Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1880-03-06
ADDRESS
TO THE COLORED DEMOCRATIC
CHR.
nv Prof. Jas. H Carey.

Mr. Chairman-I think it proper that
40 ,nrn aside from the routine OF eusi-
Moss and from the consideration ofthose
crave questions which have heretofore
Occupied our time, to pay tribute of
respec, to one, who in his brief service
in This club, by his kindness, courtesy
and fraukness, made each of US his
friend; and who discharged his duty as
president with intelligence, fidelity aud
honor. 3
In all stations, in every allotment OF
iife,it is right that we should be brougn'
10 the absolute contemplation OF aeati'
and the realization that to each OF us ~
is inevitable and near. Not lips ,oucu-
ed with the fire of genius can SO soie'n .he
us to sense of duty, SO Pleau loi 'ne
right. 40 admonish us OF the Van.'y VI
bnman expectation, as the dumb lips OF
~. dooI Beneath these forms and
,rsnn;ngs beneath this covering of flesh
onr sLeje,ons are marching to the grave,
oud everything on earth that we long
for. seek, strive for, IS but covered
skeleton adorn it as we may. Cheat our
selves as we will, to this complexion 1t
must come a. last, and then dust aud
ashes.
Mr.. Abraham Dixon, our esteemed
and worthy President, met his sad late
on the 23d of Feb. 1880, by accident OF
a rolling log, while at his post, lived ana
bpt a few minutes afterwards; during
which time he was speeches., and per-
haps not aware of his condition. lie
was sixty-6ve years OF age, and an OLD
citizen of Shepherdstown.
President Dixon has stood the storms
and yicissitudes which have beat against
him for many years, and untilnching at
all times, showed his attachment to the
principles by which this Club is actua-
ted. A few days ago, if President DIX
ON had entered this room, and passed 10
his seat, it would have been common
place incident, as little noticed as your
or my coming here to night; but II ne
shouid enter that door now, what an
awe would fall upon us! If he shouiu
rise at his desk TO speak, with what rapt
suspense We should listen. Not the most
ELOQUENT words that ever tell from NOR
raj Inns could so enchain attention as the
slightest syllable from his. lett ne
could come back from the undiscovered
country, and speak to US in the flesh, 40
we not know what his message would
BET imagine hear him saying TO
us: 81 coniurs you bret hren, by the ties
which connect us with the Colored Dem
oerafic CLUB of Shepherdstown; by the
memories of the past; and by the glo-
rious hopes of the future, to hold me
Fart" Those who knew President
Dixon better than !, would speak OF the
traits of his character and the incidents
of his life. In our brief acquaintance
he impressed me as man OF good proc,
teal sssss, impatient with what he re-
carded as distractions, Jealous tor the
promotion of every material interest,
and devoted TO reunion OF hearts ana
hands.
In the life of the gentleman whose
death we mourn, these qualities were
constantly exempli6ed, and from our
contemplation OF them aud their exer-
cises, NAV we take new resolve 10 pay
them due respec; in our memory OF the
dead, and call for their recognition ana
practice in our intercourse with the Nv
ing.
ar Int in all that is done beneath the
sun. No more for him the voice OF
love, the song of gladness, the load OF
care, the cup of sorrow; not for HIM the
beauty of Spring, the splendors OF
Summer, the glory of Autumn, the un-
crowned majesty of Winter. Flowers
will spring from his grave; storms Will
beat upon it, morning Will greet
i, with the earliest light-night crown
il with stars; and the earth rolling IN
her great orb,in intimate space, will bear
his dust with hers till time shall be no
more.
Therefore, be it
R,,oIv,d. That whereas it has been
the will of the Supreme Architect OF the
Universe. to remove from our midst our
much respected friend aud President
MFR. Abraham Dixon; esteemed not only
as a noble and respected citizen, but as
a worthy worker for humanity, whose
cardinal principles, not only in protes
sion, but in practice, were Friendship
and Morality.
Alter the short address, il was agreed
that a copy of the proceedings be sent
TO the family of the deceased, AMI also
one prepared for publication.