Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1881-09-08


when elected.
General ]. NJ Rusk was born in Morgan Co.,
Ohio. in 1890. and settled in Vernon (then Bad
AK county, Wis, in 1853, where he has ever
since resided. He was Sheriff of the county
some years. and represented his district in the
Assembly in 1862. He was commissioned Major
of the twenty-fifth Wisconsin Regiment in
July of that year.
After brief service in the Minnesota Indian
campaign, his regiment was ordered down the
Mississippi and up the Yazoo River and subse
quently participated in the siege and capture of
Vicksburg. After that place fell, he returned
to Helena, and was promoted Lieutenant Col
onel Of his regiment. and was for short time
president of a cOurt-martial there.
On the first of February, 1854 he took com
mand of his regiment, joined General Sher-
mans army and participated in the MERIDIAN
campaign. He was complimented in general
orders for the discipline he maintained on that
march, and for not losing man from strag-
Cling or inattention. He continued with Genl
Sherman, participating in all the hot fights in
the Atlanta campaign from May until the
battle of Jonesboro, which gave us possession
of Atlanta in September. At the battle of the
"Twenty-second of July" when the heroic
MCPHERSON fell, General Rusk was in command
at the front and lost one-third of his men. He
was fairly cut off and surrounded by soldiers
armed with saber bayonets ut one time. His
sword was seized and he was ordered to sur
render, but, Selling his pistol he used 1t with
such deadly effect that he broke through his as
saiants and escaped with slight wound in his
leg and the loss of his horse, riddled with oul-
lets. | mention this as an incident and illustra-
ton of his bravery and daring conduct under
trying circumstances as Il fair index of char
acter; opportunities make men-we are crea-
lures of circumstances. Distinctive traits OF
character, or positive qualities. cannot be sue
cessfuly assumed for the occasion. Give
man an opportunity, and the metal he is made
of, either voluntarily or Involuntary on his
part, will be made to appear.
The keen perception of a discriminating pub
lie will soon detect the impostor, notwith-
standing he may play the game with consum-
mate art. The public man. especially, cannot
long play, undetected ed. the part of the decever.
General Rusk is true man, Free from deceit
his head, and full as free his heart"
After the battle of Jonesboro he followed
Hood back to Alabama, then returned to AT
lanta, and in Shermans "march to the sea" he
had command of the Seventeenth Corps, hay
ing the skirmishers, pioneers, engineers, and
the pontoon train under his charge.
In the Carolina campaign, from Beaufort Is
land north, he was brevetted Brigadier General
for gallantry at the battle of Saukahatchir, in
February. Hore, to use General Mowers ex-
preston, he rode further into hell than he
90 md hn ba m u m nj no md
who would take suck risks. This campaign
lasted about two months He was mustered
out in June, 1865 From the May previous he
had been constantly on duty in General Sher
mans army every day.
When his regiment was mustered out, officers
and men united in expressions of regard and
esteem, and he was highly commended by his
superior officers for gallantry.
Since the war General Rusk has been an ac-
tive Stalwart Republican, and welded Il large
influence in the politics of the State. He was
elected Bank Comptroller in 1856, and reelected
in 1868. In 1870 he was elected as Representa-
tive in Congress from the Seventh District, sue
ceediEg C. C. Washburn. He was reelected in
1872, and again in 1874, making for him six
years service in that capacity. Except as above
| believe General Rusk has not been in public
office since the war, and until now, l believe,
before the people in connection with any cleo
tive office since his retirement from Congress.
True, it is said he has been an applicant for
desirable Federal appointments which he did
not receive; but, per contra, he has been ten
dercd positions which he did not accept.
When in Congress &c neral Rusk was regarded
us one of the most valuable members ever
Az 1nt,, Go bn
was distinguished as worker, though not a
talker. Always at his post, and Eoenly alive
TO the public interest, his votes are recorded
on the right side of all important questions,
especially in matters of affecting the rights and
interests of the masses such us transportation,
etc.
As Il champion of the cause of ex-soldiers,
in whatever form presented, he was conspcu-
GUS BY soldiers of Wisconsin he was esteemed
as their best and truest friend ut court
They appealed to him without regard to district
lines, to attend to their cases, OF whatever
nature before the departments, and IT is said
none ever appealed in vain.
AS Chairman OF the Pensions Committee
General Rusk won golden opinions from SOL
diers all over the Union. To him are they large
ly indebted for the arrears of pension bills
which, notwithstanding abuses under it, is be-
LEVIED in by all soldiers as correct i'll principle,
and has ecuredsustice to worthy and honest
disabled soldiers enough to compensate for
more than all the abuses resultant from it. A
fair common school education and an unusual
native ability have been found sufficient to
acquit himself with honor in the important
positions hitherto assigned him, and there is
no room to doubt that they will do so in any
station, public or private, that he may here
after reach.