The Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Ohio) 1863-1886, 1864-06-09
Dsath OF Mr.. Giddlngs.

surprising; because his health has
been such that he was Liable to be la
ken off at any moment Yet the news
of his death did not fail to spread u !
gloom over our village, as well as
kccnly afflict his family and intimate
friends. His remains We're brought
home Immediately, and arrived at
Ashtabula on Sunday evening, at Ais
P. NJ, where large concourse Of peo-
pie of Ashtabula and Jefferson were in
waiting A funeral procession was
formed, and proceeded 10 Jefferson,
when the remains we're placed in
state till the hour appointed for the
final ceremonies, at !, p. NJ on Mon
day. The funeral ceremonies were
conducted without sermon or ora
ton, reserving that for future occa.
sion A very large concoursc Of his
neighbors attended the funeral, testi-
fying 10 the esteem in which they
held him, Ha#
Mr.. Giddings was born on the 9Th
of October, 1895, and was siXty-eig
years and seven months old at the
time of his death. His birthplace was
Athens, Bradford county Pennsylva-
MIA. His parents removed to Canaan
daigua, New York, where he remained
from his infancy until 1906, when they
settled in Wayne Township, in this
county, where he was brought up, and
from which place he moved into Jefter-
son, and settled for life, about forty
five years ago. In 1872 he entered
the service of his country, under the
call succeeding Hull's surrender. On
reaching his majority he studied law
with Hon. Elisha Whittlescy, whom
he succeeded in Congress in 1893,
holding tic seat till 1859. His polit-
ical life is so intimately connected
with that Of the country, and it is so
well known, that wo need not repeat
the incidents which have marked his
history, and which belong to bio
graphical sketch that VIC will publish
shortly. ., . -r.. =.
The very plain and democratic hab-
its of Mr.. G. made him the acquaint.
ance 81 every person in this place
young and old met him on those terms
of easy familiarity and kindly dignity
Oh his part, and respectful freedom on
theirs, that always characterize tho
truly great where the are known
Very few men arc more really demo
cratic in their habits than he was ahC
much of the social equality for which
! Jefferson is remarkable, is owing tC
the influence he cXerted in that direc
tion. For one who exercised such al
influence over other men, and wllc
had done 80 much in moulding th'
public opinion of the times, he was al
!, extraordinary instance of simplicity 0
MANNERS, and easy accessibility
! With such remembrance of him will
+, the people among whom he lived, h
, could not fail to be loved and lament
: cd. Much as there was remarkable il
e his social character, his political ca
, rcer was the great feature of his life
, devoted rs that life was to the cause o
humanity, in all its relations TO tn
action of Government. The idea tha
D tho MAN was the first great care an,
F, object of all craftsmanship, above al
interests of property, he never los
sight of; and acting upon the prlncl
/. pie that the first to be cared for wer
c the helpless, he naturally turned hi
G attention TO the defense of the rights {
S the oppressed. 1t was little ditfercnc
S with him who was the sufferer trol
Q oppression, that sufferer was sure {
i his aid TO the extent of his powe
a The wrongs of the Negro and th
! Indian Of course became the grei
| subjects of lis labors as n legislator
f and as an author, and for this reasor
I he became leader and an agitator i
4 the Anti Slavery movement of b
|. times. lie was earnestly enlisted ft
!. the rights of man, and when he talkc
# of freedom, he meant it, and carrie
/; that purpose into the acts of his pul
r lie and private life, with u pcrsev'
is rance that commanded the respect
! even those whose schemes wei
o thwared by it; and won the admire
If tion of all who appreciate the valuo
" continual we'll doug.
IS In politics he never lost his lnil'
d ehce, because he made tho right h
Y leading principle. There were TIM
Il whcn he was in the minority Bv
l. whenever movement was made in ii
J. cause of freedom, he was n recognize
II leader, and was always called to tai
o n prominent part When tie progre
II in politics had reached an open avow
e offrco principles, he gave tone to Il
public sentiments; and his voice w
heard in the Conventions of 1855 al
1860, with potential effect, compcllir
It by his presence alone Mt the latte
Q. the adoption Of the wcll-remember'
r amendment to the Second Rcsolutio
re.asserting with the Fathers, that a
10 men are created free, and endorse
}. inalicnbly with life, and full liberty
d the pursuit of happiness
10 Stern and uryieldinS as he was
d pressing the advance of free principle
b. he never lost sight of the pruden
necessary to bring men with him
f. the right. Looking down the vista
j. the principles by which he was guide
ce he saw the end from the bcginnin
w and therefore never lost faith in u
X final triumph now so near. AL
H. though the Republican party, and su
sequently the Union party, had n