Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1866-03-30
9oliifaI.
GENERAL JOHN W. GEARY.


John W. Geary was born in Westmore-
land county, Pa, and although now only
torty-six years of age, has already won a
lasting fame by his adherence to the cause
Of right and duty, in the different parts of
our country In which he has been placed
ID civil, military, judicial and executive po-
sitions.
Having lost his father very early in life,
he was thrown upon, his own resources, and
not only supported himself, but became the
only stay of his widowed mother, by teach
ing village school; during which time he
Also by perseveriDg industry and commend
able economy, acquired means to procure a
classical education, which he completed at
Jefferson College, Cannonsburg, Va, crea-
ting lifelong friends among professors and
classmates, by the same exhibition of tlose
same sterling qualities that have since en-
deared him to so many others in social and
IN public life.
Having finished his collegiate education
he assumed the profession of civil engin-
eer, in the practice of which he went to
Kentucky, partly in the employ of the Com
monwealth, and partly IN that Of the Green
River Railroad Company and was engaged
in the survey Of several very important
branches Of the public improvements of that
State. After an experience with the Engi-
neer Corps, In many of the States, he sue
ccssfully filed all the various offices from a
clerkship TO the superintendency Of the Al
legheny POI tage Railroad, and during sew
eral years discharged the duties of his res
ponsible positions with complete satiszac-
ton.
At very early date, actuated by his
mathematical abilities, he exhibited fond
ness for military tactics, and labored strenu-
ously by the outlay Of time and means to
perfect cur volunteer system. From a pri-
vate in the ranks, be rose rapidly through
all the grades TO that Of Brigadier General,
to which he was elected by the brigade COM
prising Cambria and Somerset counties.
When the war with Mexico was declared,
he was among the first who responded to the
call for volunteers, and was accepted, along
with the American Highlanders, of Cam
bria county, which splendid company he
then commanded. They were incorporated
in the Second Pennsylvania Regiment, of
which, upon Its organization, he was almost
unanimously elected Lieutenant Colonel.
His regiment Joined the army of General
Scott at Vera Cruz, and served in the ad-
vance under the command, and on the line
of operations, of that great chieftain through
his brilliant campaign in Mexico. Geary was
attached to Gen. Quitman's division, and
distinguished himself in the battles of La
Hoya, "Chapultepec, 'Garita de Belen'
and the City of Mexico" Upon arriving
at the capital, his colonel having died, he
was elected Colonel by vote of more than
two-thirds Of the command. This compli-
ment was not the result Of mere friendship
or political preference. 1t was the reward
for his own good conduct from the hands of
the gallant soldiers-the spontaneous and
grateful gift Of associates in arms-the brave
men who had fought BY his side, shared his
priVations, suffering and dangers, and who
witnessed and knew best how to appreciate
his merits.
The war having closed, Col Geary return
ed with the remnant Of his command to his
native State, and the people of Pittsburgh
will long remember the enthusiastic welcome
he received upon his arrival among them.
Hon. William Wilkins, in public speech,
complemented the services of the gallant,
weather-beaten and war-worn troops, and
the excitement Of the universal jubilee ran
tc the highest pitch.
On the 22d Of January, 1S49, in return
for his services in Mexico, President Polk
appointed Col. Geary postmaster at San
Francisco, which, in consequence Of the
then recent discovery Of gold in California,
had become port of considerable import
ance He was also empowered to create
post offices, appoint postmasters, establish
mail routes, and make contracts for carrying
the mails throughout California He was
thus placed in the way of his subsequent
and almost unparalleled success and popu-
larity among the heterogeneous population
Of the Eureka State
On the lst of August, 1849, the munich
pal election Of San Francisco took place, and