The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1850-1873, 1869-11-19
George Peabody.

THE death of George:P esbody is an event
which, while it will not attract 90 much
attention as would that of almost any
eminent politician, is yet something de-
serving of prominence and comment In
every country where the English Ian
guage is spoken. Both as philanthro-
pist and business man, Mr.. Peabody has
won the notice and respect of the civilized
world.
In looking over his life, one may find
matter of instruction at almost every step
of it. Dying the possessor Of untold
His own genius, industry, and persever-
ance constructed the craft which bore him
across the vast oceans and through the
tremendous difficulties and dangers that
separate indulgence from euch opulence as
he attained. In his success in elevating
himself from the ragged school-boy of
American banker in London, he furnishes
an example Of infinite value for all future
generations of young men, and of those
who believe that poverty is an obstacle
which unaided ability cannot overcome.
1t is true that the world does not lack for
such examples; and yet there are few
WulCl alt 81 NdludOiC do bu6t VI NIL
Peabody. AstOr began as low as Peabody,
and climbed as high; but there is this diff
ference, that the former was penuriOus
and saving to the last degree. Other men
have been as obscure in origin as the
great American banker, and have gained
as great eminence; but there are few OF
none who have done so that have not had
their careers blotted by the meanness Of
~ hoo 81 x-v1s
sistently ignored the benefit of everything
save the single individual-self In the
fact that to his industry and genius Mr..
benevolence, does he stand out prominent
| ly from the self-made men of this or any
| other age.
Born in 1705; a grocer's clerk at II
years of age; at Is, a dry goods clerk IN
sale dry goods house in Washington; at
which was the largest in the country
these are the salient points in his career be-
| fore he removed to England. At 4S, he
began his career as banker in England,
| since which time he has been well known
to every American who has visited Eng
land, and to the world by his enormous
4
can banker, he was the central point
around which all Americans gathered
when in London; and it was while in this
position, some 20 years ago, he established
| for America and Americans a financial
credit in England which was then as ne.
cessary as it is now extensive and endur-
ing.
Without the statistics, it is impossible to
| ha nf Of M oo1Nodvy,e
charities. They began some 20 years age
in gift of $4,000 to his native town fol
the founding of an educational institute
This original donation has since beer
quadrupled by Mr.. Peabody. He gave
$4,000 to aid in an Arctic expedition, and
100000 for the establishment of an edu
cational institute in Baltimore. His latter
contributions to aid the foundation of Q
system for relieving the London poor; his
| enormous donation for educational Dur
poses to the South, and his several munifi
cent donations, during his late visit to this
country, are all fresh in the minds of the
public. In all, his gifts to education
and for the relief Of poverty amour,
to more than have been given by
any other man. All of his giving ha.
been practical None of it has beer
wasted in show or glitter. To cheaper
education for the masses, and the cost o
living to the poor, have been the objects
sought in his charities. Not dollar wa
placed where it would not be productiv,
of the greatest amount of good. In hi
giving, as in his business, he always ha(
reference to the future. He placed hi
charities where they would take root ant
grow, and thereby increase constantly il
strength, extent, and ability to confer good
This class of relief, of investment, is vast
ly better and more kindly than that whicl
indiscriminately scatters wealth without
thought as to its future productiveness.
Mr.. Peabody has secured immortality
So long as the thousands of London poo
find themselves in comfort from his fore
thought and generosity, he will be re
membered. Each youth whe graduates il
any of the many institutes which he ha
founded will aid in preserving Mr.. Pea
body's name from being forgotten. Politi
clans make their impression upon thei
own immediate age, which soon is los
sight of in the past. Mr.. Peabody has o
arranged it that his deeds and his memoir
must accompany the progress of time
These cannot be left behind or forgotten
Therefore has he achieved for himself q
immortality; end it is one whose characte
is suggestive always of noble deeds, vas
generosity, great judgment, unfailing Low
of human kind, and a success in bushes
that finds but few parallels.-C hicag