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

many worthy people. Not few who sue
ceedel in many departments OF life owe to
his kind assistance the means 10 take the
first step on the ladder Of fortune. Young
men were assis ed at school and college,
and in business through his liberality, and
his name appeared as endorser and secu-
rity for large amounts in banks and on
private and official bonds, attesting his
generous and kindly nature and good will
toward his fellow men. When the ruin
came, his estate was swept into the mael-
strom and lost to him and his, not for his
own debts, for he owed none, but for
those Of other men. 1t was through these
Last wears Of disaster rfree
true heroism Of his nature became most
apparent in his struggles against the storm
of adverse fortune. Among the many he.
roes of adversely abounding during this
trying period none excited more admira-
ton than did this strong and indomitable
gentleman. When he could no longer pro-
vide for numerous dependents from the
remnants left his family, he obtained the
office of Master and Judge Of Probate Of
Kershaw county. 1t is little to say that
he brought to the discharge Of the duties
of these offices the orderly habits Of busi-
ness, the industry, learning and ability of
the old lawyer. He astonished the Bar of
to. day by the display Of his great efficiency,
wonderful power of Endurance and faithful
labors.
For many months past his health was
visibly failing from day 10 day. Yet to
the last he was found at the post of duty.
He was watched with painful interest by
demonstrating friends, and morning after
morning he went forth to the battle Of life
with feeble step, returning each evening
more and more exhausted until at last
Court adjourned and be sought rest. alas
too late. A visit 10 Charleston failed to
restore his exhausted vital powers, and he
came home to die in the bosom of that ia
mily whom ha so we'll loved and in whose
service his life was so nobly spent.
Mr.. DeSaussufe was not ambitious OF
political office, but willing TO make his
talents useful whenever needed in the SER
vice Of his people. He served as member
of the Legislature during the war, but
mover after became O candidate for politi-
preferment He WAS often Alderman and
Er;endant Of the town Of Camden, aud rem
Tered good service by tho efficiency Of his
administration. He was at tie time Of his
death, and had been for years, President OF
the Camden Orphan Society which wns
mainly kept alive by his individual efforts.
For forty-'0ur years he was member o.
the Vestry Of Grace Church, of which con
| gregGtion he was most Jealous liberal and
prominent supporter from its Organization
in 1882, and frequently represented the
Church in the Convention of the Diocese
| lie was Secretary and Treasurer of the
| Vsstry for nearly twenty years Of valuable
service. In all that time his place in
| Church at the Sunday service was never
vacant when he was able TO attend. There
was no life more exemplary, more pure in
morals or more lofty in integrity. He ne
elected none of his dutic. public orprivate :,
moral or social Blameless in word and
deed, he was an example to the hest among
us. He wns gbn,lc. tender and affection
uc in his family; strong and faithful in
s.&iss. s.&s.LIiisn LfIEiisnd.higss 4loaest and unassuming
| yet courltsGs IN his department. Perhaps
the most remarkable frnit in his character
was the fortlude with which he bore af-
l,ci:on His eldest son. the best and
brightest Of youths, when n college STU
:lcnt, was the victim Of the sa1dest of cas-
lal.ies the accidental discharge of gun
| tho hands Of his beloved and devoted
brother. Tha. brother, Lieut.. Henry ".
OeSaussurc, fell ct the Eoad Of his oompa
ny at the battle of Frazer's farm The
uohe and lovely wife soon followed her
son, otter lingering and distressing illness,
in the very prime of h'r life. His son-in
law. Capt. James NJ. Davis, to whom he
looked as the prop and stay of the family.
was taien when least he could be spared
| These and other Affections came to him
not singly, but in whole battallions, YET
no one ever saw him sink beneath them OIL
heard frsm him murrnur of complaint.
| tie bowed his head TO the thunderbolts
that fell thick upon him, but ever press
cd onward in tho path OF duty, assum-
ing each new burden with heroic courage
and unexpected strength. a life like this
could only have teen the outward express
sion of an inward grace, fer there was
in it more than human strength and good
ness. Yet, be did not formally enter the
communion OF the CHURCH until q few days
before his death. When in Charleston, at
his own request. he received the right Of
confirmation and the Holy Communion al
! the hands of the Bishop.
| He entered upon his rest at last on Good
Friday, March rs, 1888, surrounded by
those most dear 10 him. His end was char.
acteristic. His Inst coherent words were,
.sthe case is ended, the Master has made
his last report, and now it must be carried
up to the highest Court And so it may
| be written of him as of his honored father.
wem may sum up bis character in word as
TINT ofa man who performed faithfully oil
the duties Of life, who rendered kindness TO
all with whom he had intercourse and who
did wrong to no one.
RESOLVED, That the foregoing memorial OF
| our deceased brother John Mcpherson DeSaus-
| sure he inscribed upon the minute book and
copy be furnished by the Secretary to the
family OF the deceased rs an expression OF our
respect and affection for the memsry OF the de-
ceased, and our sympathy with them in their
| bereavment.
|