The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-10-22
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MAJOR tAEaAL ". ". MLksAp, THE NEW SECRETARY o.
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From the Gate Uity OF Keokuk Iowa
General william Worth Beknap, whom the Presi.
dent has called TO HIS Cabinet as secretary OF War
comes Of military family.
His father General william a. Belknap was Tor
many years distinguished and useful offlcer OF the
regular army. He entered the service In lsla a.
third lieutenant OF the Twentythird regiment OF in.
iantry, ana died in 1851 a. lieutenant colonel or the
Fifte Infantry.
He served With marked gaiiantry through the
Florida and Mexican wars, for which he received
frequent orevets. He was the intimate friend OF
Scott Taylor and Worth, for the latter OF whom he
named his FIRST son. the subject Of tins SKETCH ana
who was bora az Nsrplrg. N. T., on the I'd OF
September 1929; he IL consequently ycse tTpfd OF
i0 IA graduated from tn. cos.. Of New J.,..x
Princeton, ia the class Of ls<s. He was a conten..
porary OF Hetstor Clymar Of Pennsylvania, and OF
George NJ. Robson the present Secretary OF the
Navy and was ciassmate VI the Rev. W, y. Catteil
President OF Lafayette College, and OF Colonel c. W
Ioiles, Sherdan's quartermastcr.
he studied law with Il. Caperton, az Georgetown,
d. G., and az the partner Of Ralph y. Lowe (after.
wards Governor Of thls state and Judge OF the
fully IN Keokux, Iowa. where he located In 1851 lie
was elected TO aud served one erm--that of isb7-s
ia the Iowa Legislature, az a democrat duriug
which time ne made the acquaintance or james r.
Wilson, then a member OF tue same body. Being
unwilling 70 give countenance TO tue Lecompton
swindie he separated from the radical wing OF his
party and was known as 4 Douglas democrat up to
the OUTBREAK or the rebellion ~ =
he entered tho army as MAJOR OF the Fifteenth
Iowa infantry, commanded by Colonel afterwards
Genersl Hugh f. Red: served with MS regiment
In the Army OF the tennessee rising through the
various grades aud participating in the battle OF
shlIoh Siege Of uornth, patte OF Corlntn,
campaign aud siege OF Vicksourg, campaign
ana ana siege Of A.laata' and battles OF Atlanta
OF that place he marched with sherman TO
the sea- and finally to Washington, taxing proml-
n
general for special yailantry IN the memorable bat
Tie OF july ~. near Atlanta IN which mis- regiment
iought from either SIDE OF tue same line OF brenst-
works.
he was brsveted major general on the 18TH or
March, and at the date OF his muster out on the 24th
OF August 1886, was regarded by General sherman
anu his companions one OF the most accomplish ed
aud promising officers OF the army.
Internal Rayeuue for he First hs,re So,ec,or Oh
cefvlng his continuation at The special instance OF
senator Grimes and the Hon. James r. Wilson,
IL Is hardly necessary TO say TO the citizens OF this
community That ne has discharged his duties as col.
rector honestly fsarsssly and faithfully 1t il sum-
70 point 70 tne act That az the date OF his
essslon 70 TINS ONCE there were more dIsteries ana
tobacco factories IN hs district than In ali the re
OF ne state aud now there is but Of either these
~ much account OF the rigid enforcement of the
revenue laws as for ANYTHING else.
Ihougn nor an extreme partisan he has been iden-
tined with the republican party since the battle OF
Shiloh. having voted for Mr.. Lincoln,s reelection
and gwen All the support In mis- power towards Sc
He has been twice married. HIS 8rst wife was the
sister OF Mrs. hugh I. Reid, the second the accom-.
pl,shed Mss Tomiinson, Of this city.
The General Is In the very prime OF his life ana
health; IL SIX feet In height weighs 200 pounds has
fair nar and blue eyes, and Is perfect type Of
Sax on A merican manhood. His mental end0w-
ments are no less generous than his physical He IN
large braned, clear headed, sensible, Judcloua and
wen educated, = good lawyer and an honest man.
lie brings to the discharge Of the duties OF the high
place TO which he Is called the military, intellectual
and business Qualifications that VIII make bis