The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1883-05-31
TN MEMORIAM,

GThe following trloute 10 the memory
If Major John Nj. DeSaussure was recently
adopted by the Vcctry of Grace Church.
JOHN McPHERsoN DESAUssURE was horl
t,l.rri irstvu.- 9. o., i'll tire huusU r.1T'
standing on the corner Of Meeting an
rradd streets, 23d February 1907. !'o wa.
me of the younger sons of Cha' cellor Hen
ry. William DcSaussurc. OF whom it ha!
been Justly said, as Of Lord Hardwick il
ENGLAND, he was the father Of Equity il
this State" holding rs he did, the high Of
ice of Chancellor irCm 1908 to 1891, am
dischargng imrar!ially lis difficult dutic'
with eminent ability, and the highest Ill
rcgrity. Upon his voluntary retiremcn
the Gencrsl Assembly Of the State passc'
resolutions expressing their regret, an'
their high estimation Of his long, abl'
and faithful services which they declared
mot only furnished the best memorial o
his worth, bat an enduring example t.
those who are destined 10 succeed him
lie left q largo family distinguished fo'
elevation of character, refinement Of man
ners and faithful and untiring devotion t,
duty, qualities which, united with lntellec
tua al culture and native talent, has confer
red upon the name much distinction in th'
annals of the State. After his election t.
the Bench Chancellor DcSaussure removed
20 Columbia, where the subject of this Me
mortal received his cdpGation.
For his moral and social culture, he was
indebted TO the influence Of home, foi
many years the seat Of n most liberal ant
refined hospitality, which gathered arount
his fathers board society unsurpassed
in this State for elegance Of manners, in
tellectual ability, and culture, purity q
sentiment or virtue Of character. Enjoy
ing these advantages at home his progress
at school was such that he entered the
South Carolina College at an unusually
early age, and graduated in 1928, yea,
"signalized (says the Historian Of the Col
lege) by the graduation of class Of un
common talent. Ii Has the class of Gov
Wm. Aiken. Judge T. N. Dawkins, BishoI
Stephen Elliott, Gov. and Senator Jane,
II. Hammond, Randall Hunt distinguish
ed Jurist of Louisiana, and Judge Il. J.
Withers, our own distinguished tewnsman
After he graduated, Mr.. DeSaussurc
entered upon the study of the laws anG
upon coming of age, at the February tern:
of the Court of Appeals at Charleston, il
1928, he was admitted to the bar. HI
came to Camden in March, 1928, and open
ed an office for the practice Of law in CO.
partnership with Col. Abram Blandng
his brother-in-law, who had been fer many
years the leading lawyer in this section o,
tho State. Judge O'Neall writes of him
Al. oI .ob he tho -
his profession for fully twenty years. Col
Banding had removed TO Columbia III
1922 and accepted the position of Superin.
tendant of Public Works. This office he
had held until 1927, when he resumed the
practice of law, but the Junior partner Of
the firm of Blandlng & DeSanssure receivs
ed but little aid from s distinguishe ed
senior beyond the guaranty afforded by his
great name. When Mr.. DeSaussure had
secured and farnished his of6cc, he had
nothing left but his own psrso: al qualities
of mind and body, high character, good
habits, mental culture, untiring industry,
and indomitable will. These brought him
success. Small at first, but constantly in
creasing until lie stood in the front rank
of the profession. An unblemished moral
character, high integrity, accurate and Or
derly habits Of business, close application
and unfailing diligence secured him o
safe and lucrative practice which he re-
tanned until his retirement, about 1850.
Ills mind was clear, vigorous and incisive.
lie had inherited that reciitudc Of judg.
ment which distinguished his fnher and
made him an admirable equity lawyer
That lie possessed an uncommon acutcness
of intellect may be seen by reference to
the reported case Of Taylor vs. McRae, Sd
Rich. 81. IIo drew the will in that case
and successfully maintained it, accomplish
ing the purposes of The testator in opposi-
ton TO an Act of the Legislature. In 1882
he married Elizabeth Hester. daughter
and sole hciress of Richard Lloyd Cham
pion Coming by this marriage into pos
session of large and valuable estate,
it was his pride and pleasure to maintain
his elegant and hospitable establishment
from the proceeds Of his professional la
Dor while the family estate grew and pros
pered under his wise and judicious super
intending care until it had assumed such
proportions rs required that he should
give up the profession which he loved in
order that he mighL devote undiv-
attention to1Icse commanding interests of
his famiiy. This he did with the best re-
suits until the advent of grim visaged war,
bringing ruin in its train. While he had
means at command he dispensed them with
O wise, liberal and considerate bensvo-
leuce which brought relief and succor to