Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1877-02-17

why He Changed HIS Name-Mls
Naval career.
Cor. of the Baltimore SUM-
SARATOGA, BUCKINGHAM County, VAL
February %, 1876.
Victory or Westminster Abbey"
is as familiar and full of high and
soul-stirring significance on one
side of the Atlautic as the other.
But while the grave of Nelson is a
shrine, and Trafalgar an inspira-
ton; while the devotion of a great
nation perpetuates the memory and
heroism of its illustrious dead in
immortal verse and immemorial
marble, the greatest of Americas
naval heroes fills a forgotten grave
in strange lands, and a name which
chronicles the most daring and
splendid Of his victories, a name
with which not quite hundred
years ago the whole world rang and
thrilled, is to-day repeated in the
"Serapis," and comes with no
higher suggestion to the country
men of Paul Jones than it draws
from its association with a descend
ant of George III.
This is scarcely to be wondered
at when we remember that while
no revolutionary biography can
boast more public events of vivid
and intense interest than that Of
Paul Jones, none Is SO bare and
meagre in personal detail, Even
the fact that he has immortalized a
name which was his only by selec-
ton and adoption is Slurred over in
history with q calm statement that
che changed his name for unknown
reasons" AS the reasons we're not
unknown, and however difficult to
obtain later, were then easily acces-
sible, it appears to have been rather
a lack of careful and intelligent in
vestigation than Of facts which
caused their suppression. They are
now, for the first time, given to the
public.
The outline of his life is briefly
told. John Paul, the son Of gar
dener, was born July G, 1747, AZ
Arbingland, Scotland. At the age
Of twelve years lie went to sea. In
1773 the death of his brother in
Virginia, whose heir be was, in.
duced him to settle in America. 1t
was then he added to his name and
thenceforth was known as "Paul
Jones'" This was done in compli-
ment 10 one Of the most noted
statesmen Of that day, and in the
lovo and gratitude il SHADOWS forth
is scathing reproach and touch
ing example to a people who could
neglect in life and forget in death.
1t appears that before perma-
nently settling in Virginia, moved
by the restlesspesG Of his old sea-
faring life, he wandered about the
country, finally straying to North
Cerolina. There be became ac-
quainted with two brothers, Willie
and Allan Jones. They were both
leaders in their day and wise and
hoHored in their generation. Allan
Jones was An orator and silver
tongued: Willie Jones, the fore.
most man of his State sad one Of
the most remarkable of his time.
A short sketch of his public SER
vices will not be out Of place.
Educated abroad, a profound and
elegant scholar, he was a thinker
and actor rather than 4 speaker
Like franklin and Jefferson he,
perhaps, owed his uncompromising
republicanism to the abuses Of roy.
atty he had seen in the Old world
He served as governor in l776, re-
fusing compensation; was in the
continental congress of 17S0-Sl,
and, in fact, filled every office in
the gift Of the State. He is espe-
cially memorable now for his refu.
sal TO act as delegate to the conyen-
ton which framed the constitution
and for having caused the rejection
OF that constitution by North Caro-
lima in 1888.
His home, "The Grove" neal
Halifax, was not only the resort o
the cultivated and refined, but thu
home of the homeless, Mrs, Jones