The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1880-06-26
In MEMORIAM.
Hon. Thos. :. Gathright.

quaintances at any time, bu. where a near
and dear friend is called by the Author of his
existence, from time to eternity, when only a
few years past the meridian Of life, sorrow
sinks deep into our souls and We are turned
back to memories of the past, to recount the
many acts Of friendship and love We have
enjoyed with our departed ones,
The sdage that death loves shining
mark" is verified in this instance. Thos. S.
Gathright was no ordinary man. He was a
man endowed with more than ordinary nat
ural ability, to which he had added extensive
mental culture.
He was born in Monroe county, Georgia,
9Th January, 1929. he was therefore a little
over tfty.one years of age. His intellectual
gifts were such as to qualify him forimporting
instruction to the young, and he chose the
profession of teaching the arts and sciences.
He came to Mississippi in the year 1858 and
erected a seminary of learning, called Sum
meryille Institute in Noxubie county. He
succeeded well in this enterprise, until
about 1869, when he suffered great by fire.
Rebuilding and rcsuming his profession, he
continued his labors until the year 1879,
when he had the misfortune to be burnt out
sgain."
The pecuniary losses he sustained by these
two destructive fires, brought such emoarass-
ments upon him that he found il expedient
to suspend his educational opera
tons at Sommerville. a vacancy
occurring, he was chosen by the
state authorities superintendent of education
in Mississippi which position he filed with
distinguished ability until he was elected to
the presidency of the Agricultural and Me-
chsnical college of Texas in 1876. This po-
sition he held until November, 1879, when,
on account of difficulties springing up stnong
the faculty of the college, he resigned his
place. While occupying the presidency he
discharged his duties with eminent ability and
success. H
He was then called to the presidency Of
Henderson college, but before the close of
the first session he was numbered among the
dead Snatched from o life Of usefulness in
the midst of his literary career, not only do
his family and friends suffer great loss, but
all those interested in the cause of education,
his country, and especially the great state in
which he had cast his lot will feel his loss.
While in Mississippi Professor Gathright
built up lodge Of Free and Accepted
Mssons, of which he became master. At
tending the grand lodge at jackson, in 1860,
he was, because of his peculiar qualifications,
elected grand orator. He aflerward became
deputy grand master, and in 1868 was pro.
noted to the Office of grand master OF
Masons by large majority of votes. The
next Year he was reelected by an increased
msoritv. His Masonic friends bear testl-
mony Of his ability ss grand master in pre-
siding over the grand lodge during its COM
munication, and administering the laws OF
the order during the year. He was the cher
ished idol of his brethren in Mississippi while
amongst them, and they regretted the ne
cessitv of his removal to Texas. We have
reason to believe that ten thousand mssons
in the former state, and thousands in the lat
ter and elsewhere will deeply mourn the loss
of their departed brother, who has gone 70
that bourne whence no traveller returns. We
simply allude to his masonic relations, be-
lievinr that his masonic brethren, whom ne
loved 20 we'll and served so faithfully, Will
embalm him in their hearts.
The writer of this poor tribute knew Pro-
lessor Gathriqht we'll. Believing we pos
sessed both, we were proud OF his friendship
and confidence. We never knew him to NJ
ter a sentiment unworthy gentleman he
based his opinion of men on their moral
worth, and in his Judgment of public men
and public affairs, he was guided by prinei-
pie. In fact he was man OF large views
and possessed in an eminent degree, patriotic
impulses. He was genial companion
exceedingly sprghtly and brilliant N
the social circle. He was man q
genius, and impressed any assembly OF IA
dies and gentlemen of his superior lnteIi-
gence and intellectual powers. In his man
ners and social intercourse he had the sun
plicity of q child-no ostentation, no effort
to show his learning. If his companions
were not as learned as he was they were "
least made to feel easy In his presence we
never knew man prouder Of friends 'hHn
was'Professor Gsthright, and ne had many az
of whom were equally proud OF MIN ana his
friendship.
We omitted to mention earlier the grace
and brilliancy that characterized his Writings
Besides his powers with the pen, ne was
graceful and powerful speaker, vehemeh'
and earnest whenever he espoused cause Lie
believed TO be right. -....,,.
Professor GatRright was christian gentle
man. He had presentment of his death
On two occasions within the last six months
he informed the writer that he expected to 60
soon, and on ths last occasion he expressed
hope that we might meet beyond the
river. These prophetic utterances were lui'
filled by his death May "a, 1880, at MS nome IN
in Henderson, Texas. In his denise me
world lost man free-minded, decided al
Observation-Disclosures.
Nor blame DEATH because he bore
The use of virtue out of earth; -,
know trans planted human worth
Will bloom TO profit otherwhere'