The Northern Pacific farmer. [volume] (Wadena, Minn.) 1878-1885, 1884-07-31
ROBERT TOO1IBs,


The Story OF His Conversion and Baptism.
An Augusta; da.; letter says: The
appearance Of Robert Toombs, the
greatest fire eater Of the south, as dele.
gate In the district Methodist confer
ence at Harmony grove, marks new
era in his life: It is an era in strange
contrast with the stormy career OF one
of the most brilliant men America has
ever produced, and is the closing scene
in biography which must soon become
a complete volume.
The manner of his conversation was
characteristic of the man. Bishop
George F. Pierce had been college
mate Of Toombs. Together these two
young students, the one from Wilkes
county, the other from Greene; the
one the petted, self-willed son of sub
stantial gentleman, the other the
thoughtful child of laborious Metho-
dist minister, pursued their studies,
winning scholastic victories, yet by diff
ferent methods. With Toombs the an
swers came instinctively, with Pierce
it required the burning of the midnight
oil. Toombs was ever under the rod of
correction, which tradition tells us, re-
quired his removal to Princeton, and
even there his rebellious spirit
would brook no dictation. Pierce
turned his back upon the friv-
olities of youth and engaged in
the revival services in the little church
of which his father, Lovic Pierce were
the closest of friends, and in the long
career which subsequently opened to
both of them, in which one drifted into
politics and the other found preferment
in the church, becoming an honored
bishop, there never ceased that attach
ment born of college association. Meet
ing Bishop Pierce one day about year
ago religion was mentioned.
George" exclaimed Toombs lmpet-
uously, II want you to baptize me.
When I am dead I do not want these
young men who drift so naturally into
in6delity to claim me as an unbe-
lever"
: This determination caused sensation
throughout the state. It.sent astonish-
ment through that class which laughs
at holy things, while it brought joy to
every Christian heart. Once more
there was a tender feeling for Toombs.
such as had not been felt since the days
when he was the pride of Georgia man
hood. It was tenderness more full of
sympathy than ever went out to him be-
fore. When the appointed Sunday
came it found the old statesman sur
rounded by his neighbors of so years,
among whom was his brother, whose
Joy in the event about to take place
found vent in tears. Toombs himself
fancy in speech when Bishop Pierce,
taking him by the hand, created him
as brother in Christ.
Toomb's great grief leading up to this
profession of faith was great bereave-
ment. Full so years before the hand
some young chevalier won the heart and
hand of Miss Sarah Du Bose, lady dis
tinguished for her accomplishments and
family name. Ever after she was in
deed his better half She went with
him on his political missions; she was
with him on his tours of observation,
and she was his confidential friend in the
fullest meaning of the word in all his
transactions. When he entered congress
she went with him, and the home life
life which the pair enjoyed in the quaint
little village of Washington was main
tanned in the greater Washington, which
was the scence of his political triumphs,
The two grew old together. more like
couple of confding children than like
people Of the world. They always kept
faith with each other. Mrs. Toombs
had been for years a member of the
Methodist church. It was Mr.. Toombs'
habit, when speaking jocularly, to claim
that he was in consequence brother
in-law to the church. With increasing
age came failing health. The fond
wife was kindly, tenderly nursed by
her distinguished husband. When
they went to their GAINESVILLE mountain
home in the early spring of year ago
Mrs. Toombs was living her last days.
Her death was the great blow which
sobered Toombs. His thoughts turned
from the grave to God and he made his
peace.