The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1856-08-09
fnI,n ". (.caTy.

TO supersede Gov. Shannon, in Kansas, is at
present the object of considerable newspaper
attention, and great curiosity prevails to
know all about his antecedents. We find in
the Penasylcanian the following biographical
sketch of Mr. c., which we have no doubt
will be found interesting to our readers.
MEssRs. EDIToRs: sec by this mornings
telegraphic despatch that Col }. w. Geary
has been appointed to succeed Gov, Shannon
in the Governorship of Kansas
\ Slight sketch Of his life from one who
has known him intimately for the las, twenty
years. MAJ not be unintercsting or atniss at
this time.
He was born in Salem, Westmorcland
county, Pennsylvania, and passed the first
twenty years Of his life there beneath his
parents roof, assisting his father, like a du-
tiful son, to provide for the wants of the
family.
I lie received nothing more than a common
school education, but by severe application
he fitted himself for the duties of teacher,
, which profession he followed for several win
/ tiers in his native county, generously deyot-
/ ing his whole earnings to the support r. his
| aged parents.
! lie never was civil cr....,iuer, as the des
patch states lie LAS always been staunch
democrat, and under former Administers
tio,. ncld an Office on the Portage Railroad
on the Allegheny Mountains.
This office he held when the war with
Mexico broke out. He was Captain of 4
fine military company on the Summit"
and when the call was made for a Second
Regiment Of Volunteers from Pennsylvania,
he and his company Immediately offered
their services, which were instantly accept
ed. The rendezvous of the regiment was at
Pittsburgh, where Geary Immediately re-
paired with his men. Here an election was
held for officers, and he was elected Lieut.
Col of the regiment. Here appears to have
been the commencement of his good fortune,
which has never yet deserted him.
| neglected TO mention that year or two
before he had married beautiful and anna
bic lady Of his native town; bu. leaving her
and sacrificing friends, and the comforts Of
h0ne, he nobly LEFT his native land to fight
the battles of his country.
lie landed at Vera Cruz and was engaged
in its bombardment He was detained in
this vicinity some time with the regiment,
many Of whom were III and DIVING in the
hospital-ministt ring TO their wants and
cheering the poor fellows with words Of COM
~
and participated in several of the brilliant
victories which crowned our arms. In one
battle he was severely wounded by grape
shot. Envious spirits, however, could not
hold their slandcrous tongues, and base re-
ports Were sen, home and circulated regard
ing his conduct, but coming to his cars were
triumphantly disproved, and their author
an officer of his own regiment-cashiered
and sent home in disgrace
Upon the death of Col. Roberts, Lieut..
Col Gcary was elected to fill the vacancy,
and continued at the head of the regiment
through the war; and until he landed them
safely III Pittsburgh and saw them dISband-
ed. He then returned to his family in West
moreand. but in a few months President
Polk, in reward for his services, appointed
him Postmaster of San Francisco. lie in
stantly prepared to 90 out. and taking his
family with him, sailed from New York in
1919
Upon arriving there he found everything
in almost IueXtrica ... ..-. ..r-. rrt-ro system
or arrangement ....- .-. PEST Office which
was kept IN ID E r.f ..--. .. mail diIncn-
sions, in wuie. Doe 7a i.ree. with his family
to take up L.- residence. Ky supcrhuman
cXcrtIOnS how ever. .c soon brought matters
to iighls and systcmized the whole depart
ment, II the great convenience Of the citi-
zen, OF San Francisco. \ new Administra-
ton coming into power, he was dIsp laced,
and his successor appointed. Tie was i'm
mcd!atc.y appointed Alcaidc Of the city by
Gen. Riley, aud continued to perform the
duties OF his office-which were those of
Judge, jury, counsel, prosecuting atrari.ty
and arbitrator, all combined Ia one--,H the
great satisfaction OF all who had dealings
with him-(aHd | much question whether
justice has ever since been more equally
meted to ali In that rowdy cityD-uEUi the
admission Of California into the Mon. when
the citizens, approaching the merit q; the
Acalde, elected him their May certainly
a high honor, and one to be proud OF, first
Mayor Of one of the i:s, cities of the world,
Vt the end OF his term he refused re-
election, but proceeded to arrange his affairs
for the purpose of returning home, where
the declining health of his beloved wife, who
had returned before HIM, created fearful an
tIciIations. lie returned, full of honor and
glory and wealth, having anassed an i'm
mense fortune during his residence there
but she survived his arrival but few months.
He purchased fine farm in one of the
most beautiful portions of Westmorcand
county, where lie has continued to make his
home, though engaged in one of the ISost
extensive railroad operations in the country,
until now, hc is again called Into public life
to fill one Of the most important positions
in the Union. lie is a self-nade man-the |
man for the times and Will 90 credit to his
party and his State. J. X. p