The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1899-03-25

His Public Career.
Educated in northern IDEAS and
among northern people. Mr.. Pierpont
naturally became an outspoken aboii-
! zionist. His convictions were 80 in
tense, he rarely allowed an opportunity
TO pass without open opposition to the
doctrine OF human slavery. He took
an active part. even before graduation
from college. In the general political
discussions OF the times. In the differ
ences which arose between the people
OF the western and eastern portions Of
the state, growing out Of the grievances
OF the former on account OF UNEQUAL
taxation and other unjustness. Mr..
, Plerpont took q decided stand In favor
OF dividing the state and made active
campaigns. When the war broke out
the opportunity came.
AT the June II, 1861, convention, held
at Wheeling. for the purpose OF re-or-
Sanizing the government of Virginia,
after the state had seeded from the
Union. Mr.. Pierpont was almost unan-
lmously elected governor by the repre-
sentatlves Of the forty counties that had
sent delegates TO the convention, He
held Office under this election for about
twelve months, and In the meantime
was elected by the people to Ill an un-
expired term OF two years. He was
subsequently reelected by the loyal
people OF the state for the full term of
four years. and was recognized by Pres
ident Lincoln as the legitimate governor
OF Virginia. He was one of the many
war governors of the states who stood
by the government in its darkest hours,
ana contributed noble part in sending
troops to the front to defend the flag.
He was as true as steel in those SOL
emn times that tried mems souls.
A Good Record.
After the division of the state of Vir-
ginla Into two separate states, Cover
nor Plerpont removed the state archives
toAleXandria, convened the legislature,
and remained there, two years. At
his call, In 1864, n convention assembled
which. by vote, abolished slavery in the
state. When Richmond fell, he moved
the seat OF government from Alexan-
dria to- that city, and In n few months
had the state properly re-organizcd.
During his entire administration, he
made 1t 4 matter OF conscience never to
appoint man to Office without moral
and intellectual qualifications for the
place. A part of his record Is thnt dur
ing the seven years of official position,
amid the dcgeneracy Of the war. there
never was n suspicion OF the misappro-
priation of one dollar OF the public
money. I-
At the close OF his gubcrnatorial mis-
sion Governor Plcrpont returned to
Fairm0nt, and resumed the practice OF
his profession. In 1870 he was elected
n delegate from Marion county to the
West Virginia legislature. His natural
abilities, added to his long experience
In public, affairs equipped him for great
usefulness In that body. He wns nm
active and Influential member, and did
much in shaping the legislation Of that
session. He was appointed collector OF
Internal revenue by President Garfield,
and held the Office until the First and
Second distrlctS were consolidated and
thus lcgislated him out of office.
Governor Plerpont became member
OF the Methodist Protestant church
when eighteen years Of ugc, and has
usually been member OF Its Important
conventions, and several times repre-
sentative to the general conferences.
During Governor Pierpont's latter
days he lived very quiet life ut his
home In Falrmont. until his enfecbled
condition from old age, made It ncc-
essary to make his home IN Plttsburgh.
with his daughter. Mrs. W. II. Siylter,
nt whose residence he died. Governor
Plcrpont lost his wife some years. since
and Is survived by hls children, Mrs,
Sivltcr, William and Samuel PIcrpont,
nil Of them residents OF Pittsburgh.
The Father Of the State.
a great deal can be written concern
Ing Governor Plerpont's connection
with the rcorgani2cd government of
Virginia, nnd his connection with tho
establishment OF the new state. TO