Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1881-02-16
DEATH OF OLD CITIZENS.


In the death Of Colonel Obas. D.
Mclean. which occurred yesterday
afternoon, at his residence near the
city, this community loses one of its
Oldest and most honored citizens. He
was one Of the few links connecting
the Memphis Of to day with its early
village history. He had lived up the
full allotted time of man, and his pass
iDg over the river to the great beyond
is not matter of surprise. Eighty
five years, six months and five day,
was his age. Not long since he re-
marked that he was the only man
living in Shelby county who had seen
Thomas Jefferson. Whilst he kept
up with the events of the day, and dis
cussed men and measures freely and
clearly, he loved like most old men to
talk Of the past, and his recollection
extended back prior to the birth Of
most men living in Memphis. Last
April he attended the Nashville CEN
tennial, and planted a small tree from
Shelby county on the apitol grounds
which is still living, and bids fair to
become strong and beautiful. This
was his last appearance upon any pub.
ho occasion. Since the death of his
wife, which occurred few months
ago, he has not been the same, though
he kept up remarkably well, and was
able to appear on the streets a few
weeks ago. Colonel Mclean was born
in Albermarle county, on August 10,
1895, and came to Tennessee at a very
early age. He learned to set type in
Nashville, and from 1924 to 1881 pub.
lished the Gazette, weekly paper, at
Jackson. - He was an active politician
aud welded a large influence. He
participated in the war of 1912, and
was always warm supporter of Gen
eral jackson. His life was intimately
connected with the early history of
West Tennessee. He represented
Shelby county in the legislature about
thelJear 1885. lie was prominent for
many years as president or active
member of the Shelby county Old
Folks at Home. His memory will
long be held dear to the present gen
Grafton, and his name will go down to
posterity honored and cherished as
one Of the pioneers of this part of the
state. We hope fuller biography
may be prepared and preserved.
Mr.. VIM. NJ. Perkins, another old
and respected citizen, died Sunday,
tSe 18th inst, Of pneumonia, at his
resi,1' fence at Forrest Hill, in this
county, BE was born in Grayson
county, Va, in September, 1916, and
was thererSfore in his sixty-sixth
year. He joined the Methodist church
when sixteen yeas of age, and was a
member Of that denomination to the
day of his death. Nj. Perkins was
educated at Emory and ncnry college
Virginia; came to West Te&uesseem
1910, and settled in Memphis IN 1874
In 1871 he married Mrs. LochiS A
Henderson in this county. For a
time he was merchant III this city,
and for term Of years he served as
alderman in the board Of mayor aud
aldermen. About the year lSi9 he
went to California, where he had fair
success in the gold miues for a year
and then returned. OF late years he
has lived at Forrest Hill and been en-
gagged in planting. Mr.. Perkins was a
man of excellent education and q
wide range of reading, and often con-
tributed articles for the daily press Of
this city. lie was a man Of decided
anG even eccentric views upon some
subjects; was true to his convictions
good neighbor and devoted hus
hand and father. In all the relations
of life Ny. Perkins was conscientious
upright ami true to his obligations
He leaves widow and family o
grown up children, two of whom live
in Virginia, to mourn their irrepara
bic loss. His remains were inferred
at Elmwood cemetery, near this city
A good and useful man is gone, an'
will'be mourned by a large circle 0
friends.