Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 36, Number 189, 17 May 1911 — Page 14

Tnc nicmioiro FAiiLADnm ato scn-telegbam, Wednesday siayi?, i9ii.

Hon. Isaac Jenkinson, the Last of Indiana's Lincoln Electors, Tells How He Became. Electoral Messenger

On Jsunary 16, 1909, the Indianapolis Naws printed the following intertins account of of aome of the moat interesting Incldenta of the career of the Hon. Iaaac Jenkinson, one of Richmond's moat distinguished citizens: When the Republican presidential lectors of Indiana met at the State House In Indianapolis, this week, to canvass the vote of the state at the Inst general election and chose former Governor Wlnfleld T. Durbln as official messenger to convey the returns to Washington, the incident awakened lively recollection In the mind of at least one lloosler, namely, Isaac Jenklnson of Richmond. Mr. Jenklnaon has gslned distinction la many things, but of none is he prouder then that he was the messenger that bore the official returns of Indiana to Washington in 1860, when Abrsbsm Lincoln, of Illinois, and Hannibal Hamlin, of Maine, were chosen President and Vice-President, respectively, of this republic. It Is now Mr. Jenklnson'a dlatinction to be tbe last of Indiana's Lincoln electors, the other twelve having crossed the bar. Aa he at and read this week of Mr. Durbln's mission and its meaning his thoughts ran bsck to the stirring days of I860, when the cloud of Civil War bung over the United States In its menacing blackness, Indisna then had thirteen electors. , two of them from the state at large, Now there are fifteen in all. two still erring from the state at large. Electlon day In 1860 fell on Tuesday. November 6. Indians bad been a Democratic state, but, tbe trend of aentlment on tbe slavery question ran so strongly toward abolition that the Republican hosts triumphed, and the state was carried by Lincoln and Ham' lln, defeating John C. Breckinridge, of Kentucky, for Prealdent and Joseph Lane, of Oregon, for Vice President, the Democratic nominees. The Republican state ticket had also been victorious the month before, result las la the election of Col. Henry S. Lane for Governor, and Oliver P. Mor tea for Lieutenant-Governor. Met In Old State Mouse. Tbe law thea provided that the presidential electors meet on the second Wednegdav In December, and on the day appointed the thirteen Republican elektors assembled In the hall of the honse of representatives in the old tote housewhich, too, was also required by law. It was a day of bitter ecSJ, Mr. Jenklnaon remembers, and taw electors sat ahlveiing in their seats, for the old state house was not fused for warmth. The electors proceeded to business, notwithstanding tasir discomfort, and elected Cyrus ILsAllen, of Vlncennes, president and .lata W. Ray of Madison, Hater of In'Crapolia aa secretary. liter the formal organisation had ttzl effected It was moved that they cr to the rates house, now the Czpool hotel, and completettheir bus1 The. roll csll of members faaad alt present, a sfollows: Elec t ora-at-1 arge , Will Cumback and John L. Mansfield. District electors First district, Cyras M. Allen; Second district, John W. Ray; Third district, Morton C. Hunter;; Fourth district, John H.'Farquahar; Firth district. Reuben A. Riley; Caventh district John Hasina; Eighth Catrlct, Samuel A. Huffr Ninth district, James N. Tyner; Tenth district, Isaac Jenkinson; Eleventh district, David O. Dalley. The moat interesting event of that vaatful day came when the prealdent of the meeting announced that a vote would be taken to name the man to wlotn would fall the honor of acting aa messenger to convey the returns to 7ashlngton for the official national Each elector had aome friend to nasne. and each elector had a little deaire In his own heart to be the one chosen, for Indiana was new in the Repaillcan column. Finally, it was decided to name the messenger from the body of electors there present. The aUaatlon grew Interesting. A vote was tsken and it 'was found that nearly every man had voted for himself except Jenkinson and Judge Huff, of Lafayette, who were not can dldates. Jenkinson and Huff each voted for a friend among tbe electors and a, Me vote was the reault Will Cumback. viewing the sltiuattoB as most amusing, suggested that. aa a solution of the problem, they drsw cuts, as the expression is for drawing lots. Thirteen plain white tickets were cut from a piece of cardboard, all of the same size. On one of them wss written the name "Abraham Lincoln." It was tobe the 'prize win ner. Col. John W. Ray 'produced his hat, and the thirteen tickets were placed in It, thea shsken vigorously. It wss now agreedithat the drawing should be according 'to each elector's place on the ticket. Cumback, head lag the electoral ticket, got first draw Ha drew a blank and laughed about It Mansfield followed snd met the name fate. On down the list of districts the drawing went until finally it reached Jenkinson, of Ft. Wayne, representing the old Tenth district. The lucky "Abraham Lincoln" ticket had not yet baea drawn. "Suppose we draw together. Dalley. said Jenkinson, to David O. Dalley, of the Eleventh district, his only remain Ing competitor for the honor. - "Wo will each aelcct a ticket and not look at It until both have drawn." "Agreea," anewerea uaney, witn a ; laugh. The two men then reached cautiously Into Ray's hat and took out the last two tickets. Tbe moment waa intensely dramatic Both looked at their tic kets simultaneously, and on Jenkln- : son's wss the msglc name "Abraham Lincoln." "I win!" shouted Jenkinson, exul tant over his unexpected good fortune. He was warmly congratulated all round. The returns were then reseated in

