The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1868-04-22
Board OF Firemasters.

Alta meeting of the Board, held on the 18th inst,
the following preamble and resolutions were adopted:
When those who have reached their season Of pro-
baton are gathered to their fathers, It is an event in
the history Of man which makes but little imrZes'
sion. But when man In the prime Of Life, In the
midst Of his hopes is suddenly cut down, surround
ed by all the endearments OF domestic Life, with the
prospect Of great public usefulness before him. 1t Is
an event which strikes deep into the human heart.
It teaches US painfully the uncertainty Of life.
SAMUEL GILMAN COURTENAY, whom the Fire
Department has ever regarded rs an embodiment OF
It's representative spirit is no more Death has gath
cred manhood In oil Its Hgor. Here truly he has
been the King of Terrors strewing his pathway with
mourning Sudden and unexpected was thy vista
ton, Death. But alas
ave know when moons shall wane,
When summer birds from far shall Cross the aea
When autumn's hue shall tinge the golden grain.
But who shall teach us when to look for thee"
In the Fire Department, the death Of our friend Is
indeed lamented They mourn the premature de-
cease of one whose zeal for their welfare never fall
tered and whose devotedness to their best interest
can never be forgotten. OF him 1t may be truly said,
that all of the energies of his manhood were dedi-
with our Department from his early youth, 1t was
his practice to perform, in varied capacities Its ar
duous duties with cheerfulness. AS president OF one
of its tdme-honored and efficient companies, and as
Chief Of the Department, he exhibited knowledge,
character and zeal which enhanced their welfare.
Urged by On honorable AMBITION whose Light was
dimmed by no sordid ray Of envy he was ever cour-
teous kind and consderate of the feelings of others.
We admired him MS the polished gentleman; o
prompt compliance with the requisites Of usage and
decorum ever dignined his department We valued
him as o competent, jealous officer We esteemed
him as a friend for we knew him well.
We cannot enter that sacred home, where be was
more sincerely cherished and bis loss will be more
beenly felt 1t was there that his character shone
most radiantly and sweetly; that his spirit founu de-
lightful fellowship with the innocence OF children
and the quiet loveliness OF kindred affection Nay
they be solaced by the reflection that his death has
been appointed by one who giveth aud VINO taketh
away Our sorrow is assuaged by the thought that
what to our poor judgment seems heavy visitation,
proves frequently to be but the dark disguise which
celestial benedichons often assume. Therefore be 1t
ResoIred, That in the death of our ex.Chief, SAM
UEL G.. CoURTENAY the City Of Charleston has lost
al accomplished and useful citizen; the Fire De.
partment faithful adviser and valued friend.
Resolred, That while we mourn the premature end
of one 30 deservedly dear to ALL we yet cherish
the remembrance OF his virtues, OF his sincere and
manly disposition.
Resolred That we respectfully tender our condo
lence and sympathy to his afflicted FAMILY.
Resolred That blank p1gc on our Minute Book
be dedicated to his memory; that copy of these
preamble and resolutions be sent to his family and
published in the papers of this city.
BM. STROBEL.
Clerk and Superintendent.