Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1859-12-14

", owing to some difficulty at the orraniza-
tion, voted for Mr.. Muhlenberg, and on his re-
turn home worked and voted for the nominee
OF the Lewistown convention. Mr.. Hemphlll,
now deceased, was a we'll known citizen and
politician of Clearfeld town. He was native
of Ireland and had resided for some years in
bellefonte. He was a radical Democrat, man
sof determined purpose and strong preiudices.
lie was for many years the proprietor of the
Hotel which bears his name, and which, being
the place of general resort, gave him consid-
cradle influence.
The new paper was short lived, it received
little patronage and acquired no celebrity.
When the Clearfeld Democrat ceased to exist,
and the dissensions in the Democratic party
were healed, is editor became the Clearfield
Democrat. He was selected as leader, and
through the partiality of his political friends
acquired name and position. His prestige
was not due to his political friends alone He
was popular with the mass of the people, and,
when first candidate for the State Senate
received every vote cast in the county. save
one. Mr.. Bigler deserves much credit for his
success. He has always had in view one OBJ
ject-political position. If he has not attain
ed the post which his ambition prompted him
to reach for, it is not because he has not kept
the darling project near his heart. He, rising
from obscurity, has received more at the hands
of his constituency than one in a thousand of
those who embark on the sea of politics, ever
attains.
= William Bigler was born in Perry county
about 1850 His father died whilst he was
young, throwing the support of family Of
young children upon the widow. When able
to assist in supporting tie family, the boys
turned their attention to Industrial pursuits.
William studied the art of printing under his
brother. He removed to Clearfield county in
August 1888, and, as we have said, was con-
nected with the Clsarfeld Democrat at its COM
mencement. In March 1885 he married a
daughter of 4. B. Reed, Esq. He soon en-
gagged in the mercantile business He became
largely interested in the lumber trade. For
several years he was the principal lumber
dealer on our stream. His business relations
thus extended and ramified throughout the
pine region, and through his advances made,
the lenity and forbearance he showed to his
in the welfare of his customers, he secured
their friendship. In 1S41 he was elected to
represent this district in the State Senate, and
iD 1874 reelected. He served six years, du-
ring which time he was recognized as work
ing member, and strict supporter of party
measures. He occasionally engaged in de-
bate, and made some reputation ready,
was named in this and several other counties
as candidate fox Governor. Mr.. Longstreth
was the successful man in convention, but was
defeated at the polls by VIM. F. Johnston.
When it became necessary in 1851 to elect an
other Governor, Mr.. Bigler received the nom
ination of the Democratic party, and succeed
ed by large majority over his competitor,
The Christiana riots and the unfortunate bill
which his competitor kept in his breeches'
pocket, tended to increase Gov. Bigler's ma
jority. 1t was during this campaign that ST.
mon Cameron, thinking an effort to overthrow
Mr.. Bigler would prove abortive, brought a.
bout the defeat of one of his earliest and warm
est supporters. Pretended opposition to Judge
Campbell because of an unfounded charge of
want of ability, but in reality sectarian preju-
dice, caused his defeat. Itwas master stroke
of policy in Gov. Bigler to appoint Judge
Campbell Attorney General, on his accession
to office, and then urge his claim for seat in
President Pierce's cabinet. Had he not pur-
sued this course, when personal venom had
caused political friend to be struck down
through religious bias, Democratic practice
would have given the lie to Democratic. teach
ing, and the party might have been scattered
to the four winds of heaven. -
h During his term, Gov. Bigler showed fair
administrative capacity. His administration
was not characterized by any marked event in
the State, but viewed as a whole it was conf
mendable. The Kansas policy of the Nation
al Administration, united with other causes,
disturbed the elements. The political waters
became troubled, and the dominant party in
Pennsylvania seemed in the throes of dissolu-
t!on when Gov. Bigler's term was about expi-
ring. He was re-nominated by his party
new element appeared in the political field,
which, like the child's SNOWFALL, Increased IN
size and weight as it rolled along, by its ac-
cessions became uDmanageablc, and then dis
solved in mist. Known othingism reached
its eliminating point on the eve of the elec-
ton at which Gov. Bigler was defeated by an
overwhelming majority. Like besom II
swept all before it. Shortly after retiring
from office, Mr.. Bigler was elected Presldent
of the Sunbury and Erie Railroad, and held
that post about one year.
(ro BE CONTINUEn)