A FRIEND AND AID

TO OLIVER P. MORTON i - -4 ''jfHON. ISAAC JENKINSON placed bis signature on tbe outside, at testing its legality. That evening Jen klnson. bearing the precious electoral certificates, left Indianapolis for his home in Ft. Wayne, where he imme diately prepared for bis journey to Washington.' He wrote his friend. Col Case, then representing an Indiana district in Congress, asking him to re serve a room for bim at one of the ho tels. Case replied that he had en gaged quarters for, him at tbe old Washington house. Jenkinson took his way to Washington, via the Pitts burg, Ft. Wayne and Chicago road, now the Pennsylvania line. When he arrived in Washington he was surprised at his welcome, for he had no sooner reached his room than a csrd came announcing that Senator Hamlin, the newly elected Vice-Presi dent, was calling to see him. There was much interest in the situation in Indiana at that time, the state having just come into the Republican column through anti-slavery Influences. Senator Hamlin and Indiana's electoral messenger sat long discussing the af fairs of both Indiana and the nation Tbe war cloud was rising and there wss much that was serious to talk about The next morning Mr. Jenkinson, ac companied by Robert Breckinridge, young Washington lawyer whom he knew, went to the Capitol to perform the duty Imposed on him that of de livering the returns of Indiana to John C. Breckinridge, then the Vice-Presi dent of the United States. Although of the same name the Breckinrldges were not related. They were friends, however, and the young lawyer had no trouble in finding the Vice-Presi dent for Indiana's messenger. After formal introductions were over, Mr. Jenkinson presented ' his envelope to the Vice-President, who received lt with a smile. Tbe package was bulky, and told a story of Democratic defeat. That's a sockdollager!" he said with a laugh. Hears of Sscssslon. Mr. Jenkinson then began a round of Washington life that gave him in sight to men and events. He knew Schuyler Colfax well, and by his guid andce was admitted to many Interest ing places In the capital. It was while sitting in the press' gallery of the house on the afternoon of December 20, 1860, that he heard of the seces sion of South Carolina from the Union. Jenkinson observed a member of the house moving nervously from his seat to the anteroms and back again. Finally the man arose and asked recogntlon from the speaker. It was grant ed. "I beg to announce to, this house,' he said, excitedly, "that I have just received 'a telegram saying that my state, South Carolina, has seceded from the Union!" Then he dropped into his seat. . "Tne snnouncement surprised me most because of the manner in which ft was received," relates Mr. Jenkin son. "Not a ripple of excitement followed and the house, went on with its business without taking notice of the ominous announcement." Mr. Colfax and Mr. Jenkinson were going down the capltol steps one after noon when another gentleman drew up beside them. It was Andrew Johnson Introductions followed and the three walked on together. Johnson began a vehement attack on President Buchan an and was at the height of his denunciation when suddenly a figure strode rapidly by them. It was President Buchanan. He had heard, but Johnson did not desist in his fiery de nunciation of the chief executive. This story of. Andrew Johnson recalled to Mr. Jenkinson's mind another story, one that is of historic import' ance and relates to Indiana's part in the nomination of Johnson for VicePresident on the ticket with Lincoln at Baltimore In 1864. Lincoln had been nominated for the second time and the fight for the vice-presidential nomina tion seemed to lest between Johnson, of Tennessee, and Dickinson of New York. When Indiana's twenty-six delegates went to Baltimore, relates Mr. Jenkinson, they had been Instructed to vote for Johnson for vice president on the first ballot. Just why nobody seemed to know, but gossip had it that In fluence wielded by Judge Gooding. Union Democrat of Greenfield, bad brought about that end. He was warm friend of tbe Impetuous John son. On the night of their arrival in Baltimore the Hoosier delegates went into caucus to complete plans for tbe convention on the morrow. They were for Johnson, but did not seem to know why. Their instructions from the Indiana state convention were, to vote for Johnson on the first ballot merely as a compliment to the Tennessee-

