Worcester daily spy., 1861-11-02
Death OF "a Hero

death is the crown OF HE.
John Smith Gavitt was iborn in Madison,
Jefferson county, Indiana, March Is, 1873. Az
an early age he moved with his parents 10
this county, OF which lie was citizen nj the
time OF his DEATH Rearedamid tile scenes OF
frontier life, he grew up d wild boy, L aiiess
of danger, living in the midst OF excitement
aud turmoil beloved by his friends, feared by
his enemies, and admired by all who appreci-
ated his many good quaiti 5. In July,
lo4o, he LETT the home OF his boyhood Tor Can
iornia. With all the energy OF his nature he
threw himself into the contest for wealth IN
that land of gold, and was SO far successful as
to return with handsome fortune. Ihe par
ty with which lie intended to sail, becoming
dissatisfied with Major Gavltt, he withdrew
from the organization which had been perfect
ed, and went ont relying upon his own re-
sources for success. The sequel OF the under
taking was illustrative OF the character OF the
man. He succeeded where others failed
many OF the party who had abat doned Major
Gavitt were indebted 10 HMM the far west
--iOr clothing and food, aud the means TO re
turn home.
Alter his return he was elected to Ihe
shrievalty Of the county, and after serving two
years was defeated BY John 5. Terry when
again returned TO California. lie returned to
this city, AMI in 1852 defeated Mr. Terry for
tile same office. In 1858 he was elected sheriff
over George w. Mcbride, and was an unsuc
full candidate for the office in 1860. lie filled
tie office of sheriff, to which he was three
times called by the people, with an ability
rarely equaed in the state, and his skill as
detective officer was acknowledged by the
police department of all our western cities
When the war broke out i'll April, Mayor
Gavitt for long time stood alooi from the
contest. A lifelong democrat OF the state
rights school, who had sympathlzed with the
south for many years, he could not believe his
former friends were in earnest IN their work
OF destroying the government. but when the
purpose OF the confederate states was I'M
masked and the honor OF the country was at
stake, he left his business ami enlisted 1or the
war. He was appointed major OF the first
regiment Indiana cavalry, and ie1t TINS city,
with his command, for Missouri IN August
last. His first engagement was near lronton,
where he distinguished himself Ill charge
upon the enemy, putting them to flight, ana
securing their arms, ammunition, and baggage.
For meritorious conduct on that occasion he
was promoted to the Office OF lieutenant colo
mel, but at the time of his death his appoint
ment had not reached him. On Sunday last,
the 2lst inst, his regiment was engaged with
the rebel force at Fredericktown, Missouri,
where, in a charge upon battery, at the head
of his column, he fell pierced with hive bul'
lets.
He died as becomes brave man, urging his
followers on to victory, Henceforth his mem-
ory is sacred Whateer his faults, we re-
member them no more. We only bear in
mind the manner of his death, and feel that it
has cast halo back upon the past. Death is
indeed the crown of life, and Major Gavitt has
enshrined his name among the host OF patriots
who, upon the field of honor, have realized
how sweet it is "for ones country to die" III
the prime of life, with bright prospects before
him as citizen and soldier, with friends
more devoted, perhaps, than those. of any other
man in our midst, he has gone-dying to es-
tablsh, if it may be, the government of our
fathers