Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-12-28

JOHN A. LOGAN.


The intelligence of the death Of General
John A. Logan causes general and pro-
found sadness. The public heart is
stricken with heavy. grief, as when Gar
field received his mortal wound, or Grant
Welded to the only foe which he did not
conquer In his death the nation mourns
the loss of one of its most conspicuous and
honored men, distinguished for nobility OF
character and grand public service. Patriot
leader of men, warrior, statesman, hero,
he was all these and yet man whom
his neighbors loved for his kindness Of
heart and the interest he took in the com
mon concerns of all around him. Graded
in poverty, reared to manhood amid the
hardships and privations peculiar to the
pioneers of the Western country, he was
raised to the highest honors by his own
exertions. Obstacles did not daunt him
but spurred him on To greater endeavor.
His will was unconquerable, his energies
untiring until his last sickness.
John A. Logan was of Scotch Irish
descent, his mother being of Scottish ex-
traction, and his father born in the north
of Ireland The son was born in what is
now known as the town of Murphysboro,
in Southern Illinois, Feb 9, 1924. He
acquired what education he could in the
schools of the locality in which he was
reared. and at seventeen years of age en-
tered Shiloh College, where he remained
three years. Emerging from college he
enlisted for the Mexican war and served
with his regiment until the war ended.
lie studied law in the Louisville Univer-
sity, graduated with the honors of his
class, and at once went into partnership
with an uncle. Soon after he was elected
to the legislature. He married Miss Mary
S. Cunningham in 1855, who was an ac-
complshed woman and a most devoted
and helpful wife. In the famous Lincoln
and Douglas contest Logan was elected
to Congress as Douglas democrat.
When the war broke out he resigned his
seat in Congress and went home to Illinois
and offered his services to aid in putting
down the rebellion. He was assigned to
the command of the Thirty-frst Illinois
Volunteers. His career in the war is we'll
known. His courage, daring and energy
were conspicuous. He was the bravest OF
the brave, faithful to every duty, untiring
in his efforts to promote the success OF the
Union cause, and when the war closed he
was given. by common consent, the highest
place among the volunteer officers that
were in the Union army.
After the war he served in the House.
and in 1871 was elected Senator from ILL.,
nois and held that position until his death
In 1884 he was nominated as the republi-
can candidate for Vice President. His
name in that position was a tower of
strength to the cause. and whatever he
could do tor the success of the party he
did with his whole heart.
There were few who read the reports of
General Logsn's sickness in the papers
that thought it would be fatal His robust
it was supposed would carry
him safely through, as it had before
through wounds and sickness. But when
Christmas came his friends at his bedside
were anxious and his physicians did all
that was possible to save his life. Sunday
the end came. The active brain, the strong
will and noble heart succumbed to the
hand of death. But few weeks ago
General Logan was apparently strong and
vigorous, able to do stalwart service for
many years, but his work is finished.
There remains however an undying fame
for his noble deeds, record which his
will never allow to die or be
forgotten.