The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-07-12
Death OF John Mason Crer.

YESTERDAY afternoon, after a short illness, JOHN
MASON GRIER, one of the editors of THE
EVENING TELEGRAPH, died at his residence in
tbs city. II is not in the cold words of SCI
eulogum that we can express our feelings at the
loss of one whose good qualities OF head and
heart we have learned tp recognize by daily
contact. Meeting him constantly, we are well
qualified to speak of his character, and bear
testimony TO his unchangesble genlaIts, en-
during friendship, and literary ability.
Mr.. GRIER was boru near Chester, Pa, in 1892
His father was the Rev. DR.. GRIER, and his
brother Is the Rev. Mr.. GRIER, editor of the
Presbyterian. He attended partial course at
Lafayette College. He commenced the study
oil law in the Office of THEODORE CUYLER ESQ.,,
was admitted to the Bar in 1854, and few years
later was admitted to practise in the United
States Supreme Court. From his earliest years,
however, he had a tondness for journalism.
While vet a boy he contributed to
various journals OF our city. When hav-
ing concluded his law labors he became con-
nected with the old Register, then under the
management of the late General JAMES B.
BIRNEY. At the time of Mr.. GRIER's first en-
trance upon the Register, that paper was sound
ing the first toosin in favor of freedom. With
of the proslavery party, and the young journal.
ist then imbibed ideas in politics to which he
has ever since stood steadfast. He threw all his
talents into the scales and by the vieor of his
style, and the happy facility with which he
changed from grave to gay, he soon achieved a
reputation. But all the ability of its staff could
not sustain the Register. 1t was ten years ahead
of its time. Had il been published in 1865 in
stead of 1855, it would have been the foremost
paper of the day. But justice, unaided by
capital couldsnot continue to oppose tyranny,
and the Register was discontinued.
Upon its death, Mr.. GRIER became connected
with the Public Ledger; but desirous of i'm
proving his prospects, he moved to the West
Having purchased farm near Palmyra, Mo-,
he settled in that then young region, and CON-
menced the publication of paper Adopting
at once firm views IN favor OF freedom, and
opposing all efforts to force slavery upon the
Territories it is no wonder that he became an
object of both fear and hatred to the semi
Rebel population in which he lived.
Upon the breaking out OF the war his
home was burned, his fields laid waste, and he
subjected 10 the persecution which was meted
out to Union men. 1t was by such hardships that
his good health was impaired and he returned
to our city in 1864. He became at once attached
to the editorial staff of The EVENING TELEGRAPH,
which position he retained until the day of his
death.
Mr. GRIER was q member of the Masonic fra
ternlty and connected with the Palmyra Lodge
OF Missouri. He was a regular attendant on the
PRESBYTERIAN church, to which denomination he
belonged, and was attached to the church of
the Rev. Dr.. BBADLB. Just previous to his death
he informed friend that during fifteen years
he had not omitted to attend divine service, ON
the Sabbath, more than three or four times
He was one OF the earliest members of the Press
Club, serving tor some months as a member of
the Board of Directors. Two weeks SINCE
while too unwell to attend, he was elected Cor
responding Secretary, in spite OF his positive
declinaton.
He was man who went through the world
with a constant smile. Cherishing enmity to
none, and living in peace with all, combining
with rare intellectual powers a goodness OF
heart and purity OF disposition, his character
was one too seldom met with. and one which to
meet with is to love. During long friendship
with our deceased brother we have never
heard him utter one word in dsparagement of
another, or cast sur on any man.
Eager always to detect the good, and passing
by lightly all the dark spots Of life, he brought
genial glow wherever he went, and he was a
welcome guest at every circle. AS an editor
he was conscientious, careful and able; writing
with equal facility the heaviest leader or the
lighter description. Entertaining firm convic-
tions, he never allowed his prejudces to interfere
with his duties, and was as near as we can
imagine a model journalist. Ever courteous,
ever smiling, ever willing to do his whole duty.
firm in his friendship, without guile, and of
most decided talents, we know of none
whose loss we would mourn more sincerely, or
whose death leaves vacuum in our newspaper
circles more difficult to fill.