New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-08-10
OBITUARY.
CFNFRAI, JAMES w. DENVER.

Washington Aug 9.-General James W. Denver, OF
Wilmington Ohio died In this city this evening shortly
after O'Clock, of uraemic poison. HIS Illness was
OF brief Duration General Denvers wife and one OF
his reached his bedside from Wilmington aPoht
half hour before his DEATH Inc rehiihs Will NC
taken to his home tomorrow evening
General Denver was born In Winchester, Va, In
1917 lie was thirteen years old when his father re-
moved 10 Ohio, then a frontier settlement. Ills
early education was sound that he sought 10 I'M
prove it by becoming a teacher, and moved to MIS-
sour where he taught school and studied law. lie
returned to ohio for the advantages OF the Cncinna
Law School, from which lie was graduated. setting
In Xenia, he practised law and edited "The Ihomas
Jefferson, with distinguished success. but the MIS-
souri, fever was on him and he returned mither'
settling himself at Platte City for the practice
of law In 1s47 he raised company
for the Mexican war, and led them through to the
CITY OF Mexico After the war he returned to Platte
CITY but in 1850 he crossed the plains TO California
and In 1851 without consulting him or his Wishes
the people, on one weeks notice, elected him 10 DC
state Senator While In the State Senate he was
challenged by ex-CongreSsman Mward Eilbert anu
the latter was killed. In 1852 Governor Biger sum-
moned him to take charge OF the train OF supplies Tor
the emgranas Chen surgng over an nntracked region
In the Pacific coast. Many had suffered greatly.
partly from misunderstanding as to getting supplies
at the military posts. The Legislature OF California
had voted sos 900, and vested 1t In the Governor W
furnish relief TO the immigrants. The Governor calea
General Denver to command the expedition Inc
snow was so deep In places th,t on returning after
1t had melted, they found they had TO CUT GOWN
trees for the wagons pass fifteen or more feet above
the ground. Hundreds and may be thousands, would
have persisted on the route but for the timely as
sistance furnished by General Denver ana MS NELL
During the spring he became Secretary OF state.
Before his term OF Office expired he was nominated
TO the XXXIvth Congress by the Democratic party
and elected by large majority.
Before the end Of his Congressional term, General
Denver was rendered the Office OF Commissioner Of
Indian Affairs. and he discharged the duties with I'M
exceptonable success until the President appointed
him Governor OF Kansas, his duties as Commissioners
to be discharged by the Chief Clerk Major Mix. dur
ing his absence. Proceeding at once to his post, ne
found the Territory Overrun with organized bands OF
jayhawkers, various parties Of banded thieves and
cutthrOats and chronic condition OF political feuds.
with murder, robbery and arson of daily occurrence
In every quarter and section OF tho country growing
out Of the Kansas and an1-slavery political ques
tons. A large body Of the United States Army
there, but were useless for any good
effect. The prospect was unpromislng, ana
might well appall the stoutest heart After proper
procamatlons, the language Of which was not to be
mistaken General Denver moved actively through the
Territory regardless Of threats restoring order, courage
and confidence everywhere, and giving to the people
the power Of concentration, self reliance and sell
protection In less than twelve months he was abe
10 resign the Office and leave the Territory with an
established civil government and a peaceful law
abiding happy people On his return from Kansas
he resumed the position Of Commissioner OF Indian
Affairs which Office no resigned March IL, 1859, and
returned TO his home In California SO rapid were the
changes in California, that General Denver on MS
return there finding his business and connections com
pleely broken up by his absence, and with his private
ortune impaired, ne returned TO the old home OF his
childhood Wilmington. Clinton County Ohio.
when the Civil War broke out General Denver
declared himself at the side OK his state
and the Union OF the states and being appointed
hrigader general he served with credit until March,
1868 when he resigned. After the war. General
Denver continued to practise his profession unds-
turbed by the cares the desire OF Office. He was
often approached by his political friends for the use
of his name, and without solicitation or desire on nt
part he nominated IN 1870 Tor congress. . Da'
Tor the first time in his life he was then defeated
General Denver suggested the name OF Colorado ior
the Territory formed out OF Kansas, ana the @itai
was named In his honor.