The Owosso times., 1881-08-05
MICHIGAN'S BEST GOVERNOR.

| Iue ABOVE appelldIlOn HAS Deen O1Cen
applied to the late John j. Bagley, and
none of the many excellent executive
officers with which this state has been
favored, suffer by the designation. Es-
sentially a man of the people, so long
identified with the states interests COM
mercial, political and social, he had few
peers and fewer superiors. He was
born ut Medina, N. Y, July "A, 1882.
His parents were both natives of New
England. Heattended school at Lock
port, N. Y, until he was thirteen
years old, when the family removed to
Michigan first locating at Constantine
and then at Owosso, at both Of which
places he found employment, the fami-
ly being in very moderate circumstances.
He came to Detroit at the age of
fifteen and secured place in tobacco
factory, receiving the first year $50 and
his board. Prudent and economical he
saved from his earnings small capital,
and at the age of twenty-one he began
the manufacture of tobacco on his own
account and built up a colossal busi-
ness from which he derived an ample
fortune. The city of his adoption was
his pride and he had been largely in
Identified with the history Of its advance.
Soon after becoming established in
business he was elected men,
ber of the board of education
and later of the common council.
During his term in the council he Sc
cured the passage by the legislature Of
a bill organizing the present metropOl-
itan police system, and was appointed
one of the original commissioners. In
this capacity he organized the force
and remained on the board until his
nomination for governor by the Repub-
lican party in 1872. His large and
well deserved popularity secured his
Nelection by an unprecedented majori-
ty .(57,000), and receiving sec
ond nomination he was reelected.
While ABLY administering the
general affairs of the state, he
gave notable attention to it's institu-
tions and inaugurated many reforms.
The organization of the state public
school at Coldwater; the present excel
lent system of dealing with juvenile
offenders; the reorganization of the
militia; the originating of the present
liquor tax system and the relieving of
the state reform school from its prison
features and making it more an educa-
tional and reformatory institution,
were among the most prominent fruits
of his remarkably production admins
tration. Educational interests re-
ceived his active support and
the university and agricultural
college were largely benefited.
For long time he was chairman of
the Republican state committee, and
that party has seldom had so able a
leader. He had strong personal fol-
lowing, and was remarkably successful
both in his personal candidature and
his conduct of campaigns. In 1877 he
received 81 votes for U. S. Senator, to
succeed Senator Christiancy, but was
defeated by a combination upon Mr..
Conger, who received SO votes. His
commanding form and genial coanten-
ance made him familiar figure in all
parts of the state.
The city of Detroit will deeply feel
the loss of citizen who has been 80
thoroughly identified with its CONNER
cial and financial interests. A large
body of employees will sadly miss one
who was more than generous. Society
has lost member who could at all
times be relied upon to forward and
sustain the it's interests. The state
mourns the loss of one who in public
station and in private life nObly sus-
tanned its honors.
His party deplores the loss of an hon
ored member and brilliant leader. His
political opponents mourn for a gener-
Gus foe.
Gov. Bagley's commanding personal
characteristic was marked generosity.
The young thrown upon the world
friendlessy; the poor and unfortunate
in every phase of life, all drew largely
upon his inexhaustible fund of sympa-
thy and were sure to find means of
relief. I
His ardent life finally undermined
his strong constitution and when he
sought rest and remedy it was too late.
He leaves a wife and seven children.
Gov. Jerome has forwarded to Mrs.
Bagley a series of resolutions adopted
at a meeting of the state officers, and
many public bodies haye recorded the
feeling of sorrow which universally
prevails. e'as bI
AT the closing session of the ma
tional conference of charities, held at
Boston, Mr.. w. j. Baxter of Michigan
presented resolutions upon the death
of ex-Gov. Bagley, which, after re-
marks fby Gen. Brinkerhoof Of Ohio,
Mr.. Barbour of Michigan, Mr.. Wines
|,of Illinois and President Sanborn of
Massachusetts, were adopted by a
rising vote.
At meeting of the state officers, the
governor presiding, the following reso-
lutions were adopted:
Il Whereas, We, the governor and the
state officers. have learned of the great
bereavement of the people Of this state
in the death of ex-Gov. John j. Bagley;
| therefore
Resolved, That in the death of John
j. Bagley, twice governor of Michigan,
the state has added another to the long
roll, of her ilhstrious, dead and has lost
| in him one of her foremost men, an Of
licer and a citizenof commanding influ-
ence, who by his integrity of character,
his honesty of purpose, his ability dis
played in -evefy official position, and
his great kindness of heart, won the
love and admiration Of the people of
this great commonwealth. !
| Reeo1v vad irrhat we iherehv exnreae