POPULAR PORTRAITS WITH PEN AND PENCIL.

DAVID T. DISNEY, OF OHIO.

Our political history can perform no higher office, than in holding up to the admiration of posterity, the successful triumph of perseverance and well-directed effort, over adverse and unkind circumstances, to commanding positions in our state and national legislation. It awakens a generous emulation, and demonstrates the superiority of free institutions in developing abilities, and calling into practical exercise latent powers, that otherwise would have been lost to mankind; nor does that history furnish any more illustrious example what talent, energy and industry, may achieve, than in the successful career of the subject of this sketch.

DAVID T. DISNEY was born in the city of Baltimore, Md., in August, 1803, the son of parents in humble life. On his father's side he is of English, and on his mother's side of Irish descent. His father, a housepainter by trade, realizing the importance of a good education, placed the boy at school while yet in the third year of his age. His preceptor, Luther Griffin, Esq., is well recollected by most of the old residents of Baltimore, for his diligent and enthusiastic devotion to the noble objects of his profession. Even at this early period of life, the subject of this sketch evinced that he was of no common mind. In reply to a note from the writer of this article, Mr. G. says: "That in the course of my teaching I have had several thousand scholars under my charge, and do not recollect but one that, in every respect, was equal to young D." The limits of this pape: forbid a notice of the anecdotes which he relates. After remaining under the care of Mr. G. until he reached his ninth or tenth year, being well grounded in the ordinary rudiments of a thorough English education, young Disney was placed at the academy of a Methodist clergyman named Moore, learning mathematics and studying the classical authors usually taught in those times, in city first class schools. He was noted, when under the care of the Rev. Mr. Moore, for his devotion to his scholastic studies; and being a youth of remarkable aptness of intellect, he became much better qualified in his studies than boys of his age usually are, who enjoy only the advantages of indiscriminate tuition in a public school. Subsequently, he was placed under the charge of the Rev. Mr. Cone, who kept a private classical school. In each place young Disney was without a rival, in the rapidity with which he advanced in his studies. In 1817, owing to pecuniary reverses, his father found himself entirely stripped of means. Some years before, having accumulated a snug property, by patiently pursuing his trade, the elder Disney ventured into commercial business, which soon proving disastrous, reduced him once again to poverty. According to the almost invariable custom in this country, he departed for the West, carrying his all-his wife and children—and settled at Cincinnati, in the hope that, in the progress of that then unimportant point, he might restore his shattered fortunes.

On fixing himself at Cincinnati, Mr. Disney recommenced to follow

his trade, placing the brush in the hands of David, who being old enough to thus aid in procuring bread for the family, cheerfully gave up his studies in the house for a "day's work," and labored incessantly to aid his parents. After working hours, however, books were his constant companions, and study was his passion; and while laboring industriously, from sun to sun, his earnings were devoted to mathematics and physics; to acquiring useful information in the sciences, a knowledge of which is useful to any man in America, in any and every walk in life. It may be well to mention that, among the 3,000 inhabitants, which Cincinnati contained when the Disneys first made it their home, there was no lack of gentlemen ready and anxious to help a youth anxious to improve himself, from whom David obtained the loan of valuable books necessary for the course of self-tuition to which he subjected himself. Among his studies, commenced soon after donning the brush and overalls, was that of the law, which he entered upon more with the view to discipline his mind, than with the intention of pursuing it as a profession in after-life. Becoming fascinated with the train of thought, into which a philosophic study of that science leads youth almost invariably, he soon abandoned almost all reading not strictly legal or mathematical. At that time, (some twenty five years ago,) he commenced writing for a scientific and rathematical publication in the city of New-York, continuing gratuitous and voluminous contributions to its columus for some two or three years; the publishers gladly spreading before their readers the result of his examinations and reflections, upon all subjects of practical utility, on which he wrote.

To Charles Hammond, Esq., one of the ablest lawyers of his day, and long known as one of the most public-spirited of the citizens of Cincinnati, was young Disney principally indebted for gratuitous oral instruction, books, and the necessary advice in the pursuit of a knowledge of the science of the law, equally a passion with both. Wide as the poles the political notions of young Disney differed from those of Mr. H.; but the latter admiring the abilities of the future statesman, urged him long and earnestly to take out a license and commence the practice in connection with himself. But in vain-for he preferred as a business pursuit keeping the paint store, the management of which had been devolved on him by his father, who went into that line of commerce in connection with his trade, in a year or two after settling at Cincinnati.

