The Iola register., 1902-08-08
LEGATE'IS DEAD
veteran Kansas Politician Expires at
LeaYenMnrth

y
He was prominent in the early days
OF Kansas, coming here in 1854. He
was appointed governor OF Washing
ton Territory in 1872 by President
Grant, but, owing to the political col.
lapse OF Senator Pomeroy, was never
confirmed. In the early days he
was superintendent of the mail
service in Nebraska, New Mexico,
Colorado and Kansas.
Mr.. Legate was married to Miss
Jane G. Philips, of New Hampshire
She is still living and lis in excellent
health.
Mr.. Icgate was born in Worcester
county, Mass, November %, 1920, in
a house built by his pattern Il ancestor
five generations preceding him, and on
land decided to that ancestor by the
English government under the reign
Of George II.
James Il. Legate was educated at
Wilbraham academy, Massachusetts,
and after quitting school he took up
the study of law. Being Of an adven-
turous spirit, he embraced an oppor-
tunity and went to Mississippi, where
he taught school at Olive Branch cross
roads. Eighteen months later he went
into the law Office of Judge Elisha
Miller, at Holly Springs, and re-
mainded there until 1858. In 1853 he
got interested in politics, and was
elected TO the house of representatives,
inMississippl. Hccampaigned against
Jefferson Davis, but when the legisla-
ture convened although opposed to
the policy Of Davis, he believed that
the interests of the state required
Davis reelection as United States
senator, so he voted for him.
Mississippi climate didn't exactly
suit Legate, SO he went to Washing
ton in 1854 and remained until the
Kansas.Nebraska bill passed lie
talked over the affairs in the new ter
ritory with Jefferson Davis, then sec
retary of war, and decided to come to
Kansas. Davis armed himself with a
letter to Colonel T.. V. Sumner, then
stationed at Fort Leavenworth. He
arrived at Leavenworth July 5, 1854.
lie moved to Lawrence (then New
Boston, II month later. lie concluded
that he wanted to be agent for the Del
aware Indians, and sent his applica-
tion to Washington. He was prom
ised the job. However, before the
fs~ssf I
dropped in at u free state meeting in
Lawrence one night and was called |
upon to make a speech. He made
stemwinding argument in favor OF the
free state side. That sealed his doom
with the national administration. He |
was notified by the war department |
that he would not be appointed Indian
agent. He then took up the free state
cause with more energy than ever aud |
organized company of cavalry for |
scouting purposes and for guard duty |
around Lawrence. He was in the thick |
of all the troubles between the pro-
slavery men and the free staters.
Mr.. Lega.c was in the legislature
during the Yorll.Pomeroy scandal !
Senator pomerOy was conducting u !
stilT campaign for reelection. He !
resorted to the use of money. He
bought or thought he bought York
At critical stage Of the election |
York walked down the aisle and laid |
down roll OF ST, 5000 in bills which |
he claimed Pomeroy had given him
for his vote. The money was laid on
the reporters table in the house
That table is now in the newspaper |
room in the state house. Tho exposure |
created intense excitement. A commit |
tee composed of Judge Horton, James
Legate and others was appointed to |
take charge Of .he money. Begate uu-
solicited said he would act rs custo- |
dian and cabbaged onto the roll. The
members Of the committee went to an |
Office down town TO decide what should |
become Of the money. During the con-
sultation Legate excused himself, |
saying he wanted to 90 down the back |
stairs few moments. The other mem |
bers went to the window to watch him.
There was n high board fence around |
the building in the rear. Legate
jumped up several times trying to
reach the top Of the fence so he could |
scale it. lie couldn't quite reach the
top and had to give up. Then became
back up and the committee decided
what should be done with the money
Pomeroy never got it back,