Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1875-06-02
JOHN c. BRECKTNRlDGE,
STATESMAN, SOLDIER CIVILIAN.

In view Of the place which the late
Hon. John c. Breckenridge occupied
in the esteem OF the Democratic party
and the important part whichh played
in most evcntiul period Of our ma
tional legislation, we have compiled n
more extended sketch Of his life and
pubic services than our space per-
mitted us TO publish upon the first an
nouncement of his death;
John G. Breckenridge came from u
distinguished family llewas nephew
of the distinguished divines, the Rev.
John Breckenridge, d. D., aud the Rev.
DR. Robert ]. Breckenridge and his
lather, Joseph Cabell Breclinridge, who
died when he was only three years old,
was secretary of State of Kentucky
and man Of high standing in the pub
lie affairs. On his mothers side he
was deccndcd from John Witherspoon
and Samuel Stanhopc Smith, one Of
whom was a signer Of the Declaration
of independence, and both presidents
of Princeton college. lie was born at
Lexington, Ky, January 2l, 1921, but
the death of his fatherleit him depend
cntupon the generosity of his relatives.
Through the aid afforded by these and
his own exertions he succeeded in ob-
tanning liberal education and was
graduated from Centre college, at Dan
vile, Ky, IN 1898 lie subsequently
spent some time as u resident gradu-
ate atPrnceton and then studied law
at the office of Judge Ouwsley, after
ward governor Of his native statc.---
Mr.. breckenridge completed his legal
studies at Pennsylvania university and
was admitted TO the bar in 1871. lie
first practiced for a brief period at Bur-
lington, Iowa but, returning to Ken.
lucky to be married, he was persuaded
by his friends to follow his profession
in his native state lie accordingly
settled at Georgetown, KY, where he
practiced law, aud in 1913, during the
Polk canvass, he first took an active
interest in politics. fn we
Some time after the Mexican war
broke out Mr Brcckinidge was among
the first to offer his services TO his
State. Governor Ouwsloy gave him n
commission as major in the Kentucky
regiment, and he went TO join General
SCOTS army in Mexico. On reaching
the city of Mexico Major Breckenridge
found the war virtually at an end, and
after doing garrison duty with his regi-
ment for some time he returned home.
He had, however, an opportunity 10
distinguish himself as a lawyer during
his brief stay in the city of Mexico, and
his successful defence of General Pill
low before court Of inquiry made him
much reputation. anse. fH
After his return from Mexico Mr.
Breckenridge resumed tho practice OF
bis profession, but he was not permitted
to pursue il without interruption. In
1919 he was elected to the Kentucky
Legislature, foremost among his sup
portcrs being Horny Clay, who ab-
jurcd politics in his behalf, and was
chosen speaker of the Assembly lie
declined a reelection, however, and
the next year 1SoD hc was elected to
Congress in Wing district and over
q candidate personally popular Gen
eral Leslie Cooinbs being his compcti.
tor. The contest was u severe one,
and when il was subsequently insinu.
atcd in Congress that he owed his olec.
ton to foreign aid, "No sir" said Mr..
Brcckinridgc; II came not here by
the aid Of money, but in spite of Il |
have TO say that | represent a district
in which the money power OF the Com
monwealth is concentrated, and that
money power is in the hands Of my
opponents. II was loudly proclaimed
in the streets of the city where live
that should be defeated IL il cost ESQ.
900 TO do III and ! cnn tell the mem.