Red Wing sentinel. [volume] (Red Wing, M.T. [i.e. Minn.]) 1855-1861, 1860-10-10
DEATH OF THE HON. AsuBEL r.
WILLARD.

We announced yesterday, in tho briefsst
terms. tho sudden death Of the Hon Ashbel
P Willard, Governor Of the State Of Indi.
ana, which transpired at the Winslow
House, in this city on the evening Of the
18th instant. The distinguished putli; posi-
ton of the deceased, no less than his at
tract,ve traits of character in private life,
render some further notice appropriate at
our hands.
Gov, Willard was a native of the State
of Now York, aud at the time of his death
was about forty years Of age. His educa-
ton was completed at Hamilton College,
whence he graduated with the highest hon.
ors Of his class. Choosing the profes sion Of
law, he fitted himself for its practice under
the direction of on able preceptor, and made
his first location ia Kentucky, in 1916, The
subsequent year he removed to Indiana,
taking up his residence ct New Albany,
where he attained q reputation As a sound
and successful lawyer.
The ability displayed by Gov. Willard
as forensic speaker, in the course Of his
law practice, added to his genial traits oil
character and popular manners, naturally
marked him out for success in politics.
His political career, which began with his
election rs q representative of Floyd county
in the legislature Of Indiana, has been sue
cessfol, without single reverse. lie ,.as
afterwards; in turn, chosen Lieutenant Gov.
ernor and Governor 6 1ndiana-which
latter pos't!cil he acid at his death.
" Enough GOV. Willard never filed 9
-.vnal Office, he enjoyed a national rep
lutation The presidential canvass Of 1856
which was holly contested all over the
North, was carried on with warmth
amounting almost to 6ercenss in Indiana
By chance, or for some reason which We
never apprehended, the eyes Of the country
seemed to be directed to that State as the
battle-ground Of the North, with an eager.
ness and anxiety quite disproportioned tc
her actual influence in the electoral college
Added to the presidential excitement thu:
concentrated within the limits of tho State
was the further excitement Of . guberna.
tional canvass, and in which Gov. Willard
was the Democratic candidate. Into thai
canvass, both in its general and local as
poets, Gov lizard entered: with all. the
energy Of his earnest, enthusiastic nature
His position, at the head of the State ticket
united with it the responsibilities; Of the
canvass, and cast upon him an amount o
labor which few men of the country could
have borne. Indeed we think the work
performed by Gov. Willard in that can.
vass, in regard either to its, quality OF
quantity, has not been exceeded by any pol
itician of late years, unless we except the
labors Of Gov. WISE, in 1855, and Of Judge
Douglas, in 1858. That campaign made
and ruined, him. He achieved success, Z
high Office, and an honorable fame; but all
these at the expense Of life, which has al
last been paid asa penalty for his over.
work. .,-.-..-..-
The distinguished traits Of Gov: Willard's
character, were an energy and a will which
were absolutely untiring aud irresistible
With him, success crowned every effort
A collcge-mate Of. his, tells US, that
during his school days, he was never known
to miss recitation, nor did he ever rank
second in any class. This youthful ambi-
ton to be first among his fellows, marked
his short manhood, and raised him to the
highest popular office in the gift Of his
State; while the prestige Of success which
was attached to him, had alrssd y allotted to
him, in hopes and designs Of his parti-
Fans, still higher honors. This energy and
will. almost superhuman in their strength
remained with him till his latest, hour
When the. mark Of death, plainly visible
upon his brow, compelled his physician to
warn him Of his approaching end, he. re:
|sponded, ono Doctor! I'm not so badly: of
10, you think! Forward march," and suit
ing the action to the word, the heroic man
marched upright, with strong and even
stride, into Eternity. There, may he rest
lin peace. -Pionetr d Democrat. alI ~