Evening star., 1900-04-09

health and went about good deal, mingling
with men and keeping in touch with cur
rent events. He had for many years been
active in public affairs in the District, and
that fact gave him an extended acQuaint-
ance. which he maintained to a considerable
extent up to the time of his death.
General Bacon was born here, his father
having come to this city when it became the
seat of government to engage in business
as grocer General Bacon and his brother
succeeded their father in the business and
their store at the southeast corner of Penn
sylvania avenue and 7th street was for
many years one of the prominent places Of
business in the city.
In Public Capacity.
General Bacon's ability to serve his fell
low citizens in a public capacity was early
recognized. and his tact and good Judgment
retained for him high place in the public
esteem. He was made brigadier general OF
the District militia and was in command of
the local soldiery at the breaking out of the
civil war. At that trying time in the his
tory of the city General Bacon was in the
confidence of the military authorities of the
general government. and was consulted by
them in regard to plans for the protection
OF the city His relations with Stanton, the
great war secretary, were of a confidential
character. and he was able to render SER
vice of great value.
General Bacon was called upon to assist
IN the administration of the police depart
ment OF the District. and he was a member
Of the police board for ten wears He was
also a member of the fire board and of the
school board, and in other capacities rem
dered conspicuous service. At the same
time he continued his interest in his busf-
ness ana remained in active connection with
it until a few years ago when he retired
He a man who had the respect ana es
TEEN or his neighbors and enjoyed wide
popularity. Two daughters survive him.
One Home for Sixty Years.
General Bacon occupied premises 1856 In
diana avenue 1t is stated, for about sixty
years past. His friends say that for wears
past 1t has been his habit to leave his resi-
dence about o'clock each weekday morn
ing, proceed to barber shop on 9th street
and thence to the American House to see
II everything there was in satisfactory CON-
dition. ~
The deceased was familiar figure abo,,t
the city hal, where he was greatly ra
spected. His home being Just across the
street II was convenient for him to attend
the important and interesting legal nro-
ceedings in progress in the halls of ms
tlce- Since the trial of Howard Schneider
LOT murder, II is stated, General Bacon did
not miss a case of any note called for
nearing in the Supreme Court of the M
trict of Columbia. The employees abnn+ ~.
Dulldlng knew him wei, and when no an
peared IN court room that was crowded
several men in uniform would immediatelv
exert themselves to provide good seat for
him. scat ioi
Correct in His Predictions
1t has been topic of city hall convarsa-
ton for years that General Bacon rareIv
II ever, made a mistake regarding the ont
come of trial. 1t is agreed that no human
being can with certainty antictpate the nnd-
fngs Of jurtes. but General Bacon came
nearer doing so, 1T is said, than has any
other individual known locally. The sttor-
neyS interested in cases on trial aIwave
sought General Bacon, when the evidence
had closed, to secure his views reeardinv
mere tne result; e; on one or two occasions when
1urles failed to decide as General Bacon
thought they should have done he did not
ran 10 express himself concerning them
vigorously and Enthusiastically.
t. Inc ne deceased was particularly Interested
in the Funk and Smell murder trials OF re-
cent Date: He was particular friend of
one OF the prosecutors who held Office
when Mr.. Henry E. Davis was United
proceedings each day during that period
would have some comment to make such
as GU were a little angry at that wit
pess today" or That was a first-class
argument of yours to the jury"
Judge Coles Comment.
Il knew General Bacon intimately for
about twenty years, and loved him. re-
marked Justice Cole of the Supreme Court
OF the District of Columbia TO a Star re-
porter today. Il saw him nearly every day,
and he was one of the finest men 1 ever
met. was always glad to soc him in court.
He paid close attention to every word
spoken. and could generally reach a proper
conclusion. For his age he was a rena *
ably vigorous and active man.
Just one year ago. / remember" CON-
tinued Justice Cole. Il met General Bacon
in the corridor of the city hall. 1 remarked
that he was looking very well. and could
rot be very old. / then inquired his age.
saying he surely would not object to telling
me-
NO, replied General Bacon; II do not
object to telling you. l am not old l am
just twenty Seriously, though, have thir.
teen years more to be with you before 1
reach the century mark. / am now eighty
seven"