The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1908-01-07

Stamford Conn. Jan. 7.-Samuel Fes-
sender, of this city, a former state sena-
tor, and one of the most prominent men
in Connecticut, died today from heart
trouble.
Mr.. Fesendeu hsd been i'll for long
time. but at times he would seem TO have
reganed his former strength and would
rc-eneage ir his law practice and IS
states attorney for Fairfield county with
his oid-tlne vigor. During the last three
months the relapses due TO kidney ;ron-
BE brought about marked changes in
his appearance. and his friends and fam
ily were ~ repaired for his death duri.g
one OF the sinking spe"S which became
more frequent.
aud this morning duri.w noe u .hese
spells his life ebbed awa.
Mr.. Fessenden was noeNe OF Rock
land, Me, where he was born on April
II. 1S47. one Of u children of Rev. Samuel
c. Fessenden. He had two uncles in the
lower branch OF the Thirty-seventh con-
gress. While student at Lewiston aoad-
emy, Mr.. Fessenden enlisted in the Sew
campaign of the Wilderness, and after
wards was captain In the Second United
States infantry. his appointment beng
recommended by Gen. Grant. He served
at a later period with the First Maine
battery and on the staff OF Gen. "A. A.
Howe.
left the service, and in 1869 was gradu-
ated from the Harvard Law school. Ills
family in the meantime had moved to
Stamford lie began the practice OF law
here and In 1880 was appointed state $
attorney for Fairfield county. which Of
fee he held until his death.
Early in his public career lie became
prominent figure In politics. going TO the
general assembly In 1874 and 1879. In 1876
he was a delegate to the Republican ma
tional convention which nominated Ruth
erford Il. Hayes for the presidency. again
delegate I'm 1854. and was made secre-
to- - hs.
tee. taking active part In the Blaine
campaign. Ii WIS one OF the great disap-
pointments of his life when that nominee
When Thomas B. Reed OF Maine was
candidate before the Republican ma
tional convention, Mr.. Fessenden headed
the Connecticut delegation. He worked
hard for Mr.. Reed and when Joseph Man
ley swung away from Mr.. Reed, Mr..
Fessenden gave utterance TO the words
God Almighty hates quitter!
Mr.. Fassenden cherished the ambition
during his entire political life of going to
the United States senate. In 1899 he was
a candidate before the general assembly
and had Morgan q. Bulkeley as an op-
ponent 10 was warm contest and Mr..
Buckley threw his strength to Joseph Il.
Hawley and defeated Mr.. Fessenden.
This was In 1890 and in preparation for
the fight. Mr.. Fessenden had gone TO the
house four years before and had been
speaker. Ten years later he went 10 the
senate, Senator Hawley then being In Ill
health for the purpose OF taking part In
the senatorial fight. Senator Hawley died
and Mr. Fessenden as a candidate had
Mr.. BullSeley again as an opponent The
latter won.
Upon the death of Senator PlGtt a few
months later. Mr.. Fessenden was again
q candidate for the senatorship. but With
drew and IN the great contest which fol-
lowed he finally threw his strength TO
Mr. Brandegee. who was nominated by
the Republicans on the S7th ballot NJ
Fessenden's Withdrawal II later became
known. was due To failing health. He
went TO Europe Tor time. hut the q =
cline could not he stayed. lie kept at