USA > Pennsylvania > Lives of the governors of Pennsylvania : with the incidental history of the state, from 1609 to 1873 > Part 39
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He was inaugurated on the 15th of January, 1867. What the personal sentiments were with which the duties of his high trust were assumed may be best learned from his own language : " Profoundly sensible of everything that is implied by this manifestation of the people's confidence, and more deeply impressed with the vast importance and responsibility of the office than elevated by its attendant honors, let it be our first grateful duty to return fervent thanksgivings to Almighty God for his constant Providence and innumerable blessings to us as a people; and especially mine to implore His aid and counsel in the discharge of civil trusts, who has been my shield and buckler amidst scenes of peril and death. That in the administration of government I may err is only what should be expected from the infirmities of the human mind; but as I enter upon the discharge of my responsible duties with a firm resolution to act with honesty and impar- tiality, I trust my errors will be regarded with charity, and treated with the gentleness of magnanimous forgiveness. I earnestly hope that my intercourse with my fellow-citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives will be so frank and
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cordial, that our duties to a common constituency will be pleasantly as well as faithfully discharged. Different branches of the government as we are, with distinctive duties, we are, nevertheless, parts of one organized and well-regulated sys- tem, and, as we co-operate or disagree, the interests of the State will probably be promoted or retarded. Elected by the people, and desirous to promote the welfare of every citizen, mere party differences should not be allowed to interfere with the maintenance of a generous, just, and comprehensive public policy."
In his first annual message he alluded to the subject of neglect of duty and irregular practices, charged against the Legislature, in terms not to be mistaken; and in his several messages since he has almost invariably returned to it, evinc- ing thus a paramount desire to guard the rights and interests of the people, and protect the character of the government. The suppression of the great evil of special legislation; the just limitation of the powers and privileges of great corpora- tions; the attempt to appropriate the deposits of the sinking fund for purposes foreign to the object for which the trust was created; the disposition of railroad companies to exceed the privileges of their charters; these, and others of similar import, are the grave questions which he has endeavored to meet and adjust with a due regard to the highest welfare of the Commonwealth.
In his messages to the General Assembly he has recom- mended a vigorous reduction of the State debt; the invest- ment of surplus funds in the State Treasury for the benefit of the State; the adequate compensation of the State Treas- urer, and the increase of his bond to such an extent as would oblige his sureties to make good any possible amount of defalcation; the passage of a free railroad law, with a view to checking the spirit of monopoly, the promoting of healthful competition, and the more rapid development of resources; the establishment of an Insurance Department for the more effectual security of such as seek that mode of protection ; the calling of a convention to revise and improve
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the Constitution of the Commonwealth; the more liberal support and efficient supervision of common schools; the tender and generous care of the families of deceased Union soldiers; the establishment of a home for such of the sur- vivors of the Union armies as find themselves incapable of self-support with the aid of their government pension; the proper encouragement of volunteer militia organizations; the judicious aid of the State Agricultural College; and the as- sistance of the various public charities in a spirit befitting a people who owe to that Gospel which was first preached to the poor their freedom and their civilization. Some of the evils against which his admonitions were directed have been restrained, and in a degree diminished, if not entirely removed. Some of his most important recommendations have become laws, after due consideration by the General Assembly. The record of his Executive proceedings abounds with vetoes, mainly directed against bills designed to sub- serve merely local or personal ends, which were already pro- vided for by, or were in obvious conflict with, existing general enactments.
At the expiration of his first term Governor Geary was re- nominated with a unanimity and a cordiality that bore ample testimony to the success of his previous administration, and, despite numerous circumstances unfavorable to success, was re-elected by a majority of upwards of five thousand votes.
