River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1885-12-03

had apartments in hotels as Mr. Hen
bricks official duties kept him in Wash
ingt0n much OF the time. Afterwards
they had a residence ia the northern
part OF the city, but about five years
ago moved down, to an old family res
ldence, directly opposite the state house,
where they have since lived. They
entertained their friends frequently by
parties and receptions, and were always
at home to those who called.
1t was this that made Mr.. Hendricks
deseryedly so popular, for he and his
wife treated every body cordially and
cOurteously, and those whose positions
in life were inferior, were always sure
OF a kindly reception at this house. Mr..
Hendricks was very charitable, and
calls on him for aid were frequent and
never UNDECIDED For several years he
had been actively identified with the
indianapolis Benevolent society. an or
ganized charity, and had contributed
literally to the cause to which it was
devoted, both in money and in work.
He was a deacon in St. Paul S Episco-
pal church for long time and connect
ed with various other religions and
benevolent associations. His fortune
is estimated to be no more than $780,,
600, the most of which resulted from
his professional services.
Aside from his political duties he de-
voted much of his time to the practice
of his profession, being a member of
the law firm of Baker, Hard u Hen
bricks, and since the death of ex-Gov.
Baker he was the senior member. His
practice was largely in the Federal
courts and principally in railroad cases,
he having been employed in several
cases Of national Importance. His long
experience in legislative and govern
mental affairs had made him one of the
best expounders of constitutional law
in the country, and his opinion on
questions involving this was solicited
from all parts of the country. He
often said that the ambition of his
early manhood was to be either
Justice of the supreme court OF the
United States, OF the author of works
On law, or the author OF a legal jour
nal. His domestic relations
were of the most pleasant
character, and Mrs. Hendricks, who Is
a brilliant and accomplished woman,
was Of great aid 10 him in his political
career, as she had large and varied in
formation and excellent judgment, be-
sides being greatly ambitious for her
husband political advancement.
Since her husband ) serious attack two
years ago, both OF them have been APP
prehensive of Il sudden end of his life,
and the attachment between them has
grown very strong, almost sentiment
ally so So intense had this become,
in fact, that he would not consent for
his wife 10 be away from him for any
length of time. Only last week, while
in Chicago, he accompanied Mrs. Hen
bricks even on her shopping expedi-
tons They had frequently talked
over his condition and the probabilities
of his early death, and it is evident for
several months past there has been
growing fear of this kind on his mind
Mr. Hendricks public life began in
1913 when he was elected to the lower
house Of the state legislature. In lS49
he was elected to the state senate. IL
1850 he was elected to congress. and
served two terms In 1855 TO 1859 he
held the office of commissioner Of the
general land office. In that year he
was candidate for governor, but was
defeated In 1868 he was chosen to
the Uu4t d States senate serving until
1869. la 1872 be was elected Governor
Of Indiana and being reelected served
until 1877. He was candidate for vice
president in the canvass of 1876, and
the Democratic national conventions Of
of 1880 and 1884 was con-
.idered as candidate for
president. In the latter convention
failing of the first place he was nomin-
ated for yice-presdent and elected. 1t
is known that his intention was to
abandon politics at the end of his term
as vice. president, and only few days
ago, in a confidential talk with
friend, he said;
The newspapers say am candidate
for president in 1888, but it is not true.
| shall not be a candidate under any
circumstances. | was not a candidate
for the position ] now hold. but it was
forced npon me, and now my political
ambition is fully satisfied and ! want
to retire for the remainder of my life.