USA > Pennsylvania > Lives of the governors of Pennsylvania : with the incidental history of the state, from 1609 to 1873 > Part 34
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The boyhood of James, the subject of this sketch, was passed principally at school. His first teacher was Joseph
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JAMES POLLOCK.
B. Anthony, afterwards president-judge of the eighth judicial district, of whom he became the successor in the same office in the year 1850. He remained in the school of Mr. Anthony but a short time, and, soon after leaving, entered the Milton Classical Academy under the care of Rev. David Kirkpatrick. He here prepared for, and entered the Junior Class in the College of New Jersey, at Princeton, and graduated as Bachelor of Arts with the highest honors of his class in Sep- tember, 1831. In 1835, he received, in course, the degree of A. M., and in 1855 his Alma Mater conferred upon him the honorary degree of LL.D. In 1857 the trustees of Jef- ferson College, Pennsylvania, bestowed upon him the like honor.
After his graduation he entered, as a student of law, the office of Samuel Hepburn, a gentleman of eminent legal learning, in his native town, and was admitted to practice in the several Courts of Northumberland County in November, 1833. In April, 1834, he opened an office in Milton, and was successful in the practice of his profession. In 1835 he was appointed District Attorney for Northumberland County, which office he held for three years.
He was married on the 19th day of December, 1837, to Miss Sarah Ann, daughter of Samuel Hepburn. He held a number of important civil offices. He was a Whig in politics, but notwithstanding this, he was, in 1844, elected a member of Congress from the Thirteenth Congressional District, then strongly Democratic, and was twice re-elected from the same district, holding the office for six years. As a member of some of the most important committees, he contributed largely to the general work of legislation. In the Twenty- eighth Congress he was a member of the Committee on Claims, and his numerous reports attest the extent and quality of his labors. In the Twenty-ninth Congress he was on the Committee on Territories, of which Stephen A. Douglas was chairman. To this committee were referred all bills relating to the organization of new territories; and the question of excluding slavery therefrom was often presented,
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warmly debated, and generally determined in favor of exclu- sion. It was evident from the tone and temper of the dis cussions in committee and in Congress that a crisis was ap- proaching. The reports from this committee gave direction and force to public sentiment. The discussions increased in warmth and bitterness, and finally culminated in attempted secession, revolution, and war, the sequel to all which was the triumph of the National cause and the abolition of slavery. During the Thirtieth Congress he was an active member of the Committee of Ways and Means, of which Samuel F. Vinton, of Ohio, was chairman. The country was then engaged in a war with Mexico, and in consequence the business of the committee was greatly augmented. The duties of the place were onerous and responsible, but were fully and faithfully discharged.
On the 23d of June, 1848, Mr. Pollock offered a resolution for the appointment of a special committee to inquire into the necessity and practicability of constructing a railroad to the Pacific coast. As chairman of that committee he made a report to the House in favor of the construction of such a road. The report may be found in the third volume of the Journal of the House of Representatives for the first session of the Thirtieth Congress. This was the first favorable official act on this subject on the part of the Congress of the United States. The report discusses the question in its international and domestic aspects, its feasibility, and probable results. The opening paragraph is in these words: " The proposition at first view is a startling one. The magnitude of the work itself, and the still greater and more magnificent results promised by its accomplishment - that of revolutionizing morally and commercially, if not politically, a greater part of the habitable globe, and making the vast commerce of the world tributary to us - almost overwhelm the mind. But your committee, on examination, find it a subject as simple as it is vast and magnificent, and see no insurmountable diffi- culties in the way of its successful accomplishment."
