The herald., 1896-05-07
HE DIED VERY SUDDENLY
Unexpected Death of General John
Mansfield
The Long and Useful Career OF Distinguished
Soldier, Statesman and Citizen
Brought to a Close

General John Mansfield, for many
years one of the foremost citizens ot
California. died very unexpectedly at his
residence, No. 401 South Hill street, at
o'clock yesterday morning.
He had complained of a very slight
indisposition on retiring the previous
night, but on arising at his usual hour
yesterday morning seemed to be in his
usual health. He had nearly completed
making his toilet, and was in the act
of putting on his coat, when he gave a
sudden gasp, fell over upon the bed, and
a few moments later expired.
Mrs. Mansfield and her sons-Charles
H., who lives here, and R. P. Mans
field of San Francisco. who is here on a
visit-are Frustrated by the shock.
The general was IS years old, but hale
and vigorous for a man of his age None
who knew him had any idea that death
was so near.
He came to California after the civil
war, comparatively poor man, but Jy
his talents as lawyer, industry and
good business management. amassed a
competency of about S100.00o.
General Mansfield was born at Min
den, Monroe county. N. Y, in 1921. He
emigrated at an early age to Wisconsin,
where he achieved considerable success
and took a prominent part in public af
fairs, until the civil war broke out,
Fourth Wisconsin volunteers and was
made captain. He served with great dis
tinction and became fav3rte with Sec
retary of War Stanton. who entrusted
him with many important commands.
At Gettysburg he received severe
wound, was taken prisoner. and suffer-
ed the horrors of Libby prison for four
months when he was exchanged He
was brevetted three times for gallant
conduct on the field, and during the last
year of the war. was. by Secretary Stan
ton, put in command of the reserves at
Alexandria, Va. when Washington was
threatened by Longstreet's cavalry.
At the close of the war he declined a
commission in the standing army, pre-
fering to resume his career in civil life
and returned to his home in Wisconsin
where he married Miss Parker of Ken
osha, who survives him. Soon after
ward General Mansfield emigratcd to
California, lived a short while in San
Francisco, then settled in Los Angeles,
being prominently identified with the
affairs and progress Of this city to the
time of his death.
He was a member Of the state consti-
tutional convention and took a promi-
nent part in the delibera tions of that
body. He was nominated by the Re-
publicans as lieutenant governor, with
the present United States Senator Per-
ing the duties of that high office with
credit to himself and to the satisfa ction
Of his party and the people. General
Mansfield occupied a high position in
the estimation Of the public, though after
the end Of his term as lieutenant gov
ernor he never sought any ONCE. He,
however. served two terms as regent
OF the State Normal school of this city
and supervised the construction of the
present fine building. He was also a
trustee of the city library.
Mrs. Mansfield was sister Of the
late Mrs. Annie Pratt, and the general
of late years has been brought into
prominence by the litigation over Mrs.
Pratt's estate, brought about by her
daughter, Mrs. Lucy Goodspeed, who also
recently died, leaving ~ estate in a
more complicated condition than ever.
Coll. T.. Messmore knew Gen. Mans
field for thirty-five years and in talking
about him last evening, said: He was
a splendid soldier, not being afraid OF
the very devil On the field of battle he
was the impersonation of gallantry, and
by his courage and soldierly qualities
deserVedly won every step of his rapid
promotion from a captaincy to briga-
dier generalship The senators and con-
gressmen from Wisconsin all admired
Kim, and there was no man in the army
who had to a greater degree the conf
dence and esteem of Secretary Stanton
and old Zack Chandler"
The arrangements for the funeral have
not been perfected, but in accordance
with his oft expressed wish the remains
will be cremated.