at Green Castle, Franklin county, Pa.
Among his ancestors were several officers of rank in the War of the Revolution, and some of his family connections also dis- tinguished themselves in the War of 1812, and in that with Mexico. His father was an eminent physician and surgeon, who studied his pro- fession under Dr. Benjamin Rush, of Philadelphia, and practised it with great success until six months before his death, which occurred when he was eighty-four years of age.
Mr. McClelland graduated at Dickinson College, in 1829, among the first in his class. He was admitted to the bar, at Chambersburg, in 1831. He vigorously practised his profession in Pittsburgh for almost a year. In 1833, he removed to Monroe, in the territory of Michigan, where his legal practice was crowned with success. In 1835, was elected a member of the Convention called to frame a constitution for the proposed state of Michigan, and took a prominent and influential part in its deliberations. He was appointed the first Bank Commis- sioner in the state, by Governor Mason, and was offered the Attorney- Generalship, but declined both of these offices. In 1837, he was married to Miss Sarah E. Sabine, of Williamstown, Mass. He has had six children, three of whom now survive.
In 1838, Mr. McClelland was elected a member of the State Legisla- lature, in which he soon became distinguished as the head of several important committees. He was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives in 1843. In the same year he was elected to Congress. where he soon took a respectable stand among the oldest veterans of that body. During his first term he was placed on the Committee on Commerce, and originated what was known as the Harbour bills, and carried them through. He was re-elected to the Twenty-ninth Congress by a strong majority. In this term he was placed at the head of the Committee on Commerce. The members of the committee, in apprecia- tion of his services, and as an expression of personal regard, presented him with a beautiful cane. In IS47, he was elected for a third term to Congress, when he was placed on the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Mr. McClelland was in several National Conventions, and in the Baltimore Convention, which nominated Gen. Cass for the Presidency,
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in 1848. In 1850, he was chosen a member of the Convention called to revise the constitution of the state of Michigan, and took an active and controlling part in its deliberations. In the same year he was a member, and President of a Democratic State Convention. He was in the Democratic National Convention of 1852. He took an active part in the canvass which resulted in the election of General Pierce to the Presidency over General Scott.
In 1851, Mr. McClelland was elected Governor, and subsequently re-elected. His administration was regarded as wise, prudent and con- ciliatory. At the organization of the Cabinet by President Pierce, in 1853, he was invited to take the position of Secretary of the Interior, a place which he filled four years most creditably. He was again a member of a Convention to revise the constitution of Michigan, in 1867, in which his standing and experience made him conspicuous.
As a lawyer Mr. McClelland was terse and pointed in the argument of law questions, and clear, candid and forcible in his addresses to juries, with which he always carried great weight. In his political addresses before the people he was especially forcible and happy. In private life he is a genial companion, a good neighbour and earnest friend, and his great experience and extended knowledge of men and public officers enable him to observe with deep interest the great pan- orama of public events. His record is a good one, complimentary to himself, and creditable to his native valley.
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DANIEL MCKINLEY, D. D.
THE REV. DANIEL MCKINLEY, D. D., was born in Carlisle, Pa., December 7th, 1800, in which place, and its immediate neighbourhood, he spent the period of his youth.
He was very early the subject of deep religious impressions, and so soon as his tenth year, thought he was the subject of special grace. He united with the Church of Carlisle, under the pastoral care of the Rev. George Duffield, D. D., who, perceiving his ardent piety and promising talents, encouraged him to pursue a course of liberal educa- tion with reference to the Gospel ministry, which he did at Dickinson College, being assisted therein pecuniarily by members of Dr. Duffield's congregation. During his course at college, a deep and powerful revival of religion occured in the church of which he was a member, and in it the college largely shared, and it is the testimony of those who were most deeply interested in these scenes, that young McKin- ley's efforts were untiring and invaluable.
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