The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-01-24
JOHN P. C. SHANKS DEAD
VETERAN IN FREEDOMS CAUSE
PASSES AWAY AT PORTLAND.
His Long and Useful Public Career
other Indiana Deaths-The Days
Neurological Record,

Special to the indianapolis Journal.
PORTLAND, Ind, Jan. 23.-After an
eventful life extending over three-quarters
of century, during which he arose from
a humble plowman to school teacher. at
torney, member of the Indiana Legislature.
congressman for ten years and brevet
brigadier general and brevet major general,
John p C. Shanks. of this city, is no more.
He died at his home here to-day, after a
short illness.
His life is story of intrepid energy in
the face of adversely. He was born in Mar
tinsburg, Va, on June IL, 1926 coming to
Indiana in 1889 with his father Michael
Shanks. who left Virginia on account of the
existence of slavery within its borders.
John Shanks was conductor on the 'un-
derground'' railroad. thus showing the
hereditary traits. His school education was
limited, but when at work, whether in the
field or behind team of unruly oxen, or by
the Pickering light of the blaze in his
fathers fireplace he always had his books
with him, and studied them whenever
opportunity presented. He began teaching
school at the age of eighteen years. and
later on to study law, finally being adj
mitted to practice at the bars of all the
courts In Indiana as well as before the
Supreme Court of the United States. The
first paper ever printed in Portland was un-
der the editorship Of General Shanks and
James Bromogen, and one of the first
hotels was run by him.
He was elected to Congress in 1860, and
served ten years, in the thirty-seventh,
fortieth. forty-first, forty-second and forty
third, during which service he introduced
a number of wise measures. He was chair
man of the committee on Indian affairs of
two Congresses and spent months among
the red men of the West righting their
grievances He was beloved by them be-
cause of his fearless qualities and skillful
horsmanship. He often took with him, on
these trips, his wife or son, but never a
military guard, and by his confidence in the
red men he got their confidence in him.
Mr.. Shanks was with General Fremont
when the latter issued his proclamation
freeing the slaves and confscating the
property of those actively In rebellion.
He drew the first manumission papers; and
later on, in Congress, sustained the policy
of General Fremont in a speech which
electrified the House He was defeated for
Congress In 1862, because of the draft. AT
the same time he was billed TO speak in
Hartford City. where riots had taken place
and was advised not to go there but he
did, and In bitter terms condemned the ac-
tions of those who, he claimed were ex-
hibiting treason at home. He was brevetted
brigadier general by President Lincoln for
bravery on the field at the first battle of
Bull Run, where he rallied part Of Gen.
Corcoran's Irish brigade at Cubs run, and
later on, at the special request of Secretary
of War Edwin Stanton. was brevetted major
general. his commission being accompanied
by an autograph letter from the secretary.
General Shanks was a charter member
of the Masonic lodge organized here on
May 20, 1850. and was the first senior war
den. The lodge celebrated its fiftieth ami
versary last spring. and the general made
a pleasant speech.
The Jay county bar. of which General
Sbanks was an honored member, has ap-
pointed a committee to draft suitable res
olutions on his death and also voted to
attend the funeral. the date of which re-
mains TO he announced, in body. Ma
sonic and soldiers societies also will be
largely represented at the bier.