Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1859-07-27
DII:n. -

In this city, July ,11t inst, JOHN G.. eldest son of
James b. Ferguson, deceased.
In few short this how many of the noble and
true have fallen around US. But a little while ago,
and he whose death now record, stood before US,
doing honor in his beautiful touching language
TO the memory of his deceased friend. How earnest
and heartfelt his tribute to the departed-no at
tempt at oratory-no uncalled for repetition OF
vain words--nought the deep expression of sor-
row for the pr emaiure death Of a loved companion
But that voice which gave happinesst to many who
looked to him the source Of all earthly JOY will
never more fall upon ears. He has passed from
among US. and MANY the haa-ss who sorrow for
him. That widowed mother who yet lives to bless
his emory FER his lifelong devotion to her, will
never be cheered by his fond assurances Of af
fecton-the hands that loved toll TO procure her
the Iuxuries of life have done their last work
earth !
The eldest born What mother but understands
the meaning of these simple words, and in this in
stance he doubly de IT. The death OF a beloved
father left him in peculiar position to the remain
ing members of the family. Younger broth ers look
cd up TO him for example. Sisters, fond and low
ing, sought his presence protection against all
the ills OF life, and a devoted mother leaned upon
him the that support her tOttering Tee,
to thar last resting place To her he husband,
4
testf, faithfully H. discharged his duties in each
capacity. If he sighed for name among h S fellow
men II was but for that mothers sake. She his
beacon light urging him TO all that good and
true. But it not until after many struggles that
he attained his ng sought position Possessed OF no
ordinary talent, he exerted every energy To gain
end. He did not desire distinction ia a strange Land
! Here in his loved home he resolved TO make
| himself a character-here he would labor and toll
until his aim was accomplished, and truly he felt
himself rewarded in the confidence Of his many
| friends.
No man enjoyed 20 greater extent the esteem of
all around him. Those who were weak he encourag
| ed to be stroDg-the timid he encouraged TO be
1 brave. With heart large enough u take in tue
whole world and sufficiently tender eep the
misforlunes OF friend, what wonder tat strong
men shook with grief when death robbed them Of
tneir companion pa
Unconscious, until few hours before his death ,
that condition all critical his friends
but little prepared 70 the sad event. Bat to HIM It
| came not without forebodiug. In fervent
| prayer, he Commended each OF his loved ones 10
| Almighty God, and for himself and his companions.
| ne asked mercy of that Father, who has prom
sed ever to pardon the penitent soul. Rapidly did
disease do its sad work--a few hours and death
| Inevitable. Congestion OF the brain soon hurried
| him away, and in little while the struggle was
past.
T" Dear. desolate, heart-broken mother" where,
where shall peace be found for thee1 That saviour
who has strengthened you in other days, when the
sun OF your life seemed darkened forever, will not
forsake you Tow. Doubtless IL would have sotened
''u' "'n~''~. - ---F- uanr haIaxed one
in his last hours but God did not will IL Let il
comfort your heart TO know thst friends, arm and
true stood by him, and caught bis parting breath
It calmly l,ft his body Yet, tears, many and sin
cers haliowed his resting place, and believe that
a Heavenly Fathers could never close itself
against such q supplant he whom we
mourn. b.