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lnson, of New York, on the second ballot No Johnson Talk. The caucus decided to send out a committee of "feelers" to try to discover what the sentiment was among other delegations. The "feelers" came

back and reported that they had heard no Johnson talk. This puzzled the Hoosiers all the more. They were "Instructed," however, and decided to stand pat for Johson on tbe first ballot. When the roll call of states for the nomination of a candidate for VicePresident began the next day there were scattering votes for both candidates, Johnson and Dickinson. When Indiana's turn came the State voted a solid delegation of twenty-six votes for Andrew Johnson, of Tennessee. The HooRier vote caused surprise In the convention. Instantly there was a commotion. The leaders of the Iowa delegation, next on the list, ran over to tbe Indiana section of the hall and ask ed if that was their instructions. On receiving an affirmative reply they went back to their delegation and a few minutes later Iowa voted solidly for the Tennesseean. Ohio came next and followed the lead of Indiana and Iowa. This brought the convention to an uproar and a bandwagon stampede to Johnson followed. I believe that Indiana was respon sible for Johnson's nomination," declares Mr. Jenkinson. "I was a delegate to that convention and knew why Indiana had been instructed for John son. It was purely a compliment to Judge Gooding. It waa our intention to go to Dickinson on the second balolt, and we did not dream that John son would be nominated. But when we handed out that complimentary first ballot the stampede began and Johnson was nominated. Mr. Jenkinson has bad much to do with the political and educational af fairs of Indiana. It is interesting to sit with him in his home here and lis ten to his stories and his experiences He is now in his eighty fourth year, having been born In Piqua, O., in 1825 When a small boy he moved to Deerfield, Randolp county, Indiana, a town now extinct, and settled there with his parents. It seems long ago and it is long ago to hear him tell of his appointment as postmaster of Deerfield by President Tyler. Jenkinson 'was only seventeen years old then. When he was twenty-one he was elected justice of the peace. During his young manhood he mov ed to Ft. Wayne and became identified with that growing' town's Interests. In 1856 he was one of the organizers of the Republican party in Allen county and made bis first Republican speech in Ft. Wayne then a hotbed of Democracy; .When the war of the rebellion came on. Governor Morton made him a recruiting officer in the state, and he devoted all his time to the cause. In 1863, in partnership with David W. Jones, he founded the Ft. Wayne Ga sette, now the Journal-Gazette, and continuel its publication - for several years. ' Jones did not remain long in the journalistic harness. The Gazette had a stormy voyage, but survived Publishes Richmond Paper. Mr. Jenkinson's next journalistic ef fort found him In Richmond, where he became a publisher of the Palladium already being printed weekly and now the second oldest newspaper in Indiana. It was founded in 1831, but was preceded several years by the Western Sun, of Vincinnes. Mr. Jenkinson es tablished the Palladium in the daily field and continued to be its editor for twenty years, during which time he served as postmaster of Richmond. , It Is a matter of local history that every editor of the Palladium has, with the exception of the present editor, Rudolph G. Leeds, been at some time or other the postmaster of Richmond. Mr. Jenkinson was assigned to an important post by President Grant in 1869, that of consul to Glasgow, Scot land. He remained there until 1S74. It is in educational affairs that Mr. eJnkinson has made what he terms hfs happiest record. Prior to two years ago, when -he retired, he was for thirty-five years a member of 'the board of trustees of Indiana university at Lafayette, having been present when the site for the first building of that now magnificent institution was selected One feature of his educational work holds first place in his pride that of having first advocated making Indiana university a coeducational institution. He fought long for that cause and finally triumphed in 1867. when- he sueWE STUDY to please borrowers whose capital is limited, and offer them the benefit of our plan of loaning on personal property at small cost If, when in need of money, you'll investigate, we'll promise you privacy, promptness and fairest and easiest special plan of repayment ever offered. We give the FULL AMOUNT of the loan applied for in CASH. No charges of kind taken out in ADVANCE. Your FURNITURE, FIXTURES, PIANO. HORSES, WAGONS, CATTLE or other personal property will be security for the amount you need, and they remain in your own possession. Name Address RicbmcnJ Lccn Co. Colonial . Bldg. Ridunood, Ind.

ceeded in getting the other trustees to vote to admit Miss Sarah Parke Morrison as a student in that institution.

