Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1870-03-06
IN MEMORY OF THE LATE MIR.
AND MRS. THOMAS MARTIN.

Friendship has sad as well pleasant duties to
perform. Only few short days since the silent
messenger from the Unseen Land came and sum-
moned our neighbor and friend, Mr.. THOMAS
MARTIN, and with hearts fresh with sorrow at the
loss of this kind and sympathizing counsellor, We
now mourn Mrs. ADMINISTRATION, her physi-
clan remarked by the death of him who, for forty
FIVE years, had smoothed for her hfe's pathway. 1t
seems not unmeet that descending the hill of life
together, they should thus sleep together at the
foot
Springing from the pioneers of this country,
they began life when it was comparatively wilder
ness.
Mrs. Martins grandfather, Roger Topp, COM
handed a regiment in the battle of Kings Noun
tain Five brothers were in the same regiment,
bravely contending for liberty and right. Mr.
Martins father soldier of the Cross, being
one of the earliest preachers of that Church of
which he himself was so earnesI laborer. The
members of both families have iled prominent
positions in society, having adorned the pulpit the
bar. medicine, commerce and finance From sew
enteen or eighteen years Of age, Mr. Martin has
been identified with Pulaski, at that time a cane
| brake given by the Government. Forming part
nership with Mr. Baentine, they struggled till
| success crowned their efforts. Mr.. Martin mod
eled and gave bent TO the settlement being part
not only of US, but extending his influence far be-
| yond Such WAS his financial ability that Mr. Polk
| a practical statesman, and intimately acquainted
| with him, rendered TO him the position of Secre-
| tary of the Treasury. Any one understanding the
| commercial interests Of this section, must ac-
knowledge Mr.. Martins influence. He was identi-
| fed heart and soul with the advancement Of the
| people. When his judgment was convisced of
| right, he took hold with energy that knew no
step backward, and success was his achievement.
| This, the result OF bold, honest upright action,
based upon principles Of the sternest integrity.
Few men placed in the trying positions occu-
pied by Mr.. Martin, have filed them as he, without
| reproach. 1t is real pleasure to the writer of
| this, who knew him from his bOyhOOd to dwell up
| on his admirable traits. Never was he heard tC
| say aught against any one; always having a help
| ing hand for those disposed TO do something es.
| the LONG will he he mi apd
| mournedi
Mrs. Martin was indeed remarkable woman
Gifted 10y nature with fine personal appearance
dgnifed, gentle, heroic, brilliant in intellect, she
| exerted an influence on all around. Pleasant anC
impressive in an unusual degree was her convers,
| enriched by study, association and experience
| Debarred by want OF health, in the latter part o
her life, from being an active worker, her influ
| ence like the sunlight silent yet powerful
| Being dead, she speaketh in the manifestations o
taste displayed in the cultivation Of flowers, an'
| the establishment Of home-that sphere Of ever,
1 true woman.
To her husband she was indeed help-meet
| While he was lying dead, speaking of the well
spring Of joy their life had been to each other sh
| said that ''Surely, Mr. Martin had done his part
| and she was happy to know he thought she had no
| failed in hers.n Beautifully did she discharge tn
sacred Offices OF wife and mother, and by her man
! | virtues and graces, was the beloved center of
} | happy household. AS mother her children spea
| for her. Truly, God seeth not as man seeth, an
not till life's deep mysteries are revealed shall v
/
| like Rachel, left to mourn for her children. TIL
{ innocent babe, the young girl just blushing int
| womanhOOd, the one Of mature years, whose men
: ory is fragrant in our midst, the of her Low
i returned to comfort her, so suddenly snatche
away, were laid in tho silent tomb. Is it strane
that she should weep that those che thought woul
close her fading eyes, should fade first? Hers ";
a simple faith, the faith OF the Cross, and the:
Il bitter bitter sorrows made her cling more close
o to our Holy ReligiOn-the religion OF grief-co
8 tanning as it does the only secret of our earth
pilgrimage.
: The writer thought, on hearing that Death l.;
g laid his cold hand on her aching heart,
He would give back what neither time nor might
Nor passionate prayer, nor longing hope restOr
| Dear as to long blind eyes recovered sight,
u We would give back those who had gone before
5 Can the only surviving child help weeping tn
the homestead is vacant, that those familiar fac
| will be seen on earth no more.
May she find consolation in the thought that 81
= was to her parents an obedient loving child. N;
n | these sad bereavements make her look steadfast
S toward Heaven and this baptism of tears be to h
a | baptism unto eternal life!