A bill accompanied the report, and was referred to the
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Committee of the Whole, but no further action was taken on it at that time, and Mr. Pollock soon after left Congress. In the fall of 1848, however, he delivered a lecture on the Pacific Railroad, by invitation, to a crowded house, at Lewis- burg, Union County, closing with the following remark : " At the risk of being considered insane, I will venture the prediction, that in less than twenty-five years from this even- ing, a railroad will be completed and in operation between New York and San Francisco, California; that a line of steamships will be established between San Francisco, Japan, and China; and there are now in my audience, ladies who will, before the expiration of the period named, drink tea brought from China and Japan, by this route, to their own doors !" This prophetic announcement was received by the audience with a smile of good-natured incredulity; but some of those very ladies, during the year 1869, were able to sip their favorite beverage in exact accordance with the terms of the speaker's prediction! On the 10th of May, 1869, the last rail was laid, the last spike driven, and the great Pacific Railway, so long in embryo, became an accomplished fact !
The subjects of special interest during his Congressional term of service were the annexation of Texas, the Mexican war, the acquisition of California, the repeal of the Tariff Act of 1842, and the " Wilmot Proviso" in its application to the newly acquired Territories of the United States. In all the discussions on these exciting topics he took an active part. His speeches and votes demonstrate the consistency of his views, and the breadth and soundness of his under- standing.
In 1850 he was appointed President-Judge of the eighth judicial district, composed of the counties of Northumber- land, Montour, Columbia, Lycoming, and Sullivan. He held the office until the amendment of the Constitution required the election of judges by the people. He declined a nomina- tion for the position, and, on leaving the Bench, resumed the practice of the law.
In 1854 he was nominated, and elected by a large majority,
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Governor of Pennsylvania, and was inaugurated in January, 1855. He held the office for one term, having refused to per- mit his name to be used as a candidate for renomination.
Throughout his entire term of office, the subject of the repeal of the Missouri Compromise and the introduction of slavery into the territories was warmly agitated, and it be- came the duty of the chief magistrate of one of the most influential States in the Union to speak for the millions of people whom he represented. That duty he performed in a manner that admitted of no equivocal interpretation. In his Inaugural Address he said : " Pennsylvania, occupying as she does an important and proud position in the sisterhood of States, cannot be indifferent to the policy and acts of the national government. Her voice, potential for good in other days, ought not to be disregarded now. Devoted to the Con- stitution and the Union,- as she was the first to sanction, she will be the last to endanger the one or violate the other. Regarding with jealous care the rights of her sister States, she will be ever ready to defend her own. To the Con- stitution in all its integrity, to the Union in its strength and harmony, to the maintenance in its purity, of the faith and honor of our country, Pennsylvania now is and always has been pledged - a pledge never violated, and not to be violated, until patriotism ceases to be a virtue, and liberty to be known only as a name. ... With no desire to restrain the full and entire Constitutional rights of the States, nor to interfere directly or indirectly with their domestic institu- tions, the people of Pennsylvania, in view of the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, the principle involved in it, and the consequences resulting from it, as marked already by fraud, violence, and strife, have reaffirmed their opposition to the extension of slavery into territory now free, and re- newed their pledge 'to the doctrines of the Act of 1780, which relieved us, by Constitutional means, from a grievous social evil; to the great ordinance of 1787, in its full scope, and all its beneficial principles; to the protection of the per- sona1 rights of every human being under the Constitution of
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Pennsylvania and the Constitution of the United States, by maintaining inviolate the trial by jury, and the writ of habeas corpus ; to the assertion of the due rights of the North, as well as of the South, and to the integrity of the Union.' The declaration of these doctrines is but the recognition of the fundamental principles of freedom and human rights. They are neither new nor startling. They were taught by patriotic fathers at the watch-fires of our country's defenders, and learned amid the bloody snows of Valley Forge and the mighty throes of war and revolution. They were stamped with indelible impress upon the great charter of our rights, and embodied in the legislation of the best and purest days of the Republic; have filled the hearts and fell burning from the lips of orators and statesmen, whose memories are im- mortal as the principles they cherished. They have been the watchword and the hope of millions who have gone before us, and the watchword and the hope of millions now, and will be of millions yet unborn."
