Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1884-05-14

TnE first among American lawyers,
Charles O'Conor, died yesterday at his
residence IN Nantucket, Mass. He was in
ms eighty-first year, and TO the last was
strong and vigorous OF viii and clear OF
intellect. Two weeks ago he contracted
severe cold, and the result was a general
break in a once vigorous constitution. On
Monday last ne admitted the impossibility
of his recovery, and received the last sac
rament OF the Roman Catholic Church al
the hands Of Bishop Hendricllson, o.
Providence, T. l., and the Rev. Father
McSweeney, OF Nantucket, and quietly
and calmly awaited the end. Ii will be
reconected that Mr.. 0'COnor was thought
40 be IN a diving condition some nine years
ago, and ms recovery was regarded a
almost miraculous. In November, 1875,
he was taken seriously i'll, his NAL
ady being atrophy or paralysis OF
the stomach, which prevented him
from taking nourishing food. He
grew weaker rapidly, and on the 9th OF
she month his friends believed that death
was approaching, and at Mr.. o'Conor's s
request Cardinal McCloskey administered
20 him the last rites OF the Catholic
Church. On the Monday following, when
a repOrt OF this reached New York, it was
,szageerated into an announcement of his
death sSetches OF his life were published,
and the courts adjourned as 4 mark OF
respect The false statement was, how
ever. speedily contradicted, and for .
month follo Eing bulletins were published
daily. nearly all indicating that his disso-
luton was approaching. Even his ply
sicians snd friends had abandoned all
hone. For nearly two weeks he was un-
aide 10 retain any food on his stomach,
and al one time the pulp OF a couple OF
wears was MS only food Tor several days.
Hs refused 10 take stimulants and APP
Dezr,d 10 be sustained alone by his Won
derful natural vitality. His mental facul-
ties we've unclouded and he suffered CON-
slarEfively little. In January Of the fol-
lowing wear q change for the better took
place IN his condition and he continued
steadily 10 improve uHal he was pro
nounced out of danger on the 9th OF that
month de survived this very severe at
hack uire wears. during which he nioyed
peace and repose IN the home which hS
afterward made 81 Nantucket, because
during a lawsuit in which he was once
engaged 8 great many OF the witnesses
tseing Weli-preseTved old people from that
place. he concluded that there, when be
retired from the active pursuit Of his pro-
ieasi0n. be could End an atmosphere con-
a.,cive ID good heSliA and the prolongstion
of hss- he WIS not disappointed. Mr..
O'Gonof Nzs the son OF an Irish school
master. distinguished in his time, who
settled in Ses- York CITY in the eariv par
OF tins century. There Charles was born,
educated and trained Tor the work of his
life under the immSdlate direction
al ms father He early took q
high position at the bar, and by
the time he reached middle life stood 6.
the head Of ms profession in the metrop
ohs Of the Union. and came ultimately 10
he regarded by common consent as the
father Of the bar OF America He was al
ways 3 Democrat, but never took an active
mari in politics. Born in the Catholic
Church, he remained always a faithful
member Of that fold OF the faith and die d
within is sRnctitles-