Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-09-05

Our community viii hear this morning
with feelings of deep regret Of the death Of
our old and highly esteemed citizen, Major
John Foley, which occurred at his resi-
dence on York street yesterday afternoon at
a quarter to three O'Clock, rather suddenly,
after an illness of some months.
Major Foley was born in county Kerry,
Ireland, in 1913, and was sixty eight years
of age. He came 10 Savannah early In 1885,
and had been a resident ever SINCE He was
then very young man, and was engaged In
some contract work on the Central Railroad,
which was then In course Of construction.
In 1899 or 40 he opened 6. grocery
store, which he carried On until
about 1860, when, having amessed, by
close attention to business and great indus
try, a comfortable competency, he
retired, aud since then had never
been engaged in active business. He
was married in early life, we Learn, but
his wife died many years ago In Europe,
without Issue and he had never remarked.
In 1861, whilst Captain of the Irish Jasper
Greens, which position he had held several
years, he was elected Major OF the First
Volunteer Regiment of Georgia, aud was
second 10 command to Col. OlInstead at
Fort Pulaski during the siege and st the sur
render. 1t is related Of him that a. the cap
itulatIon of the fort, when called upon to
deliver up his sword, he drew himself up
proudly and erect, and extending his
weapon to the Federal officer, said: THAT
Is the sword of a true Irishman. aud hope
have never disgrsced it." He was earn
est In the support of the Confederate cause,
and was gallant soldier. After his ex-
change some six months later, he was
elected Lieutenant Colonel of the First
Volunteer Regiment of Georgia, but declined
to qualify. In 1854 he was appointed
member Of the Relief Committee that was
organized in Savannah, and sent to Atlanta
to render assistance and relief to the sick
aud wounded soldiers, and was Jealous and
earnest in the execution Of the good work.
Previous to bis connection with the JAS
per Greens he was member of tar Repub
lican Blues, and always maDif~sted the
liveliest interest in that organization. some
months since be stated, in c2I eTsatiOO
with an officer of the latter corr 5, that he
knew the gallant Greens would attend his
funeral, and that he also desired his old
corps CHE Blues) to pay that last tribute to
him, and he thought the time not distant
when they would be called upon TO do so.
This showed how highly he thought of the
Blues, and how he esteemed his connection
with that company.
He was member OF Solomon's Lodge
| No. 1, F. and A. NJ, Georgia Chapter No.
3, r. A. NJ, and Georgia Council No. 2, K.
and S. NJ. In accordance with his request
he will be buried with Masonic houOrs.
On Monday, the 18th Of March, 1874, he
was elected a member OF the Hibernian So
ciety, and had always retained his connec-
ton with that society. On the 18th
of March, 1873, he was elected Vice
| President of the society. which
| position he held until March 18th, 1881,
when he was elected President, which office
| he held at the time OF his death. He was
| r,arnhar Of fha Joa0ar Monumental AEcOof-
alton at its organization, but subsequently,
| resigned. He had never occupied any po-
litical office, though frequently urged to do
so, and had been nominated for Alderman,
| but declined the honor, and resolutelY re-
| fused 70 enter politicaf life.
Major Foley had no relatives living In this
| country. His brother, an Episcopal minis
ter, is living IN TipperarY, Ireland, and here
we have to mention very sad incident con
/ nected with his death. The son of this
brother. very excellent young man,
DR.. 7. Nee. Foley, who is a. sur
geon on one of the Monarch Line
OF merchant steamers, running between
his uncle's serious Illness and his desire to
see him, obtained leave of absence on the
last trip TO New York to visit Savannah
He arrived here yesterday by the Charleston
and Savannah train at 1880 D. M, and
at once proceeded TO the residence Of
| Major Foley. He found the Major per
fectly conscious and delighted to see him.
and who inquired what good news he had
brought from the old country. After re-
naming with the Msjor until half past two
O'Clock DR.. Foley left the resi-
| dence to go to the Mar
shall House, where be was registered, ex-
pecting to return Immediately after dinner
When he left, Major Foley was in some
pain, but there were no signs
| Of Immediate dissolution. DIR. Foley,
| however, had scarcely reached the Marshall
House, when a servant hurried in VITA the
star ling information that his uncle was
! dead.
The nurse who was with the deceased
stated that a few minutes after the depart
ure Of DR.. Foley she inquired Of him how he
felt. He replied, "much easier" and imme-
| diately after, with deep drawn sigh and a
slight tremor of the limbs, became perfectly
motionless, and she found he was dead.
| The deceased was a man Of unimpeacha-
bic integrity, sterling worth and a most
valuable citizen, and was very popular and
highly esteemed.
His funeral viii take place this afternoon
from his residence, No. 81 York street, at
four O'Clock, and VIII be attended By the
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