In 1829 there occurred a difficulty in the democratic party of Hamilton County, which first brought the subject of this sketch into notice as a public man.

Mr. Elijah Hayward, of Cincinnati, (who subsequently held the office of Commissioner of the General Land Office under the general government,) had served the county in the Legislature for some years, having up to that time enjoyed unbounded popularity. Mr. Hayward had been nominated by the County Convention, the authority of which was disputed by the democracy of the city, and the latter holding a Convention, brought out young Disney, then some twenty-six years of age, who was so dearly designated as the man for the nomination, (by public opinion,) that no one ventured seriously to contest with him before the Convention. The struggle between D. and his veteran and experienced competitor was severe, ending, however, in the election of the former, by a triumphant majority. Having served this term in the House of Representatives of the

State, he was nominated in the ensuing fall. In this election, owing to dissension, the entire democratic ticket was defeated; all except Mr. Disney, by majorities ranging from 200 to 800 votes, whereas he came within 11 votes of an election. This, I may here remark, was the only occasion during his long public life in which he has failed to triumph when before the people.

In 1832 he was again brought forward by the democracy of Hamilton, for the Legislative House of Representatives, and was elected after a very severe contest, in which a portion of the democratic ticket was defeated. On this occasion, among the nominees of the whigs for the House, was General Wm. H. Harrison, afterwards President of the United States, who was beaten, although his friends were sanguine of his election. Mr. Disney led the democratic phalanx, as usual, receiving more votes than were cast for any other candidate of either party.

On the meeting of the Legislature after this election, it being his third session, his name was brought forward for the Speakership of the House. His opponent for that honorable position, nominated by the whigs, was a Mr. Campbell, a distinguished gentleman who had served in Congress with much eclat. Though standing high with his party, he failed wofully to concentrate his party strength against Mr. D., who, when votes were counted out, was found to have received sixty-two votes, to but eight thrown for his competitor!

This result was the more extraordinary from the fact that Mr. Disney as well as Mr. Campbell, was the regular nominee of his party, and that, too, in times of high political excitement. It is only to be accounted for on the supposition, that availing themselves of the advantage of the ballot, the whigs voted for the man in whose fitness for the office they had most confidence, without regard to the fact that he was the nominee of the opposing party, or refrained altogether from casting at the ballot in the election. During this session a vacancy occurred in the Senate of the United States, and nothing but the want of age required by the Constitution, prevented his election to the place filled by Mr. Morris. After serving during that session as Speaker of the House, Mr. Disney was nominated in the ensuing fall for the State Senate, and elected by an overwhelming majority indeed it may be said without an opposition. On taking his seat that winter, he was nominated by the democratic caucus for the Senatorial Speakership, and in the usual election of a temporary chairman of the Senate, (to organize the body previous to the choice of permanent officers,) he was chosen to occupy the chair, receiving, over the Whig nominee, the votes of all but one Senator of his own party. The recusant on this occasion was believed to be his competitor for the nomination. When the Senate came to vote for the choice of permanent officers, the whigs declined to bring forward their nominee, and to the surprise of all not in the secret of the bargain, they voted for the competi tor of Mr. Disney, before the democratic caucus; who having received two democratic votes, was elected by two majority-two being the nominal majority of our political friends in the body. It is worthy of note that this result could not possibly have been brought about unless the successful candidate voted for himself.

No sooner was the fact known than great excitement arose, not merely in both Legislative chambers, but over the city or town of Columbus, the seat of the State Government. Without distinction of party the mem

bers of the House, over which Mr. Disney had presided the year before, crowded to his lodgings to express their indignation at the unexampled trick by which he had been defrauded of the Speakership of the Senate. This occurred on Saturday morning, the body adjcurning over until Monday, immediately after the result was announced; and ere Monday morning came around, popular sentiment, without party difference, had been expressed so decisively as to induce the successful gentleman to resign the coveted honor as soon as the Senate had been called to order.

This event having been anticipated, the day before both whig and democratic members urged Mr. Disney to accept an election to the position. Mr. D. peremptorily declined at first, but was at length induced to consent upon the express stipulation that a distinguished whig Senator, previous to the election, should rise in his seat and declare that the course pursued towards him had not been the result of any want of confidence in his ability or impartiality as an officer, or any want of respect for him as a man, and that the vote in his favor should be unanimous—as, if a single whig ballot even might be cast against him, he should peremptorily decline to serve.

