He was, at the same time, genial and kindly in many relations of life, not without gifts of both wit and humor, and courageous to the point of absolute fearlessness.

He had been well educated at Dartmouth College in his native State, and long practice had made him a dangerous antagonist in debate.

He had been an intense Democrat, but he refused to join Douglas in the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, and subsequently united with the Republicans .-- Shelby M.Cullom, with good natural parts and sound education, amiable, pleasing, and endowed with the gracious quality which attracts and holds friends, won his way promptly in the House and gave early promise of the success which afterwards elevated him to the governorship of Illinois, and thence transferred him to the Senate of the United States .-- Burton C.Cook was recognized as an able lawyer from the beginning of his service.

He constantly grew in influence and strength during the eight years of his continuous membership, and at its close returned to the bar with an enviable reputation and with the assurance of that eminent success which has since attended his professional career .-- Jehu Baker was a man of peculiarities, not to say oddities, of bearing; but these did not conceal his worth and ability, nor retard the growing reputation which has since retained him in a diplomatic position.
Missouri, then under the control of the Republican party, included in her delegation Robert T.Van Horn, a Pennsylvanian by birth, who had borne a conspicuous part in the contest with the disloyal elements of the State of his adoption; and John Hogan, a genial Irish Democrat from the St.Louis District.

The Michigan delegation was the same as in the Thirty-eighth Congress, with the exception of Thomas W.Ferry, who now entered for the first time, and Roland E.Trowbridge, who had served in the Thirty-seventh Congress.