Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1849-07-05
From he Journal Of Commerce.
Death 0G EV.PrpSisiQnf Polk


Death Of Ex-President Polk.
A telegraphic despatch from Nashville reached US
last night, announcing the death of ex-President
Polk. Ii is in the words following:
NASHVILLE, June 16, 1919
Ex-President James K. Polk is He
died last evening. of chronic Diarrbea."
II previously known that Mr.. Pix suffer-
ing from severe attack of disease, bat not
prepared for the sad intelligence which has now
reached
James Knox Polk, the eleventh President of the
United States, was born the ID of November.
1895 Consequently be died at the age of ifiy-iour
years, months, and thirteen DAYS. No other
President or Ex-President Of the United States died
young, will be seen by the following schedule:
George Washington, 22i Feb 1882 Ian Dec, 1899 s.
John Adams, Goth Oct. 1875. 4h July. 1896. Oh
Thomas jefferson, 18Th April, I743 4h July 1896. So
James Madison 10th Mar, l75l. 2Sth June, 1896. 50
James Monroe, I'd April, 1919. Arb July, 1881 y
John Quincy Adams, Ilh Iuly 1867. 23d Feb. 1913 81
Andrew Jackson, 18th Mar, 1867. Sh June, lS45 IS
Martin Van Buren,, oh Dec, 1872. still living
VIM. Henry Hsnison, h Feb, 1913. 4h April lS4l. 6S
John Tyler, 29ih Mar, 1890 Siill ivRg
James Knox Polk I'd Now, 1875. 18Th June 1919. 81
Zachary Taylor, Still living
OF all the twelve Presidents of the United States,
only three survive, including the present incumbent
OF the nine who have deceased, none, except Mr..
Polk, under about sixty-eight years of age.
The Oldest was John Adams, who was nearly ninety
one.
In 1906, when Fx-President Polk was eleven years
old, the family removed to Tennessee.
In 1878 he entered the University Of North Caro-
lima, where he distinguished himself By punciuality,
good scholarship and other desirable qualities. At
each semi-annua examination he bore away the first
honor, and finally graduated with the highest distinc-
ton of his class.
In 1919 he returned 10 Tennessee. and commenced
the study of law in the Office of the late Honorable
Felix Grundy, and admitted TO the bar in 1890.
After two or three years exclusive application TO his
profession he elected n seat in the State Ie-
gisature and in 1925 10 the Congress Of the United
Safes He made his influence felt in that body,
aud continued n member of IT for great number Of
years In 1885 he elected Speaker o. the House,
and again in 1887. In leaving the chair at the close
Of that Congress, (Which terminated It's existence in
1851 Mr.. Polk addressed the House considerable
length, in the course of which he said: But FIVE
members who were here with me fourteen years ago,
continue to be members of this body. My service
here has been constant and arduous. / can perhaps
say what but few Others if any, cam that have not
failed 20 attend the daily sitngs of this House sim
gle day since have been a member of it, save on a
single occasion, when prevented for a short time by
The high Office of Speaker to which it has been twice
the pleasure Of this House elevate me- has been at
all times of labor and responsibility. II has been
made my duty to decide questions of parlia-
mentary law and order, many of Them of u complex
and difficult character arising often in the midst of
than has been decided it is believed, by all my pred
ecessors. from the foundation of the government.
This House has uniformly sustained me, without dis
Inclion Of the political parties Of which it has been
composed. | return them nv thanks" &c. In 1889,
Mr.. Polk declined reelection 10 Congress- and was
hereupon elected governor of Tennessee which office
he held for two years From the expiration of this
period he remained in private lie (although twice
an unsuccessful candidate for Governor) until May,
1914 when, most Unexpectedly to himself and TO the
nation, he nominated by the Democratic Conven-
ion at Baltimore for the Presidency of the United
States. To this high Office he elected in the fall
of the year. His administration is too fresh in
the memories of readers require TO be partcu-
larry deineated 1t was, however, bold and sue
cessful one. Everything which he attempted he
achieved Whatever may have been the merits Of
the with Mexico, none can deny that it
ried with energy ability, and wonderful success.
None either justly deny to Ar. Polk the credit of
honesty and integrity of purpose, and sincere desire
promote the honor and interests of his country He
always manifested great respect for religion, and
added his influence to that of his excellent lady, in
its favor. But he has gone. His administration aud
life are ended and are henceorth matters Of history.
Within how short period have been called to
chronicle the departure of three of most distn-
gushed citizens! Worth, Gaines, Polk, all of whom
had filed bright pages the roll Of fame, among
the dead. While we honor their memories, and en-
deavor to initiate their virtues. let remember that
the highest distinction earth is, to be truly good.