His second term is now drawing to a close, and this is not the time, if the prescribed limits of this sketch would permit, to discuss and determine the merits of his administration. Some of the features are peculiar. For the first time in the history of the office a detailed record has been kept of every act of Executive conduct. This will be left in the archives of the Department. Accompanying each of his annual mes- sages is a full list of pardons granted during the year, with the dates, causes, terms of sentence, the periods served, and the names of petitioners for the exercise of executive clemency. With one exception (Governor Pollock) he has granted fewer pardons, in proportion to the number of convictions, than any
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of his predecessors. During the first four years of his ad- ministration the reduction of the public debt per annum has been one million six hundred and forty-eight thousand one hundred and eighty-seven dollars.
As the reader has observed, the life of Governor Geary has been unusually diversified, and has extended over a field as wide as this great country. In private and subordinate sta- tions, and in public positions of civil and military trust, his career has been marked with unusual, indeed, invariable suc- cess. Though still in the prime of life, he has filled a larger measure of service than is the lot of most men who have lived out the full period of human existence.
The intimacy of the author's personal relations to the Gov- ernor being known to many, that fact will justify a brief allusion to himself. He enlisted as a private in the 28th Pennsylvania Regiment, when it was first recruited, served in it till its Colonel was promoted, was then appointed as aid-de- camp on General Geary's staff, and continued in that position to the end of the war. Since Governor Geary's first inaugu- ration the author has occupied a confidential position near his person. In the preparation of this sketch, his aim has been to set down nothing in mere friendship ; indeed the apprehen- sion that on account of the intimacy of these relations he might be suspected of partiality, has, more than anything else, embarrassed him, and confined his narrative to a statement of facts, which he cannot but regard as bald and unattractive. Deeming himself especially qualified to be a witness, there is one point on which he claims the right to give his testimony, and in doing so he has only to say that, for honesty and fidelity to any trust, whether private or public, committed to him, he has seldom known the equal, and does not expect to find the superior of John W. Geary among the sons of men.
In person, Governor Geary is tall, erect, and well propor- tioned. He exemplifies the old Roman idea of complete manhood : "A sound mind in a sound body." In manner, he is direct and cordial. There is nothing in his bearing that would embarrass a stranger, however humble; and whether
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at the head of an army, or seated in the chair of the Chief Magistrate, he has ever been easily accessible to all classes of applicants for his attention. Power of application, force of will, clearness of perception, and soundness of judgment, are his distinguishing mental characteristics; and his moral nature is so well developed and strong that he has wholly escaped the vices that have destroyed many of the most gifted men. This he has partly inherited from his Puritan ancestors, and partly from the lips of a Christian mother, whose coun- sels seem never to have been forgotten.
Governor Geary was married on the 12th of February, 1843, to Margaret Ann, daughter of James R. Logan, of Westmoreland County. Three sons were the issue of this marriage, one of whom died in infancy, another, Edward R., was killed, as has been noticed, in the battle of Wauhatchie, and the remaining one is now a cadet at West Point, in the third year of his course. Mrs. Geary died on the 28th of February, 1853, and in November, 1858, Governor Geary was married to Mrs. Mary C. Henderson, daughter of Robert R. Church, of Cumberland County, and has issue of three daughters and one son, the latter the first male child born to a Governor while exercising the executive trust.
Since the first edition of this work was issued, Governor Geary retired from office, his second term having expired January 21, 1873. His last annual message, which was gen- erally regarded as his most able official communication, evinces a thorough comprehension of the varied interests of the Commonwealth; forcibly suggests the means by which they may be most effectually promoted; and, among other gratifying statements, announces a reduction of the public debt amounting to $10,992,662.54, being a little over twenty- nine per cent. of the State's liabilities in 1866.
The condition of the country and of the State during the period of his administration was such as to frequently render his official duties peculiarly difficult. New and important questions arising from the results of the Civil War were to be considered and adjusted. These responsibilities he assumed
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and discharged with his usual firmness and intrepidity, win- ning for himself the unqualified respect and confidence of the masses of all parties.
