The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1857-01-24
C5e 9ailg gOnrnal,
PRINTED AND PUBLIsHED.BY
Er- x. CA
Corner Of Majn anI Water Streets.
I,AaMs oF sunsCRlPTloN:
Hugh Miller.

The eminent Geologist and eloquent writer,
whose death has been announced in our tele-
graph column. is thus commcmorated in the
New York Independent
Hugh Miller has written his own biography.
We need add nothing to what he has told of
his life with such vigor, pleasantly, and point
III his Schools and Schoolmasters,'' and his
First Impressions Of England" His contri-
buttons to science in various forms. but especi-
ally in his Footprints of the Creator" and his
odd Red Sandstone" will be a permanent
monument to his memory. Selftaught in that
department Of science which was his speciality,
he made discoveries and framed theories in
geology that caused him to be accepted as one
of the highest authorities in science. To sci
entiiic knowledge he added good degree Of
literary culture, especially in the literature Of
Scotland, and having laid aside the hammer,
he learned to WELD the pen with strength and
grace. AS editor Of The Witness, the organ
of the Free Church, he acquitted himself
ably in the discussion of Church and State af-
fairs, and he enriched his journal with articles
upon Christian science.
His rare powers and attainments were con-
secrated to the services of the Master whom
he loved. His method Of harmonizing Geolo-
gY and Genesis evinces fine logical powers
and Il reyerential spirit. We had hoped ere
long to welcome him to this country as lee
turer upon his favorite science; but it has
pleased God to take him in the midst of his
years. The sadness Of the event itself is deep
ened by the manner of it. The only particu-
lars Of his death are thus given in supple
ment to The Witness, dated Dec. a. at l o.
clock p. NJ:
''Mr. Miller had been i'll for some time
working hard and late at night, in completing
his new work on Geology. lie had become,
in consequence, subject to aggravated attacks
of nightmare, which partook of the nature of
somnambulism. Some time ago attempts had
been made to break into his museum; and he,
in consequence, had always slept with load
ed revolver ON the table by his side.
Yesterday, on account Of headache and un-
refreshing sleep, he had seen his medical ad-
Visers, who had warned him of overwork, and
prescribed suitably. Last night, according to
their request, he had taken a warm sponge
bath, and retired early to rest
"After having slept some considerable time,
he had apparently awakened in a fit of night
mare, and, taking up the pistol, had reached
the bedroom door, as far as the bath, which
had been left after use, in the adjoining de-
partment. There the pistol had exploded, the
bullet passing through the chest, and death
must have been instantaneous. The sound
not having been heard at this hour of the
night by any of the household, Mr. Mller'S
body was not discovered till this morning.
"Under existing circumstances, we cannot
at present dwell further on this sad calamity
Mr.. Miller had completed his ffty-second
year
The mystery that surrounds his departure
should awaken no dstrust, either of the sound
ness of his own heart in the faith of the Cos
pei, or of the Providence of God that hath suf
iered this catastrophe. Both Harris and Mil
Ter have fallen through causes induced by ex
cessive labor in their respective fields. Both
we doubt not, have entered into the rest o
Gods faithful servants.
Thus, star by declines,
Till Az passed away,
As morning high and higher shines,
To pure and perfect day;
Nor sIuk those stars in empty night
They hide themselves in heavens own light.