The stipulated statement was made, and he was accordingly unanimously chosen for the first time Speaker of the Senate of Ohio, on his first entrée into that body. During that winter, as in the preceding one in the House of Representatives, he filled the chair with distinguished success, never having had a rival in his State as a presiding officer.

It was during this session that he delivered his celebrated speech upon the doctrine of instruction, an effort which, for vigor of thought, potency of argument, and portraiture of the philosophy of government, can safely challenge a perusal.

At this period Ohio was afflicted with her great bank fever, and the Legislature was besieged with applications for bank charters, of course. Mr. Disney had taken a very active part in opposition to the Bank of the United States, being one of the uncompromising opponents of that institution; not appreciating the force of the predictions of distress to flow from the prostration of the bank, which even then filled the country with alarm.

It will be remembered that General Jackson, to guard against this anticipated evil, recommended that the government deposite banks should extend their discounts, pro rata, as the United States Bank, in the process of winding up its business, withdrew its accommodations. Acting upon the spirit of this recommendation, many leading democrats of Ohio were found among those besieging the state legislative halls for charters for local banks, upon the plea that they were necessary for the business purposes of their respective neighborhoods. The general sentiment in the Legislature was decidedly in favor of turning a willing ear to their applications. The closing of the Branch-at Cincinnati-of the Bank of the United States, had filled that city with ruin and distress in 1819, and it was confidently proclaimed in '32, that the prostration of the bank would cause those scenes to be renewed. Feeling the responsibility devolved upon him in this juncture, on account of his previous active hos tility to the Bank of the United States, and importuned by petitions, and the almost general voice of his democratic constituents, Mr. Disney yielded, though reluctantly, the pressure brought upon him, and determined to go to a reasonable extent in granting accommodations, in the shape of

local bank charters, in the hope of thus guarding against the fulfillment of the predictions which had proved the most potent defence of Biddle and Co. against the labors of the sage and patriot Jackson, and his followers. Of the large number of applications, Mr. Disney voted but for four or five banks, to be located at the most important commercial points in the state. It is worthy of remark, that his democratic opponent for the Speakership, after himself voting during this session for charters for nineteen banks, took occasion, subsequently, to endeavor to identify Mr. D. with the bank party of Ohio, (then beginning to be unpopular,) on the ground of his course during that winter on the subject! The writer mentions this fact only by way of illustrating the proneness of thoroughpaced politicians to use unscrupulous means to effect their purposes, more especially where self-advancement may be the end sought to be attained. At the next session, the whigs being in the majority in the Senate, of course elected one of their own party to the Speakership; the entire vote of the democratic party being thrown for Mr. Disney. At the next session, an extra session, our political friends, finding themselves again in a majority, elected him to the Speakership without the formality of a nomi nation-a compliment not accorded by the democracy of the Legislature of Ohio since the introduction of the caucus system, to any other gentleman. At the close of that session, which was held to consider the boundary difficulties between Ohio and Michigan, then an United States Territory, he was appointed one of a commission of three (consisting of the Hon's. Messrs. ALLEN, Col. NOAH H. SWAYNE and himself) to repair to Washington City for the settlement of the points in issue in this controThis commission happily accomplished its objects, coming to terms with President Jackson and Mr. Forsyth, who acted for the United States. At the time this matter was adjusted, both Michigan and Ohio were arming; the Legislature of Ohio having voted $500,000, and authorized the Governor, if necessary, to call out fifty thousand men, to protect the rights and interests of the state, as involved in the controversy.

versy.

On returning home, after discharging the duties of this boundary commission, Mr. Disney determined to return to private life, and maintained this purpose inflexibly against the urgent solicitation of his friends, who protested against his intention of thus avoiding the promotion which was openly seeking him. In 1840, however, he was appointed, without his consent, member of the "Board of Equalization," a body of thirty-six members, among whom were many of the first men of the state, charged with the duty of equalizing the taxation upon the various counties. Mr. D. was unanimously elected their presiding officer when the board assembled. With this exception, he refused all solicitations to again appear before the public until 1843, when a combination of circumstances over which he could have no control, forced him to again become the democratic candidate for the State Senate.

On this occasion, there arose in the towns of the democracy of Hamilton County, a feud ending in the nomination of an independent candidate by the malcontents--a gentleman distinguished for his talents, attainments, and oratorical abilities. This gentleman, aided by other powerful debaters, canvassed every doubtful voter, and made incessant and bitter war upon the regular nominee from every stump. So great was the apparent excitement which they managed to create, that the federal party were confident that the diversion from Mr. Disney to be thus made would draw