Political
1866 "A Sketch of the Early Life and of the Civil and Military Services of Maj. Gen. John W. Geary, Candidate of the National Union Party for Governor of Pennsylvania."
1866-Dated Political Campaign for Governor, Imprint titled: "A Sketch of the Early Life and of the Civil and Military Services of Maj. Gen. John W. Geary, Candidate of the National Union Party for Governor of Pennsylvania." Printed by King & Baird, Philadelphia, Plus More, Extremely Fine.
Union Major General JOHN WHITE GEARY Historical and Political Lot of Three Items:
1. Original Political Campaign Imprint, measuring about 5.75" x 9", with 32 pages, self-wrappers with a large Woodcut Portrait of Geary on its cover. Printed by King & Baird, Philadelphia. A biographical sketch of the life and accomplishments of John W. Geary, who was elected alcalde and then the First Mayor of San Francisco, before moving on to become Governor of Kansas, and to serve in the Civil War. Geary Boulevard, one of the main arteries in San Francisco, is named in his honor. Includes an engraved 6.75" x 9.5" portrait of Geary in his Civil War uniform.
2. November 29, 1867-Dated, Partially-Printed Financial Notary Public $3,000 Bond Signed, "Jno.W. Geary" as Governor of Pennsylvania, Executive Chamber, 2 pages (back to back), folded to 3.5" x 8.5", Very Finbe with bold brown ink signature at bottom front.
3. Engraved Portrait on card with facimile signature below, 6.75" x 8.5" Choice Crisp Extremely Fine+.
(3 items).
JOHN WHITE GEARY, soldier, born near Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County. Pennsylvania, 30 December, 1819; died in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 8 February 1873. His father was of Scotch-Irish descent. The son entered Jefferson College, but, on account of his father's loss of property and sudden death, was compelled to leave and contribute toward the support of the family.
After teaching he became a clerk in a commercial house in Pittsburg, and afterward studied mathematics, civil engineering, and law. He was admitted to the bar, but never practised his profession. After some employment as civil engineer in Kentucky, he was appointed assistant superintendent and engineer of the Alleghany Portage Railroad.
When war was declared with Mexico, in 1846, he became lieutenant-colonel of the 2d Regiment of Pennsylvania volunteer Infantry, and commanded his regiment at Chapultepec, where he was wounded, but resumed his command the same day at the attack on the Belen gate. For this service he was made First Commander of the City of Mexico, and colonel of his regiment. He was appointed in 1849 to be First Postmaster of San Francisco, with authority to establish the postal service throughout California.
He was the first American alcalde of San Francisco, and a " judge of the first instance." These offices were of Mexican origin, the " alcalde" combining the authority of sheriff and probate judge with that of mayor, and the judge of the first instance presiding over a court with civil and criminal as well as admiralty jurisdiction. Colonel Geary served until the new constitution abolished these offices.
In 1850 he became the first mayor of San Francisco. He took a leading part in the formation of the new constitution of California, and was chairman of the territorial Democratic committee. In 1852 he retired to his farm in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and remained in private life until 1856, when he was appointed Territorial Governor of Kansas, which office he held one year.
He then returned to Pennsylvania, and at the beginning of the Civil War raised the 28th Pennsylvania Volunteers. He commanded in several engagements, and won distinction at Bolivar Heights, where he was wounded. He occupied Leesburg, Virginia, in March, 1862, and routed General Hill. On 25 April, 1863, he received the commission of Brigadier-General of U. S. volunteers.
He was severely wounded in the arm at Cedar Mountain, 9 August, 1862, and in consequence could not take part in the battle of Antietam. At the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg he led the 2d Division of the 12th Corps. The corps to which General Geary's regiment was attached joined the Army of the Cumberland, under General Hooker's command, to aid in repairing the disaster at Chickamauga, and he took part in the battles of Wauhatchie and Lookout Mountain, in both of which he was distinguished.
He commanded the 2d Division of the 20th Corps in Sherman's inarch to the sea, and was the first to enter Savannah after its evacuation, 22 December, 1864. In consideration of his services at Fort Jackson he was appointed military governor of Savannah, and in 1865 he was promoted to be major-general by brevet.
He was elected Governor of Pennsylvania in 1866, and held this office until two weeks before his death. During his administration the debt of the commonwealth was reduced, an effort to take several millions from the sinking fund of the state bonds was prevented, a disturbance at Williamsport quelled, and a bureau of labor statistics established by the legislature, 12 April, 1872.
Governor Geary possessed great powers of application and perception, force of will, and soundness of judgment, and was popular among his troops. In recognition of his service to the state and nation, the general assembly erected a monument at his grave in the cemetery of Harrisburg.