Upon his retirement, the ex-Governor fixed his residence in Harrisburg, and instead of allowing himself the relaxation he so much needed, at once began to initiate plans for busi- ness upon an extensive scale. But truly, "in the midst of life we are in death." The ceaseless strain of public service, in war and in peace, had done its work upon a constitution that seemed incapable of exhaustion or fatigue. On Saturday morning, February 8th, 1873, as he sat at breakfast with his family, his head dropped suddenly upon his breast, and in that instant "the golden bowl was broken, and the spirit returned to God who gave it." Words are inadequate to express the sensation produced in the Capital, and throughout the Commonwealth and country, by an event so unexpected and mournful. The honors of a public funeral were accorded to the distinguished dead, and now near the scene of his last official honors and responsibilities he sleeps in the bosom of the State he had served so faithfully and loved so well.
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JOHN F. HARTRANFT,
GOVERNOR UNDER THE CONSTITUTION OF 1838. January 21, 1873, to January -.
TOHN FREDERICK, son, and only child, of Samuel E. and Lydia Bucher Hartranft, was born in New Hanover Town- ship, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, December 16th, 1830. The family is of German descent. Its ancestors came to this country some time between the years 1734 and 1746. Being farmers, they were attracted to that fertile and beautiful section of the State, where their descendants generally have continued to reside.
The parents are alike characterized for those personal vir- tues and practical habits which form the basis of a quiet, prosperous, happy life; and now, at an advanced age, are permitted to witness and participate in the honors of their distinguished son.
Thirty years ago, the common-school system of Pennsyl- vania was in its infancy; and select schools had not reached that degree of efficiency which they have since attained. Facilities for the instruction of young children were especially meagre and incomplete. The subject of this sketch received his first school lessons in his sixth year. At the age of ten, he had the good fortune to be placed under the tuition of Dr. John F. Evans, and after two years with him passed suc- cessively into the hands of Mr. Philip Cressman and Mr. Samuel Aaron, -gentlemen noted for their proficiency as educators. In his seventeenth year, he entered the prepara- tory department of Marshall College, then located at Mer- cersburg, Pennsylvania, where he continued two years, and when ready to enter the Sophomore class, was transferred to
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Union College, Schenectady, New York, then under the presidency of the celebrated Dr. Eliphalet Nott. During his studies at Union, he ranked well in all his classes; but as civil engineering was to be his profession, he gave special attention to mathematics, and in that branch excelled the majority of his classmates. In three years he completed the collegiate course, graduating, in 1853, with credit for scholar- ship, and bearing from his Alma Mater the esteem of his instructors and associates. In March of his year of gradua- tion he joined an engineer corps, employed to survey a rail- road route from Wilkesbarre to the Delaware Water Gap, returning in July to attend the commencement exercises of his college, and receive his diploma. After fulfilling another brief engagement of a similar character, at the request of his father-who desired his companionship and assistance in his own business-he promptly abandoned a profession that had been his supreme wish, and for which his education had been specially designed. And if the history of his life teaches the young men of his native State, and of the country, any one lesson more effectually than another, it is that of filial affection and duty as the open highway to honor and distinction.
In the summer of 1854, he assumed his first political trust by accepting the position of Deputy, under M. C. Boyer, Esq., who was then Sheriff of Montgomery County. The Sheriff being a Whig, the election of a Democratic Deputy was indic- ative of an unusual degree of confidence in his character and qualifications. At the next regular election, in 1855, S. D. Rudy, Esq., -a Democrat, -was the successful candidate for the sheriffalty; and the Democratic Deputy of his Whig pre- decessor having performed his duties to the entire satisfaction of all parties was continued in office.
It often happens that insignificant causes determine the events of human destiny. The appointment of John F. Hartranft as Deputy-Sheriff of his native county may. be taken as an illustration. By enlarging the sphere of his acquaintance, and identifying him with political affairs, it gave a direction to the current of his future life that he had never anticipated nor desired.
