New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1871-08-08
TN MEMORY OF THE DEPARTED.

IN MEMORY OF THE DEPARTED.
The memorial services in honor OF the
late Senator S. S. Fish, announced to take
place at theJ Ames Methodist Episcopal
church on last Sabbath evening, were OF
most impressive and interesting CHAR
acter. The Rev. j. c. Hartzell, the pas
tor of the church, delivered an appropri-
ate and eloquent sermon upon the occa-
sion, referring to the death OF Mr.. FISH
in most beautiful and touching manner.
The sermon was followed by an address
of great force and eloquence delivered by
the Rev. DR.. Matlack, who was an init
mate friend and admirer of the deceased
from his boyhood days up to the period
of his death. The doctor had served with
him not only as soldier of the cross, but
as soldier who had imperiled his life in
defense of his country. He had seen the
modest, fair-haired and bright-faced boy,
whose early promise had attracted his at
tention, ripen into useful manhood; and
had witnessed his manly virtues in some
of the most trying scenes of life. 1t was
in this way that the Rev. DR.. Matlack
had learned to love and admire the ster-
ling qualities of one whose memory he
felt was worthy of record; and the doctor
did not hesitate, when the time came, to
give rich, forcible and eloquent tribute
to departed worth. The narrative OF MIR.
Fish's life, as given by Mr.. Matlack, is
useful and instructive to the young men
of our country. 1t points out to them
another example of how young men may
rise to eminence who have the will to do
so. Mr.. Fish was early impressed with a
religious feeling, and by studious course
managed to improve naturally good
mind. When the war broke out in 1861,
he was law student in Rochester, New
York, his native State. 1T was in this
State that Mr.. Matlack first made his
acquaintance. A lofty spirit of patriotism
prompted Mr.. Fish to enter the service of
his country when its integrity was sorely
assailed. He did long and noble service
as a private soldier, as Mr.. Matlack was
able to testify, having served with him and
personally observed his noble qualities.
After the close of the war Mr.. Fish
settled in this city, and entered into the
practice of the law with judge H. c.
Dibble. MIR. Fish was afterward elected
City Attorney, which position he was
forced to resign in consequence of his
falling health, caused by wounds received
in the massacre of 1866, at the Mechanics
Institute And here his able eulogist
spoke of him as one who had bravely
faced the enemies of his country and
escaped the dangers of the battlefield to
meet lingering death at the hands of
murderous and cowardly assassins. Mr..
Fish received three wounds in that terrible
affair, from which he never recovered.
The robust man, who at one time weighed
one hundred and seventy-fve pounds,
became the mel shadow of his former
. Soils 81 ldl 40 PAJSASoA StACA5eh
was concerned. Yet he maintained
his mental powers remarkably well
for one SO severely afflicted, and man.
aged to make himself useful to society.
In 1870 Mr.. Fish was elected to the State
Senate from the First Senatorial District
of this city. He was careful, patient
and honest legislator, and if his life could
have been spared, his habits were such as
to have made him most valuable and
consequently popular public man.
The memorial services were attended
by large congregation, the most of whom
were personal friends and admirers of the
deceased, and deeply sympathized with
his relatives in their loss.
In the death of Mr.. Fish the country
sustains loss, for he was a brave SOL
der, peaceful and dutiful citizen, and a
man whose example might afford food for
wholesome reflection among those who
are disposed to make politics a source of
baneful contention, instead of good gov
eminent.