Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1879-11-14

The announcement of the sudden death
of General JOSEPH HOOKER. one of the
bravest commanders in the late war, was a
sad surprise to his many admirers through
out the Union. From the Gin. Gazete's
"reminiscences of his life we condense the
following, 0mittIng his distinguished serv-
ices and promotions in the war, which are
familiar TO the reading portion of the
country:
The death of Gen, Joseph Hooker was
doubtless the result Of a stroke OF paralysis
which on the Goth Of November, 1865,
broke down his body, without daunting
that intrepid spirit which won the battle
above the clouds. That stroke prostrated
him while he was assisting at reception
OF Gen. Grant, at the Fifth Avenue Hotel,
New York, and he lost the use of his right
side leg and arm. Three years later, he
retired from the army, with the rank of
Major General.
Gen. Hooker was born at Haday, Mass,
in November, 1914, and graduated at West
Point in 1887. lie was always combatiye,
impatient and determined, pushing every
question to decisive issue lie always
had his own views OF things, the opinions
being often at variance with accepted ones
and he was uncompromising in holding
his own. AS with most OF our eminent
military men, the Mexican war afforded
Hooker a lOnged for opportunity for show
ing galanlry in the field, and for winning
promotion. lie entered the war as aide
to Gen. Herman, and was breveted Cap
tain for meritorious conduct at Monterey
For gallantry at the Natural Bridge and
at Chapultepec, he won the brevets of Ma
ilr and Lieutenant Colonel. He resigned
his commission on the 2lst OF February,
1858, and settled on a rancho near San
Francisco.
lie was not successful as Il farmer, being
too reckless and too anxious for adventure,
and when the war of the rebellion broke
out lie had bad habits, and consequently a
bad reputation 10 retard him in his attempt
to enter the army. lie had neglected his
rancho, and his health had also suffered
More than that his disposition to criIicse
| his fellow officers, as shown in the Mexican
1 war, caused influence to be used against
| his being commissioned. II is, therefore,
no wonder that he met much difficulty in
| getting Nh appointment Alter several
months Of endeayor, he gave up the hope OF
getting a commission. lie had been spec
tator nt Bull Run, and coming to bid the
! President farewell esaid: I" was at Bull
Run the other day, Mr.. President, and il
il no vanity in Inc to say am id sight
better General, than you had ON that field.
The fearlessness OF that remark seemed to
impress Lincoln favorably, for in the
changes which occurred soon after Hooker
was assigned to the Army Of the Potomac
The popular name of Fighting Jos
Hooker is said to have been distasiefuI
10 him, because he thought il gave an idei
that he was bent on making furiou
dashes" Yet the appells,ion, even then
was hardly bad one, Tor he had rapid
nervous resistless energy, which led anC
never lost hope. The title Of Fighting
Joe" he obtained at the hands of an Asso
oidted Press operator in New York, who, I,
designate the telegraphic report OF the bat
tie Of Malvern Hill, headed each page, anC
each addition with the words "Fightin,
Joe Hooker" The title was adopted b,
the newspapers, and quickly became popu
lar, especially after the brayery OF Chatta
nOOga.
J Gen. Hooker married Olivia Groesbeck
sister OF Mr.. w. S. Groesbeck, Mis-
} Groesbeck had property in her own right
: and long lived in the house now ocoupie,
by Mr.. II. II. Springer The marriage too
place soon after The war. The lady la
since died.