The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1862-07-16
Eulogy.

Il. E. Allison, Esq, at the meeting Of 2s,h
uIt., il nemo,v Of John Williams, ESQ
Mr.. CHAIRMAN.-lt is with feelings Of
unfegned sorrow that rise TO discharge
what | conceive to be my duty on this
mournful occasion. After the eloqnent
eulogies that have just been pronounced,
il would be out Of place for me TO tres
pass long upon .he time and patience Of
this meeting.
| might trul remark that intelligence
Of the death OF no man, with whom
am acquainted, would have affected me
with greater sadness than that Of the
death Of John Williams. He was indeed
I one Of the Lest rnen | ever knew. Mod
est, unObtrusive, high minded, and hon.
orable, he possessed all the qualities O
AN exalted nature. His career through
life was eminently truthful and consistent,
and remarkable for integrity, not for the
sake Of the sordid considerations, Of poll
cy and gain, but because he loved the
truth. lie appeared to he impressed
with proper sense Of the force and
beauty Of the trte but true ndage of the
Poet, "lie is freeman whom the truth
makes free, and all are slaves besides."-
After having once formed his opinions,
lie rarely ever changed them, but ad..
hered to his formed opinions with de
gree Of frnness and determination that
could scarcely be shaken. lie WAS EN-
pha,IcaIly firm and decided man, both
IN WORDS and deeds and nothing ap
peared to annoy him more that to wit
ness hauling, hesita,;ng, indecision, in
the conduct OF Others. Ills lofty nature
and gentle manners caused him TO be
universally admired and beloved.
MR. CHAIRMAS.-It becomes US espe.
claIly on this occasion 10 speak OF the
deceased in the capacity Of a Lawyer
lie WAS regarded as good law, er, dis
tinguI,hed for his fidelity to his clients,
and his gen,iity toward his brethren Of
the profession. Ii WAS my fortune to
form his acquaintance in the year 1858.
| was then studen, in the profession II,
the otiice Of Mr.. Clinton, with whom The
deceased was on terms of the closest, iL,i
macy. In the prosecution Of my legal
studies | always found ir. Williams will
ling AMI ready to lend helping hand
but Indeed was he kind and obiiyiny to
me when first enleri, & upon tue practice,
the time when the young practitioner
most needs the favor and assistance Of
the older members Of the profession. His
library, which WAS large aud copious
MAS always open to the Student, and his
kind words Of encouragement will be re
'nembered hy us all. Mr.. Williams was
good advocate, lie was very forcibIe be
fore jury, in which pant of the practice
he most delighted. The stirring strains
and loud peels Of his eIoquence were
wont TO arouse jures in this court room,
a"c point out to them injured rights and
offended Innocence. And the sound of
his clear ringing voice seems yet familiar
TO our ears. But we have verify heard
him for the last time, for he has made
his last speech.
Mr.. CHAIRMAN.-The loss OF John
Williams will be- felt, not only by the
! people Of Lancaster District and Tue mem
bers Of the Bar, but, sir, il will be felt by
the whole State, for he was public
man. A. member Of the Legislature Of
the State !! fear his place cannot be filed.
Lancaster district never had truer or
nobler representative, nor the State OF
South Carolina q more ardent or passion.
ate lover. A Cafolnish by birth, and n
states rights man Of the strictest school,
his bosom, at al early period in lie, WAS
fired with love Of country, which, with
each revolving year, increased in warmth
anj ardor, until it melted, aud he, few
days since, fell martyr on the al,ar Of
his country. lie was probably the best
read man on politics in the district and
his entire life and every impulse Was de
voted 10 his country. And il there ever
was man in ali the land entirely desti.
tute OF seIfshness-lhat sordid principle
30 common IN the human heart, that
man WAS John Williams. This Mr.. Chair.
man, will be conceded by all who knew
him.
In the Spring Of 1851 when the tocsin
Of war first sounded from Charleston, Mr.
Williams as private in the ranks rallied
around the standard OF bis country, and
at the first tap Of the drum marched off
to meet .ho wicked and cruel invaders Of
our country. And with the ambition Of