Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-02-06

that the demands of these distant interests kept
him so much away from the home circle, and prior
to the death of his second wife, which occurred
January II, 1862, be was strongly disposed to close
his affairs in that section and enjoy respite from
the cares of active business. Interests Of such
magnitude, however, constantly demauded more
of his attention md up to the list weeks Of his life
he has given daily attention to The details.
General Henry has borne prominent part in
the public affairs Of the State. In lS42 he repre-,
sented Milford In the Legislature was elected
Representative from Bangor in 1857 and 1860:
and a member of the State Senate in 1867 and
1869. In 1862 and 1863 he was member OF the
Executive Council was a delegate to the Nation
al Republican Conventions which nominated LIN
coin and Grant, and from 1864 to 1868 was mem
Der of the National Republican Committee. lie
was one Of the sturdy band Of pioneers who un-
furled the standard Of the Republican party IN
Maine, and from the hour of its birth to the pres
ent has been an outspoken and answering advo-
cate of ITS principles. Taking an early interest IN
our military affairs he served in the State mihtia
from Captain to Major General and at the out
break of the war rendered efficient service IN or
gapizing and cquippng the troops from this state.
III, only son cid enough to enter the service en-
listed az a private, was afterwards promoted to
Captain, and was severely wounded in 1864 at
Spottsylyania Court House. Gen. Hersey inter
ested himself literally in behalf of the efforts to re-
lieve the wants of our soldiers, and was ardently
devoted to the Union cause throughout the great
struggle. He felt just pride in having been able
to vote in the Chicago Convention for resolves
forever prohibiting the further extension of human
slavery; in the Baltimore Convention Of 1864 for
universal freedom; and in the Maine Legislature
for the ratification of the great Constitutional
Amendments which sealed the results of the war.
He has always taken = prominent and influential
part in the Republican councils of the state and
has frequently been elected t. responsible POSI-
tons. In 1870 he was persuaded to De candi
date for the Republican nomination for Governor,
when Hon. Sidney Perham was chosen by some
twenty majority. In 1872 he was nominated by
the Republicans of this District as representative
to Congress and elected by over 5000 majority,
and was handsomely reelected to the Forty
fourth Congress at the election of last September
The deceased has also been prominently connected
with material interests, being Director OF the
+. & n. A. Railway Company, corporator and
stockholder of various other enterprises, including
insurance and banking companies. lie has Tor
years been one of the most prominent members OF
the Universalist denomination, to whose funds he
has been generous contributor, and the church
in th. city has received many evidences Of his re-
gard.
In March, 1871, Gen. Hersey married Emily NJ,
daughter of Hon. Abraham Sanborn of this city,
who has proved devoted wife throughout the
long and trying sickness Of her husband. Shortly
after reaching Washington in the winter Of 1864,
the health Of Gen. Jersey was so impaired that ne
was obliged to seek rest and medical treatment,
and since then he has gradually failed, although
constantly hopeful Of conquering disease. Within
short time Of his death he was confidently antici-
patng his return to Congress and was indomitable
in patience and cheerfulncss to the last.
We have thus impcrfectly sketched an outline
of the life. of one of our leading men, whose loss
will be deeply felt within and beyond the borders
of our State. Doubtless he would be best pleased
to have for his eulogy the simple and truthful tes-
timony that he was man of the strictest intsgr-
ty; one who loved his country and was faithful in
its darkest hour; an unflinching advocateSof free
dom and justice to all men; good citizen and an
affectionate husband and father