Miss Morrison was the first woman graduate, receiving her diploma in 1869. She now lives in Knightstown. Mr. Jenkinson was also instrumental in the purchase of the beautiful campus of Indiana university. The veteran journalist and public servant is now enjoying a comfortable old age. He has many mementoes of bygone days that tell him stories of his active life. One of them is a silk badge bearing the names of the Indi ana electors of 1860. of which he is the last. He also has a ballot of the state election of 1860, which is headed by Lane and Morton, for Governor and Lieutenant-Governor. On this ticket is the name of- Benjamin Harrison, candidate for Reporter of the supreme court Mr. Jenkinson also has an old badge that he Wore for Fremont An other treasure is a Henry Clay badge. These old relics of bygone days and Mr. Jenkinson's stories are as living pages from the history of Indiana. W. M. Herscbell.

TRIBUTE TO FESLER

Paid By the Editor of En campment Souvenir. In the Richmond Grand Army En campment souvenir, just issued, there appears the following tribute to Col. J. R. Fesler, one of the best known Grand Army men in the state: Col. J. R. Fesler, serving his fifth year as Assistand Adjutan-General and Assistant QuartermaEter-General of the Department of Indiana, Grand Army of the Republic, has proved one of the most efficient and most popular officers that the Department has ever had. His modesty is so pronounced that he fails to credit himself with any achievement in" behalf of the Department, but tbe Post officers and members throughout the state know full well his worth. Colonel Fesler was born in Springfield, Ohio, November 16. 1835 and withm his parents came to Indiana in childhood his first place of residence being at Morgantown, Morgan county. In August 1861 he enlisted for three years, was elected captain of his company which was assigned to the Twenty-seventh Regiment. Indiana Volunteers. The regiment or L

Afcw Occond National Danti Diilldlnc

Officers and Directors: JOHN O. DOUG A N Rroaldont D. G. 17TIO Vice President GEO. H. EGGtZttEYEO Vice President C IV. GAAO Cashier Vm Gm QEtLtltZn Assistant Cashier HOWARD CACIPDELL CLEC1 Am GAAO HENRY GENNETT JOHN J. HARRINGTON E. G. HIDDERD Em Gm HILL . JOHN Rm HOWARD FRANK B. LAND GEO. W. MILLER P. W. CrjllTH HENRY Cm OTARR Cm Gm GTRATTAN, JR.

in

The RICHMOND, INDIANA

dered to the Army of the Potomac, serving until September 1863 when it was transferred to the Army of the Cumberland with the 12th Corps, and remained with that army until the fall of Atlanta. The Twenty-seventh par

ticipated in many of the hardest fought battles of the Civil War, among them Winchester, Cedar Mountain. Antietam, Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, Resaca and Siege of Atlanta, and in them all the regiment acquitted itself with great honor. Colonel Fesler was promoted from Captain to LieutenantColonel March 1, 1S63. ON TO RICHMOND By ' Poet Laureate of Ind. G. A. R." Ho, Hoosier heroes, the command To form again the Spartan band: Up, advance and reconnoiter The City on the Great Whitewater. Charge the fighting boys or Wayne, Teach them we can come again. Let once more the anthem swell To a genuine old Hoosier yell. Up, add laurels to the fame Of Richmond from whence Morton came. Hoosier heroes do not fear. March no longer in the rear Of those who charged with you abreast avBimgi

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oedd eiriiinicaiteo

On field where graver duties pressed. Let former pride come back to you j And Don again tbe Army blue. v ; Let Commander Gilman feel indeed That we can follow in his lead , To peaceful conquest of those who gave Tom Bennett and her noble brave. Up, Let not the glorious Hoosier name You wrote hgh oir the scroll of fame Emblazoned yet by Victory

Grow dim because of lethargy. But let your fighting without slaughter Capture Richmond on Whitewater And then the gallant boys of Wsyne Will pass the canteen once again To boys who fought thro' bloody lanes To capture Richmond on the James. (By Corporal Bob Patterson. Past Senior Vice Commander, Department of Indiana, G. A. R.. M uncle. Indiana.) Insulting a Humorist. Did you write this Joker "I did." 5 na-ha-hs!H t "Well, what are yon lsughing atT Ain't it a good joWeT' Toledo Blade. The wise man is cured of ambition by ambition-1 .a Rruvore. Palladium Want Ads Pay.

O fcrv earclrra, asi fad alactor

wera then to switch to Dick WV. Mr,