Again, in his message of January 7th, 1857, he said : " To the policy and acts of the National Government, affecting, as they do, the rights and interests of the Commonwealth, the people of the State cannot be indifferent. Pennsylvania, occupying a high and conservative position in the sisterhood of States, devoted to the Constitution and the Union, in their integrity and harmony, has been, and will ever be, as ready to recognize the rights of her sister States as to defend her own. These sentiments she has never abandoned -these principles she has never violated. ... Freedom is the great centre-truth of American Republicanism - the great law of American nationality ; slavery is the exception. It is local and sectional; and its extension beyond the jurisdiction creating it, or to the free territories of the Union, was never designed or contemplated by the patriot founders of the Republic. In accordance with these sentiments, Pennsyl- "vania, true to the principles of the Act of 1780, which abol- ished slavery within her territorial limits, true to the great doctrines of the Ordinance of 1787, which dedicated to free-
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dom the Northwestern territory of the Union, true to the national faith and national honor, asks and expects, as due to her own citizens who have, in good faith, settled in the Territory of Kansas, and as due to the industry and energy of a free people, that Kansas should be free. .... The union of the States which constitutes us one people, should be dear to you -to every American citizen. In the heat and excite- ment of political contests, in the whirl of sectional and con- flicting interests, amid the surging of human passions, harsh and discordant voices may be heard, threatening its integrity and denouncing its doom; but in the calm, 'sober, second thought' of a patriotic and virtuous people will be found its security and defence. .... Pennsylvania tolerates no senti- ment of disunion. She knows not the word. ... .. The Union and the Constitution, the safeguard and bond of American nationality, will be revered and defended by every American freeman who cherishes the principles and honors the memory of the illustrious founders of the Republic."
Among the most important measures of his administration were the adoption of a policy by which the reduction of the public debt was commenced, and nearly two millions of dol- lars paid; the sale of the main line of the "public works" to the Pennsylvania Central Railroad Company for $7,500,000, which sum was made applicable to the payment and reduc- tion of the debt of the Commonwealth, and which, added to the sum actually paid, reduced the debt, practically, nearly ten millions of dollars; a series of acts by which increased vigor and efficiency were given to the system of common schools ; retrenchment and reform in the various depart- ments; and economy in the general administration of the Government.
In the fall of 1857 occurred a financial crisis which led to the suspension of specie payments by the banks of the State, and threatened every branch of industry with serious derange- ment and injury. To avert impending evils, an extra session " of the Legislature was called, which convened in October of that year. On the recommendation of the Governor, the
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suspension was legalized for a definite period, the forfeiture of the charters of the respective banks prevented, and other measures adopted which allayed the public apprehension, saved the credit of the State, and removed the dangers to which the general prosperity had been exposed.
At the expiration of his official term, Governor Pollock resumed the practice of his profession in the place of his nativity. On leaving Harrisburg for his home, both Houses of the Legislature adjourned, and, headed by their respective speakers and officers, accompanied him to the cars which bore him away. The parting with all, without distinction of party, was as of abiding and cherished friends. The scene was significant and impressive.
In 1860, at the time of greatest impending peril, and before hostilities had opened between the North and the South, an earnest effort was made by the friends of peace and concilia- tion to settle all causes of difference by means of friendly conference. It was thought by bringing together a body of men representing the several States, who were above selfish and ambitious designs, and who should fairly and freely confer with each other, that a basis of pacification could be adopted which would avert an appeal to arms. For this purpose representative men were selected, and Governor Pollock was appointed to represent Pennsylvania. This body met in Washington, and remained in session during a part of February and March. A plan of com- promise drawn by Mr. Crittenden was adopted by the confer- ence ; but it failed to meet the approval of Congress, being opposed by Representatives of both the North and the South with equal resolution, and the wager by battle became the only alternative. In this body Governor Pollock bore a con- spicuous part.
