West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1880-07-10


snd far between, no mastered the ruGi-
ments of an education at an carly agc and
took position in public affairs when
others moro favorably situated were dal-
lying with problems ne had solved Mr.
English studied law aud was admitted to
practice in the Circuit Court al the early
age of IL years; he was subsequently, al
mitted 10 the Supreme Court OF his State
and. in the 22d year of ais age TO the high
est judicial tribunal in the country, the
Supreme Court of the United States
Several years before he was OF age he
was chosen n delegate from his native
county 10 the Democratic State Convcn-
ton at indianapolis which nominated
General Tiglman a. Howard for Cover
nor, and he commenced making speeches
In that memorable campaign. At the age
of twenty he was appointed postmaster at
Lexington, his native village, then county
years of age, he was chosen principal
clerk of the House of Representatives
soon after tho close OF the session
OF the Legislature the great cam
paign of 1874 began. The standard
bearers of the opposing parties were Jas.
*. Polk and Henry Clay. Mr. English
took an active part in that campaign. and
rs q recognition of his valuable services
he was rendered an appointment In the
Treasury Department at Washington,
which he accepted, and continued TO dis
charge i.s duties during Mr.. Polk's ad-
ministratou.
Mr.. English served four terms in Con-
grcss-in all eight years-immedately
preceding the war, and that during Tho
entire period as stormy as tho National
Legislature ever experienced. The Kan
sas Nebraska bill and questions growing
out of it's introduction wero among tho
most prominent and important measures
tha, were ever submitted To Congress
With these measures Mr.. English was con
spcuously identified, aud the comprohen-
siyc statcsmanfhip then displayed gave
him national reputation which subsc-
qucnt events have not obscurcd
Mr.. English ia man OF action rather
than Of words. His efforts as n debatcr
arc more remarkable for practical com
mon sense than for brillancY of oratory,
or the flowers OF rhetoric. llls mind,
strictly practical in all its scope and bear.
lngs, is eminently utilitarian. Energy Of
character, firmness of purpose and an un-
swcrvng integrity arc his chief character
istics. In personal intercoursc he is in
clined 10 be retiring aud reserved, which
might be attributed to haughtiness or
pride by q stranger, but TO an acquaintance
and friend he is open candid and aiIablo.
In the private and social relations of life
he stands "without blemish and above
reproach." AS a business man he has
most valuable qualities. Without being
too cautious, hc is prudent and connerva
tive
He is above the average height, with an
erect, wcll-made figure. His head is of
good size, with regular features. The
forehead is high and broad. lie is digni-
fled and gentlomanly in his manners and
has a pleasing address with all persons.
His whole contour OF face and person
would at once attract favorable attention
in any gathering. Intellect, uprightncss
Of character, elfrolianco AMI zeal are
suggested by his appeaaance and made
known in his deeds. A man who has
gained unqualified success 10 every posi-
iion of his life, it is to be said Of him that
this is the result Of an ability which has
been equally beyond question