The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1874-05-28
OBITUARY.
Death of John d. n. Dobbins.

The solemn truth that Sin the midst of life
we are in death" is seldom so forcibly illustra-
ted as in the demise of this estimable citizen.
On Saturday morning, the second of May, ne
came from his residence in the suburbs to his
place OF business in town, apparently in his
usual health, and particularly impressed, as it
would seem, with sense OF the duty resting
on him as a good citizen. On the Monday fol-
lowing, which would be Saleday, certain off,
cial transactions were to be had, involving the
pecuniary interests of number Of his old
friends, as to which he was in possession of in
formation acquired years before when Sheriff,
that was unknown to others. At IL a. m. he
called on the writer, avowedly to communicate
the information he possessed in relation to
these matters, which he did with great particu-
larity, stating that if present on Monday be
would make the facts known himself, but if
not, justice demanded that they should be COM
municated. This solicitude for his friends be-
ing in character with the fidelity of his whole
life attracted special attention at the time, but
recalling the circumstances, it might be conjec-
tured that he had some premonition of his inn
pending fate. After the lapse of perhaps half
an hour, he returned to his store, where, in
very few minutes, whilst sitting conversing in
his usual cheerful manner, his tongue sudden
ly refused to give utterance, friends and physi-
sicans near by were called in, and 1t was as
certained that he had been stricken with paral-
ysis. All the aid that kindness and medical
skill could render was promptly administered.
but to no avail. Without the power of speech,
he gave evidence of consciousness, and the re-
cognition OF friends for perhaps an hour when
growing gradually worse, he fingered mani
Testing neither mental or physical suffering,
until the setting of the sun, when his spirit de-
parted to 'that bourne whence no traveller re-
returns"
Mr. Dobbins was, perhaps, as well known
and highly respected by the people of Ander-
son County as any man who had lived in it,
and his loss will be felt and mourned in all cir
cles Of society; more especially will he be held
in fond rememb brance by that numerous class
the poor and the needy-who have been the
recipients Of his gushing kindness.
Think not the good,
The gentle deeds of mercy thou hast done,
Shall die forgotten all; the poor the prisoner,
The fatheriess the frendless and the widow,
Who daily own the bounty Of thy hand,
Shall cry to heaven and pull blessing on thee"
Mr.. Dobbins was born and raised in Ander-
son, and his whole life was devoted to the SER
vice of her people-not so much in official po-
sition, as in the discharge of the duties of those
trusts that invariably seek the public spirited
whose nature will not permit him to refuse
kindness. True, in addition to numerous
minor offices which he held at different times,
ho was from 1858 to 1862 Sheriff of his county,
and in these positions, as in the private trusts
confded to him, invariably discharged his du-
ties with an earnestness and fidelity that met
the undivided "well done' of all the people.
Mr.. Dobbins passed his ffty-sixth birthday on
the 26th of March last, and although somewhat
feeble for year past as compared with his for
mer vigor, his friends had reason to hope that
several years of usefulness remained to him;
but be is gone, and the places that knew him
''shall know him no more forever" Four
children had preceded him to the grave-three
sleep gently by his side in Roberts Church.
yard, one rests on a Virginia baSrle-feld, and a
wife, four children, brothers and sisters, with
numerous relatives and friends survive him to
mourn his loss: But they do not mourn with
consistent and worthy member of Hopewell
Baptist Church, and his walk and conversation
was such that they feel that their loss is ''his
eternal gain" A kind husband and father,
more devoted friend, or better citizen, wife,
children, friends or county have seldom been
called to mourn. *%*%