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During the two terms of service as Deputy-Sheriff, he read law under the tuition of James Boyd, Esq., of the Norristown bar; and as the rule of court required a year's study in a law- office, in order to admission, he entered the office of A. B. Longaker, Esq., and having fulfilled the condition, and passed a satisfactory examination, was duly admitted in 1859. Mean- while, having taken a lively interest in politics, his influence was felt upon all political questions which to any extent affected the feelings and views of the community; and the degree of his personal popularity, at home, will be sufficiently indicated by the fact that he was twice elected to office, being, in both instances, the candidate of the minority party.
But it is upon his military, rather than his civil record that his title to the present consideration of his countrymen is securely established. Only a bare outline of this is all that prescribed limits will allow. From the date of his permanent residence in Norristown, he had manifested an active interest in military organizations; and at the outbreak of the civil war was Colonel of the 1st Regiment of Montgomery County Militia, consisting of six companies. Under the law as it then stood, five companies constituted a regiment.
The call of President Lincoln for seventy-five thousand volunteers was issued on Saturday, but by some mishap did not reach Norristown till the following Monday. Upon its receipt, Col. Hartranft immediately gave notice to the com- pany commanders of his intention to offer the services of the regiment to the Governor of the Commonwealth. The same evening the citizens of Norristown were convened, and ad- dresses were delivered, tending to excite popular enthusiasm and promote enlistment for the defence of the Union. Early next morning, the Colonel started for Harrisburg, had an interview with the Governor, and was cordially accepted.
In three days seven companies were filled to the required standard, and on Saturday were reported at Harrisburg for duty. Permission was requested to recruit the remaining three companies in Montgomery County, but was not granted, for the reason that the excitement and peril produced by the
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attack on the 6th Massachusetts in the streets of Baltimore, were deemed such as to demand the immediate presence of all available troops on the line of communication between the loyal States and the capital. Three companies were accord- ingly supplied from Camp Curtin. On Sunday night the regiment moved down to Philadelphia, reporting to General Patterson; and, as soon next morning as transportation could be procured, was forwarded to Perryville. In the meantime, connection by rail between that point and Washington had been severed. But after a brief detention, five companies were conveyed by steamer to Annapolis, where they joined the forces of General Butler; the remaining five following in the course of two or three days. The soldiers were still arrayed in citizens' dress, and carried their cartridges in their pockets. Uniforms, however, were quickly supplied; but owing to haste, or the rascality of contractors at that early stage of the war, they proved worthless. Indignant at the imposition, Colonel Hartranft hastened back to Harrisburg, made complaint to the authorities, obtained better clothing for his men, and on the 8th of May the regiment was ordered to Washington. About the 1st of June, the command, having received the necessary equipage from the general Govern- ment, was placed in camp. In discipline, the men were rapidly improving; but they were still the worst-clothed troops that Pennsylvania had sent to the field. The explanation of this circumstance is found in the fact that the regiment was hurried to the front, while the others remained till they had received suitable equipment. After a brief period in camp, Colonel Hartranft received orders to report to Colonel Heintzleman; and was assigned to the brigade commanded by Colonel William B. Franklin, which was posted with a view to covering Alexandria. Nothing worthy of note occurred till June 30th, when Colonel Hartranft's outer picket-line was attacked by a party of Confederate scouts. This was the first instance in which any portion of the com- mand was exposed to the fire of the enemy. One man was killed and one wounded. The assailants lost several killed
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and wounded; and after this exchange of shots the Rebels hastily retired, while the pickets fell back to an inner line.
