Morning journal and courier., 1883-10-19

Nathan Beers was ono of the three sons of the venerable Nathan Beers" who was mur dered in cold blood by the British on the iu- vasion of our city, and in his own residence, which until recently stood on the north west corner of Chapel and York streets. At the outbreak of the war this Ma than was a member of the Governors Guard, which under the then patriot Bene
 dict Arnold marched to take part in the siege of Boston under Washington. After the war he was steward of Yale college, where he was ruined by his kindness in crediting students Several decades passed. No one had any legal claim upon him, when he received quite 8 sum as back pen sion for his services in the ranks that had blsd for liberty. With this in hand he sought ont his sold creditors, and where they were dead their heirs, and paid them in full, and then remained what the world calls "a poor man He attained the great age of ninety y-six years. His home was on the lot adjoining this tall elm, where he passed his last years in horticulture, his resi- dencs being about 200 feet distant, facing the avenue, near the Sheffield mansion. It was the old style of New England house with the door in the center and sloping rear and at one time probably graced toe by the tall well sweep and pendant moss-covered bucket. A kinsman of ours he was, we are proud to say, and now he rises before us in memory az a patriarch of noble mien and graceful pres- ence. When he entered room where there was company it was ''something worth the while" to see him. he was so stately, 80 filled with the dignity of the George Washington era. This, combined with the sweetness and the moral grandeur of his character, left upon the mind an enduring picture that we would not well part from. Though so deaf he could not hear word that was uttered, hs was every Sabbath in his seat at church, T kk.a- iniS Nwff an expression so calm, so peaceful, that one could but feel that every feature was under the celestial light. A fine portrait of him by Jocelyn is in the possession of his grandson, Dr. Levi Ives He hoped to live long enough to pay his creditors interest also on his old debts but although attaining nearly centu- Yv of life was unable to accomplish it. We sometimes think that no man is so selfish as to be insensible te an act of nobility, but we erin this judgment when the demon of ayaTice gets one in his clutches Ambition and lust may have compassion on victim, but avarice never This truth finds an illus tration in the instance of one of his creditors living in Bethany, who on being paid the principal of his long outlaWed debt refused to give receipt therefor unless the interest was then paid 10 him.
 On the night previous to the execution of Major Andre Nathan Beers was officer of the guardsand in the morning he stood beside him. He said that Andre WAS perfectly calm. The only sign of nervousness he exhibited was the rolling of pebble to and fro under his shoe. as he was standing awaiting the final order for his execution. As last thing, although he was a stranger to Mir. Beers, but probably attracted by the kindness of his countenance, he took from his coat pocket a pen and ink sketch and handed it to him saying in effect, This is 6 portrait drew of myself last night by looking in mirror. 1 have no fdrther use for if, and I should like you to take 1t. This portrait for many years was hung framed in the Trumbull gallery of Yale col leRes In 1921, at the time of the removal of the remains of Major Andre te England, lock of his hair was procured and placed 1n this framed picture. In the course of the