The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1862-07-02
Tribute of Respect.

The members Of the Lancaster Bar, the
officers Of the Court at Lancaster, and q
, number of citizens Of the District assembled
at the Court House on Saturday last 10
show respect TO the memory of John Will
liams, Esq, deceased. Col. James H. With
erspoon, Commissioner in Equity, Was call
ed to the Chair, and Capt Amos McIianus,
Sheriff, requested to net us Secretary.
The Chairman explained the object Of the
meeting in the following pertinent remarks
GEN:LEMEs.-The purpose of our meet
ing, on this occasion, calls forth sad and
painful regrets, and produces mournfu emo
tions. We mourn the loss of one highly
esteemed, admired and beloved by sall his
associates at tho Bar. by the entire commu
nifty and by the people of Lancaster District.
None knew him but to praise, none knew
hm but to admire and love. We have me,
to paya proper and becoming tribute to
the memory Of cur late noble and beloved
nssociate-,he brave, gallant aud patriotic
John Williams, Esq, who died in the ser
vice of his country, in Richmond, Va, on
the 26th May last Another Object (at least
in my judgmenD should be to make arxa ange
ments for the removal Of his rsfnmns from
Richmond to this place.
Mr.. Williams was no ordinary man. He
was patriot among patriots. He loved his
country He loved the South for the sake
of tho South. He advocated and proclaim.
ed the rights Of the South. lie shouldered
his arms in her defence. lie maiched 10
her rescue. He died in her service.
Mr. Williams was a native. U believ.) Of
Sumter, but removed in early life to York
District Was admitted to the Bar in the
winter Of 1884, and shortly afterwards lora-
ted in this Village. In 1886 when call
was made upon Lancaster District for vol
unteers for the Florida war, he promptly
and galnntly exhibited his patriotism and
made one oc the members Of that company
He was good, correc! and honest Lawyer
the records of the Courts OF Law and
Equity for Lancaster District for The past
25 years will attest and exhibit the fact,
that he stimulated no vexatious suits, en-.
'cournged no vexntious litiga;ions. He was
generous to a fault-his purse was ever
open 10 charlottesville needy were never
refused, but on the contrary, always assis-
ted by his liberal hund. hmiabe aud retir
ing Ia manners, kind and generous in dispo
siticn. he was "as still as the breeze" but
when danger threatened, when the rights sf
the South were assailed, her soil invaded,
he was as "dreadful as the storm"
Since 1850 he was the open, Jealous and
fearless advocate Of disunion. IIe advoca-
ted and proclaimed with eloquence the Ss-
cession Of South Carolina from the Fedesal
Union. lie was honest, consistent in that
advocacy and in those principle. II was
his pleasure and pride to have been a mem.
Der of that Legislature which inaugurated
the Secession Of South Carolina. lie was
then patriot, but 90 soon rs the State Nc
ted, the moment she called upon her sous
he was fighting patriot. lie sealed his
principles with his life. Asa member oi
the Lancaster Greys" he WAS ever TO be
found at the post Of duty and Of danger
In the language Of his Captain, mo trnsr
braver or more patriotic man ever fell in the
service Of his country.
Mr. Moore then arose and delivered the
annexed we'll merted eology:
IL is bard, Mr.. Chairman, to realize full,
the cause Of this meeting. The mind 10
stinc,ively recoils from full conception Of
the painful loss ~e have sustained in th,
death Of our professional Brother. Never
theless We are compelled to bow in submis
sion to the stroke which has deprived u,
forever Of his companlonsbip.
Amongst the host Of gallant men wht
have fallen victims to the unholy war nov
waged against our country, thsrs could hav,
been found, We believe. no purer patriot, M
drawer soldier, than him 10 whose memor,
We have met TO pay a we'll deserved tribute
Nr. Williams, At the very commencement
OF hosliIities was amongst the foremost o
those who took pp arms Ia the defence o
our invaded land. Ills sincerity. his dsvo
tion and his firmnsss have been fully vindr
Gated by his career since then ~ soldier
With stern composure he has maintaine.
His place 10 the army until his patriotism
has been stamped with the sign manual o.
death. He died In Richmond, Va. the 2a,l