Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1860-06-01
For the Chronicls.ii
The late John ID. Tyler.

When successful generals or prominent politicians
die, there are always enough, and more than
enough hiographers who hurrcdy rush to the print
ing Office, TO record their fulsome obituaries with
the hope of eleyatng themselves with the friends of
the deceased; and this, although the general may
have waded through blood 10 his distinction or the
politician achieved his elevation by catering to the
low appetite of the mob or by sacrificing truth and
manlincss by sycophantic fa%ning. Not so of my
humble heaft-otfering at the grave Of my departed
friend, J. d. Tyler. Mr. Tyler removed TO Tenncs-
see some 55 years ago. lie brought with him a
well improved mind and pure heart. lie settled
in the Northeast part of Montgomery county, and
opened a school for teaching the languages sciences
&c. At first his school did not flourish for owing
to his extreme modesty, the public failed to appre
ciate his merit as teacher. But knowing. he was
engaged in a laudable, nay glorions enterprise
he steadily and honestly pursued his work, and
having high qualifications and untring industry, in
few years pupils from many of the sister States
locked to his school, many of whom now ornament
the communities in which they live and with CRATE
full hearts remember and honor his wise instruction
and firm discipline
Mr.. T. did not devote himself to teaching school
because he believed he was not qualified for more
popular pursuits, but from high sense of duty to
his fellow men, and an ardent love for the rising
generation; this | know from having converscd
with him on the subject. He used to say he thought
that instructing the head and modelling the heart
of the young, was the best work that wise and
good man could be engaged in it conferred more
happiness on the man thus employed and greater
blessings on the country than any other course he
could pursue; and he further added, this glorious
Republic can alone be sustained and handed down
to coming generations as blessing, by making the
American people wise and yirtuous.
Mr. T. continued to teach his school, while il daily
became more popular at homo and abroad until the
spring Of ls43, when his neighbors and the people
of the county called him to represent them in the
State Legislature At first Mr. T. resisted their So
ciatons preferring the usefulness and quiet of his
home to the conflicts of public life but the people
feeling the necessity of the services Of such man.
continued their opportunities, and he yielded to
what he considered his duty, and announced himself
candidate. He was triumphantly elected.
He repaired to the seat Of government and entered
upon the duties of his station; the session was
protracted and arduous but he labored with I'M
firing zeal, and yet with such modesty and ability
he acquired high standing with both political
parties, not only a wise legislator but as an affa-
bic and courteous gentleman.
Mr.. rs modesty and goodness of heart called con-
stantly around him. and at his roo the best society
of the city, and he seemed happy except occasiony
when the freshness and innocence of the children of
his school would come up before him, or thoughts
of his affcctonatc family would sweep over his
heart
1t was during his term of service in the Legsla-
ture that became more intimate with hin, than |
previously had been, and this day thank kind
providence for that increased intimacy. II was my
good fortune to be a roommate of Mr.. T. for four
months; we were nightly together; we warmed at
the same fire, and washed from the same pitcher,
conversed on many subjects, and, as matter Of
course frequently entertained difercnt opinions; but
never did he in supporting his views of the subject
under discussion, one solitary expression calcu-
lated to excite single emotion of displeasure; he
maintained his positions with frmness, but so oour-
teously, that the most fastideous could take no
exception
He INDUCED in no vice or rude folly; and never
did hear him one solitary expression that the
most modest female might not have used without
causing her check to crimson; indeed, / have no
hesitation in saying he was altogether the most
agreeable private companion ! ever knew. Mr.. T.
subsequent, elected to the Senate of the State
Legislature, and was an elector the Clay ticket
in 1874, and always discharged his duty with high
honor to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his
friends He was just and generous, charitable and
kind to the poor and.atfable to all he lived be-
loved and died without an enemy.
| have seen him in his domestic circle his happy
home have seen him at his own fireside. | saw
the beaming of love and gratitude which shed O
halo of joy on every face; but this is subject to
which cannot do justice with my poor pen but
there are tDlets upon Whlcn ms excellence as nus
band and father is inscribed, more durable than
tablets Of iron or marble monuments, for rust may
corrode and destroy the iron, and time crumble the
marble to dust but the hearts of his wife and child
ren will bear the impress of loving kindness
through glorious eternity.
Il / tender to his beloved family my sincere and
deep sympathy, and hope they may find some solace
in the reflection that the people who loved and hon.
Ored their husband and father, will remember and
honor them. MI. ALLEN.