Rensselaer Republican, Volume 16, Number 40, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 June 1884 — THE NOMINEES. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

THE NOMINEES.

Sketches of the Republican Candidates for the Presidency and Vice '■ Presidency. JAMES GILLESPIE BLAINE. James G. Blaine was born Jan. 31,1880, at the Indian Hill farm, Washington County, Pennsylvania, on the west side ot the Monongahela River, opposite the town of Brownsville. The house is somewhat of a historical spot, being the first stone building erected on the wes:ern side of the river. It was built by Mr. Blaine’s grandfather, the elder Neal Gillespie, in 1778, on what was at that time considered the western borders of civilization. Mr. Blaine’s boyhood days were passed at Lancaster, Ohio,where ho lived in the family of a relative, the Hon. Thomas Ewing, then Secretary of the Treasury, and attended a neighboring school. He was tho third son of Ephraim L. Blaine, Justice of the Peace, who became somewhat noted by deeding to the Economists the tract of land now occupied by the city of Pittsburgh, for which he ree elved $25,000. Being elected Prothonotary of

the County Court In 1812, the elder Blaine sent James to Washington College in 1843, from where he graduated in the fall of 1847, at the age of 17 years. During his college days he demonstrated his fondness for politics, and was known as a strong Clay man, and was always the court of last resort among the students. On leaving college the youthful graduate wont to Kentucky and taught school, his father at thia period being comparatively poor and having insufficient means to support the large family of which he was the head. While following the occupation of a country school teacher Mr. Blaine met his present wife, who was also teacher of a country school in Kentucky. Shortly after their marriage they went to her former home, at Kennebec. Me., where he entered the journalistic profession, assuming control of the Kennebec Journal, and afterward of the Portland Adeer tiger. On the inauguration of President Garfield. Senator Blaine was appointed Secretary of State, which position he resigned several month* after the death of the President, owing to a difference in his ideas to those of President Arthur on mat ters of public policy. Since his retirement from the Cabinet, he has been engaged in literary pursuits, having written during that period his “Twenty Years in Congress.* Throughout his distinguished career he has been always regarded as a man of good temper and temperament, with a powerful intellectual vehemence. During his career in Congress and the Senate he delivered many eloquent speeches, among them his defense of Maine, in reply to reflections by the Hon. 8. 8. Cox, on fishing bounties, the conscription bill, the silver question, the army appropriation bill, and other subjects. His studies have always been largely on political questions and history. In his early college days he was noted for his love of American history, which, in his subsequent years, he cultivated, and at the present time it would be impossible to find a man in the Union who could, without reference, give so many accurate facts and statistics relating to the financial and revenue system, and, in fact, to everything that constitutes and Includes the developments, achievements, and success ot the United States. JOHN ALEXANDEK LOGAN. Gen. John A. Logan, the nominee for Vice President, is essentially a Western man, who claims Chicago for his home. His father. Dr. John Logan, emigrated from Ireland in 1823, and settled in Jackson County, Illinois. Hi* mother was Elizabeth Jenkins, a native of Tennesse. He first saw light of day in Jackson County, Illinois, on Feb. 9, 1826. He spent his early youth in Jackson County. Here he received a partial education from his father and such teachers as happened te be tn the district. When the Mexican war broke-out he volunteered and was chosen a Lieutenant in a company of the First Illinois Infantry. He became Adjutant of his regiment and did good service. He returned to his home in 1848 and commenced the study of lay with his uncle, Alexander M. Jenkin*, at one time Lieutenant Governor of this State. In November, 1849. he was elected Clerk of Jackson County. In 1851 he entered into practice with bi* uncle. Tne next year he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of the Third Judicial District, and later to the State Legislature, being re-etaoted three times. In 1858 he was chosen a member of Congress from the Ninth District by a large majority. At the conclusion of bis term he was reelected. He was an ardent supporter of Stephen A. Douglas in the campaign of 1860. He was present at the called session of Ccngress in July, 1861. He joined the military force* at the front and was in the first battle of Bull Run. He returned home and helped to organize the Twen-ty-first Illinois Infantry and was commissioned as Colonel He took part in the battle of Belmont in November, and gave evidence of superior military ability. He was in the battles of Fort Donelson and Shiloh, and on March, 3. 1862, was made Brigadier General. He was an active worker during the siege of Vicksbbrg. Gen. Grant selected him tor consultation in consideration of his services, and on July 4, 1863, be led the march into Vicksburg. He improved his record during Sherman's march to the sea, and was heroically brave under the most perilous circumstances. When Gen. McPherson was killed, Logan succeeded him in command of the Army of the Tennessee. His exploits were always bold and fearless throughout the long campaign.. ■ ' , -'

JAMES GILLESPIE BLAINE.

JOHN ALEXANDER LOGAN.