LANE, Henry Smith - Putnam

On Saturday last at 1:30 o’clock, pm, Hon. Henry S. Lane died at his residence in Crawfordsville of neuralgia of the heart in his 70th year. The bells of the city were tolled, announcing the sad event and many demonstrations of grief and respect were manifested. Governor Lane has been complaining for more than a year of failing health, but he was able to get about very well, and his friends felt no apprehension for him.  Last fall he spent a pleasant season with his old friends and relatives just before the elections.  He took a keen interest in politics. His advice was sought and highly valued by the younger politicians. Since his retirement from active life he has gone every winter to Washington to look upon the Congressional conflict in which he once played an important part.  He was born in Montgomery County, Ky, Feb 11, 1811.  In his early life he was reared on a farm and got such an education as the country pedagogues could give him.  In his 16th year he began the study of the classics under Judge Silas S. Robinson and after two years began reading law, supporting himself in part by writing in the County Clerk’s office. After three years he was admitted to practice.  In his 23rd year he came to Crawfordsville, Ind which has since been his home.  At once he began the practice of law and the firm of Lane & Wilson, his 2nd partnership, which took first rank in this circuit, lasted until 1858 when he retired from practice.

In 1826 Mr. Lane was elected to the State Legislature. In 1840 he was the successful Whit candidate for Congress from the then 7th District.  Reelected in 1842. On his return he resumed his place at the bar, but when the Mexican War began he was among the first to respond to the call for soldiers and on the organization of the First Indiana Regiment was made its Major and afterwards its Lt. Col, following its fortunes until the close of the war.  In 1858 he was elected to the US Senate but he did not get his seat, the Democrats seating Bright & Fitch.  In 1860 the nomination for Governor was pressed upon him, much against his desire. Morton was the candidate two years before and had not impressed the party as a brilliant campaigner and although he wanted to be a candidate again, Lane was nominated unanimously and Morton was given the second place on the ticket. He was elected over Thos. A. Hendricks by 10,000 majority. Upon the meeting of the Legislature he was at once elected to the Senate and Lt. Gov. Morton acted as Governor.  He was a member of the important Committee of Military Affairs and afterward of the Pensions Committee of which he was Chairman.  At the ending of this term in the Senate his public career may be said to close, although he served two years as one of the Indian Peace Commissioners appointed by President Grant.  In politics Mr. Lane was first an ardent Whig and afterwards as ardent a Republican.  He was chosen President of the first National Republic Convention which nominated Fremont in 1856.  He served as sheriff of his county and was Colonel of the State Militia.  It is noteworthy that every nomination for office conferred upon him was by acclamation, being without party opposition.  He was prominent in the Methodist Church and as Trustee of Asbury University for 30 years was vigorous in the work of education, and indeed in all things that advanced and developed in the State.  He was twice married.  First to Miss Jameson, in Kentucky who died in 1845; then to Miss Joanna Elston, daughter of the well known Major Elston who was identified with Crawfordsville and Montgomery County as early as 1823.  His wife survives him.  During his political career, Mr. Lane early achieved a wide reputation as one of the most brilliant and effective popular speakers in this country and he was a ready and fluent debater as well.  His ardent temperament carried him into whatever he undertook to do with restless energy.  He was a tireless worker to the end of his long and honored career.   

Source: Greencastle Star 25 June 1881 p 2

Henry S. Lane died on the 18th at Crawfordsville, at the age of 80 years.  He represented that district in Congress in 1841, was elected Governor at the outbreak of the war, but resigned the office on being chose US Senator. – kbz

Source: Greencastle Star, 25 June 1881 p 3

Hon. Henry S. Stone of Mt. Sterling, Ky, passed through here Tuesday en route home from Crawfordsville where he had been attending the funeral of his uncle, Henry S. Lane. Mr. Stone is one of the leading lawyers of Kentucky.

Source: Greencastle Star 25 June 1881 p 6

Lt. Governor Hanna attended the funeral of Ex-Governor Henry S. Lane, at Crawfordsville Tuesday.