Chicago eagle. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1889-19??, 1901-01-05

ne people Oh illlnols ana lnc cOun-
try at large owe great big debt of
gratitude to the Hon. shelby NJ. Cul.
lom (who has been we'll styled 'thc
second Lincbln') for the services he
has rendered Illinolsans, and the whole
people. He is one of the greatest
sta tcsmen in the Senate at Washington.
ID. c.. and the honest Republicans of
this great commonwealth are with Cul-
iom for reelection in 1901. Illinois has
been fortunate In the number Of her
sons who have written their names
upon the nations roll of honor. There
on are inscribed, In letters of living
light, whose brilliancy time can not
dim, the name of Abraham lincoln
statesman. hero. patriot, martyr.
From 1918. the year of Illinois ad-
mission into the Union. when the elo-
uuent voice of Daniel i. Cook was
heard In Congress, and his potent in
Nuence was felt In shaping the govern
mental policy. which so stimulated the
growth and enhanced the prosperity OF
the nation. down to the present time,
Illinois has never lacked men of brains,
influence and reputation. The names
of Hardin. Baker, Wentworth, Blsscll.
washburne, of the House, and Of
Breese. Douglas, Trumbull Brown
ing, Yates. Logan, Oglesby and Cul'
l0m. of the Senate, constitute Il galaxy
not easily matched by any other state.
All these entered public life through
the portals Of the legal profession. Nor
Is this fact cause for surprise, when
1t Is remembered that, with the eXcep-
ton of comparative few, whom mill.
,tary renown or accidental circum-
stances have brought into prominence,
the ranks of public men In the United
States have been chiefly recruited from
the members of that same profession.
Shelby Moore Cullom, son Of Richard
Northcraft Cullom and Elizabeth Cof'
fey Cullom, was born In Monticello
Wayne County, Kentucky, Nov. %
1929. His father removed to TaZewel
County, Illinois, the following year, Sc
that young Shelby narrowly missed
being a native of his adopted State
Hon. X. n. Cullom was prominent
and influential Whig in his time ant
frequently represented his district II
both houses of the General Assembly
He was a farmer, and the embryo
Senator was early accustomed to th'
homcly fare and rough work inciden
TO farm life in comparatively new
country. His hands soon learned L
swing the AK and guide the plow, an,
1t was in such pursuits as these tina
he acquired that magnificent physica
strength which, in the long years de
voted TO public service, has made labo
easy and toll pleasure.
During his boyhood days educat!ona
advantages in the West We're limited
the curriculum of the country schools
being usually considered sufficient 4
equip a young man for the practica
battle of life, shelby NJ. Cullom, how
ever, was not content with this. He dc
clded not to follow the business Of hi
father but to devote himself TO tn
law, and felt the need of a broader anC
deeper culture, Fortunately, he wa
enabled to spend two years In study a
Rock River Seminary, at Mount Nor
rls; though, In order TO maintain him
self, he found II necessary, as di'
Blaine, Garfield and others, to devot
some time to teaching. In 1858 he en-
tered the office Of Stuart & Edward,
at Springfield, and began the study o
law.
His health becoming impaired, hi
progress was slow; but perscverint
after a rest on his fathers farm, h
was admitted to the bar and began IN
practice of law, his chosen profession
ln 1855 Soon after this he was electe
City Attorney in Springfield, and wa
Initiated into active practice. He rec
commended himself to his brother Law
yers by his studlous and abstemiou
habits, and his faithful attention
the interests Of his clients. The bar G
Springfield at this time was the able'
In the State. That nestor OF the III
nois bar, Stephen r. Logan, headed N
list, followed closely by John T. Stuar
Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin ). Ia
wards, James G. Conkling, Milton iia!
John A. McClernand, Chas $. Zar
and others. Springfield being the cap
tai OF the State was also the raIlyin
point of all its leading lawyers. WI