Rensselaer Republican, Volume 19, Number 17, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 December 1886 — DEATH OF GEN. LOGAN. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

DEATH OF GEN. LOGAN.

End cf tlie Busy and Brilliant Life of the Illinois Senator. The Gallant Soldier Passes Away Painlessly After a Fortnight’s lilness. The Last Sad Scenes—A Biographical Sketch of the Deceased Statesman. [Washington special.l Gon. John A. Logan, United States Senator from Illinois, died at his rpsidonce in this city on Sunday afternoon. Dec. 20, after an illness of only a fortipfiht, Gon. Logsu appeared in the Senate for the last tiriio on Friday, Hoc. 10. On Sunday bo kept the privacy of hiß room, rheumatism making its first approaches. He grew rapidly worse. Dr. Baxter prescribed the remedies that had before been efficacious, and before tho week e»d,ed there was every indication that the disease had been counteracted. Then a slight cold was contracted, and the rheumatic torture returned with grontor acuto-no-s. Tho suffering Senator xvas unable to turn in his bed. He had lost control of his limbs. Fever developed, and a Hequenco of tho complicutions was delirium. This subsided for a time and a semi-comatose condition ensued. Ho was treated with alcohol bath-—an heroic remedy, whose employment when discovered

by friends first suggested his dangerous condition and the feebleness of his system. But such baths had been used in the previous attack, and thus the intimation they conveyed was modified again. On Saturday afternoon, Dec. 2.", Drs. Baxter and Hamilton called in Dr. Lincoln The result of their examination for the first time v. arranted a change in the current of popular impression as to Gen. Logan's illness. It was folt that the chances wore against hisTailying. and that his life would fade out. Tho watchers by his side last night wore Surgeon General Hamilton, Representative Symes, General Beale, and the family. They began their faithful vigils with the flush of a new hope. At 9 o'clock the .patient rallied wonderfully, until the improvement seemed- substantial and indicative that the crisis had been passed, and ultimate recovery might bo. indulged as a hope not too sanguine. But after midnight he relapsed into tho unconscious condition which has marked his malady. The doctors' instructions were to arouse him lrom his lethargy at least every fifteen niTnutes» “He" was thus aroused and given medicine and nourishment. During the liouts of his apparent change for better he had regained the use of liis limbs and readily turned himself in bed. He was not allowed to talk, but did articulate distinctly a few phrases. At about two o'clock the doctor again sought to wake him into consciousness by merely speaking to him. Finding it impossible, Mr Symes spoke to him in his usual loud and rather gruff voice. Gen. Logan.responded to the call, opened his eyes, and gave a look of' recognition. Then there flitted otter his face an expression that was seemingly to bo translated that he comprehended that liis end was near and that the debtor sought to inform him of the fact. To this silent self-translation of an idea that had not been conveyed to him, Gen. Logan said : “I have very little to say ; if tho time has come, let it be that way." This was the last of the clear and certainly the longest of all of the sentences the dying man spoke. At 3 o'clock the doctor bent over the prostrate form and ciluld detect no boating of the heart. Respiration had apparently ceased, and tho family hurried toward the' bed, believing that death had stalked in unawares. But presently life was again perceptible, but there was no subsequent rally. All through the morning hours the patirntlay in unbroken coma, except for omr gratefu l moment-of slight eoneeionsn cKS during which tho devoted wife gained a glance of recognition. All the morning it was hopeless, without a ray to dispel the gloom. There v. aS nothing in the aftein-orehours to bring encouragement. At 2:57, unconscious and painless, tho heroic sufferer died. Just before the last sp r, of life flickered out the llcv. J. P. Newman had concluded a prayer at the bedsido. •The approach of'dissolution was plainly foreseen at r.oon. Tber ■ were presest in the room when deuth came Mrs. Logon, her daughter, Mrs. Tiicker and Map Tanker,,and the only son,, Manning 1 ogan, Gen. Boole, Senator Cullom and