Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1885-11-26
Sketch of the Life of Thomas A. Hen
bricks.


Thomas A Hendricks. late Vice Presi-
dent of the United States of America, was
born on farm near GAINESVILLE, O., on the
18th day of September, 1919 He came of
Middle-State pioneer family-one among
the earliest to enter the Ligonier valley,
Pennsylvania. His father, John Hendricks
was a native of that State, where he was
prominent in public affairs, and served the
people in several offices of trust and honor
and also as an able Representative in the
Legislature. His mother was Jane Thomp
son, direct descendant of a sturdy Scotch
family that came to Pennsylvania prior to
the opening of the war of the Revolution
Her father, John Thompson, was influ-
entail in inducing a very con-
siderable Scotch immigration to
America. He was a man of great
energy, broad intelligence and indomitable
industry, and became devoted patriot of
the country he adopted for his own. AT the
outbreak of the Revolution his sons came
promptly to the banner of George Wash
ington and fought under him for the right
of self-government. Mr.. Hendricks. it will
therefore be seen came of sturdy stock.
John Hendricks and wife, when Thomas
"A. was an infant, removed from near
II,
William Hendricks. a brother of Jobn
was then residing, he being a member of
Congress from Indiana, and held in high
esteem by his constituents. Later Will
lam became Governor of the State. and
subsequently United States Senator. John
Hendricks, the father of the Vice Presi
dent, was a Deputy Surveyor of Public
Lands under General Jackson Presidency
and filled the trust with honor md great
credit. In 1922 he removed to the interior
of the State, and became a landed propri
etor, owning the tract upon which Shelbv-
vile now stands. On these lands he built
the homestead mansion, and it still re-
mains. 1t became noted for the hospitality
of its owner and the social qualities, intel
ligence and character of its occupants. A
recent writing upon the character and
career of the late Vice-President Tins
speaks of this home and outlines the sa
lient points in the life of Mr.. Hendricks 9.
In those days all the people of worth and
distinction in that portion of the country
were at one time or another entertained
within its walls. At this fireside the ortho.
dox minister loved to come: he was SIRE
of an earnest welcome, for he found in
John Hendricks and wife, people earnest in
their convictions and jealous for the right
The presiding genius of that home was tbe
atmosphere of learning and zeal with the
sweet influences of charity and love
Essentially ever and persistent she was
possessed of rare quality of patience
which stood her in better stead than a tur-
bulent, aggressive spirit. Those who an
aiyze the character of Thomas A. Hem
bricks will find that he had as a birth-ri0ht
these traits of his mother to a large deqree
Together with his brother and sister. he
attended the village school from which his
brother A oram passed to the Uni
versity OF Ohio, and, after graduating.
became a Presbyterian minister. while
Thomas a. entered the college at South
Hanover. After graduation he began
the study of the law at home under
instruction of Judge Major. From early
boyhood he had displayed fondness for
legal discussions, often attending Court
when mere lad in order to hear the DIS
cussions of counsel. After a considerable
period OF study at home he iourneyed to
Chambersburg Pa, where. in the office of
his uncle, Judge Thomson. he completed
the course necessary for admission to the
bar, and returned home and was admitted
to practice in Shelbyville He did not at
once step INTO large practice, but gradu-
ally 1t increased, and with it his reputation
as good counselor, clear reasoner and
.O'.A 80 a0'OStec. IIOil the year 1913 his
legal life was closely interviewer with his
political, and it is impossible almost to
separate the two. In this year he was
elected to the Legislature, serving one term.
and declining denomination. In 1850 he
was chosen delegate, without opposition, TO
the Convention to alter the Constitution of
the State. Associated with him as Younger
members of the body wore Judges Holman
and Hovey, and the late Vice President.
Schuyler Colfax; and, like them, he took
an active and prominent part in the de-
Lucrative proceedings. In 1851 he was
elected to Congress from the Indianap-
oils District; was re-elec.ed, and in a
third canvass suffered defeat He had
hardly settled down to the practice of his
profession after his unsuccessful political
campaign, before President Pierce without
solicitation from him, appointed him Com
missioner of the General Land Office This
mark OF the Presidents confidence was en-.
lirely unexpected, but he entered upon the
trust imposed with zeal, and, although the
duties of the Land Department were at this
time exceedingly onerous, the sales, entries
and grants being larger than ever before in
our history, his administration of the office
was acknowledged as being the ablest in its
history. After four years service as Com
missioner he returned to Indiana, and in
1850 ran for Governor, to be beaten by his