Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1855-07-03
From the National Intelligencer.
Obituary.

Uleu, ~ Eyre Ildli, III NOrLuhnpJOu county, VIZ
ginia, on the 10th Of June, John Eyre, Esq, aged
". He was born on the apot on which he died,
and which had been the residence of his ancestors
for several generations. 1t was here that he pass
ed almost the whole of his long and meritorious
life, dispensing the revenues Of an ample fortune
in elegant hospitality, and in acts of Kindness lib
erality, and benefcence.
1t Is not often that the death of private indi-
yidual can make such chasm in society or be so
extensively regretted as Mr. Eyre's for we do not
often meet with life 80 devoted to purposes Of
usefulness and benevolence Every laudable un-
dertaking was sure to meet with his liberal support
and every religious denomination tasted freely Of
his bounty.
Nor let it be supposed that he was one of those
who are liberal only on great occasions, when the
praise Of generosity affords them their remunera-
ton. His benefcence was habitual and perennial,
and probably yet more OF it fell In refreshing show
| ers than In large streams. The widow the orphan,
the destitute Of every description shared in his
| bounty He was in The habit Of putting aside a
portion Of his annual crop for the exclusive Of
the poor; which those who would not accept Of
| charity we're permitted to buy at moderate price,
and for which many never paid, 1t being well
known that he never sued debtor or distressed
him for money His charities, too, were as wisely
regulated US they were benevolent. They we're not
indiscriminate Tor in that they must have
come to an end; but they were always in season,
always appropriate, never made in ostentaton, and
| they wounded the feelings of those on whom
they were bestowed. We read of prince in an.
cient times who gave more satisfaction when he
refused favor, than. his father had done when he
granted one; and with the same delicate regard TO
the feelings of others which In that case had soft
! ened the pain of refusal, Mr.. Eyre enhanced the
| pleasure conferred by his bounty
When man of fortune thus freely spends his
money for the benefit of Others the merit Of his
generosity is the greater for the temptation he has
overcome. He may be bent on the accumulation
of yet greater wealth, or If his ruling propensity
ia to spend rather than save, he may indulge in
expensive vices; or he may crafty better taste
in purchasing costysworks of art; but in all those
modes of seeking happiness, his heart is too con-
centrated on self to expand in sympathy for 9th
ers; and hence it is proverbally 80 difficult for a
rich man to enter the kingdom Of heaven.
Mr. Eyre is, moreover, entitled to the greater
praise for being so distinguished an exception to
the selfshness Of wealth, as he had a decided and
lively taste for the embellishments of life, and was
peculiarly fitted to grace and adorn society.
Few men ever equalled him in manners which
are 30 important item Of character, considering
how great an influence they exert on the happiness
of those around US. good heart is said to be the
best teacher Of politeness, and no one could be a
more apt willing listener TO its admonitions than
Mr.. Eyre. But his manners were characterized by
ease, dignity, and polish, as much as by benevo-
ence. In early life, according to tradition, such
was his polished courtesy and his deferential re-
spect for the gentler that he called by his
| romantic admirers Sir Charles Grandson; and at
later day the writer of this notice has seen him
Mt the crowded watering place admired by all for
| the blended dignity and amenity of his manners.
Thus, in words as well as acts, he showed that he
lived for others no less than himself lie was mar
ried to an accomplished lady, whose death proceed
ed his just twenty-six years. They had no off.
spring.
Mr. Eyre was never much in public life, but he
served awhile in the Senate Virginia; and though
here, like Washington, took little part in debate,
be also, like Washington, exercised the influence
due to his sound judgment and weight Of charac-
ter. He acted many years as a magistrate of bis
country, and discharged its duties with upright
ness frmness and ability as well as with the most
scrupulous diligence and exactness. When, after
wards some friends who appreciated hisDorth in
duced him TO become a candidate for Congress,
though he received large vote, he failed TO be
elected Content with being the friend Of the peo-
pie, he could not be their fatterer, and the arts oil
the demagogue he utterly despised. 1t is but jus
tice to the people and TO Mr. Eyre to add that he
did not agree 10 politics with majority Of hs dis.
/ trict
For year or two before his death he was of.
fected with blindness as well as impaired hearing,
but his reason was unclouded to the last and with
his wonted serenity he terminated life which had
passed without stain or reproach, and which had
known no ld,ury equal to that Of doing good. His
funeral was numerously attended; and the tears
shed on that occasion by his servants and those
who had been the objects of his bounty whether
they we're dictated by selfish regret or were as we
trust, the honest illusions Of gratitude, equally
the testimonials Of his benignant virtues.
Il Is no Encouragement to the Eastern Shore Of
Virginia TO say that no one Is there left TO take his
place; since, supposing there are a few--atd We
fear very few--who have the inclina6bn, there ia
no one Of them who has the means Let us, then,
fondly cherish the memory of so bright an example
of worth, and recommend him rs model for the
man Of fortune and the Virginia gentleman.
CT