The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1884-07-30
A Sketch of the Political Career of the
Democratic Candidate tor Vice
President.

Thomas A. Hendricks was born a
Buckeye, his native place being small
village in Muskingum county, not far
from GAINESVILLE, O. In 1922, when he
was three years old, his father moved to
Shelby county, Ind, and that state has
since been his home. His father had
sufficient property to educate his chill
dren and at the age of twenty-five
Young Hendricks was graduated at
Hanover college. He went immediately
to Chambersburg, Pa, where he studied
law, and in two years later WAS admitted
TO the bar. He then returned to Indi-
ana, and in the village Of Shelbyville
hung out his shingle. Old acquaintances
say he made quick success, both by his
knowledge Of the law and by his attrac-
tive personal characteristics. 1t is said
that the late Governor Morton, when
opposing young Hendricks, could usual
ly win before Il jury, but in an argument
before judge Hendricks would beat
him every time.
In 184S Hendricks was elected mem
Der of the state legislature, and two
years later helped to form constitution
for his state. The next five years he
served his district in congress. Then
one morning, while sitting on the
portico of his home in Shelbyville, a
friend handed him a franked envelope
postnlarked Washington. 1t was
from Franklin Pierce, asking him to
come OH to Washington and take the
office of land commissioner. He accept
ed, and nearly four years discharged the
duties Of that post. He remained in the
office one year longer than he intended
to because of controversy with Land
Officer Burch Of Missouri. Burch's son
had taken up a very large tract Of the
best land in Missouri, and Burch wanted
get patent for the young man, con-
tIary to law and right. Hendricks cut
off the grab and stayed in office long
enough to see that it should not again be
attempted. While commissioner he
heard and decided $4,000 contested land
claims.
His standing before the people of his
state made him the democratic candidate
for governor in 1860. This was not
good year for democratic candidates, and
Henry s. Lane defeated him. Lane
went to the senate at once, and Morton
succeeded to the governors chair. Two
years later the democrats turned the
state legislature and senate inside out,
ana the new houses at once elected
Hendricks United States senator for the
term expiring in 1869. This was the
opportunity which Hendricks needed to
give him national reputation. Dem
ocrats could do little more than protest
IN those days, but Hendricks protested
against the republican reconstruction
methods SO effectually that he was the
most conspicuous candidate before the
national democratic convention held in
New York City in 1868. New York's |
delegates and all the northwest backed |
nm, but Ohio kicked over the traces,
voted persistently for Seymour, and
nhally, with the aid of the gallery gods, |
created a stampede.
In 1876 Mr.. Hendricks was nominated !
10 lor the vice-presidency on the ticket |
mat has since become famous owing to
me events that Immediately followed |
the election of that year.
Mr. Hendricks selection for the Sec
ohd place on the ticket by the Chicago |
democratic convention, was SO unani-
nous, it may be conjectured that his
will be as popularity received
oy his party at large.