In May, 1861, he was appointed, by President Lincoln, Director of the United States Mint at Philadelphia, and held the office until October 1st, 1866, when, on the ac- cession of Andrew Johnson to power, he resigned. By his efforts, with the approval of Mr. Chase, then Secretary of the
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Treasury, the motto " In God we trust " was placed upon the national coins - a motto of deep significance, and alike hon- orable to the people and government of the United States. He was reinstated in 1869, by President Grant, in his former position as Director of the Mint, which office he now (August, 1872,) holds.
During the late War his sympathies and labors were unre- servedly given to the support of the National Government. Rebellion found no advocate in him, treason no friend. True to the Union, he was ever ready to aid in its defence ; true to liberty and humanity, he was always their advocate ; true to his country, he rejoiced in the overthrow of its enemies, and in the assurance of its triumph.
In appearance, Governor Pollock is of commanding person, rather above the medium height, with prominent dark eyes, and a face beaming with intelligence and benignity. In manner he is cordial and frank. As a public speaker he always commands attention, not less by the soundness of his views, than by the force and eloquence with which they are expressed. He has for many years held an elevated place in public estimation by his zeal in promoting educational and religious reforms.
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WILLIAM F. PACKER,
GOVERNOR UNDER THE CONSTITUTION OF 1838. January 19, 1858, to January 15, 1861.
W ILLIAM FISHER PACKER, the second son of James and Charity Packer, was born on the 2d day of April, 1807, in Howard township, Centre County, Pennsylvania. His father, James Packer, born in 1773, was a native of Chester County, and a son of James Packer and Rose Men- denhall. James Packer, the grandfather, was born in 1725, in New Jersey, at the site of the present city of Princeton, and was a son of Philip Packer and Ann Coates. Philip Packer was an English Quaker, and among the first emi- grants to West Jersey, under the auspices of William Penn and other leading Friends of that day, and his descendants adhered to the same religious faith. Rose Mendenhall, the grandmother, was a daughter of Aaron and Rose Menden- hall, and was born in the Great Valley, near Downingtown, Chester County, in 1733. Charity Bye, the mother of the Governor, was born in Bucks County, in 1780. She was a daughter of Hezekiah Bye and Sarah Pettit, who were also members of the Society of Friends. It will thus be seen that Governor Packer was descended from a purely Quaker ancestry, among whom will be recognized the Coateses, the Pettits, the Mendenhalls, and others - names still familiar in Philadelphia and the eastern counties of Pennsylvania.
When the Governor was but seven years old his father died, leaving a widow and five small children -the eldest under ten years of age. Bereft of paternal care, the sons, Hezekiah B., now Judge Packer, of Williamsport, William F., the subject of this sketch, and John P., a merchant of
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Flemington, Clinton County, as they arrived at a sufficient age, applied themselves to the task of assisting their mother in maintaining the family, and cheerfully sustained whatever hardships their situation imposed, receiving at the same time such education as the limited facilities of the country schools of that time afforded. Directed by their mother, and relying upon their own resources for success, it is no marvel that these young men became distinguished, each in his proper sphere, in after life.
In 1820, Samuel J. Packer, a kinsman, afterwards a State Senator from the Northumberland district, was publishing a newspaper at Sunbury, called the Public Inquirer, which advocated with great ability the re-election of Governor William Findlay. Ascertaining that he could obtain a place in that office to learn the art of printing, William F., then in his thirteenth year, left his home in midwinter, travelled alone to Sunbury, a distance of eighty miles, and engaged himself as an apprentice. Upon the defeat of Governor Findlay, the Inquirer was discontinued, and, after an absence of a year, he returned to Centre County, where he completed his apprenticeship in the office of the Bellefonte Patriot, then under the control of Henry Petrikin, who subsequently became a distinguished member of the State Legislature, and was deputy secretary of the Commonwealth under Governor Shunk.
