Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1880-08-11
OBITUARY.


William Bgler was born In shurmAnsburg,
Cumberland county, Pa, In December, 1918. His
early years we're spent In Mercer county, where
his father died In the year 1924. After learning
the trade Of a printer In Dellefonte, Centre coun-
ty, with his brother John afterwards Governor
Of California; he moved to Clearheld county In
1888, when only twenty years Of age and founded
the 0iearfsd Democrat
He was married in 1885 to the eldest daughter
of Alexander b. Reed, one Of tho leading and
early settlers Of Clvarfed, who survives him, and
was constant and unwearled In her ministrations
at his bed during his long and painful illness,
commenced with his advent TO this county and
was elected to the State Senate In 1874, and was
elected Speaker Of that body In 1913, and was re-
elected 10 1874. BY this time he had acquired a
State reputation aud his name was prominently
mentioned at the Democratic State Convention
as u candidate for Governor in ls4s. In lsi9
he was appointed one Of the Revenue Commission
ers. In 1851 he was nominated by acclamation
by the Democratic Convention for Governor and
was elected by a large ma jOrity. He was re-nomi-
mated Ia 1854, but was defeated by the tidal wave
of Know NothinRism, On the expiration Of his
term as Governor, In 1855, he was elected Presi-
dent Of the Philadelphia and Erie Railroad Com
pany, serving in that position one year was then
elected to the United States Senate, serving in
that capacity for six years. He was elected
member Of the Constitutional Convention 10 1873, /,
taking an active part in that body. From 1874
until the closing of the Centennial Exhibition
he served as President Of the Board of Commission
ers to Supervise the Expenditure Of the State APP
preparation of one million dollars, and was also
member of the Centennial Board Of Finance.
Asa member Of the State Senate he greatly
aided In abolishing imprisonment for debt and
founding the Insane Asylums at Philadelphia
and Harrisburg, and the great development OF
the resources Of the State by the Pennsylvania
Railroad Company, are due principally to his
efforts at that timo. As Governor, his admins,
traton was marked with ability, honesty and
economy, and many Legislative abuses were cor
rectod at his suggestion. As the Representative
Of great State upon the floor Of the United
States Senate he took leading part in all ques
tiOns Of public policy, and his utterances reflect
the wisdom ofa thoughtful and conservative
statesman. As a member of the State Constitu-
tional Convention he assisted in accomplishing
many reforms that have followed the adoption Of
the new Constitution. As a member Of the Cen
tannial Commission he displayed great executive
ability and Its success was largely due TO his un
firing anl efficient services. As citizen ever
thoughtful Of the progress and deyelopmentpf
local interests, was first to inspire, and with In
dominable energy accomplished many of our
greatest improvements, for years deyoting almost
his ontiretm to the construction Of our railroad
and public school buildings, as well as being the
leading spirit in some Of our most important in
dustries. As Christian, his life was one Of faith
and works, devotipg his time and energy to tho
erection Of the beautiful Presbyterian Church
which adorns our village, aud wasior many years
President Of its Board Of Trustees, and his sup
port Of the church, as indeed were all his acts Of
benevolence, Of the most liberal and unsel6sh
character, contributing largely and generously Of
bis means.
His public career, covering period Of almost
forty years, has been marked at almost every
step by unfalterug devotion to duty and principle,
and in no Official or private station has ever there
been a suspicion or doubt Of his integrity aud bis
life and character has ever been respected, even
by political opponents, for his many virtues.
Thus is made up the record Of the leading and
more prominent acts and services Of our esteemed |
rolow.eitizen, much Of which are matters Of his
tory engraved upon the records Of the State and |
Nation. But who will or can make up his record |
As q neghbor and friend, as he has been recog-
lized 10 this community for almost half century
No pen eau sketch history Of his private life
md portray It's character as Il was seen and
snown by his personal and intimate friends.
nan Of great beneyolence, a true friend, kind
md cousidente neghb0r, model husband and
ather, q firm and conscientious believer. Truly
las this community suffered great loss.