Commemorating and remembering the life of Schuyler Colfax, Constitutional Reformer and 17th Vice-President of the U.S.

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RESOLUTION NO. J k o A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, PUBLICLY COMMEMORATING AND REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF SCHUYLER COLFAX, CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMER AND 17TH VICE - PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES 6 *;md, the South Bend Common Council notes that City Cemetery founded in 1832 in the City of South Bend is the home to approximately 14,800 final resting places on its 21.36 acres, including South Bend resident Schuyler Colfax, who was the 17th Vice - President of the United States and a Constitutional reformer; and Qom, the Common Council notes that in 2009, the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County partnered with the Schuyler Colfax Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) to collaborate together and promote the preservation of City Cemetery, with its Mission Statement "to preserve, protect, share carefully and treat reverently this hallowed and historic site ". Since that date the South Bend Parks Foundation in collaboration with the Common Council and City Administration have worked together to support the City Cemetery Restoration Project and the City Cemetery Master Plan of 2015; and GA"A on January 14, 2013, the Common Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 4226 -13, which declared March 23rd of each year as "Schuyler Colfax Day in South Bend, Indiana" to recognize the public service career of Schuyler Colfax who served as Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1863 -1869; served our country as the 17th Vice - President of the United States from 1869 -1873 under President Ulysses S. Grant and recalled his dedication to civil rights and the passage of the 13th Amendment in 1865 to abolish slavery, the passage of the 14th Amendment in 1868 addressing due process, and equal protection, and the 15th Amendment in 1869 addressing the right to vote regardless of one's race, color or previous condition of servitude; and G,f" in May of 2015, a Schuyler Colfax re- enactor at City Cemetery, dressed in period clothing shared some of the rich history of his life by telling stories about serving as President Ulysses S. Grant's Vice - President during his first term; who is remembered as being a very dedicated public servant who was "good- natured, kindly, cordial and always diplomatic "; who stood by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863 when he signed the Emancipation Proclamation; who became known by the nickname "Smiler" Colfax; who came into this world four (4) months after his father had passed away from tuberculosis and was forced to drop out of school at the age of ten to work, to teach himself, and to dedicate his life to serving others. 9%6;s =60m &arejWmd, by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, as follows: Section I. The Common Council hereby calls upon the citizens of South Bend to pause & reflect upon the contributions made not only to our city, but to our country by Schuler Colfax, who moved to South Bend in 1836 and called it his home until his death in 1873. The Council recognizes that 193 years ago on March 23, 1823, Schuler Colfax was born, and through his vision and dedication America is a much better place, who is remembered for his tireless work and leadership in championing the passage of the 13th, 14th & 15th Amendments. Section II. This Resolution shall be in full force and effecl4om and after its adoption by the Council and ap a y the Mayo . Tim Scott, 1 istrict �� ^ iv r J. 4avis,-P District r Gavin erlic, At Large Member Karen L. White, t Lar e Member John Voorde, At Large Member Cekanski - Farrand, Council Attorney