Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1866-04-26
MiaGellanepms.
GEN. JOHN W. GEARY,

John W. Geary was born in Westmore
land county, Pa, and although now only
irtv-six years of age, has already won a
lasting fame by his adherence to the cause
aright and duty, in the different parts OF
oar country in which he has been placed, il
civil, military, judicial and executive po
>itiguS.
Having lost lis father very early in life,
i he was thrown upon his own resources,
N and not only supported himself, but became
tie only stay of his widowed mother. by
teaching a village school during which
tine lie also, by persevering industry and
cmmendable economy acquired means to
procure a classical education, which he
completed at Jefferson College, Cannons-
burg, Pa, creating lifelong friends among
professors and classmates, by the early eK-
h.ton Of those same sterling qualities
.4at have since endeared him to SO many
ytAers in social and in public life.
Having finished his collegiate education,
lie assumed the profession Of . civil engi-
Geer, in the practice of which he went to
Kentucky, partly in tho employ of the Com
monwealth, and partly in that Of the Green
River Railroad Company and was en-
gagged in the survey of several very impor-
0nt branches Of the PUBLIC improvements
ot that State After an experience with
the engineer corps in many of the States,
successfully filled all the various Offices
from clerkship TO the uperintendency OF
the Allegheny Portage Railroad and du-
Hng several years discharged the duties OF
aIs responsible positions with complete
satisfaction
At very early date, actuated by his
mathematical abilities, he exhibited fond
less for military tactics, and laboEed siren
Cousy, by the outlay of time and means, to
perfect our volunteer system. From prl'
yae In the ranks, he rose rapidly through
al tue grades to that of Brigadier General,
10 which he was elected by the brigade
c'mprising Cambria and Somerset coun
ties.
When the war with Mexico was declared
be was among the first who responded tc
Tie call for volunteers, and was accepted,
along with the American Highlanders, y
dCambra county, which splendid fcompany
be then commanded They were incorpor
atcd in the second Pennsylvania regiment
q which, upon its organization, he was
almost unanimously elected Lieutenant
Colonel
His regiment Joined the army of Genera
Scott at Vera Cruz, and served IN the ad
vance, under the command, and or the line
Operations of that great chieftian, through
Bis brilliant campaign in Mexico. Geary
vas attached to Gen. Quitman's division
aud distinguished himself in the battles o.
La Hoya," Ghepulepec," Garita d.
be!en" and the CITY of Mexico" Upon
arriving as the capital, his colonel having
died, he was elected Colonel, by vote 0
more than two-thirds of the command. Thi
compliment was not the result of mer
ilendship or political preference. 1t wa
he reward of his own good conduct, from
'Ae hands of the gallant soldiers-the spon
'aneous and grateful gift of associates il
aaEnS-the brave men who had fought b.
Als side, shared his privations, suffering
and dangers, and who witnessed and knew
lest how to appreciate his merits.
The war having closed, Col. Geary re
turned with the remnant of his command t.
us native state, and the people of Pitts
onrg will long remember the enthusiast
Welcome he received upon his arriva
among them. Hon. William Wilkins, in
public speech, complimented the service
oI the gallant, weather-beaten and wal
worn troops, and the excitement of the un
'e[sal jubilee ran to the highest pitch.
Oh the 22d of January, I849, in retur
iOF his services in Mexico, President Pol
eeppolnted Col Geary postmaster at Sa
francisco, which, in consequence of tn
'AeA recent discovery of gold in California