LANDSDALE, George, J. - Putnam

GEORGE J. LANDSDALE is a most pronounced stalwart Republican. He was born in Indianapolis, November 25, 1837, and spent part of his youth in Kentucky. He worked at the printer's trace in the office of the Indianapolis Sentinel, but did not continue in the business, owing to ill health. In 1862 he assisted in recruiting Company L, Third Indiana Cavalry, and was mustered in as First Lieutenant. His first service was in pursuit of General John Morgan, through the States of Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio, and he was present at Morgan's capture. At Buffington's Island, while General Skackelford was making an attack on Morgan's lines, Lieutenant Langsdale, with a squad of thirty men, captured Colonel Hawkins, of Tennessee, Major Dick Morgan, of Kentucky, and thirty men. During his term of service he was a member of three military commissions to try offenders against military law. He served with the Army of the Ohio and the Army of the Cumberland, doing much hard service in East Tennessee and Georgia, part of the time being cut off from supplies; during that time he commanded his company. He assisted in editing the Sullivan Union during the political campaign of 1866, and in 1867 purchased the Greencastle Banner, of which he has since been editor and proprietor. In 1874 Mr. Langsdale was appointed postmaster at Greencastle by President Grant, and was reappointed by Presidents Hayes and Arthur, getting a third term. In 1878-'79 he accompanied the negro exodus from the South, and became widely known as "de boss of de emigrashun. " Upon the election of President Cleveland Mr. Langsdale resigned the office of postmaster, and wrote a strong letter to President Arthur in vindication of the principle that the administration of the Government belongs to the victors. For four years he has been president of the Monumental Association, Department of Indiana, Grand Army of the Republic, and he was one of the most active in securing the appropriation of $200,000 from the General Assembly in 1887 to build a monument. He has since been chosen by the State officers on of the five commissioners to have charge of the erection of the structure. While in the army Mr. Langsdale returned to Indiana long enough to be united in the bonds of matrimony with Miss Mary E. Roberts, of Indianapolis. Of eight children born, four are now living.