daughter, Gen. Henderson of Illinois, Represetative Thomas, Dr. Powell, an old Chicago friend: Gen. Green B. Ranm, Daniel Shepard, a ” form!TsecreTiTi'y C'ffrTfittmafe fr-eud, the llev. J. P. Newman, Miss Mary Brady, and Messrs. Taylor and Hall, private secretaries of the dead Senator. The death chamber is at the southeast corner of the second floor of Calumet place, the quaint and cozy home whose comforts have been so often told. From its windows the day’s aspect was bleak, and when tho bulletins of death had been posted down in the city and people began calling to condole, the show commenced laying its bleaker mantle over the hillside home. Carriages came rolling up the heights in uninterrupted succession. Within an hour after the sad news had become known, prominent men, with their wives, were crowding the lower apartments of the residence, conversing in hushed tones of the traits of the dead, the grief brought upon a loving family, and the loss the c< untry hail suffered iu the latest additiou to the remarkable necrology of 1886, BIOGRAPHICAL. A Career Crowded with Incident. John Alexander Logan, soldier and statesman, was bom iu Jackson County, Illinois, Feb. 9, 1826. His father, Dr. John Logon, who came from Ireland to Illinois in 1823, served_seyeraL terms in the State Legislature. His mother was Elizabeth Jenkins, a Tennessean. He was indebted for his early education to his father and to such schools as were maintained for short periods in the new settlements. When the war with Mexico occurred he volunteered as a private, but was soon chosen a lieutenant in the First Illinois Infantry. Ha did good service as a soldier, and for some time was adjutant of his regiment. return from Mexico he began the study of law with his ußcle, Alexander M. Jenkins. In 1849 he was elected . Clerk of Jackson County, Iu 1852 he graduated at the Louisville University, was admitted to the bar, and commenced the practiceof his profession. His popularity and success led to his election to the State Legislature in the fall of that year, and in the year following as prosecuting attorney for the Third Judicial District—a position he held till 1837. He was elected a member of the Legislature again in 1833, and was re-elected in 1836 and 1857. He was a Presidential elector in 1856 on the Buchanan and Breckinridge ticket. In 18 8 he was elected a Representative from, Illinois in the Thirty-sixth Congress as a Douglas Democrat, and was re-elected to the Thirtyseventh in 1860. In tho Presidential campaign of that year he earnestly advocated tho election of Stephen A. Douglas, but on the first intimation of coming triable with' the South he did not hesitate to declare that, in the event of tho election of Abraham Lincoln, he would ‘shoulder liis musket to have him inaugurated.*’ In Juiv, P-01. during the extra session of Congress called by President Lincoln. fired by Abo enthusiasm—of—the hour, ha left -his seat, overtook the troops that were march-, ing out of Washington to meet the enemy, and fought with distingui.-hed bravery in the ranks of Colonel Richardson's regiment at the disastrous battle of Bull Run. being among the last to leave the field. Returning home the lat-

T r I ter part of August, he resigned his seat in Congress, believing he could serve hiß country better in the field then fn toe legislative h 31s. He organized the Thirty-first Illinois Infantry, and was appointed Colonel Iseptemlier i:i. His fir.-t encounter wilh tho foe was ut Belmont, in November, when be led a successful bayonet charge, and bad a Lo.su shot tinder him. Ho led hl3 regiroentjn the attack on Fort Henry, and at burt Donelson, while gallantly lending tho aseuult, he. Was dangerously wounded, which incapacitated hbn for active eervice for tome time. Reporting again for duty to General Giant, at Pittsburg Landing, be was, March 5, It 2. made a brig.ulier-ieneral of volunteers. He took an important part in the movement against Corinth, and subsequently was given tbe command at Jackson, Teim.. with Instructions to guard the railroad communications. In the summer of 1862, his constituents urged him to become a candidate for re-election to Congress. In a letter declining, be said: “I have entered the field to die, if need bo, for this government, and never expect to return to peaceful pursuits until the object of this war of preservation has become a fact established." During General Grant’s