The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1857-04-08

the town Of Princeton now stands. His ia
ther also named James, was born IN Chester
county, Pa. On the maternal side he is con.
nected with the Pettits, large and infuen-
lial family in Pennsylvania. When Packer
was but seven years ole his father died Ieav-
ing widow and FIVE small children. Al this
tender age he was under the necessity of
contributing 10 hs own support, and that of
the family, by the most severe and exhaust.
! ing labor and some years after at the age Of
twelve years, he travelled from Bellfone 10
Sunbury, for the purpose of learning the print
ing bushes with his cousin, Samuel J. Pack
er, formerly distinguished Senator, and then
editor OF the Pubic Inquirer. a paper which
advocate with great ability The reelection
of William Findlay for Governor, in 1920.
Some time after the defeat Of MIR. FindIay,
the Inquirer was discontinued, and in 1923
General Packer returned 10 Bellfonte 10 com.
plete bis knowledge of the printing business,
in the office of the Belyonte Patriot, then un-
der the control Of Henry Petriken, Esq, who
WIS sui utsequently distinguished as Senator.
General Packer completed his apprenticeship
in May, 1925, and was employed as jour.
neyman al the profession Of the great Frank
lin, on the public printing in Harrisburg, in
the years 1925, 1926, and 1927. In the lat
ter year he purchased an interest in the Ly.
coming Gasette, at Wlliamspon, Lycomins
county; and in 1929, upon the decease Of
his partner, MIR. Brandon, became the sole
owner Of that time honored Democratic jour.
nal. It's years already rumber more than
half century, and it still carries at its head
the molo Be ye just and fear not" Sc,
which was placed there nearly thirty years
ago by the present Judge Lewis, of Lancas-
ter, during his editorial control of that paper
1t is still iourishing and influential journal,
and is at present conducted by C. D. Eldred,
Esq, gentleman of fine abilities and exal;.
ed judgment. While the Gazette was under
the control of General Packer, which was
abou, nine years, it supported the election Of
Andrew Jackson, Marlin Van Burer, George
Wolf, and other Democratic standard bearers
of that period and the cause of Democracy
| was greatly indebted, during these contests,
TO the discreet counsels of General Packer,
and 10 The power of his pen made known
through the editorial columns of his paper
In 1929, General Packer intermsrried with
The daughter OF Peter Vanderbilt, Esq. re.
spectacle citizen of Williamsport, who had
occupied various official stations, indicative
OF the puODc confidence or his Fellow c,uzens.
Miss VANDERBILT was the grand daughter oil
Michael Ross, Esq, "a gentleman distinguish.
ed for his energy of character, and strength
of mind. He was al one time the owner of
the land whereon the borough of Williams.
por, now stands and his descendants contin-
ne extensive proprielors OF valuable lands ad-
. joining the town.
In 1892, shortly after the improvement sys-
lem had commenced in Pennsylvania, and
af,ar the West Branch Canal had been adop-
ted as part ofthe system, through the votes
and influence OF the Philadelphia members,
the West Branch Improvement was left out
of the improvement Bill, and thus threatened
with abandonment. Had this decision been
adhered 10, the people Of that section would
have derived no benefit from the large ex-
penditure of the public money for improve
ment purposes. Public meetings were i'm
medalely held, addresses were delivered,
resolutions adopted, and, among other strong
measures, direct appeal was made 10 the
people of Philadelphia City and County a.
gainst the suicidal policy Of their own men,
bers. This last measure had the desired ef-
feet; and the Philadelphia members, under
the influences brought 10 bear upon them
from their own immediate constituency, re-
traced their steps, and voted for the West
Branch Improvement, and il aoas thus sayed! !
In all these proceedings, General Packer,
although very young man, bore leading
part. To his efforts, more than 10 any other
individual, are the people Of that section of
the country indebted for the construction Of
their valuable canal. AS the work progress.
ed, the public voice very properly called for
his appointment as Superintendent, which Of
flee he held until the spring of 1895. He
discharged the duties of his station to the sat
isiaction of the people, and disbursed without
dollars loss 10 the State, while he held The
office, more than million and quarter Of
the public money! His accounts were all
regularly and properly settled. In 1895, Gen.
Packer was The warm friend Of Gov. Wolf,
and received the Democratic nomination for
the Senate. but as The Democratic party was
that year distracted by the unfortunate guber.
Material contest between the friends OF Wolf
and Musenbe:g, aporion Of The friends of
Muhlenberg coalesced with the Wings in ia
vor of Alexander Irvine, then Muhenberg
man, but since United States Marshal under
General Taylor, and General Packer was de-
feated. In 1886 he united with Messrs.
Parke and Barret, in the publication Of the
Harrisburg Keystone. The paper itself is The
best evidence of the eminent abilities OF those
three gentlemen as editors. This connection
continued until 1871. Mr.. Parke is now en-
gagged In the Practice OF the law, and Mr.
Barrett, after season Of retirement from public
life. has again made his appearance in the