He was a veteran of the Civil War, and had been severely wounded in leading his regiment at Fort Donelson.

After the war, he figured in Illinois politics and served as Speaker of the State Legislature.

He entered Congress in 1873 and devoted himself to the study of the tariff with such intelligence and thoroughness that his speeches are still an indispensable part of the history of tariff legislation.

His habitual manner was so mild and unassuming that it gave little indication of the force of his personality, which was full of energy and perseverance.
Randall was more imperious in his mien.

He was a party leader of established renown which he had gained in the struggles over force bills at the close of the reconstruction period.