Northern Mississippi caui|Jhi<rn, General I.ogan commanded tbe Third Division of the Seventeenth Army Corps, under General McPherson, exhibiting a skill and bravery which led to his promotion as Major General of Volunteers, dating from Nov. 26, 1802. He participated in trie battles of Fort Gibson, Raymond, Jackson, and Champion Hill. In the siege of Vicksburg he commanded Merthersoh'g center, and on made the assault after the explosion of the mine. His column'was the first to enter tho captured city, and lie was made its military Governor. He succeeded Gen. Sheridan in tbe.command oi the Fifteenth Army Corps in November, I«6*. In May, li-ti , he joined Gen. Sherman's army, w hich w as preparing for its march into Georgia, lad tho adv nice of the Army of the Tennessee in the tight at Kesacu, repulsed Hardeo s veterans at Dallas, and drove tho enemy from his line of works at Keuesaw Mountain. At Atlanta, July 22, where Gen. McPliersou fell in tho hottest of the tight, Gen. Sherman says, in his report otthat battle : “Gon. Logsn succeeded him, and commanded the Army of the Tennessee through this desperate battle with the same success and ability that had characterized him in tho command cf a Corps or division." After the fall o' Atlanta. Sept. 1, DWt. he went home and tobk a prominent part in tlie Presidential campaign of that year. He rejoined his troops, who accompanied General Shenuan in his famous “march to the sea," at Savannah, and remained in active service with Sherman's army til! the surrender of tiie Confederate forces, under General Joseph E. Johnston, April 20, INIS. On May 28, hewas appointed to the command of the Army of tlio Tennessee, but as soon as active scry ive in the field was ovor, he resigned his commission, stating .that he did hot wish to draw pay when not on active duty. He was appointed Minister to Mexico by President Johnson,, hut declined. In iKIiG he was electi d a Representative from Illinois to tho Fortieth Congress as a Republican, and served as one of the managers of tho impeachment trial of President Johnson. He xvas re-elected to tho Forty-first Congress, and did good sendee a 4 Chairman of the Commitoee on Military Affairs in securing tlie i assago of an act for" the reduction of the army. He was re-eleet.d to the )•'orty-seebud Congress, hut before that body convened Le was chosen by the Illinois Legislature a Senator of the United htates for the term beginning March -1, I*7l. He’sujceedeil Vice I resident W’ilscn as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Mili.ery Allans at the beginning of the Forty-second Congress, Deo 2, 1872. After tho exfiration of his term of service, March I), 1877, he resumed the practice of law iu Chicago. He was again returned to the United States Senate, and took his seat on the convening of that body in extra session, March 18, 1872. He was re-elected in I*Bs, his term of service not expiring until March:!, 1821. Both in the House and Senate he. maintained his reputation for brilliancy and success gained in the field. While a Iti prt sentutive his most important speeches were: “On Reconstruction,” July 12. 1807; “On the Impeachment of Brest- . dent JulUlkOn.” February 22, 1808 ; "Principles of the Democratic Party,” July 16, 1808; on a resolution introduced Ivy General P. Ft Butler protesting against counting the electoral vote of Georgia, February 12, I 860; "Removing the Capital,” January 22, 1870. Iu the Senate his most noted speeches have been: “Vindication of President Grant Against the Attack of Charles Sumner,:’ June 11, 1872; a reply to Senator Gordon < n the “Kuklux in Louisiana.” Jan 12, 187ff; - “Cn the Equalization of Bounties of Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines,” March 2, 1875; “Outlie Power of the Government to Enforce United States Laws,” June 28, 1870. On June 0, 1880, ho delivered an able and eloquent speech on the “Fitz John Pgrter Case,” which has added greatly to his reputation as a lbreible and effective speaker. In the Presidential canvass of 1880 he favored tho nomination of General Grant, hut did most effective service for- General Garfield in the campiaign. In 1824 he Was presented by his State as a candidate for President On the nomination of Blaine he was-made the candidate for Vice President by unanimous vote. General Logan was a man -of fine presence, rendered striking by his jet black fiair and strongly marked