The Newberry herald. [volume] (Newberry, S.C.) 1865-1884, 1869-01-27
CBIIuH

DIED at Ncwberry C. H., on Sunday
evening, 3rd January, inst, Maj. HENRY
SUMNER, in the Goth year Of his age. In
penning brief sketch of the life and charac-
ter of the deceased, the writer purposes to
avoid every thing like fulsome pan'gyr;c,
and to deal in simple truth for any thing
else would be inconsistent with that life
and character.
He was born and raised in Lexington
District, and after completing his education
at the South Carolina College, chose the law
for his profession, and after being admitted
to practice, settled for short time at Lex
ineton Court House; soon after, however,
he removed to Newberry c. H., where he
spent the remainder Of his life.
TO man Of his character, and disposition,
literary life would have been far more
congcnal. Unsuspccting, confdng, truth
full and conscientious, he WAS poorly pre-
par d to struggle with the world, and was
consequently often deceived, by what Is
termed the sharpness of others. But,
though often deceived, he was never the de-
ceiver; though betrayed he was never the
betrayer.
Although modest and unassuming, he
nevertheless was frequently thrown into
public life; for time he represented his
District in the Legislature; in many OF the
political assemblies Of the State, he was
member; and at his death held the office OF
Register in Bankruptcy. At the Bar, and
in public assemblies, he frequently spoke,
and his speeches were always to the point
clear and forciblc.
During the existence Of the Lutheran
College at Newbcrry, he was one of its
most ardent friends; was the Secretary to
the Board OF Trustees; and contributed all
in his power TO make it succeed.
But while his profession and public du-
ties pressed heavily upon his time, he would
take some moments for literature. lie con-
tributed many valuable articles to the
Southern Review; and recently wrote a
series upon the uses and Importance of his
tory, which he intended perlecting and pub
lsbing, hao his life been spared.
For his friends, lie had the strongest at
tachment, and the tongue Of sander never
had the effect to wean lin from them the
friends of his childhood aud earlier years,
we're his friends through life, and at his
death. Those, WHO knew him best, loved
him most; and is not saying little for
him, that he enjoyed the esteem, conf
dencc, and friendship Of those great and
good men, Judge O'Neall, and Chancellor
Job Johnstonc. Differences of opinion,
and heat of political strife, bad no effect in
alternating him from those he loved; and
while he was free, frank and candid in ex-
pressing himself, he was kind and tolerant
towards those who differed with with him.
All his public duties he performed faithfully,
promptly, honestly and conscientlouSly, and his
priTate life was one Of the strictest purity: But
the crowning beauty of the whole is, that he
was all humble and devout Christian. He en-
deayored to shape his course through life by the
teachings of his Divine Master, and faith in his
atonement was his stay and staff in death A
day Or two before he died, feeling assured, that
his stay on earth coold not be long, he called his
wife ard children to his bedside and after tell
ing them calmly, that probably before the set
ting sun be might be called hence, he spoke OF
| the comforts of his faith he knew in whom he
had trusted. and added Il see my way clearly
before mel fear no evil" .c
His end was peace-his death triumphant
what BETTING close TO life so well spent!
another evidence Ct the glorious efficacy Of fait'
and that in. death, nothing will do but Christ
To his wife and little ones the stroke is heavy
to the aged mother, who has lived to see six
other seven sons buried, the weight won ID seem
almost crushing; but the surviving brother
writes me ave are HOT without the comforts
'sand consolation of a belief soothing and cheer
| 'sins that we may all make uuited family, in
that better world to come. In this hope we
must live. and endearor to discharge our duty
here"
What q legacy has he left to his family aud
nd..-so.slt had
more such men-then would earth J.: better. aud
Heaven more glorious. ME-.