Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1889-12-05
HON. GEORGE \. PENDLETOK.
His Death at Brussels ON Sunday,
Nov. "a.

Hon. George ii. Pendleton, late United
States Minister to Germany, died at Brussels.
Sunday, Nov. "a. His experience in the pub
lie service was long and honorable, while his
versatile scholarship and polished bearing
made him prominent figure IN the social
world. His ability was such AS TO give him
the regard and estimation even Of his strong
est political opponents, while his graceful
c0urtliness and high principles won equal
favor In personal relations. At a time when
il was no easy thing for Democrat TO hold
in with civil service reform. Mr.. Pcndloton
exerted himself zealously in favor Of that
system, aud by his earnestuess at that critical
period accomplished much good. On the
Congressional floor and in the diplomatic
field his influence made itself felt and re-
spected.
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, July %, 1925.
George Hunt Pendleton by virtue Of his
ancestry seemed destined to make his place
in the world. His grandfather was Major
Nathaniel Pendleton, Adjutant General,
Aide and the most trusted friend of Gen.
Nathaniel Greene, and afterward United
States Judge in Georgia, and his father.
Nathaniel Greene Pendleton, Wing leader
In Cincinnati, Representative In Congress
during IIarrison's Administration and a de-
voted follower of Henry Clay. After re-
ceiving an education at Cincinnati College
and in Heidelberg, Germany, the young man
Travelled for three years on the Continent,
and then, returning home, began the prae-
tiee OF law In partnership with George L.
Pugh. afterwards United States Senator.
At this same time Mr.. Pendleton allied him
self with the Democratic party. and at once
began TO make himself factor In Ohio poll
ties. Six years after being admitted TO the
bar he was elected 10 the State Senate. Al
though the youngest member OF that body,
be was put forward as candidate for Con-
gress. but In spite OF a good fight was de-
feated. At tie next election. in 1858, he was
successful and entered the National House.
Three times after that he was returned, sery-
ing until 1865. In Congress he first opposed
the Issue OF paper money. but later on be-
came an acknowledged leader Of the Green
back movement, even urging the payment Of
Government bonds in greenbacks.
During the war he was member Of the
Home Military Committee. In 1854 he was
candidate for the Vice Presidency with Me-
Clellan on the Democratic ticket, and at the
next National Convention he was at first far
ahead OF all other candidates for the Demo
cratic Presidential nomination. coming within
two and half votes Of getting that empty
honor, which finally was granted to Horatio
Seymour. Then Mr.. Pendleton entered the
lists for the Governorship OF Ohio, but was
defeated by Rutherford b. Hayes.
Accepting that year, 1863. the position Of
President Of the Kentucky Central Railroad
Mr.. Pendleton remained out OF public office
for ten wears. relieving his business care only
bv second trip TO Europe in 1872. In 1873
he succeeded Stanley Matthews in the United
States Senate, and there remained until the
expiration of his term in 1SS5, when he was
appointed by President Cleveland United
States Minister TO Germany. In the Senate
his advocacy Of the civil service reform was
his most noteworthy act, he being the author
Of the bill which Congress passed.
During Mr.. Pendleion's service In Berlin
the tragic death OF his wife occurred while
riding in Central Park, New York, with her
daughter, Miss Jennie PendletOn. She was
killed in the accident and the daughter was
seriously injured. Mrs. Pendleton was before
marriage Miss Alice Key, her father being
Francis Scott Key, the author Of the "Star
Spangled Banner and her brother being
Philip Barton KEY. who was killed BY Gen.
Sickles. She had spent great deal Of time
abroad and was well known in high social
circles of the European capitals. They had
son. lawyer Of New York, and two daugh-
tiers.