The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1899-07-22

THE LATE r. G. INGERSOLL.
gether they discussed what they would
have for luncheon, and Colonel Inger-
soil said he had better not eat much
owing to the trouble with his stomach.
He seemed in good spirits then. After
talking for a few minutes Colonel In
gersoll crossed the room and sat down
in rocking chair. He leaned his head
upon his hand, which rested upon the
back of the chair. Mrs. Ingersoll asked
him how he was feeling and he. re-
piled: "Oh, better"
These were his last words. A second
after they we're uttered he was dead.
The only sign noticed by Mrs. Inger-
soil was that the whites of his eyes
suddenly showed E'heTe was not even
sign or groan as death came. Doc
tors were hastily called, but their ver-
dict was then that death had come in
stantly. Death came to him as he had
recently expressed a desire it should.
Colonel IngersoII's Career.
Robert G. Ingerson was the best known
because OF his views on religious topics,
but his introduction to the country atlarge
was by reason of a political and not an
agnostic address. 1t was in 1876 when he
made the address nominating James G.
Blaine for the presidency. 1t was in this
| speech that Mr.. Blaine was FIRST alluded
to as the "Plumed Knight"
| InRersoll was born in Dresden, N. Y,
Aug IL 1888 and was the son of a Con-
gregational minister whose liberal views
| antagonized the more orthodox members
Of his congregation. Early in the forties
the Ingersolls removed to Wisconsin and
little later to southern Illionis Bob
! Ingersolrs boyhood and early manhood
| were passed in that state. AT IS he en-
tered the office of his elder brother, Ebon
| c. Ingersoll, when of age was admitted
to the Illinois bar and with his brother
opened a law office at Shawneetown.
Both were Democrats and prominent in
local politics. Ebon c. became congress-
man, and at that time it was Roberts
highest ambition to be himself sent to
the house of representatives from his
home district In 1857 he removed to
Peoria, where he devoted much of his
time to political speaking and acquired
considerable local fame.
In 1860 he accepted the Democratic nom
lnation for congress in a district that was
overwhelmingly Republican, and was
beaten. He never ran for office again.
He settled down TO the practice of law,
but upon the breaking out of tie civil
war entered the Union army after or
ganizlng a regiment OF cavalry, the Elev-
enth Illinois, of which he was made Colo
ned. He made a reputation as a soldier
for personal daring and dash.
While he was guarding a crossroad with
a small detachment OF men he was sur
prised by a party of Confederates who
captured both him and his men. He was
taken before the Confederate general and
. lnterrogated as 10 who was in command
Of his forces. I'm be hanged IL know
he said you are a fine soldier not tC
know your commander" said the Confed
} crate. Ingersolls eyes twinkled as he re-
Piled: well, was in command Ave min
utes ago. Who is in command now
haven't the slightest idea" This pleased
r the Confederate general, and the two be
: came friends. 1t was not long before tn
4 Federal troops began pursuit of the Con
federates who held Ingersoll captive. Th
chase lasted three days, at the end o
which time the Confederate commando
< said to Ingerson, Ride apart a little
Is and when nobody is looking light out an
+ look out for yourself" Ingerson accepte
l. the advice.
!, When his term Of service expired he re
" turned to Illinois. In politics he becam
Republican, and his rise in the legal prc
a fession was rapid. In 1865 he was appoint
. ed attorney general for Illinois, whic
" post he filled for several years. Ten year
later. In 1876. he became delegate. to. Il