After the expiration of his apprenticeship, in 1825, he obtained a clerkship in the office of the Register and Recorder of Lycoming County ; but, at the commencement of the ses- sion of the Legislature, in December of the same year, he went to Harrisburg and engaged as a journeyman printer in the office of the Pennsylvania Intelligencer, published by Simon Cameron, now United States Senator, and David Krause, after- wards President Judge of the Bucks County district. These gentlemen had just previously been elected public printers. In their office he worked for two years, and on the completion of the public printing, in 1827, returned to Williamsport, and entered his name as a student-at-law in the office of Joseph B. Anthony, who afterwards served as a State Senator, mem-
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ber of Congress, and President Judge of the Lycoming district. He never applied for admission to the bar, yet the knowledge thus acquired of the rudiments of the profession was of inestimable value to him in the public stations which he subsequently filled.
In the fall of 1827 he purchased an interest in the Ly- coming Gazette, one of the oldest and most influential news- papers in the State, published at Williamsport, and, in partnership with John Brandon, conducted the paper until 1829, when, upon the demise of Mr. Brandon, he assumed the entire control of the establishment. His connection with the Gazette continued until the spring of 1836, when he left the paper in a flourishing condition and with a commanding influence. As an editor, his style was bold and energetic, well calculated to command attention and impress his ideas upon the reader.
On the 24th of December, 1829, he was married to Mary W., daughter of Peter W. Vanderbelt, an honored citizen of Williamsport, and granddaughter of Michael Ross. Ten children were the offspring of this marriage, six of whom are still living. Mr. Ross was a gentleman distinguished for great energy of character and strength of mind, and was the original owner of the land upon which the present city of Williamsport is built.
In 1831, shortly after the system of public improvements had been commenced in Pennsylvania, and after the West Branch Canal had been adopted as a part of the system, through the votes and influence of the representatives from Philadelphia in making appropriations for prosecution of work, this line was omitted and was thus threatened with abandonment. Had this decision been adhered to, the people of that section of the State would have been deprived of a great natural line of communication with the metropolis. Public meetings were immediately held, addresses were delivered, resolutions adopted, and, among other strong measures, a direct appeal was made to the people of Phila- delphia against the suicidal policy of their own members.
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This appeal had the desired effect; and the Philadelphia members, under the pressure brought to bear upon them from their own immediate constituency, retraced their steps, and voted for appropriations to the West Branch Canal. In all these proceedings Mr. Packer, although a very young man, bore a leading part. He was the author of the address to the people of Philadelphia, and to his efforts, as much as to those of any other individual, are the people of that section of the State indebted for preserving and completing this great improvement. As work upon it progressed, the public voice very properly called for his appointment as superintendent of that division; and he was designated by the canal commissioners, in June, 1832, to fill that respon- sible office. It was soon manifest that the people had not over-estimated his abilities, nor the canal board misplaced their confidence; for he disbursed, while acting in that capacity, the several large appropriations of the Legislature, amounting to more than a million and a quarter of dollars, without any loss to the Commonwealth, and to the entire satisfaction of all. He was re-appointed for three successive years, and held the office until the spring of 1835, when the canal was completed to its present terminus at Farrandsville, and the office of superintendent abolished.
During the gubernatorial campaign of 1835, Mr. Packer took a leading and active part in favor of the re-nomination and re-election of Governor George Wolf; and, notwith- standing the schism in the Democratic State Convention and the prospect of his own nomination in the Lycoming district for State Senator, he continued to press, through the columns of the Gazette, the claims of his favorite, regardless of per- sonal considerations. Nor was his zeal abated by his own nomination for Senator, though it was plain that he could not be elected without the support of the Muhlenberg wing of the party. The friends of Joseph Ritner at once perceived the advantages thus afforded them, and they promptly co- alesced with the friends of Mr. Muhlenberg, upon Alexander Irwin, of Clearfield County, electing him by a small majority,
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WILLIAM F. PACKER.
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