The Sunday herald. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1866-1887, 1885-04-26


on April "A, 1855, at St. Louis, Mo-, John Walker
Naury, second son of C. b. and S. F. Maury of
Washington, D. c.. in the thrty-frst year of his age
Three weeks ago the subject of this sketch re-
joiced in the full Hush of manhood. Life spread ont
before him like beautiful vista through which he
might pass. Its paths were bordered with flowers
of promise and Illuminated with the love and regard
of countless friends. The future seemed but the
unfolding of beautiful bud, which became brighter
and more ragant with each gentle touch of the hand
of time. Death seemed far away, hidden behind the
mist of years, whence no shadow emerged 10 cloud
the sunlit prospect. Loving friends who had guided
the footsteps of the boy looked with fond admiration
on the onward course of the man, for whom life
seemed 10 promise so much of good, much of hap
pness. Yet how vain are the hopes of this world !
What more than hollow mockery are the aims and
promises of earth,
tide Of his strength, the fatal shaft fell from the
Masters hand and struck him down forever. Terri
BILE as Death is at all times. len-fold more distressing
Is II when youth is Its victim.
Walker Maury possessed a character Of rare
beauty The amiability aud simplicity of a child
was blended with the strength and firmness OF
man. AS gentle in disposition az woman, his
heart as great as hero's, incosed the most unset
fish impulses and throbbed with the most generous
purposes The writer knew him as intimately as
brother through the years of boyhood and manhood,
and never has he known a man who was truer,
more unselish or tenderer friend Self was a
thought beneath his consideration: he lived for
those he loved, and his truest happiness was found
in giving pleasure or happiness TO others. No man
ever had truer friend: no friend ever failed to en-
list his sincerest sympathy. one of the most beau
tfu traits of his character was his affection for his
family. The nlial devotion he showed to father
and mother. the pure childike love he always
showed them, the tender affection for brothers
and sister, was almost angelic in its sweetness No
place was so dear TO him as home, ties strong
as those which grappled him TO the domestic fre
side, of which he was so fond. Each member
OF his family seemed ndissOubly woven into his own
heart, until they were to him part of his own
being. A more fervent, pure, and lender love was
never born 10 mother, warmer, more open-hearted
and clinging affection 10 father sister. and brothers
ne'er filled the soul Of any man. OF disposition
bright and cheerful always pleasant courteous
and oolging to singular degree, his companonship
was delightful. Acquaintance became friends, and
friendship ripened into love No words but those of
kindness fell from his lips If he could not praise
his fellow-man lie said nothing to his disCredit.
Early In life he connected himself with the Church.
and her teachings were guide TO his path and
lamp 10 his feet. Christian charity dictated his &C
tons, and pure heart executed his purposes. In
the fear of God he lived, and he faced death with
that calm and peaceful resignation which comes
only TO those who enjoy the blessed assurance Of
blissful Immortality. The world can il-afIord to
lose such eharacters yet their lives live after them
He is gone 10 his golden reward but his memory,
like precious inspiration waited from the realms
above, dwells with US forever more.