Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1882-09-17
JOHN HANSON GOOD.
A Brief Sketch Of His Youthful
Life.
The Farmer -SchooIed at the West
Virginia University and Bethany
College Positions Filled and
Honors Borne.
THE LAWYER, ORATOR, POLITICIAN.

Ihe IhWIEns VhhiV"I
III. Good comes on both sides OF his
family from early settlers in this Ucinity.
His paternai grandfather, John Good, came
10 this county very early in the century
from Washington county, Nd for some
tine he operated aemill on the site OF the
present 'tBe6illion's mill" He Afterwards
lived on farm on the National road hye
miles from the city. Benoni 5. Good, the
father of ]. Hanson, was born In this
county about 1916, and lived on the farm
where he was born during his entire lille,
He was man of great industry, and was
noted for his hospitality and LIS more than
PuritanicaI Honesty and Integrity.
The mother OF the subject Of this sketch
was a McMecheu, daughter OF the pioneer,
BENJAMIN McMechen, aud one OF num-
erous family of children. John Hanson
Good was born in this county nearly forty
years ago. His boyhood was not essentially
different from that of the sons OF wetl-to-
do farmers generally. After receiving
common school education lie attended the
University at Morgantown, and suisse
euentIy entered Bethany College, where he
graduated. He afterwards attended law
school al Louisville, Kentucky: and after
finishing his studies commenced the prac-
tice of his profession in Wheeling. Almost
at the outset OF his career his talents and
energy attracted the attention of the pubic
and he soon took high position at the
lar. Before he had practiced long he was
elected Prosecuting Attorney Of ono coun-
~. In this position he acquitted himsei
With the greatest credit, successfully de:
Tending and msintaining the peace and
dignity of the State against all corners.
Ard these were the
HaIcyon Days OF the Wheeling Bar,
since the war. Wheat. Richardson and Fen
dleton were at the zenith OF their power
and glory as jury lawyers. Davenport ana
Cracrait were rapidly rising N the same
sphere. One or more Of them appeared
for the defense in all criminal
cases Of importance. But they found
in the yonug states attorney an Antagonist
in every way competent to com0at anu
contest their ablest and most brilliant eI-
forts.
At the conclusion of his term rs prosecu-
ting attorney, Mr.. Good found himsei. IN
the front rank Of an able bcr. II is per
baps not too much to say that even at that
time be was regarded as the ablcst ana most
effective Jury orator OF them all. In TINS
nosition he has ever since not only main
tanned but entrenched himself; and, not
outstanding the most talented competi-
ton, be stands to-day, in this respect,
tacie princeps at the Wheeling bar.
His method of arguing questions OF
fact is IF the highest order OF
excellence. His first step is to determine
the points and questions that properly and
legitimately enter into and affect the merits
of the case. These once determined he
adheres To them throughout the argument
never suffering himself to I've led OH Ia The
discussion Of immaterial, extrsne0us ur lm-
proper matters. He analyses ana collects
evidence with the greatest exaCtness. lie
treats a candid and conscientious witness,
even though opposed, with the greatest
courtesy ard consideration, while one who
equivOCates or prcvaricates is criticized and
denounced with a'sevcrity that renders him
cautious for the rest Of his life. He appeals
Ia the feelings and sensibilities OF jury,
with an eloqucnce and pathos that seldom
fails TO touch the hardest heart and move
the most stubborn will.
In politics Mr.. Good has always been an
Earnest, Unsa CRYING and Enthusiastic
Democrat.
Since his early manhood his voice has been
heard in every campaign. His power and
popularity as a stump orator is certainty
not surpassed, il indeed 1t is equslled BY
that OF any other man in the State. HIS
capacity TO instruct and entertain an audi
euce is unsurpassed. The magnetism
Of bis manner and the fervor
c. his elOquenCe arouSes fever Of entnusi.
assn even in the coolest audience. The
purity a his language and the beauty Of
bis d.CtiOn charms the most cultured and
critical car His relentless exposure aud
bitter dtnunciation of political dishonesty
and Official corruption wins the hearty
plauG.ts of he friends OF honest government
and inspire terror in the hearts Of timorOus
a.,f tt,l
Of government and facts of political history
His Sly le IN Clear and Simple,
his logic exact and his conclusions unan.
sWerable. The dryest statistics, figures and
facts are made interesting instructive and
entertaining. H0 is ever ready with a
witty saying or pithy story TO Hdorn his
speech or illustrate and emphasize his
meaning, aud when occasion demands it he
is full 10 overlooking with humor, wit and
anecdote.
The Popularity Of Mr. Good in His
Own Comfy
can be best determined by brief reference
10 his past political history. In 1872, while
not thirty years Of age he was induced by
his friends To become candidate for the
Congressional nomination. He was sup.
oricd by the unanimous voice of his own
county, and his support from other coun.
Ties was so earnest aud cordial that, at the
C!arksburg Convention in that year he
came within one vote of the nomination.
At three successive conventions, at Ellen
boro Parkersburg and New Martinsyille,
Ohio county, as one man, urged
his nomination. AT the late Weston
convention one Of the largest aud most
represe NATIVE delegations that ever meet
from any county was present, advocating
he nomination of Mr.. Good This time
heir WI ,nI wit h atr.e nd
he long cherished hopes and long sustain.
d Efforts Of the Ohio county Democracy at
iust resulted in glorious fruition.
1heir Banner was Placed I'm the Hand,
Of Their Fayorite Son,
and the eye OF faith already seeing his
brows crowned with victorious ~reaths.
loud shouts OF JOY and gladness went up
from every heart. II. elected u Congress
Mr. Good will make record for himself,
81 which his constituents will all be proud
He will not be much of a talker. That is
TO say, he will not, as too many member
do, attempt 10 discuss every question that
comes up. When, however, he does I'd.
dress the House, it will be after the most
careful study and investigation of his sub
IeCt. Following this course, with his ready
language and pleasing eloquence, he viii
soon command the highest esteem and re-
spect of his fellow members. In caring
for the public interests as well as the pri-
vate wants Of his own constituents, he will
emulate the energy aud industry Of LIS
predecessor, Col. Wilson. Every interest
will be the subject Of his vigilance and
every want will receive his prompt atten.
ton.
The writer has known Mr.. Good long and
well. He knows that his faith is true, his
mind strong, his energy untiring, and his
integrity unstained. He, therefore, has
unbounded confidence that IL the people
elect him, be will serve them honestly,
ably and faithfully.
Family Of Monkeys.
LndeT the SsTI-Phi Robinson.
Hindus do not hurry themselves in
any thing they do. but the monkeys