Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1858-07-21
Historical society.

and number OF MEMBERS
The name of Rev. J. A Merrick. of Paris,
Kv.. was proposed as a correspondent member,
by Rev. C. T. Quintard, and he was unanl-
mously elected. Mr.. NJ. is classical scholar,
and a corporate member Of the American
Oriental Society.
Dr. Felix Robertson proposed the names oil
John Trimble, Esq, and DR.. A FL. Buchanan,
for active membership, and they were unani-
mously elected.
Letters were presented and read from VIM.
Barry, Esq. Secretary of the Chicago His
torical Society, from the Secretary OF the
Massachusetts, Historical Society, from the
Pennsylvania Historical Society, and from
C. Benz. Richardson, of New York. A letter
was also read from J. Lothrop Motley, of Lon
don, acknowledging his election as an honor
ary member Mr.. NJ. is the author OF the
"Rise of the Dutch Republic" in three vol
umes.
A circular was read from the Wisconsin
Historical Society, with accompanying docu-
ments, which were referred to the President
and Prof Gross, as a committee.
A-larpe number of contributions were made
to the Society, by the following associations
and persons, to-wit:
Pottsville (Pa.) Scientific Association.
PENNSYLVANIA Historical Society.
Bethlehem (La) Female Seminary.
William G. Jones.
Henry Smith, Hendersonvile, Tenn.
Robt. w. Scott, near Frankfort, KY.
Mrs Robert H. McEwen, Sr.
Geo W. Martin, ESQ., of Maury county.
VIM. A. Echbaum, Esq.
Henry Eichbaum.
Rev Charles Todd Quintard.
A friend to the Society, &c.
Many of these contributions are very val
liable, and are positive acquisition to the
library of the Society.
The following paper in relation to the late
w. TANNEHIIL. submitted by the Recording
Secretary, is entered upon the minutes:
The Historical Society of Tennessee have
learned with deep regret the demise of their
fellow member. wilkins Tannehill. Esq, who
died in the vicinity of Nashville on the 2nd
of June 1855 i'll the 73rd year of his age. He
had lived life of great activity and useful
ness, and his scholarly attainmrnts and fine So
cial qualities attracted the attention of the
learned and the good who came in contact
with him. Mr.. Tannehill was one of Natures
noblemen," and lived in an atmosphere of his
own, above the groveling aspirations of those
who seek after this world : goods their chief
aim, and constantly communed with his own
elevated thoughts, or walked the sweet wales
of literature and history with the wisest and
best authors. There was nothing low or de-
basing in his compOstiOn-every impulse was
pure and lofty and ennObling. His delight
was to be with his books, and they were always
Of the most select kind.
Mr. Tannchill has written a great deal, hav-
ing been, all his life, close student. His ac-
QUESTION of languages was cOmmendable.
He was at once scholar. philologist, a his
tOrian, philosopher, and a gentleman-in all
the walks of lite, gentleman. lie materially
advanced the organization and earlier opera
tions of this Society, and ever commanded
that respect and esteem and attention which
genuine merit never fails To tind. Being en-
dowed with a lofty intellect, his life was
cessarily governed by the purest principles of
morality.
Mr. Tannehill published and edited poll
teal paper at Louisville, KY, i'll 1884; but
political writing was not his forte, and he re-
turned to Nashville, where, either editor or
assistant, he for years welded a pen OF great
finish aud beauty and accuracy. lie conduct
ed neutral paper here in 1861, and was
per press OF this city. Previously, however,
he had written aad published work entitled.
'Sketches of the History of Literature. from
the earliest period to the Revival of Letters
in the fifteenth century" Subsequently he
enlarged the work, and wrote, in six books,
sketches of the History of Roman Litera-
ture from the earliest period To the Accession
OF Constantine the Great" the third book on
ly of which was ever published. The entire
work is in manuscript, ready Tor the compost
tor, in an excellent state of preservation.
His Masonic Manual" published in 1874,
has had an extensive circulation. As II Ma
son. he was regarded the ''iather of the
Craft in Tennessee, and he was honorcd by
that Order with the highest positions they
could confer. His Masonic writings, which
are numerous, were received by the fraternity
throughout the country coming from one
shaving authority" His first public Masonic
Address was delivered in December, 1915.
Mr. Tannehill was honored, also, by civil
positions in life, Notwithstanding his natural
Discrimination To seek popular favor, or to
engage in strites for mere party victory. BE
was elected Magistrate by the people,
and served for few years i'll that capacity,
dispensing justice without Partially and
without favor He was elected one of the
Aldermen OF Nashville as early as 1903, and
was reelected three years in succession. lie
was elected Mayor OF the city III 1873, and
again in 1876. In every position, he dis
charged his duty faithfully.
A few years since, our deceased fellow
member had the misfortune TO lose his eye
sight, and of course could not actively
participate in the operations of our Society.
But he lived in the minds Of the members,
and we now lament the hnal eXtlnguishment
of such IA brilliant light. We shall ever hold
his memory in sacred vener alton, aud cherish
those virtues which so highly -dorled his
well-spent life. We sympatnise with his
children and ether relatives, in the departure
OF one so good and so great, and SO much
beloved by them and by us.