Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1895-06-01

dying man. had been admitted, for II
was plain that he clearly realized his
condition and desired to spend his
last moments with his loved
ones lie had been conscious,
and even conversed calmly with
those about him, but rs the
midnight hour drew near, the waning
forces of life were no longer equal to
the effort. and he sank into silence.
lie Law for two hours with his
head resting on the arms OF his daugh-
ter, Mrs. Andrews, while his devoted
wife sat by his side, her hand clasped
in his, his face so turned that his last
conscious gaze should rest upon her.
And so the minutes dragged slowly on
till the end came.
Biographical Sketch.
Walter O Gresham came of English
stock. His ancestors moved to Vir-
ginia and later TO Harrison county,
Ind, where he was born March II,
1882, on a farm near Lanesvillc, Harri-
son county, Ind. When q years of age,
his father, then sheriff of the county,
was killed while attempting an arrest.
The widow, with her family Of six
children, struggled along. Young
Walter did his share of the work, In the
summer working on the farm. while
in winter he attended the district
school. lie spent u year at the state
university at bloomington. In his
leisure hours he afterward studied law,
under the guidance Of Judge William
a. Porter. one of the noted characters
of the section, martinez who drilled
his pupil thoroughly. After three
years of such work Judge Gresham was
admitted to practice, and entered into
partnership with Thomas E. Slaughter,
afterward circuit court judge. The
first republican campaign found him in
n law office. lie joined the party,
took up the anti-slavery cause, and
was one of the FIVE men in the county
who took the stump.
In 1860 he was elected to the legisla-
ture from Harrison county, was chair
man OF the military committee, and
most active in aiding the legion law,
which enabled Gov. Morton to rush
troops to the front. Gresham organized
company of home guards and led them
into service, being first captain and
then lieutenant-colonel. He became
colonel of the Fifty-third Indiana
in December, 1861, and joined
Gen. Grant at Savannah. He was
made brigadier-general for good work
before Vicksburg. When before At
lanta, July 90, 1864, Gen. Gresham was
disabled, a mimic ball breaking his
leg below the knee as he was leading
charge. This was the last of his service.
When Gen. Grant was elected presi-
dent, Gresham was offered the col
lcctorship ut New Orleans and the dis
trict attorneyship, but declined. He
recommended Judge Slaughter for the
United States district judgeship, but
Grant sent Gresham's name 10 the SEN
ate, without asking the judge, and he
was confirmed. There was trouble ut
once, Gresham insisting he would not
accept, but Slaughter turned In for
him and insisted on II. For twelve
Vchro hc nSTscut nut JUG uccteioh oCihB
reversed by the supreme court
lie was called TO Arthur's cabinet rs
postmaster-general and then as secre-
tary of the treasury, leaving the latter
TO succeed Judge Drummond on the
circuit bench. In the post Office de-
partment he secured the reduction of
newspaper rates, reduction Of the
Canadian postage and postal connec-
tion with Mexico. When Mr.. 'Cleve-
land was elected he offered the state
portfolio to Judge Gresham, which he
accepted, resigning his position rs
circuit Judge, and which position he
held until his death. Judge Gresham
married In 1858, Miss Matilda McGrain,
daughter of q farmer living near
Corydon.