Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1888-04-29

urn L-szs~Z//
BENJAMIN HARRISON.
Governor Of Virginia. and member u the
convention that ratified the constitution.
His son was General William Henry Har-
rison, whose honorable career as soldier
ind statesman eliminated IN his election to
the Presidency il 1910, to be followed by his
death in the White House one month after
bis Inauguration John Scott Harrison. the
son Of President Harrison, was the father
Of the subject Of this sketch.
Benjamin Harrison was born at North
Bend, o, in his grandfather's house, Au-
gust 70, 1893. Physically and mentally Wig
urous, he early manifested desire TO BEGIN
an active and Independent cereer. At six
teen he entered Miami University, at OK
ford O., and two years later was graduated.
he was bright scholar, with an aptitude
for grasping easily the knottiest problems,
and with a mind that adapted itself readily
to discipline. He had an early inclination
for the legal profession On leaving col
lege he began in Cincinnati, with
Hon 8. Storer as his preceptor, the
study OF law, and IN 1874 he entered upon
the practice If his profession in Indianapolis.
He was tweuty-one, square-sh0Uldered
fair-haired, rather serious. reserved in man
ner, with no Inheritance except his educa-
ton and good name, without acquaintance,
but with a wife to provide for. A leglsla-
tive invesu CATION, in which he secured en-
pigment through the Democratic Governor,
Joseph 4. Wright, brought him into notice.
The ability that he displayed won for him
the highest praise of lawyers and layInen.
From that tine his abilities were fully oc-
CUpied. He soon acquired the reputation Of
co1sumate skill in the preparation Of cases,
became an expert examiner of witnesses,
discussed legal questions IN written briefs
or oral arguments with convincing logic,
and became one of the leaders of his profess
sion as al advocate.
It was inevitable that he should drift into
politics. With many young men of gener-
Gus impulses he joined the Republican par
y, and with superior oratorlcal ability he
soon became known as one Of the best and
most fearless Republican speakers. 1t
amazed the Democrats of the State TO see
him challenge Mr.. Thomas 4. Hendricks 10
. divide tine;' but it was afteward de-
Clared by the chairman Of the meeting that
he had . never heard man SKIN an oppo-
neut as quickly as Ben Harrison did Hen
bricks that day" In 1860 he was candidate
for reporter of the Supreme Court, and in
the Lincoln campaign Of that year he was
elected He cared little for the Office except
for the opportunity that II gave him TO con
tinue IN the study Of his profession at an
increase of income.
The outbreak of the rebellion soon dragged
him from the life of the citizen to that
Of q soldier. Governor Morton in July,
1862, asked him 10 assist In recruiting.
regiment under the Presidents call for
800 OOsl raa- z-aa- +s-aNr,e = -a1a7r-.aI
first commission for the Seventeen Regi-
ment, and as Second Lieutenant inspired
such enthusiasm wherever he went that
he soon raised Company A, was made Cap
tain, helped 70 I'LL up the other companies
Of the regiment, and N less than month
had completed it, and was at its head as
Colonel, ready TO go TO the front Governor
Morton signihed a willingness TO accept his
resignation If he chose 70 remain at home
and hold his civil Office. But Colonel Har-
rlson preferred the military service. Once
chosen, he devoted himself 10 that career
with all his ability. Ee served through
Kentucky and Tennessee up 10 January.
1864. when his regiment was assigned 20
the First Brigade OF the Third Division Of
the Twentieth Army Corps. HIS services
had been highly honorable to hun Up 70 this
time, but he had not Yet reached his high
est honcrs- He was ordered 70 lead the
assault AZ Resaca or May Is, 1864 The
duty was CALAMITY performed, his CON-
mand rushing irresishb-y over the e0-
emy's terrible lines, and capturing both
lines and guns At Peach Tree creek.
while commanding his brigade his soldier
y qualities drew from his commanding
officer, General d" Jo'' Hooker, the most en-
thusiastic praise. On the battlefield he de-
clared that 10 would make Colonel Har-
rison BriEadier-General for his part in the
fight And be wrote a dispatch 10 Secretary
of-War Stanton in which ne recommended
his promotion, couplIuented his brigade for
its discipline, praised him for his wisdom. !
foresight and valor, aud advised his promo
ton Is q Just recognition Of his services /
and martial accom- ishmeats~ he served !
through the war 10 Its close. He took part
in the selge aud battle Of Nashville, was =. /
the surrender of Johnston, and with his !
command participated in the final review
of the Union forces al Washing ton before .
the great army became once mere 4 part Of T.
the common body of citizens.
While he was away freD Indiana the ST.
prene Court. Democrats il composition, (
declared vacant the Office Of Supreme Court /
Reporter, 70 which Harrison had beea |
elected. Another reporter was elected. I
II the fall Of 1864, after Atlanta lad
fallen. he took his first isave of absence. /
The State convention had nominated hIIa
again for the place from which he had been /
ousted Reaching hone, lie devoted HIM
self so effectively 70 the ,Tork of the eau
yass for the thirty days accorded hin that
he was elected for another term. De de-
clined a reelection IN 1872, and until 1S76 de-
,-,-,si himself Gi1i--arltlv 70 the r-actlce OF
his profession. II 1876 he was made the can
didate for Governor, after he had declined
70 run. and after another candidate had been
nominated and had declined. lie accepted !
the nomination as pubic duty. After he !
had accepted it he devoted himself to the
HnrA Of the campaign with great sasygy. /.