Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1885-06-30
DEATu OF MIR. EDeAR m.DAvIrr

One by one, the old citizens who IL
Illustrated Memphis in the last generation
and projected their mighty energy into
the present age are passing away. They /
came to the city in schools, and are leavl
ing the theater of their triumphs and use
fitness in company Mr. f. McDavitt |
at the advanced age of seventy |
died at mis- residence, 239 johnson
avenue, on Sunday evening last He
fulfilled life's duties as he Understood |
the right, and mother earth has taken
him to her bosom and hushed him into
that dreamless sleep which she gives to
her wearied children 1t is a wonderful
thing for mortal to bear the friction of
so many circliDg years in such way
that when the worn-out machine of his
body ceases to longer run Tot one
thought of reproach follows him, and
whole community unites 10 a common
grIsf, undisturbed by single whisper
OF eensure or enmity. This spectacle
follows the death of Edgar McOavitt
No wonder; for the sterling stuff out of
which he was nodded could not do other
wise than inspire the affection Law
ished upon him by sorrowing com
munity. He was honest and true; gen
erous and just. He fTew up amid the
stubble of the South. During his day
and time the colton-gin, the telegraph,
the telephone have been invented He
saw the first 'eamboats that plowcd our
rivers; the first locomotives as they pen
etrated tue wilderness. Since his birth
from lite nucleus, by the shore of the
eastern sea. the continent has been sub
dued and peopled by millions of eager
souls. He has seen terrible civil war
with all its horrors No other era since
the first hour was struck on the clock of
time has seen so many mOmentous,
mighty changes as those in which
be lived. Through them all, in an hum
b. way of his own, this sturdy man
walked. undisturbed by the roar around
him. undazzled by the splendors that
we're revealed, content TO fill the measure
of his duty as he saw it. accepting fate
calmly. no matter in what guise 1t came.
Edgar McDavitt was born IN Shelby
county. Ky, on tbs 14th of October,
1906. ana therefore would have been
seventy-nine next October. In his early
manhood he removed to Southern Ken
lucky. and thence to Holly Springs,
Miss. He located in Memphis in 1874,
and was member of the firm of STRAIT
ton. Goodlett & Co.. and from 1852 up to
the war was of the firm of Stratton, Nc
Davitt & Co. For many years he was
president of the Planters Bank, ard
during The administration Of Mayor
Leftwich he was FINANCIAL sgent for the
city of Memphis, and at tbs same time
president of the Merchants Insurance
Company and also president of the Bank
Of Commerce. Hp became member Of
the Cumberland Presbyterian church of
this city on the 18th Of February,
1916, ordained elder April II, 1917,
and was the last member of the
original founders of that church
in this city. He leaves three children
DR.. Marce1lus MeDavitt, Of Southern
Kentucky; Mr.. James H. McDavitt, of
this city, 4nd Mrs. DIR. Gober, IF Frank
fort, Ky. Mr.. McDavitt's business life,
until his retirement several years ago
was distinguished by uufalteri5g energy,
earnest purpose, resolEt2 will and great
success. He has already given much Of
his fortune to his children, but leaves an
estate said TO be worth 100000 still to
be divided In his younger days there
/ was a robustness in his physical activity,
intellectual strength aud indomitable
will that gave to him marked individ-
uality and controlling influence Much
of the past history Of Memphis in its
solid business and financial growth bears
the impress Of his energy, ever active,
clear and strong intellect. Wherever
placed he displayed tact and abil-
ity as a fnaneier and was noted
through all his active business
life for superior intelligence and
forecast in dealing wi h difficult and in
tricate problems of finance His fore
cast was remarkable and his Judgment
maSEelous in its accuracy. His truth,
honesty. purity Of character and unde-
Waiting integrity were towers Of strength
to his success. His whole character was
most symmetrical. One Of our poets has
/ said:
MAN should dare al things that he knows arc
4 right.
And fear to do no act save what is wrong
But, guided safely by his inward light,
| And with a permanent belief, and strong,
i In Him who is cur Father and our Friend,
| he should walk stei .dfastly unto the end.
Such was the belief and steadfast, con-
sistent practice of Edgar McDavitt. His
walk a. a Christian was his browning
| glory, for it always shone out in full
orbed splendor His religion, his Chris
tan example we're not variable or spas
modic. But his soul was harmonious
| union of faith and work, charity and
| love, and in its. Symmetrical beauty can
be appropriately compared to the poets
river:
Though deep, yet SCAR though gentle. yet not
strong Without rage: without Q, eLflowinE, full.
TRAIN WRECKED.