New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1875-12-28
Death of Sidney A. StockdnIe.

Sunday, dated San Diego, California, De-
cemoer 70, which said, Sidney died here
last night" 1t was from Mrs S. A. Stock
dale. and it told of the death of her hus-
band, young man well known and much
respected IN this city. We believe that
Colonel Stockdale was born in st. Louis,
and at the time of his death he must have
been about thiity-six years of age. As a
boy in the West he fought his way bravely
IN the world, working on farm with his
father in Illinois, sfterwsrd in a country
store, and all the while gaining practical
education and business habits viii ch stood
him well in after life. When the war of the
rebellion broke out, Sidney was book
keeper in bank at Canton, Illinois, with
fine prospects of promotion and future sue.
cess. He answered the fret call for three
months troops by enlsting as a private
in the Eighth Illinois Regiment, com.
manded by Governor Richard j. Oglesbv.
As private soldier Stockdale was
taken as clerk into the office of
General John A Rawlins, adjntant general
OF General Grant, and exhibited such qual.
tiles of industry and ability that he forever
won the esteem and friendship of the Ia
mented soldier, who afterward became Sec
retary of War. When our Governor, vii
liam P. Kellogg, became colonel of the
Seventh Illinois Cavalry, General Rawllns
recommended Private Stockdale for the
position of adjutant, and he was accord
pn1,r
Grant afterward secured captain COM
mission for the young soldier, and detailed
him on his staff, and appointed him assist
ant provost marshal at Nashville. Captain
Stockdale was mt mrsteIed out at Washington
at the close OF the war, having done good
service, and made for himself an honorable
record. WhenGovernor Kellogg was appoint
ed collector OF the port OF New Orleans, he
made Sidney A. Stockdale his chief deputy
collector, and the duties pertaining 10 that
position have never been more intelligently
and faithfully executed than while he was
deputy. Out of confusion he brought or
der and system; he infused new life into the
clerical force, and when he made changes
in the manner of doing business they were
generally for the better. He was a man
who could always be found at his office
during business hours, and he often worked
late at night. He took pride in doing his
best, and his close application certainly IA
vored the disease of consumption, which
finally ended his days.
Among the first appointments made by
President Grant after the Inauguration of
his first term, was that of Colonel Stock
dale as collector Of internal revenue, first
district of Louisiana. He gave great salts
faction to the Treasury Department, and
was reappointed, and continued in office
until failing health compelled him to tender
his resignation He was succeeded in office
by Colonel John Cockrem, the present in
cumbent. Onr business men will bear wit
ness that Colonel Stockdale was prompt
and efficient collector, just to all. His otfi-
cial affairs were kept so well in hand that
when he went ont of office he was enabled
to make full settlements of all his collect
ing and disbursing accounts, marking a new
era in the affairs of the internal revenue
collectors of Louisiana.
During his residence in New Orleans,
Colonel Stokdale made many warm friends
He made himself a little home here, and
intended to engage in business. But his
health failed to such degree that he was
induced to try change of climate. He
hoped that the genial air and sunshine of |
he Pacific slope would give him new lite.
He was dying man when he left us; but |
le did not lose hope. He visited Santa |
Barbara, and var:ons places in California,
rying to find rest and gain strength. He |
Vas accompanied always by his faithful
wife, who realized his condition, yet did all
/ devoted woman could do to bring com.
ort to man fighting against death. The
nd has come, as we have seen. The young
nan we had learned to regard with more
han ordinary friendship, gave up
lis life in a strange land, away
rom US all. 1t is useless to muir
nur against the destiny of human life;
tut those who knew him best must feel |
hat he died too soon. He had in him such
ualities of integrity and true manhood as
aust always have made him favored among
zen. Whatever distinction he obtained he
ad first rightly earned. He was patriot
7hen our Union needed defen ders, q
launch Republican WHEN national affairs
1ade good men take decided stands for
ight against wrong. He was public
pirited and useful citizen, kind husband
nd father, and he was friend to be al
rays remembered by those who once took
i'm to heart and knew his worth.