The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1878-05-01

A. Tasteful Memorial 40 the Late tx
Presidenf-An Inscription Character
isfic of His Simple and Honest vir-

Correspondence OF the Brooklyn Eaglel
GREENvILLE, East Tennessee, April 10,
1S7S.-This little mountain town is of inter-
est to the traveller, associated as it is with
the name of Andrew Johnson, and its people
are ever ready to extend a welcome hand to
those who are drawn thither by desire TO
see the home of the village tailor and the
grave of the seventeenth president of the
United States. His library, after his re-
turn to Greenville in 1868, was separate
/ from the house, and was large, lofty room,
filled with his papers and law books. Here
he spent large portion OF his time, and
particularly would he be found porting over
some work or engaged in writing long after
every body in town was asleep. The library,
as the home, is closed now, aud there is
none OF his name living in Greenville. The
children, three in number, are separated,
Mrs. Slower and Andrew John
son living in Carter county, and Mrs.
Patterson, the eldest daughter. Is some
II miles away, residing on her farm. She
has supervision over the papers and BOOKS of
her father and is the care taker of all the
interests of the family so far as they relate
to the fame and name OF the ex-president.
Her husband-Hon. David Patterson, mem
Der OF congress during Mr.. Johnson's admin
istration-is a successful farmer, and his
only son, Andrew Johnson, again, is very
like him in his preference for farm life.
The daughter now young lady, is at school
north, and the four constitute the house
hold, with which Mr.. Johnson spent much
of his tune the last years of his
life. The other daughter, Mrs. Slower,
has son also named for his grandfather,
and two daughters, one of whom married
the private secretary of Mr.. johnson. This
gentleman, Mr.. Maloney, is living IN Green
vile, and is the representative of the family
here. Andrew Johnson, the ex presidents
only son, had a newspaper here for time,
and at one time took part in politics to some
extent, but he exhibited little desire for
public life, and latterly has given up all
interest in 1t. He is quite young, however,
and may come into public notice in the flu
ture.
When Mr.. Johnson died three years ago
his property was estimated to be worth
$4,000 TO $150,000, but the estate did not
realize this amount. because of the hard
times 1t was equally divided among the
three children, after sum was ser apart for
the purchase of monument. and added to
what they possessed previously, has left
them all in entirely comfortable clrcum-
stances. Mrs. Andrew johnson, who was for
so many long years an invalid, outllved her
husband and died in the house of her daugh-
ter, Mrs. Patterson. She was buried beside
her husband in the romantic burying ground
he selected for himself. Very
soon this graveyard will be the
scene of touching ceremony. Over the
graves OF their Illustrious father and re-
vered mother the children have erected
A COLOSSAL MONUMENT,
and time has been set for public ceremony
which shall be in accordance with the deserts
of the dead. The monument, standing in the
center of the picturesque spot selected many
years ago by Mr.. Johnson, can be seen for 20
miles all around. The monument, the design
of which was selected out of many offered,
l. IL -
the three children of Mr.. Johnson and paid
for by them. 1t stands rs feet in heigt and
towers high above the surrounding foliage.
Its broad base is of granite, with plinth die.
The base is nine feet six inches square at the
ground. Granite piers rest on each of the
graves lying side by side, over which is
sprung
A GRANITE ARCH,
and upon this the monument rests, leaving
an opening under the arch in which the
graves are visible. The arch and base are
four feet SIX inches high to the bottom of the
marble plinth. The plinth Is four feet six
inches square and threesfeet six inches high,
and at either side stands pIlasters supporting
funeral urns, each three feet three inches
high. The die is three feet six inches square
at the base, and three feet two inches high.
and upon the front is carved a scroll repre-
senung the constitution of the United States,
and an open book with hand resting upon
it, representing the taking of the oath of
office
The shaft is thirteen feet high and two feet
ten inches square at the base, tapering to the
apex, over which hangs an American flag in
graceful folds, and surmounting the whole
is an eagle with outstretched wings.
THE INSCRIPTION
on the monument is simple, containing
with the addition of the name and age and
death of Mrs. Johnson the following: "An-
drew Johnson, Seventeenth President U. S.
A. Born December 80, 1908. Died July 81,
1875"
This FAITH IN THE PEOPLE NEVER wAYERED.'
A pleasant fact in connection with the
above inscription is that the motto was the
suggestion of Hon. Thomas Kinsella.
Many months ago, when the matter was
submitted to his judgment, he said that
the chief characteristic of Mr.. Johnson
was his abiding faith in the people and
his conviction that they would approve his
efforts. He gave this line as embodying his
sentiments, which the daughters accepted,
and it stands to-day and will for all time,
on the tomb of Tennessee's loyal and loving
son. The unwilling will occur Tuesday, the
18th OF May, and every preparation is being
made to have it an imposing affair. The
masonic fraternity, of which he was, for
larger part of bis life, member, will take
part in the ceremonies, as they did in the
burial, and the knights templar will march
in the proce ssion from Greenville.
The family in selecting the speakers have
been guided by desire to have the service
of a heartfelt rather than of formal nature,
and they have therefore invited speakers
who will have the warm incentive of friend
ship as well as admiration for the dead to
inspire them.
Colonel George w. Jones, of Tennessee,
and Mrs. Laura c. Holloway, of Brooklyn,
are the speakers invited to make addresses.
The occasion will be one of great interest to
the people OF East Tennessee, and no doubt
it will be a grand affair, second only to the
sad occasion which drew them together three
years ago.