Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1891-01-30
AN HONORABLE CAREER.
BIisi Sketch OF Sscrstary's Life
How the Sad News Was Received
IN Waseington.

William Window was born in Belmont
county, o., May 10, 1927. He received an
academic education, studied law at Mt
Vernon, o.. and was admitted to the bar in
1850. In 1852 he became prosecuting at
torney for Knox county. In 1856 he re-
moved TO Minnesota, aud was soon chosen
for Congress from that state as Repub-
lican, serving from 1859 till 1863.
10 that body he served two terms as
chairman of the committee on indian
Affairs. He was ut the head of the special
committee on the conduct of the commits
sioner of indian affairs in 1867. In 1870
he vas appointed United States Senator to
fill an unexpired term, and subsequently
chosen for the term tina. ended in 1877.
He was re-ele cted for one that closed in
1888, and resigned ia 1881 to
enter the cabinet of President
Garfield as secretary of the treasury.
retired on the accession of President
Arthur. and the same year was elected by
the Minnesota Legislature to serve the
remainder of his term in the Senate. 10
that body he acted as chairman of the COM
mittees on appropriations. foreign affairs
secretary of the treasury by President
Harrison.
He left Washington this mornidg, appar.
emily in perfect health, to attend the ban
quet Of the board of trade and transporta-
ton in New York this evening. The
announcement of his death gave almost as
great q shock to his Off ,Al friends and
associstes IS did the shooting of President
Garfield to members Of his official house
hold. When the sal Intelligence was com
I ,ttntn IN
White house lie was greatly distressed and
almoet completely overcome. He went at
once to the house of the postmaster gen.
eral where cabinet dinner hal been In
progress. and from which he hal returned
bot a few minutes before. reception had
followed the banquet and the guests hsd
not all dispersed. Mrs. Windham and her
two daughters, and Mrs. Colgate Of New
| York. who WAS hitting them, were pretent.
at the reception. The president had lfur-
ried conversation with Secretaries Blaine
and Proctor ard the po.tmaster-gen-
eral and told them of the grief that had be-
fallen them. They then privately informed
Mrs. Colgate Of Windows death, and she,
Without exciting the snspicions Of Mrs.
Window and daughters, succeeded in get
ting them 10 their carriage and home.
INC Iitsiutnt, cecletAly ffOctOr ana
Postmaster-General Wsnsmaker entsr red
the carriage and followed. When
NH. Window and her daughters reached
house, Mrs, Colgate gently broke the news
- them. Mrs. Window was completely
overcome and had to be assisted to her
chamber. President and members of the
csbinent presented their sympathies to the
stricken family, and offered their services
to them. The news Of the death spread
with wonderful rapidity. although the hour
late. quite large number Of friends went
to the residence Of Mrs. Windom,to express
their sympathy with her and daughters.
A. the bulletin announcing somevhat 10
detail. the secretary's death was read to the
President while still at the postmaster
generals house, he covered his eyes with
his hands, and moved away WITHOUT utter
ing . word, 80 greatly vas he moved.
Secretary Blaine, in speakiog Of Win
dom. said he was very valuable member
Of the cabicet, and tia. he had worked
With intense zeal since he entered upon fhs
duties of bis Office. in connection with the
finances. His death was . sfest loss to the
administration. He was exceedingly pop
ular with the members Of the cabinet.
Blaine said that he did not think one Of
them ever had an unfriendly word with
him him since the cabinet was formed.