The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-10-08
FAMOUS WAR GOVERNOR.
Andrew Gregg Curtin, known as the
Soldiers, Friend.

BELLEFONIE, Pa, Oct 7.-Ex-Governor
Andrew G. Curtin died at O'Clock this
morning. His end was peaceful, he having
been unconscious during the last twelve
hours OF his life. All the members OF his
family were at the bedside when he passed
for some weeks, but his condition grew
serious on Thursday last ana from tn5t
time time he sank rapidly. Death was caused by
eightieth year, combined with nervous trou-
bic, which, on reaching the vital point in
the brain, ended his life. When the case
first took on a serious aspect physicians
were summoned, hnt they then abandoned
all hopes OF recovery, and the death o.
the old war Governor was not a surprise.
Andrew Gregg Curtin was born in Belle
fonte, Center county, Pennsylvania, April
p. 1916. His father, Roland Curtin, emigra-
ted from Ireland in 1893, and in 1907 essab-
lished, near Bellefonte, one of the first
manufactures of iron in that region. An
drew studied law in the Dickinson College
Law School, was admitted to the bar in
1899, and soon became prominent. He early
entered politics as a Whig, laboring for
Earrisons election in 1910, and making a
successful canvass of the State for Clay in
1874. He was a presidential elector in 1913,
and a candidate for elector on the Whig
ticket in 1852. In 1854 Governor Pollock ap-
pointed him Secretary of the Common
wealth and ex officio superintendent of
common schools, and in the discharge of his
duties Mr. Curtin did much towards re-
forming and perfeeting the school system
of the State. In his annual report of 1855
he recommended to the Legislature the es-
tabnshment OF normal schools, and his sug-
gestion was adopted In 1860 Mr.. Curtin
was the Republican candidate for Governor
The Democrats, though divided in national
;., Do~ H,,+
Mr. Curtin was elected by a majority of
$1,000. He advocated the forcible suppress
sion of secession, and was one of the war
Governors who most earnest in the
support of the national government He
responded promptly to the first call for
troops, and when General Patterson. who
was in command in Pennsylvania, asked
for 5000 more troops they were immedi-
ately furnished. General Patterson's requl-
sition was afterwards revoked by the Sec
retary of War on the ground that the
troops were not needed, but Governor Cur
tin, instead of dsbanding them, obtained
them at the States expense and hold them
subject 10 the call of the national govern
ment: !: This body of men became known as
cepted by the authorities at Washington
few weeks later.
THE SOLDIERS FRIEND.
Governor Curtin was untiring in his ef
forts for the comfort OF the soldiers.
swering carefully the numerous letters sent
him from the field, and originated the sys-
tenn of care and instruction for the chill
dren of those slain in battle. making them
wards of the State. He thus became
known in the ranks as the Soldiers
Friend" Governor Curtin's health began
to fail in 1863, and he signified his intention
Of no ion mis- m h1d
been offered him as soon as his term should
expire, but in the meantime he was re-
nominated and reelected by l5,oO major
ity. In November, 1865, Mr.. Curtin went
10 Cuba for his health, and in that year
declined another offer of a foreign mission
lister to Russia, and in 1868 and 1572 ne
was prominently mentioned as a candidate
for Vice President. He returned home in
for the presidency, and subsequently joined
the Democratic party. by which he was
elected TO Congress for three successive
terms, serving from 1881 till 1881. In recent
years he had been living in retired life in
Bellefonte where he was a conspicuous
figure, and where his home was pointed
| out as one of the most Interesting features
of that locality.
1t has been decided, at the urgent request
| of Governor Pattison, to bury Ex-Governor
| Curtin with military escort Ii will con-
| sist of a regiment of infantry, troop OF
cavalry and battery OF artillery, and is
the escort accorded by military etiquette 10
| a ommander-in-chief. The whole VIII be
| in command of a brigade commander. Ex-
Governor Beaver has charge OF the ar
| rangements OF the funeral which will be
| held under the auspices OF the Grand Army
| of the Republic.
In the list Of those whose names will go
| down in history as war Governors OF the
| Northern States Andrew Gregg Curtin
| will be conspicuous. AS the chief executive
OF Pennsylvania his share in devising means
| and furnishing men 70 battle for the pres
eryation of the Union was a large Cne.
| Sprung from the sturdy Scotch-Irish stock
which has played 50 large a part Ia Amer
| lean history, Governor Curtin, intended b.
| weil-to-do father for the bar. entered
politics at an early age. became one OF
| the founders of the Republican party, and.
| in February, 1850, was made its first can
! didate for Governor OF Pennsylvania. In
! this critical period OF the Nations history
Governor Curtin q prominent figure
/ among the prominent men OF his party.
Lincoln and Seward were then the leading
Continued ON Second PaEe.)