The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-05-04
SKETCHES OF THE CANDIDATES.
Horace Greeley.


Horace Greeley was born at Amherst, N. H.,
on February Q. 1911. Ills father. Zacchcus
Greeley. a farmer and the family is OF Scotch
Irish origin Horace Il the oldest survivor OF seven
children. All his ancestors far as there exists
any remembrance, were farmers. He displayed from
early childhood an eager thirst after knowledge,
and before he was ten years OF age he had not only
read his fathers slender stock OF books
but had also borrowed and perused nearly every
work within ten miles OF his home. Many
OF these books he studied by the light of pine
knots. 80 great was his craving for Information
that he resolved early In life 20 follow the profess
slon OF printer. Although his family removed to
West Haven, W., IN 1871, and young Horace had to
assist his father for ave years In farming he at the
same time studied constantly and carefully, and In
the spring OF 1920 entered an apprentice the
ONCE OF the northern spectator, a weekly paper
published In East poultney, Rutland county, Vt. In
that ONCE he labored diligently TO learn the art OF
printing. and soon became an assistant editor.
In June, 1850 Mr. Crcciey's apprenticeship was
brought 10 q sudden close by the suspension OF the
Spectator. His family, meantime. had removed TO
Erie county, Pa, and after spending "a few weeks
with them he worked Tor q short time ms Journey
man printer In jamestown. also IN Lodi N. ", and
subsequently for longer period In Erie, Pa. His
knowledge of statistics and al party movements
and leaders was even then - extensive aud accu-
rate that he soon became regarded as high au.
thority upon those points.
During August, 1881. Mr.. Greeley came 10 New
York city. His Whole worldly gear upon hts arrival
consisted Of suit Of hlne cotton Jeans. two brown
shirts. chip hat, pair 81 brogues and less than
i've dollars IN money. lie speedily secured employ
mcnt ns journey man prlnter, an3 continued
working NJ his trade IN various Offices tii January
\, 1888. when he commenced business for himself,
Greeley and story we've ike painters 81 Dr. sAep.
pard's korning iosi, the hrst penny daily paper
ever published IN New iofk. The Journal. how.
OF SIX months Mr. Greclry's nascent partnership
was dissolved ~ the death % the junior
member OF the arm. The helr rortsT. a
Wa commenced on The 22d ~ March lsds, with Mr..
Greeley a. editor. Its circulation wa. very large
for that period; stl owing 20 some defect ~ "
business management. tue paper barely supported
itself and Mr.. Greeley was obliged 20 add 70 the
slender income derived tfon that toasce ~ ehsas
Ina In other labors ~ similar character We sup
piled the Dd1y Hhg With leaders ioI sonc months.
aud for d year Ina 1s3s-9 edited the yftTspniaH. a
weekly paper published 10 Aloany AMI devoted 70
campaign of lao ne edited tht foJ fatan, weekly
paper established 20 promote the election % WI.
liam n. Harrison % the Presidency. un the 10Th
day III April fsli Mr. Greeley commenced the pahii.
Gallon az the Nex York naiy Trf,effse, and W The
following autumn commenced the Neehy .,tge..s'
merging lAe Ing cutfH and Ne7e fOrbT therein.
In lsls Mr. Greeley was elected 20 Congress % hli
vacancy, and served from Dvcemeer ! " that year
TO March a. 1879. His Congressional career Was
chiefly distinguished ~ hts opposition 20 the gross
abuse of the mileage system. IN isee NJ pnni-hci
volume of lectures and essays. under the utls ~
Hints Toward Reform, !" and during the following
year made voyage 90 Europe. During hl- stay
~ England he served a. a Juryman nj The crystal
Palace Exhibition, and on his return published .
volume entitled 'ohmpSe- at Europe in ~" ne
wrote and published History 81 the struggle fDr
Slasery Extension and Restriction. from ISL 70
1885" In 1859 he travelled overland 20 eau
forna, where he received very cordial greeting.
and was called upon 20 make q numDcr ~ publir
addresses upon politics. the Pacific Railroad. TEN
perance and various other topics. just before the
outbreak OF the civil war. and when The southern