Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1861-06-06
EATE OF COL. ELLSWORTH
SKETCH OF his LIFE.


create a feeling of intense sadness and indigs
nation throughout the loyal states, and re-
veals to us another phase Of southern teach-
erv and fanaticism. In the death of Col.
Ellsworth our volunteer army will lose one
of it's most efficient and enthusiastic officers
in the French school of light infantry tactics,
popularity known as the Zouave drill. F1r
these duties he manifested skill and prof
ciepcy that amounted to positive genius,
and augured PRO missing future az militia
RI leader.
Col. Ellsworth was born near Mechanics
vile, in Saratoga county, N. Y, April %,
1887, and was, therefore, at the time of his
death only twenty-four years Of age. In
his early youth he manifested strong militia
ry inclinati0ns, lie lived at home until
twelve or thirteen years of aga, during which
time he received good common .chool sdu-
cation. He was always close and diligent
student. On leaving home be went TO Troy,
and was employed for number of years as
o clerk in a store in that city. But the nar-
row limits of the counter were not sufficient
for the developments of his talents and am
bition, end, leaving his business, he came to
this city, where he remained about two
years, S0ms six years since he removed TO
Chicago, arriving there penniless, and with-
.out profession or certain means of support;
but, by his Industry, perseverance, and ener-
gy, he soon achieved an honorable position
in that city. The exciting exploits of the
French Zjuayes at Sebastopol led him to in
vestigate this description to drill. Coming
to the decision that the Zouaves tactics were
the most Efficient yet studied, he set to work
TO organize company of this character in
Chicago, By the title Of The Chicago Zou-
avas." Forty or fifty young men joined the
company, and be devoted himself assiduous-
ly to drilling them to the highest perfection
in every branch of tactics, After practice
Of about year, a tour to the East was pro.
jected. They arrived in New York or the
l4ih of July, 1860, after a triumphant pro-
SSo VIA OuA Au ZIG " C5tOlh SthLOSs = AAS lUfs
city ofther drill, their fantastic dress, the
precision of their evolutons attracted univer-
sal attention, not only from military men
bus from the general public. The exhibi-
ton at tee Academy Of Music was an i'm
meDse success, and Col. Ellsworth became
known all over the country as the originator
ork kha Tn J,;l kho koI
New Zouaves companies began to be organi-
zeo at most OF the large cities.
Col. Ellsworth lately studied law with Mr..
Lincoln, and was admitted to the bar last
spring. After Mr.. Lincoln's election to the
Presidency, it was generally understood thai
Colonel Ellsworth would be attached to his
person. lie accompanied the Presideng to
Washington, and wac one Of the most active
and attentive members of the party. Il was
expected that be would be placed in some
important position in the War Department.
but it is not probable that such position
would have been in accordance with bis de-
sires. Immediately upon the outbreak of
the war he sought active Service, and came
forward to New York and commenced the
organization of 2ouavs Regiment frum
members of the Fire Department. The free.
dom and dash Of the Zouaves drill exactly
suited the spirit Of the iremen, and in an in
credibly short time full regiment had been
formed, and was on its way to Washington.
The regiment has elicited universal admira-
tim,
His parents are still living at his native
place. His only brother died a year ago
last spring. He had no sister. At the time
CT his departure from the city with his regi-
ment. bis parents were stopping at the Astor
House. At bis last interview with them be-
fore he left, his m other said =
Il hope God will take care you, Elmer"
Gle will take care of me, mother" be re-
Piled " He has led me in this work, and
Lie will take care of me-"
God has taken care of him, and the cul.
nination ofhis life could not have been more
glorious Tor himself or the cause for which
he died
Col Ellsworth was exceedingly beloved
wherever he was intimately known. The
Impression was sometimes obtained by strans
gers that there was degree OF affection in
hls department, but those that knew him best
were his warmest ard most devoted friends.
At Chicago and Rockford he was universal
favorlte. President Lincoln entertained for
him high personal regard.
1t may not bs amiss to mention at this
time that Col. Ellsworth has been engaged |
for The last two years to Miss Carrie Spafford |
a young lady Of seventeen, the daughter OF
Charles f. S2aford, wealthy citizen of
Illinois. Miss Spaford was re-
Jently student in the Carol. Institute,
Brooklyn. The marriage would probably
have taken place ere this, but for the break
ing out Of the war.
The death of Col. Ellsworth will mark an
era in the history cf this war, and his name
will hereafter stand by the side of Warren
and others who fell among the first in the
Revolution in defense Of their country. The
assassin who has deprived him Of life has t