Fayetteville observer. [volume] (Fayetteville, Tenn.) 1850-1966, 1863-06-18
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DIED.

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DIED.
In this county, Wednesday. 10th inst, of
cholera infantum, j EFF. DAVIS, infant son of
J Ohm 81. and Sarah A. u. Kay, aged IL months.
Tribute TO Capt. n. III. Eearden.
The parents Of the subject of this outline,
Alfred and Margaret Bearden. both merit and
enjoy a high degree of respect in the commu
nifty of which they constitute prominent
part, and when we thus attempt to sketch the
life of their patriot >on, NAPOLEON MONROE
BEARDEN. we at once experience feelings, both
sweet AID painful, for while We feel it pc
culiar enjoyment to be, to the meritorious,
the medium of their commemoraton and
praise, our regrets were never more bitter than
when we are compelled to write and close the
tribute, under the solemn influences of the
sad facs by which we are brought to a knowl-
edge of his untimely and lamentable fall.
He was born in Marshall county, TennC ssee
on the 9Th of February, 1887, moved with his
parents to Fayetteville, in the same State,
in 1889, and in l843 removed to his present
home, twelve miles southwest of the town,
which remained his residence up to the time
of our separation with the United States, only
interrupted bya year or two spent at Burrett
College, where, in 1857, he finished his edu-
cation and returned.
When he returned home be determined to
follow inclinations which prompted him to
EN- bark in the study of medicine, and freight
all his aims iD the hope of useful, perhaps,
brilliant career.
| He professed religion in 1859, and was mi =
tiated into the mystic bonds of Frcemasonry
| in 1861. Prior to this period he was esteemed
as good young man, aud subsequently by his
devotion to christianity. and fidelity to her
beautiful handmade ancient York Masonry, he
was rapidly taking his stand in the moral world
about him, as model of virtue worthy of
imitation = indeed, from youth to more ma
| remanhood he never made an acquan' ance
without constituting an admirer and friend.
Among the first to feel the sting of the poig-
nant thrust made at the vitas OF the South
by the Nero-like vandals of the North all
for his country, he charged his civil armor
for that of the warrior, abandoned the quiet
precincts of a comfortable home and cast his
early fortunes amid the dangers Of battle and
! cherries shelter Of the tented field.
/ He volunteered on the Oath of April, 1861,
in Company c, 9Th Regiment of Tennessee
| Volunteers, as private, to us the highest
style of patriot, but upon being chosen First
Lieutenant OF the company he accepted, and
/ to the writer's own knowledge, filled the posi-
! ton with great credit to himself. He was
ever obedient to the orders of his s1periors
| lie never complained at hardships, many sore
trials of which, he in common with our
whole command, endured, as all will testify
who accom- panied the expedition through the
dreadful campaign of Western Virginia. The
1 long roll was never beat on any fed up9r
which his command was called to act but he
was among the first to seize his battle blade
and rally his men to arms, nor was the line of
battle ever formed without his manly presence.
! He heard every cannon that rev erberated over
the immediate marshes and through the pail
mettoes back to the moaning pine-tops Of the
coast of South Carolina, until his command
was ordered to Corinth, where the reorganiza-
ton took place, and where he waschosen Cap
tain of the company without dissenting
voice. He commanded with cool courage and
discretion through omeOf the heaviest skir-
m:shes that occurred on these historic plains
+, With his command he. was subsequently, or
dered to kentucky, and at the battle of Per-
tryyille be again won an additional share of
the laurels which are gathered on every field
over which the prowess of the gallant Cheat
ham reigns.
] We now approach the hard-fought field OF
Murireesboro, where the preco is blood of so
macy of Tennessee's gallant sons miugle in
one common pool but thanks to tie gallant
Cheatham, that same terror-inspiring proves
which relgned at Belmont and Perryvfle was
guiding star through the darkest of the con-
tlict. This field became the noble theatre of
The glory Of the heroic Hanson-the gallant
Moore--the brave, hoary headed Peterson
the youthful, patriotic Rains, with host of
other lamented spirits who shared the fate and
glory of young Bearden. -s.
He is represented as leading his company
through the hottest of the battle to one of
the most daring charges of the memorable
3lst. 1t is said that when he received the
fatal shot he was holding his sword in one
hand and hat in the other, with both arms
stretched out, and with his voice swollen to
its boldest tones, was crying. '.Come on, boys"
Nay, as these immortal accents, m ngled
with the thunders of battle, rolled from his
tongue, he reeled and fell pierced by minnie
ball from the enemies guns. But not yet
dead, what emotions must have pervaded bis
entire being when be still survived to behold
the ranks and files Of the enemy break and
give way before the invincibIe boys he had
thus far led into the fercest furies of the
storm, and YET agaiE when he heard the well.
kin ring with their shouts of victory over his |
bleeding FORM
lie was borne from the field and placed in |
private house in the town, where be re-
ceised every possible attention. A devoted
father stood by bis bedside to minister to his |
every want. a loving mother and kind heart
ed sister we're there, too, to care for and COM
fort him away from home, to smooth his pill |
low in his dying moments. and hold his Ian
gushing head. What consolationl He |
passed through all the closing scene and met
death without murmur, but with the same
frmness with which he had met the wicked |
enemies Of his country and as man whs,
after doing his duty in this world, is conscious
Of receiving the rrincely heritage that awaits
him in the Iext. -. *t*s.