features. He possessotLin a high degree those traits of character which win success—a strong' personal magnetism, undaunted courage, and untiring industry. Nov, 27, 1855, he was married to Miss Mary S. Cunningham, a daughter of Captain Cunningham, Register of the Land Office at Sluivviieetown, 111. Bhe is a lady of superior education and rare social qualities, who has takon a deep interest in her husband's career, and has done much to aid in his advancement by hor genial intercourse with his Supporters, and the care with which she has attended to his largo correspondence. HIS HOME LIFE. The General’s Devotion to His Family— Logan n Poor Man. [From the Chicago Daily News.] Gen. Logan's home life was always attractive, and his political campaigns were conducted from the family circle. His wife and his daughter;' to whom he was always devoted and toward whom he,always showed the most afieetioiiate demonstrations,were his confidantes in political matters, and always participated aet.voly in his campaigns. For fifteen years, und until he purchased his new home on Columbia Heights, he always lived in the same hoarding house on Twelfth street and occupied the same rooms—a modest parlor, and bedroom. The new house cost him $16,C00. He bought it ol a syiKlicato TfiTCreStetr ih auloiirbTui liniperty, vtbo gave him a price much less than it was worth, as they knew that his residence there would attract people to the neighborhood. He gave his notes for 815,000, payable- in five annual installments, and borrowed SI,OOO from Don Cauioiou to make the cash payment. The house is fully worth 520.00 J and peruaps more. , ... The General was always poor. He was never successful in business enterprises, and has lived on his salary. His honesty iu legislative, life was proverbial. There was not a lobbyist in Washington who dared approach hint. When the bill to distribute the remainder of the Geneva award was p,ending in the Senate, Gen. Logan was favorably disposed to the claims of the insurance companies, and one of tho attorneys for them went to his rooms to talk on .the subject. The General received him Very coldly, and when the man asked to see him in private a few moments, he flew into a passion and ordered him out of the looms. There were rumors that pecuniary inducements were being offered to the supporters of the bill, and the General supposed that the man had come to make some proposition to him. Whether it was t ue or not. he resented the suspicion by opposing the bill that he was inclined to favor. He once narrowly escaped riches. Some years ago Johu L. Routt, formtrly of Illinois, hut now of Colorado, came to Washington to raise money for the development of the Evening Star Mine, of Leatlville. General Logan subscribed for some of thh stock, and paid a small assessment. The outlook w as unfavorable, and when the second assessment was made on the stockholders, Logan refused to pay it and surrendered his shares to Routt. Within a few mouths a rich lead was discovered and the stock sprang from less than nothing to away above pa". It made big dividends, and.was finally sold at on. enormous figure. Routt and all those interested with bint were made rieh. hut Logan got only his original investment, which was refunded to him. He leaves no property worth speaking of. Hig lesidence in Chicago is mortgaged for its fun value, and the little property he has in Southern Illinois, and < n which h ■ sunk some money in prospecting for coal, is comparatively worthless. A year or so ago a life-iu'surance agent asked him to take out a policy. Tbe General said that he had no insurance on his life, and always thought ho onght.to take some for the benefit of his family, but did. not feel able to pay the premium, as he had drain d his resources fixing up his house. The agent Baid that if he would take ajteljcv for«2o, o<X) he would arrange for the acceptance J of hi* note f. r the premiums for two or three years in advance. Logan thought over the matter. but tefugod what was an unusually generous offer, as he did not wish to involve himself in any further financial operations. • —His daughter is married to Maijor Tucker, an officer in the army, and John A. Logon, Jr., bia only other living child, is in the real estate business in this city. He is expecting soon to be married to a daughter of Cbauncey Andrews, of Youngstown, Ohio, one of the wealthiext men in that State. - -