The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1893-02-02

named first chose a political career. pro-
tracted stay in Europe after he had finished his
studies estraaged him from this early ambition.
He returned to America in 1893, and as spe.
cial bearer of dispatches delivered to the Amer
lean government a treaty with some foreign
power. Afterward he retired to private life.
The father of James G. Blaine was born and
reared in Carlisle. On reaching maturity lie
spent a number Of years in South America, in
the West Indies and in Europe returning after
ward to Pennsylvania. In 1878 he removed
to Washington county. He had inherited
considerable wealth and owned landed prop
erty in the western part OF the state.
These lands, however, had not been developed,
and a large family made heavy drains upoL his
means. In 1925 he decided to the economies
tract of land now occupied by the site of Phila-
delphia. Other lands, since found rich in miner
ais, were sold for almost nothing Mr. Blaines
mother was a woman of strong character and
superior intelligence. She was a devout CathO-
lie, hut the son adhered to the Presby terian
convictions of his paternal ancestry.
The son James received every advantage of
education He had excellent opportunities at.
fOrded by private tutors at home, and during
the year 1871 he was at school in Lancaster, o.
While here he lived in the family of Hon.
Thomas Ewing, then secretary of the treasury.
Secretary Ewing was his uncle. James
tered the freshman class of Washington col
lege in November, 1S4a At this time, it
Is Sdlu, Tue young DOy was aOIc 10 re.
cite Plutarch's Lives from memory. He had
marked taste for literature, mathematics and
historical studies In the literary society he
displayed political aptitude and capacity
which afterward distinguished him. At the age
of IL years and months he was graduated in
class OF thirty three, sharing first honors with
John c. Hervy, who was afterward superinten-
dent OF public instruction at Wheeling.
Soon after graduating Mr.. Blaine became q
teacher in the Western Military institute at
Blue Lick Springs, KY. Here he met Miss
Harriet Stanwood, of Maine Miss Stanwood
was teacher in q seminary for young ladies at
Millersburg, and the two were shortly after
ward married. Mr.. Blaine returned with his
wife to Pennsylvania and became a teacher in
the Pennsylvania Institute for the Blind at
Philadelphia For two years Mr.. Blaine was
associated with this school In 1884 he moved
to Augusta, Me-, where he has since made his
home. He purchased q half interest in the
Kennebec Journal and became its editor. He
had a ready faculty for the work, and within
three years was q master spirit in state poll
tics.
He engaged ardently in the formation Of the
republican party. In 1855 he was delegate to
the first national convention of the republican
party which nominated John c. Fremont for the
presidency. 1t was shortly afterward, at q
public meeting, when he first claimed attention
as public speaker. At this meeting he rem
dered an Official report, stammering in confu-
sion at the outset But IS he proceeded he
gained confidence and wound up in a manner
which called attention to him rs a public ora
tor In 1857 he brcadened his newspaper field
by assuming the editorship Of the Portland Ad.
vertiser His political genius, however, had
eclipsed the journalist within him.
In 1858 he was elected to the state legislature
and was afterward successfully chosen for four
years. The last two years in the house he
served that body as speaker. At the beginning
Of the civil war Mr.. Blaine gained distinction
in the debates which grew out Of that crisis.
At the time Of his election to the legislature he
was made chairman Of the republican state
committee and for twenty years he held that
Office. During this time he led and shaped
.verv .c..:::::cS. c1DpaiRn in the state of Maine