The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1854-08-24
An INTERESTING BIOGRAPHY
From the Friends Intelligence.

Il Sketch Of the Life and Character of The late
PhtntGs JaHney Of alexandria, Ia.
The ancestors of Phinaas Jannev emigrated
from Pennsylvania; snd the subject of this
sketoh was born in Loudoun county, Virginia,
On the 5th of fifth month, 177S Like his pa
rents and numerous relatives, many Of whom
still reside in Virginia, he was q member of the
Religious Society Of Friends.
His mother died while he was an infant. but
his surviving parent earnestly endeayored to
foster In bis mind the principles Of rectituda
and to guide his youthful steps in tie way that
leads 10 peace. His opportunities for eduoa-
ton were not very favorable, being confrcd TO
such branches OF English and arithmetic as
were then taught in country schools.
During his minority, GBd while living under
the parental roof, bis fathers house was often
visited by Friends in the ministry, and Othe.
persons Of religious experience, whose instruo-
tive conversation and Christian department
made deep and salutary impression on las
youthful mind. Being endowed with much
native humor and remarkable yivacity, his
character at this period Of his life might have
seemed to casual observer to indicate but
iittle serious reflection; there was, however, "a
hidden spring Of religious feeling in the secret
OF the soul, which preserved HIM in a great
degree from the pollutiOns Of the world and
evlncec ITS influence through life by deeds of
kindness and charity. After being enploved
some years in his fathers country store. he
went to Alexandria, aud occupied the station
of clerk in q mercantile house
Soon after attaining to manhood he married,
and entered into business on his own account
This was at the slime when all Europe was in
conf ct with the wars that resulted from the
French Revolution and when al mercantile
interests were subjected TO imminent peril.
The Yr,1depoa md Ioof .,,,,rg
not always guard against failure and rash
adventure was often crowned with success.
Beng an endorser for an intimate friend who
could not meet his engagements, Phineas Jan
Bey was under the necessity Of susuenGng
payment But tho confidence and esteem Of
al who know HIM remained unimpared. Ho
made q satisfactory arrangement with his
creditors, and being intrus.ed with the man
agomens Of valuable cargo, he embarked for
Sweden.
During his residence aEroaG--a period Of
about two yeaTs-he YVES remarkably success.
iul in his buHneFs, which consisted principally
in receiving coIsigpmcnts Of American pro-
duce, and sending return cGrgocs Of Swedish
iron. % his return to his native country, he
had the satisfaction Of being able to discharge
ali his debit and liabilities, which he paid with
interest. He then entered into the commits
zion business, and continued the importation
OF iron from sweden. Some yeal subsequent
Iy be added to his business tl4e Importation Of
wine.
Previous to bis embarkation for Euror,. he
had been deprived by death OF his wife, vino
was the daughter of David Lupton, If Fraier-
lex county, Virginia and after his return,
being IN the year 1872 he married his second
wife, Sarah, 'ha GRnshtrr % Wjta1 Hsrts-
horne Of Alexandria, with whom he lived IN
entire unity tho remainder Of his life She was
truly help-meot for him q pious and consist
cnt Christian, and iudiciOus elder in the Re-
ligious Society of Friends
In all his business transactions, Phinea1
Janney though exact and methodical, was rc-
conscientious. Two instances may
be mentioned, to show the spirit of Gberaiity
that governed his dealings. Being executor
for on estate that proved TO be insolvent, after
distributing tho assets among the creditors, ho
appropriated tho whole Of his commissions 10
the purchase Of household furniture for the
widow. In another case Of an insolvent es-
tate, he, being 3 largo creditor, pursued course
that Is worthy of being recorded for the imi-
tation Of others. Being informed that another
creditor, who held bond, was about to take
legal measures to secure the whole of his
claim, Phineas JAnney brought suit and OBJ
tanned tho oarlies. judgment; which being
paid in full, no handed over tho proceeds t.
the executor, for equal distribution among all
The creditors.
1t was one Of his most cherished purposes to
promote the prosperity and improvement of the
city Of Alexandria. As good citizen he Ia
bored as]iduOusly in this cause, and took ec act
i've and generally leading pert 10 the various
public works connected with the city. Assist
snce from the Federal Government and the
State Legislature being essential for the COM
DleiiCn Of these works he was frequently re-
IliTed 70 hold intercourse with men in high
,foial stations, who eyinced great esteem for his
character and admiration Of his agreeable quail
tes In this intercourse with the great, 50 flat
ering and 80 perilous to the unstable mind,
&c eyinced the frmness of his principles no less
han the urbanity Of his manners.
In his dress and address he was n Friond az
er the pattern of William Penn. he adhered
teedlly to this, making no compromise with
he fashions Of the day, and the coEsistoHcy Of
lis conduct was such rs to induce high respect
or his character In the Religious Society TO
which he belonged be was o useful and valued
member, not disposed 10 occupy prominent
lace, but in meetings for discipline speaking
briefly and much to the purpose. As q mem
Der of the Committee on Indian Concerns, he
vas sometimes called to the Federal metropolis
o plead the cause ofthst deopiy-ipjured people
md his exeTtiOns IL their behalf arOog men in
authority were seldom Intellectual. Although
lis business as a merchant, and tho Important
rusts confled to him in civil society, occupied
much of his time, yet he was o etead7 attend
mt Of the religious meetings Of Friends: AID 20
important did he esteem this solemn ob!icoticn,
hat, at the most active period Of his life, Ea
egularly closed his store in order to Permit Tho
tendance Of his clerk in the middle Of ths
geek
He was q good steward Of the temporal
,oods intrusted to him, supplying the wants Of
nc destitute, and befriending those who were
n straitened circumstances, by aiding them in
guinness and the education Of their children.
rs kind Providence had prcspered him, h9
oliowed the promptings Of benevolent hea-5
hiding In the ties Of kindred blood or maritO-
lous neighbors-Gnd that T0Aile he HUed-tLe
roper field for the exercise of his charities.
As the close of life drew nigh, he was much
.filicted with the asthma, and bore his suffer
ngs with exemplary patience; remarking to
me of his attendants, that being brought by
experience to feel bow hard it ia TO endure dis
,ase and rain. even when surrounded by all
he comforts Of life, he often thought OF the
Door. who had equal or greater sufferings 10
undergo. without the same alterations.
In his last illness he was led 70 take SOL
,rnn retrospect of his life, and being hunbied
n the consideration of the mercies of God to
ward him, he said, A" did hope to have been
spared longer, to do some good, and to make
amends for what have not done ; but am in
he hands of e merciful and good Being, who
las been kinder to me than deserved. never
made much profession, but have full faith that
he light within is sufficient for salvation. |
lave asked forgiveness for my shortcomings
md | hope it will be granted" A Friend
laving expressed desire that he might be-
Imported by divine grace and power, he re-