The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1851-08-07
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deed which no other man could have ac-
complished. Military exploits which ad-
dress themselves most strongly TO the admi-
ration Of the multitude, were never his
Though good speaker, he had no claim 10
the peculiar powers of an orator. Though
we'll fead in the history and laws Of his
country, and familiar with both German and
English literature, he was not in the usual
accepialion of the term, a learned man, and
was neither an historian nor poet. Nor
was there any thing peculiar or ex,raordi-
nary in the duties 10 which he was called.
Many other men have occupied the same
stations with credit 10 themselves and ad-
vantage TO The public. II may not by look
isg inienty at any ono part of his life, Or
Any one of the many fine achievements Of
his intellect but only by taking into view
the whoie circle, from the cradle TO the grave.
that we attain an adequate conception of the
man. is then we see how harmonious
and pfoporlonate are all the parts. The
sradations of his life; the steps by which he
raised himself from the field in which he
taxed his youthful frame with manual labor,
TO the Executive Chair, were ra,ural and
consecutive. There was no eccentric and
no retrograde movements. All was one
steady, measured, onward march. And SO
with the growth Of his character. The af-
feciionaie, confding, industrious, and truth.
ful boy, became a humane, just and honest
mana diligent, upright and skillful officer
and a Chief Magistrate in whom inAexible'
integrity and unquestioned capacity were
blended with the genllest and most patetnai
manners. "The proverbial hohesty Of Gov.
ernor Shunk," says DR.. De Witt, "was one
principal cause of his popularity both in
public AMI private life. With sterling, un-
bending integrity, he united his ckild.like
simplicity of character aud unmeasured
kindness of heart. have never known
man of whom it can with SO much truth be
said that affection and kindness were the
very elements OF his being, nor one who
manifes,s such unfeigned pleasure in the
happiness Of others. He seemed to revel in
their ehioyrients. The' gambolings Of d
lamb, the smile Of an infant, the Joyous
shout of childhood, lit up his countenance,
and seemed 10 make his heart beat stronger
with joyful emotions. The constant bound.
ings or his affections rendered his life vc-'
~ hdppy one. Dependency and gloom
seldom settled on his brow. There was a
lightsomeness, a joyousness that made his
very step elastic in the days ol his health,
and irahsfused into his conduct almost a
boyish cheerfuness, which some, unac-
qaaihted with his character, looked uron as
a weakness, and others considered as viola
ting the proprieties Of his elevated situation
But he could not help it. If a kind look. a
cheerful remark, and cordial shake of the
hand would give any pleasure tothe poorest
man he met, it was not in his hear, TO with
hold them. If spoltiveness would make the
children around him happy, he could not re.
fuse ii. though it should be at the expense
Of the gravity Of the Gbvernbr OF the Com
monweallh"
This is an exalted tribute by his reverend
friend and neighbor, who knew him we'll,
but It is all deserved If there ever was
man for whom the proverb might be claim
ed, "An honest mBn is the noblest work of
God.n that m an was Francis r. Skunk
This praise was accorded to him by all who
knew him, even the most heated and zeal
Gus of his political adversaries, and what
higher fame can public man achieve 1t
is recorded of Aristides and Epaminondas,
as remarkable fact, that though entrusted
with public treasure, they lived and died
poor. So with Skunk. Living near tho
treasury most of his life, and in ,he midst
of temptations that have overcome the vir.
Tue of many a a'man, his palm was never
soiled with q 'bribe-malice in its phrenzy,
never imputed 10 him peculation or fraud,
and he lived end died poor. Honest amid
abounding uption-honest in spite of
emptaton-honest when unseen as well as
when watched-honost in the recesses Of
the official closet, as well as in the gaze of
the world, Skunk stands foilh ahS immortal
example OF integrity fotthe admiration and
imitation of prosperity.
And dtheG' how beautifully does the afec-
tioGate character of his heart. as described
by DR.. De Witt, blend itself with the ster-
ling character of his life. You oil know
how fond he was of escaping, even for an
hour, from the excitements of public life. TO
these tranquil scenes of his own, his native
land. II was here that his whole heart flow
ed foat. Here was the home of his birth,
and the graves Of his fa.hers.--Here was the
good old Church where his infant accents
frs! mingled in the public worship OF God
here the fields in which he toiled for daily
bread-here the school-house where he cul-
tivated his own intellect, whilst he taught
o,hers-and here were the children OF his
charge, now parents themselves, coming
around him 10 bestow marks of homage and
affection, and pointing out TO their children,
their "good old friend, Frank Shails" Very
pleasant and hearty were those greetings
very pure and deep were the affections thus
indulged and expressed. And here, i'd the
mids! of the friends Of his youth-in the
place of his early struggles and triumphs-
he desired 10 be buried. Like the patriarch