Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-07-20
New Pension Officials.

On the 10th Of June John A. Bentley, who had
held the office Of commissioner Of pensions since
the commencement Of the Last year Of President
Grants term, in compliance with a request from
President Garfield, rendered his resignation,
which was accepted by the president, who imme-
diately appointed Colonel W. w Dudley OF Rich
mond, Indiana. lie resigned his office OF United
States marshal OF that state and entered upon his
new duties Of commissioner OF pensions on the
2sth Of June. Colonel Dudley was born In Wealth
ersfield, August q, 1872 lie was educated at
Phillips Academy, Danville. and Russel's Insti-
tute New Haven, Connecticut, where he gradu-
ated in 1860, prepared to enter Yale College, but
did not do 80 lie located at Richmond, Indiana,
in 1860, and engaged in milling business which
he followed until after the war Of the rebellion
commenced, when he organized a company called
the Richmond Grays," and was elected captain
This company was made part OF the nineteenth
regiment. Indiana volunteers, Immediately re-
ported for duty, and was in the first general
engagement thereafter. Young Dudley rose rap
idly, and was commissioned Northumberland Of
his regiment. At the battle of Gettysburg, in
1868, he behaved with galantry, and left his leg
on that field. Unable TO perform further military
duty, he returned home and was elected clerk Of
the circuit court OF Wayne county. While serv-
ing in this office he studied law and in 1875 he
began to practice, making speciality Of procuring
patents. His law practice did not occupy his
entire time, and he accepted the cashiership for
the Richmond savings bank, and gave consider
able attention to political affairs in his state. In
1879 he was appointed United States marshal for
Indiana. He Immediately began organizing for
the coming campaign Of 1880 in which he took
an active part. His executive ability and capac-
ity for efficient organization, displayed in this
campaign In a close state, brought him to the no
tce of leading politicians Of his party as one
worthy Of being rewarded by the new administra-
ton. He preferred the office Of commissioner OF
patents Failing to secure that appointment,
| however, he accepted the office Of commissioner
of pensions. He was endorsed by Senator Harri-
son. and his appointment to that office Is said to
be entirely satisfactory to the people of Indiana
where he is best known.
A. W. Fisher, the new chief clerk OF the pen.
sion office who succeeds Major o. p G. Clarke, Is
also a native of Vermont lie was born in Dan.
vile, February 10TH 1884. Graduated at Dart.
mouth College in 1858 Studied law with Hon
Bliss N. Davis and was admitted to the bar at st
Johnsbury in June 1861. lie was captain of Com
pany II, Fourth Regiment of Vermont Volunteers
during the rebellion, wherehe displayed the quail
titles OF brave and faithful officer. At the close o.
the war he went to North Carolina and engaged
| In the manufacture OF lumber. In 1871 he wa,
appointed clerk in the pension office and has nov
| been promoted to the office Of chief clerk In tn,
pension bureau. While in North Carolina h,
was adjutant general Of the state three years ant