The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1862-10-03
OCTOBER 8, 1862.
sketch of Gen. James A. Garfield.

pressional District OF ODlo, Cies'es' nov
ntally and properly, on the part OF The
peopie. a desire 20 know more OF his
early history. >,
Gen. Garfield is yet young man. lie
struggled successfully with early obsta-
cles and disadvantages, exhibiting an en-
e,Uv and an ability rarely SHOWN. In
avery position in which he has been called
10 act. he has exhibited an industry, al
capacity and a capability which have elic-
tied general commentator and admira-
tion.
Gen. Garfield is an effective and elo-
uuen, public speaker, a ready and pow
erful debater, and rapidly possesses him
self ola full knowledge OF every subject
to which he turns his attention.
He is of pure and spotless private repu-
tation, presenting, in all the adornmenis
Of a high-toned morality, one OF the most
attractive samples OF christian gentle
man.
As friend, he is candid, faithful and
sincere, and always reliable-as Gener.
al Officer, he is clear, prompt and judi
cious in decision, and energetic and effect
i've IN action-as a legislator, he is COM
prehensive and elevated in his views,
and is far above the petty schemes and
strategies of subtle managers-brilIiant in
natural endowments, MS intellect is broad
and comprehensive, and his attainments
OF the highest order.
It need not surprise any one that such
man should rise rapidly in public esti'
nation, or that he should become the lido
of the people-for manly virtue, integrity
and uprigh,ness, coupled with abilities o
ahigher order, will always secure pub lie
regard and confidence.
In speaking Of the high qualities which
Gen. Garfield has exhibited, we have no
exaggerated or overdrawn the picture
and we hesitate not TO predict for him, i
his life is spared, future at once brillan
and useful.
Gen. James A. Garfield was born il
Orange, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Nov
19th, 1881, making him now nearly 81
years of age. His early life was spent ir
laboring wherever opportunity offered
and during one summer, that OF l849, ht
was boatman on the Ohio Canal. Hi
parents being poor, he was obliged to la
Dor from his earliest years. His father
died when he was year and a half old
AT the age OF l9, after having taugh! dis
frict school for two terms, he entered the
Eclectic Institute at Hiram, Portage Coun'
ty. He assisted himself the first Term by
bringing the bell"
He soon gave evidence Of more than
ordinary powers for the acquisition and
communication Of knowledge, and was
chosen 10 fiji vacancy among the as
sistant teachers. He was rapidly promo
ted, until he became one OF the main re-
liauces. In the meantime, in addition to
his daily labors, he prepared himself Tor
college. In the Summer of 1854 he went
TO Williams College, Massachusetts-en-
tering the last term OF the Sophomore
wear. In 1856 ne graduated. In all
colleges there are occasionally men tt
whom succeeding classes look back al
most with veneration. There are men 4
whom an important future is unhesitaIing
ly conceded by professors and students
Gen. Garfield was OF that lumber ; an
of his entire class of sixty, he has take
the lead. In the Fall OF 1856 he returned
TO Hiram, and was made Teacher ot An
cient Languages and Li.srature.
In 1851, on the resignation OF the Tor
mer Principal, Rev. A. S. HAYDEN, h
was made Chairman Of the Board of In
struction. In 1853, he was made Prlncl
pal.
In the fall of 1853 he was elected to tn
State Senat 8, whera he served with gret
success, and acquired State wide reputd
tion as an able legislator. During III
session of 1860 6l he labored zoalousiy
prepare the State tor the coming storm, an
became one of tho principal advisers OF Il
Governor.
In January, 1851 having For soveral yea
previously studied with an eye to the iutu
practice OF law, he was admitted to tho
by the Supreme Court of the state.
In September, 1861, no accepted tho po
tion of Lieutenant Colonel OF the 42d y.
M. He was shortly after promoted to
Colonelcy. The rebels, led by Humphr
Marshall, had driven out all the Union me
and we're threatening to take possession
the Blue Grass country. Col. Carrie
with portion of bis brigade, proceeded
the Big Sandy. In twenty days after lea
ing Camp Chase he had penetrated a6o
one hundred miles into the mountain fa
nesses of Eastern Kontucky. On the 8
of January, 1862, with 100 picked mt
he advanced upon Marshall, feeling eve
inch of his way by scouts Through
drearost mud, tho heaviest rains, and
darkness, no prOceeueu. Ou tho iotn'
the forks.of Middle Crock. Floyd Co., IL
tucky, no met the gallant Humphrey, pos
with 1000 men on n range of hills. M
shall was routed after n fight OF four an
half hours, Garfold's 100 being. at q
time, reinforced by 700 more, whom no
ordered up. The Louisville Journal at
time said :---"There has been no moro b
liant movement since tho rebellion brC
out. For we'll con cer;od strategy, color
of movement, and rocklessneSs of oPpos
odds, Col Garfield certainly bears tho pal
For this brilliant achievement, no and
brave soldiers were warmly complimen
in the following General Order:
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE ono
LOUISVILLE, Ky. January, Goth, 1862.
The General Commanding takes occas
TO thank Colonel Garfield and his tro
for their successful campaign against
rebel force under Cen Marshall on tho
Sandy, and their gallant conduct in bat
They have overcome formidable dificul
in tho character of the country, and
condition of the roads, and the incleme