New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1868-02-04
HnN. sIMEnN RELnRN.

An introduction to most Of our readers Of
Hon. Simeon Belden, the Republican can
didate for attorney general, may not be
necessary, yet we deem short sketch of
his life appropriate at the present time. He
is native Of Louisiana, having been born
on his fathers farm in NasehitOches parish
on the Gath day of March, 1880. His father
is Judge J. X. Belden, who held the position
for some time OF judge OF one of the judicial
districts in the western part of louisiana.
His mothers maiden name was Eliza W.
Hughes. His ancestors on his fathers side
were some Of the earliest settlers OF New
England and the Carolinas. His maternal
ancestors settled many years ago in Vir-
ginia. The male members Of bis family on
both sides took an active part in the battles
Of the Revolution, and bis grandfather Bel
den was present in the army at Yorktown
when CORVALLIS surrendered. bis ances-
tors, both in Europe and. the new world,
have ever been distinguished as friends Of
freedom and equality in the most enlarged
sense Of these terms. II %ill be seen he
comes down through distinguished and
honorable ancestry, and belongs to some Of
the best stock in this country.
Mr.. Belden remained on his fathers
farm, in NatchitOches, except when tens
porarily absent at school, until his twenty
second year, when ne began the stady Of
law. Added to natural adaptability to
the profession. he was further stimulated to
this course from Che fact that under the
system Of slavery then existing in this state
q man who peFisrmed manual lahor weuld
never be respected by those who lived of
the unrequised toll Of others. He located
in Southern louisiana and soon obtained
lucrative practice.
In the fall Of 1860 he took the stump in
favor Of Bell and Everett, and oanvassed
large portion Of the state for taat
ticket. In sais spirited campaign he
acquired ready and effective habit
Of debate, which no doubt has been
of service to him since, and will
no doubt be felt by the opponents Of tho
Republican party before the next election
in this state. After the election, which
resulted in the success Of Mr.. Lincoln, the
more active politicians in his section, 10
csmnion with those OF The whole South,
began openly to talk Of secession. Bat
Mr. Belden strongly opposed The heresy,
consending that as Mr.. Lincoln had been
properly elected be was she constitutional
president Bat hostilities soon after broke
out, and under the intoleraut rule Of the
rebels he remained quietly al home until an
opportunity occurred for bim to visit New
Orleans under preiense Of business. He
bad not been here long before be had tbs
pleasure Of heholding the glorious nag Of
sar egNnsry, floating from Rarragals 6eot
appruaeh the city sad halls before IL.
The old Aag had come back 10 as ance
more, and every loyal man who saw Il On
that Friday, ne z5th day of April, 1869,
fally believed IL bad come 10 asay. Shortly
after nc arrival d tAe Gees. Mr. Beldaa re-.
sasnaa 70 BIS homo il lhe countfy, heliev
iag, as did General Baslef. lhat shere
would be no more severe aghllng after sbs
esrtare Of Nsw Usleaas Bas ihsae hatel-
pafoas wcFa NOT realized. lIe was im
sleaia.siy Ga BIS arrival hoze ordered iaso
eonscripi camp, from which Re recn
Aanased 70 esenpa With 9 Large auneas 81
oleen WAo Aad alleNlss been pressed into
he rhel aslsq. All of chem iss'ly
seaaaad saa 6aion aans and Nest Of shem,
with ~ Hela ad4isu ana Uslsiance,
enl e y eas s
Npaa aasess @ens og 0ifl ,ew -
aai Ren Gscessa e
~ haase 81 SEP Aps4
~ Wa sAogsa s ny = lassa
ia essalded oges re lover bfsnsh Ii s