HON. ROBERT P. HANNA, Fairfield. Of the different professions none afford greater opportunities for the development of native ability than the law; for here one is led into the investigation of subjects more vital to the interests of his fellows, and inav if he will. become familiar with the ques. ti(ns of moment which afflict his countrv and State. Foremost in the rank and file of there who have taken advantage of these opportunities, is he whose name heads this sketch.
Robert P. Hanna was born in Salem, Columbiana Co., Ohio, Decomber 10, 1834. His father, John Hanna, was a native of Ireland, and a descendant of a family well known in the early history of the Presbyterian Church, many of whom were ministers of some note in that society. His father, however, was a Catholic, and emigrated to the United Stzitee, settling in Ohio, about the year 1818, where be engaged in a general mercantile business.
He married Miss Sarah Conn, a native of Philadelphia. Her ancestors in this country date back to the Revolutionary period, and are of the "Society of Friends," sometimes termed Quakers. In early life, Mr. Hanna performed the usual routine of preparatory study in the common schools, and when fifteen years old entered the printing office of Aaron Ilinchman, at Salem, Ohio, where he remained for about two years. He then became a student in the Athens University, taking the course of that institution. He came to Fairfield, Ill., in 1855, and soon after entered the law offica of Judge Edward Beecher, under whom he performed the usual reading, and, in 1857 was admitted to practice. Since his admission, he has practiced in Wayne and adjoining counties, when not engaged with matters of a public character.
In 1862, Mr. Hanna was elected to a membership in the State Constitiitional Convention and though its youngest member he took an active part in the important business of that body. He was elected to the State Legislature in 1860, where he won the reputation of an efficient member. procuring, through his influence, the charter for the Springfield, Illinois Southeastern Railroad, which has since become a branch of the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad. He was a Director and Attorney for the road until that change took place, and is now Local Attorney for the Ohio & Mississippi Company. In 1870, Mr. Hanna was again the choice of the people of his district to represent them in the construction of the new constitution of Illinois, and there introduced the measure regulating the minority representation.
He was elected in 1870, to a seat in the State Senate on the Democratic ticket although representing a Republican district, and while a member of that body was a very important factor in many of the more important committees. As a conscientious politician Mr. Hanna has proven himself possessed of no mean ability, the advantages of which have always been enjoyed by the Democratic party. He has been a deleate, and reported at "roll call " at every Democratic State Convention since he became of age besides acting in Presidential conventions. As a speaker, he is forcible and concise, and in his various campaigns has wide many important political speeches, always willing to become the champion of what he deemed the common right regardless of personal prejudices. His first important canvass of the State waa in 1859, in the contest between Stephen A. Douglas and Abraham Lincoln for the position in the United States Senate.
He was married in 1859, to Miss Clara Smith. She is a daughter of Moses Smith, a well known merchant of Albion, Ill., who emigrated from England and became one of the pioneer settlers of that place. Mr. Hanna's family consists of two sons and two daughters. His eldest son, Francis B. Hanna, is a practicing lawyer and member of the Fairfield bar.
| Visit Our Neighbors | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Marion | Clay | Richland | |
| Jefferson |
 |
Edwards | |
| Franklin | Hamilton | White | |
