Freeman's champion., 1858-03-25
From the Crusader of Freedom.
Autobiography Of Gen. James H.
Lane.

\
and in order to vindicate the character
Of gallant soldiers who have fought
with me in Mexico and Kanzas, and
mote especially to do justice to the
real actors in the struggle against
Federal and Missouri usurpatiOn in
theg Territory, l have consented to
write narrative Of my life, in which |
shall endeavor to embody q history
brief, but faithful, of the events with
whichI have been connected or asso'
ciated in an official capacity. Incom-
petent as am for task SO impor-
tant, | yet feel in honor and in duty
bound to undertake it. TO avoid the
appearance of egotism, shall speak
in the third person.
James Henry Lane was born on the
bank Of the Ohio river on the 22d Of
June, 1914. His father, Amos Lane,
emigrated to the West from New
York, as early as 1904, first settling
in Ohio, and from thence removing
to Kentucky and finally to Lawrence
burg, Indiana. He Was lawyer Of
eminence and one ofthe most eloquent
speakers Of his day; was Speaker of
the first and second House Of Repre-
sentatives in the State Of Indiana;
served several sessions of Congress
under the Administration Of jackson
and Van Buren,, of whom he was the
jealous and unfaltering supporter.
1t is said that he, in connection with
two other Democrats, held estate
Convention in Indiana--one acting
as President, the second as Secretary
and Mr.. Lane as the audience--and
unanimously nominated Gen. Jack
son for the Presidency. This was
among the first nominations that Old
Hickory received from State Con-
vention, and was published far and
near at the time as animportant move
nent and assembly.
His mother, Mary Lane, formerly
Mary Foote, was native Of New Eng
land, woman Of rare gifts and ac-
quirements, fine poet, and model
wife and mother.
She was for iorty years a consistent
member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church.
His father died in 1850 and his
mother in 1858.
They had seven children, ofwhom
four were boys, John f., George
w., James Henry and William,
John F. graduated at West Point,
and fell in the Florida war. He had
the command, at the time, of regi-
ment of Creek and Cherokee Indians
whom he organized himself. He
brought several tribes Of Indiana from
Georgia, Florida, Ohio and Indiana
to the Territory Of Kanzas. Gen,
Jessup said that he was the ablest
man of his age; Gen. jackson used
to call him his son. Webster and
Claypaid him complimentary mention
In the Senate. He studied law under
VIM. Writ, but never practiced his
profession. He made many impor-
tant discoveries in science.
George w. Lane is a prominent
politician in the National Demo-
cratic Party of Indiana. He has held
many important positions, and is re-
garded as man OF mind and integrity.
| lie now resides at Aurora, Indiana.
William died at an early age.
Ofhis sisters, all of whom attained
womanhood and were married to gen.
tlemen Of high standing, only one
survives, Mary, the wife of G.. p.
Beuel, Esq, of Lawrencoburg, Ind.
The subject Of this memoir was ed
ucated in boyhood by his mother.
| His parents at that time were com
paratively poor, and both were work
ing, with praiseworthy energy, TO ex-
tricate themselves and family from,
the difficulties which beset married
people in that condition. While his
father travelled the circuit, his moth
or, in addition to her family duties,
kept boardcrs and taught school al
her own cabin. She superintonded
his education, which she had begun,
after he had passed to other tutors
with prayerful and never tagging so
licitude. ,nso ,poE .,52 oh i u
After finishing his education, h,
studied law in his fathers Office ant
practiced in partnership with him.
At the ago OF seventeen Mr.. Lane
went into business with his brother
in law, and for thirteen CONSECUTIVE,
,,Iyears, was induStriously engaged in
commercial pursuits--packing pork
slaughtoring hogs, selling goods, spec
ulating and forwarding produce dowi
the river. He made several trips il
q fat boat himselfto New Orleans.
!, While thus engaged he was equal!
interested public affairss He mad
H..