Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1883-03-08
DEATH OF GOV. STEPHENS.

Governor Alexander H. Stephens, of Geor-
gia, died in Atlanta, about halfpast O'Clock
last Sunday afternoon. Governor Stephens
had been in. worse state of health than
usual ever since his recent visit to Savannah,
on the occasion of the cesqui centennial, but
no alarm as to his condition was felt until
Sunday morning. An Atlanta dispatch, an
nouncing his death, says:
The news of the Governors death caused
the profoundest sensation as it was not gen.
orally believed he was so near deaths door.
To-day his remains have lain in state at the
Executive Mansion where they were viewed
by 20 900 persons. This afternoon meeting
of citizens was held and addresses were de-
livered by Senator Colquitt, Judge Martin,
J. G.. Crawford, Judge Logan, E. Blecllley,
and other prominent citizens. A citizens
committee was appointed to cooperate with
State House officers in the conduct Of the
funeral. The remains will lie in stateat the
Capitol until the burial, which will occur on
Wednesday or Thursday.
Col. John A. Stephens, a nephew OF the
Governor, said last night: II have never
known him to speak so little of death as du-
ring his present illness, or to make so few
arrangements for the worst that might come.
In all his other attacks he has been most
careful to impress on me the minutest details
of his wishes and intentions. In this ILL.,
ness he has not said Il single word of any OF
his DESIRES" This but confirms the theory
of his illness. 1t was exhaustion rather
than disease that brought about his death.
1t was mind and not body that gave way.
Mr.. stephens made his will some time ago.
He leaves $4,000 in money to the children
of his late brother, Judge Stephens, and the
rest of his estate, with the exception of a
few minor bequests, to his nephew, Colonel
John Stephens. What his estate will foot
up depends largely on the sale of his new
History of the United States. He made
about $4,000 on "The War between the
States" and his new book is selling well.
Above his bequests his estate will probably
pay $4,000.
The funeral of Governor Stephens will take
place in Atlanta to-day. Several municipal
bodies, military and civic associations and
distinguished citizens of Georgia and other
States will participate, and arrangements
have been made to render the obsequies OF
the distinguished dead an impressive and
memorable affair. On the reception in Co
lur ia of the information of Governor
Stephens death, Governor Thompson COM
municated the following telegraphic mes
sage:
"There is the most profound sorrow among
the people of South Carolina for the irrepa-
rable loss which Georgia and the country
have sustained by the death of Governor
Stephens."
James L. Boynton, president Of the State
Senate, was sworn in as Governor on Mon
day morning. Under the law, he is re-
quired to issue proclamation Immediately,
ordering an election for Governor, in not less
than 80 nor more than 60 days, and then to
order the legislature to convene in 15 days
after said election, to count the votes and
declare the Governor. Col. Boynton will
probably be the choice Of the people to fill
out Governor Stephens uneXpired term.