The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1900-09-28
JOHN SHBRMAN'S
AFFLICTIONS,
Aged Ex-senator From Ohio Is
Becoming Very Feeble.
THE OLD WASHINGTON HOME
Pathetic History of the Mansion That
sherman Has Recently Given His
Daugbter--He Is Fall
Ing Fast.

The political man on the Columbus
State Journal tells this pathetic story
Of ex-senator Sherman:
Ohioans, regardless of party lines, will
read with sorrow the latest news con-
cerning the physical and mental con-
dition Of the honored John Sherman,
who has sold his fine property in Mans
field and given his elegant mansion In
Washington to his adopted daughter,
Mrs. Mary McCallum, and settled down
at the national capital, patiently await
Ing the end. The departure Of John
Sherman from Mansfield marks the
close Of career that has written some
OF the greatest chapters in the history
Of the state and nation. Mansfield was
long the home of the venerable states
man, who, as an humble law student,
entered upon his political career in that
city. After half century of politica.
activity, he leaves 1t to return to Wash
ington, the scene Of some of his proudest
achievements In legislation and shaping
the destiny Of the republic. The mind
Of ex-Secretary Sherman is failing fast.
Lifelong friends, and near relatives
who have called upon him in Washing
ton, are not recognized. The ex-secre-
tary Is said to be so feeble that It is not
deemed advisable to tell him of the death
OF his sister, Mrs. General Reese, that
occurred at Lancaster some weeks age.
ROMANCE OF A MANSION.
The gift Of his Washington property
to his adopted daughter is the finis of
a beautiful romance. In the early '7O's
John Sherman and his wife, at that time
on visit to Cincinnati, went through
one of the Protestant orphan asylums
of the city. They were attracted by
the bright face of one Of the inmates,
and before they had returned to Mans
field, the legal steps were taken making
the child the adopted daughter of the
senator and his wife. The child had a
twin sister and she was adopted also,
but the sister died some years ago.
The one who survived was christened
Mary, and today she is Mrs: Rober,
McCallum, the wife of an employe in
the office Of the clerk of the United
States supreme court, but who has been
made rich by the gift of the Sherman
mansion to his wife. When the mar
riage took place, McCallum had nothing
but his salary, and he was at once put
on his feet by the Shermans who built
for the young couple pretty little cot
tage on Clifton street.
A PITIFUL FIGURE.
The death Of Mrs. Sherman some
months ago broke the spirit Of the
aged ex-secretary, not any too strong
since his mental collapse while a MEM
ber Of the Mckinley cabinet. Now he
Is approaching the last home which re-
mains for mortal man. He played
great part In the drama Of our national
life, coming into early prominence as
an opponent of slavery, and becoming
a national figure when he made his
race for speaker of the house, only to
be defeated by General Banks. From
that day to few years ago, John |
Sherman largely fashioned the history
Of the Republican party, and aided In |
Its supremacy. By force Of his native |
ability he stood in the front rank of !,
senator's, and is recognized as one of |
the most notable of our national finan-
,iers. Washington and Sherman were
both childless, and while they left no
kin to take up their work, they have
both written their names high on the
scroll of the ages, and the world will
not soon forget them.