The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1868-05-09

From the Peoria National Democrat.
GUSTAvUS vow EECOREBEKE.
Brief Biographical Sketch.

l HkOEx8DnIC6I
The gentleman whose name stands at the heat
of this article was nominated by the Hlinoi
State Democratic Convention for the office of Sec
rotary of State. As he has not been an ofic
seeker, and never much publicly before the no
litical world, it is desirable that brief sketcl
of his life and antecedents should find its wa,
into tho homes Of the people of the state. T,
that end we write the following brief biography
Gustavxs Won Hoorebeke was born in the cit,
Of Client Belgium, in 1888, and was PARTIAL,
educated there, but in 1850, when he was lively,
years OF age, he accompanied his father and fam
lily to America. The first location made was a.
st. Louis. AS soon possible after their arrival
Gustavus entered est. Louis University. where
he continued about two years.
In 1893, the family moved to Cole county
Missouri, and engaged in farmin e. the boy doine
his share OF the work incident to that honorable
calling. This continued until the fall of the
year 1893, when they removed to what was then
the territory, but Is now the stats of Kansas
There they entered upon the mercantile business
and there the greatest misfortune that can be.
fall family came upon them. The mother died
Ihe fathers health became very peor and it was
deemed best to abandon business in Kansas
This took place in the autumn of 1857, when
Gustavus was nineteen years of age.
In February, 1858, he went with his father to
Clinton county, Ill, and again commenced farm
ing. He continued to labor on the farm until
1861, when he entered as student of law in
the office of Ben amin Bond Here he was re-
markable for attention to his studies, and such
was his progress tina. he was admitted to the
bar in 1853, and entered into law partnership
with his preceptor. ending in 1856 Since that
time Mr.. Won Hoorebeke has devoted hisa self en-
tirely to his profession and has by his talent and
attention secured a valuable practice.
He had never been candidate for Office be-
fore, and never asked for one, although no has
frequently been importuned by his friends to al
low them to use his name for different positions
of honor, trust, and profit. He chose rather to
become master of his profession and q thorough
lawyer, before entering the political arena.
At the earnest solicitation and advice Of friends
in whom he placed great confidence, ho had an
nounced himself as ! candidate for Prosecuting
Attorney for the Second Judicial Circuit, when
he learned of his nomination by the Democratic
Convention, at Springfield to the office of Secra-
tary OF State. The nomination was not of his
seeking. The Office sought him, instead of his
seeking the office.
Mr.. Won Hoorebeke has always, from child
hood, been Democrat, and never has deposited
in the ballot-box any other than Democratic
ticket. He has not only voted Alright, but be has
been active and ardent as an advocate Of Demo-
ot~eAo W q tIlnH lndt the lacODlnS OF
Clinton county will endorse this declaration to
tho fullest extent He has dealt them m any hard
blows, and they remember them.
AS lawyer Mr. Won Hoorsbeke stands de-
servedly high, and his legal career does honor to
the sage preceptor and jurist under whose in
struction he gained the knowledge which makes
him an ornament to his profession. He is thor
oughly educated and possesses fund OF general
information surpassed by few men of his age in
the state. Besides the English language, in
which he is perfect, he speaks fuently the Ger
man, French and Flemish Languages.
AS a methodical bushes man he is remarkable.
This. with his legal knowledge, and precision in
whatever he undertakes, happily fits him to dis
| charge the duties of the office for which he has
been nominated, and to which he will be elected.
In personal appearance he is affable pleasant and
approachable, while, at the same time, he pre-
serves that dignity of character so necessary to
| public man.
lie may be regarded as good representative
OF the German element that is thoroughly e6u-
Gated, in business practical in office accomInoda
ting, and in all places q true gentleman. The
question has bcsn asked "Who is Gustavus Won
Heorebeks r We have above answered the oues-
ton, only we may say in addition, he will be the
next Secretary OF State Of Illinois.