Preparations were then being made for a general forward movement, which soon culminated in the famous battle of Bull Run. Colonel Hartranft's regiment having been mus- tered in on the 20th of April, the period of enlistment expired just on the eve of that engagement. In view of the approach- ing conflict, the Colonel was extremely anxious to retain the men in the service; and to induce them to remain, he went to General McDowell's headquarters, and prevailed upon him to write a letter requesting them to waive their claim to a dis- charge till after the battle. But when the question was sub- mitted to the companies, they declined to accede to the request. Under the circumstances, their Colonel was powerless either to persuade or compel; and as the regiment marched to the rear to be mustered out, he advanced to the front to tender his own services to McDowell, and was assigned to duty with General Franklin, on whose staff he served with conspicuous gallantry throughout that first bloody day, which covered so many loyal faces with shame and filled so many loyal hearts with mourning.
Colonel Hartranft was commissioned for the three-years' service, July 27th, 1861, and, in September following, or- ganized at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, the 51st Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Some of the officers, and many privates of his three-months regiment, joined the new organization ; and subsequently proved, by heroic devotion to the flag, that their refusal to wait for the battle of Bull Run was not owing to any want of loyalty, or a craven fear of facing the enemy. The command was mustered by companies into the service of the United States, the regimental stand of colors being received on the 5th of November, from the hand of Governor Curtain, who said : "I am looking hundreds in the face, now in perfect health, who will never return to their homes, families, and friends; but their memories will be en- shrined in the hearts of the generations of future ages." It needed not the inspired foresight of a prophet to enable him
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to utter these solemn words. The regiment left Camp Curtin on the 18th for Annapolis, Maryland. At that time Major- General Burnside was organizing an expedition there for ser- vice on the coast of North Carolina. The 51st was incor- porated with his corps, and assigned to Reno's brigade of Foster's division.
On the 6th of January, 1862, the fleet conveying the troops weighed anchor and moved down the bay in three squadrons. The immediate point of attack was Roanoke Island. At early dawn of February 7th, a landing was effected, and the troops were immediately put in motion. The regiment participated in Foster's attack, which drove the enemy from their works in haste and confusion. Reno, meanwhile, had thrown him- self upon the line of retreat, so that the whole Rebel force, with its artillery and small arms, was captured.
On the 13th of March, Burnside landed his forces on the bank of the Neuse River, about fifteen miles below Newbern, and marched against the city without delay. In the disposi- tions for the attack, Foster occupied the right, Reno the left, and Parke the centre of the Federal line. The defences con- sisted of "thirteen finished redans, bristling with cannon, and protected in front by an almost impassable morass filled with fallen timber." Skirmishing commenced early in the morn- ing. About noon the whole line became engaged; and the conflict continued three hours and a half with varying results. During this time the 51st Pennsylvania had been held in re- serve, within seventy-five yards of the enemy's works, and, though severely exposed and suffering, had not fired a musket. As all soldiers will readily comprehend, this was a service much more trying to their firmness and spirit than the dangers of a direct assault. At last, General Reno, growing impatient at the delay of victory, and irritated at the loss he was sus- taining, ordered up the 51st for the decisive charge. After a careful survey of the approaches by Colonel Hartranft, Lieu- tenant-Colonel Bell was directed to lead the left wing of the regiment to the attack. Crossing a ravine obstructed by fallen timber, and moving rapidly up the opposite bank, Bell
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rushed upon the redan, routed the enemy, and planted his flag on the ramparts. General Reno, in his official report, speaking of the manner in which this movement was con- ducted, says: "All this was gallantly executed, and the enemy fled precipitately from all their intrenchments. Some fifty prisoners were captured in the works, many severely wounded. Upon reaching the Rebel intrenchments, I was rejoiced to see our flag waving along the entire line." This ended the fight- ing, and at 4 P. M. the Federal commander was in possession of the city.
On the 16th of April, the regiment was again engaged in an action known as the battle of Camden. Colonel Hartranft was not present on that occasion, having received a furlough of twenty days that he might visit his sick family. After burying two of his children, he hurried back to the scene of duty, arriving just in time to salute his men on their return from the battle. In no other instance during the war, while it remained under his personal command, was his regiment engaged when he did not participate.
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