Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1860-03-22
For the Yorkvi1le Enqairer.


The sad Intelligence of this brothers depar-
ture has reached me through the secular press
he died at, or near Winhsboro, s. c.; but his
home. for many years past was at Ebsnezer,
York District.
1 FIRST met him in the Spring Of 81. I had
heard of him as teacher, and as laborer in
temperance reform, and longed Tor an opportu-
nifty. of knowing him. This was afforded me, un-
der unexpected but tsingularly interesting circum-
stances, Being in attendance OF three-days
meeting in the early summerof 81, at Rock Hill
near his residence, we met Itwas on this wise:
On Saturday, brother KsrIRR delivered one Of
his earnest, telling e1hortations; and penitents
being invited to kneel for prayer, saw vener-
able but Guietlooking gentleman softly, but with
evident emotion, get down at his seat in the midst
Of the awe-struck congregation, Upon inquiry
I was told "That is Gen. ASTON |" The service
ended, he retired, and much surprise and inte-
rest was felt by his friends and the brsthren.-
At night he was, back again, but now was quite
near the pulpit, and bis son Robert was observed
at his side. When penitents were again called,
they both together promptly bowed down and
gave themselves to the service of God; both at
once Joined the church. Robert was baptised
the next morning. His father spoke in love-feast
of his late but happy return to God, and TO the
church of his choice; and On tina. same day re-
ceived the communion, to the establishment bat
qualification of all his friends. He became an
active, working, praying man at once and with
out improper hesitation assumed the duties Of
class leader, to the joy and profit Of his breth-
rem. f~" 20. .rs-t sN'. F-15. y =. - s'.e.
It was refreshing to witness the lively apd pro-
found interest exhibited by his numerous friends.
On passing through Yorkville, after the meeting
closed, was called upon by an old friend Of his
IA gentleman of much intelligence and high
posltion-one, too, who had ia.e in life surren-
dered to his Saviour. who demanded to know il
the report was true, that his old friend Gen. A..
was converted !; and when assured Of the fact,
he sat down and wept for joy, being unable to
master his emotions. he was thus greatly esteem.
| eQ Oy MS IrleuuS!' .. .-.-ss. - ! ss y e3rN
In September of the same year, I was coduct-
ing camp-meeting on the same circuit, at Con-
cord, not far from his residence; sndin due time
the admirable old gentleman made bis appear.
auce attended by his son, and number Of his
students from the Academy. he at once took
his appropriate place among the worshippipg
throug, and was prompt to spmpathiie with the
penitents, and especially with young men, IN
some of whom he was peculiarly interested
The profound attention he gave to the preaching,
his hearty participation in songs and prayers,
his direct and Intelligent enquiries in private
among the preachers, all gave unmistakesble
evidence that s'old things. had passed away and
all things had become new .6l.I 2 .--,
Il 1t was to me. q, great satisfaction to be With
him alone, and a charming pleasure TO sit with
him in the midst Of his interesting domestic cir
4 Gle Mrs. A. already belonged u, a sister church,
and his daughter just then in her teens soon fol
lowed her father and brother into the church,
and his was thus become "a, household Of faith
All, trust, will ere long follow him. as he fol-
lowed Christ and regain him fn the eternal
heavensp - -. 49, a ssxaI
beg to put on record this tribute of unfeign-
ed respect for one whose public character, per-
, sonal worth, and late but happy conversion to
God, sentitle him to an honored, place in our
memory. Gen. AIsTos was no common man
, In his personal bearing, and his easy, graceful