Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1885-11-23
LAUREN UpsoE.

Lauren Epson, for many years the editor
OF the Sacramento onion in the far distant
past, has gone to his rest at a ripe old age.
The friends of the veteran journalist must
always regret that his later years were
passed under physical conditions, due
mainly to arduous journalistic labors ex-
tending over quarter Of century, that
Frustrated his intellect and made him men
tally as little child. But it is consoling
to know that his days were in all this time
those of comparative peace, and that he
WAS spared physical agonies and lingering
pain. He was modest, clear minded,
courageous journalist, who in the flower of
his days served society well, and earned
for himself the reputation that lives after
men in the esteem and affection of those
they leave behind them. Mr. Epson we
knew only to respect and admire. He was
a straightforward, conscientious and pa
tient toiler. One of those men who fully
estimate the demands of duty before
they take on its burdens; but these
once assumed, discharge them with pa
thence faithfulness and courage that
amounts to heroism. He was big-hearted,
generous, whole-souled, and in every way
manly. He radiated warmth of heart
wherever he moved he shed geniality
and sunshine all around him; he inspired
men with courage, and by his presence
lifted up and advanced them. There was
not a particle of false pride about him; in
fact, he was one of the most unassuming of
men, never Boosting, but never hesitating
to claim and accept his honest due. In all
his judgments he was conservative, delib-
erative and cool He cannot be said to
have been brilliant writer, but he was
what is far better-a positive and straight
forward writer He went directly to the
heart of his subject. using plain language,
expressing himself in simple, easy,
vet forcible manner. He never la
bored to be ornate preferring homely
expressions, indeed but such as
were chaste and full of meaning. He
never attempted the so-called cut and
slash :" style of writing, which came into
vogue upon this coast in his day Vituper-
alton with him had no force it was a
weapon that he did not esteem of strength.
Plain, simple and direct in expression, he
found that the people understood and APP
preciated his columns, and never misinter-
preted his meaning. He was thoroughly
conscientious man, believing what he
wrote, and never purposely conveying tc
his readers false ideas Ills aim was to be
right, and to do right in all things, public
and private. \ mean thing wa,
impossible to his nature, and an unmanly
action was abhorrent to him, even in sug
ge,tion. He was a firm friend OF the in
disSoluble union of these sovereign State
in the darkest days of their trial, never
for moment losing faith in the integrit,
o. the republic or the cause of human free
dom. II was such as he, standing shoulder
to shoulder, in the days of treason and re-
bellion, who deiied the hosts that woulC
have swept California out Of the Unior
and into the whirlpool of secession. He wa
among the pioneer advocates of Pacifi,
railway, and early foresaw clearly thu
mighty influence of such construction upor
the destinies of this coast.
We suhjoin brief sketch of the life O.
Mr.. Epson:
General upson was born in Cheshire, Hartford
county. Conn, August -, 1877. As the eldest o
nine snns. his early lot was hard work on tho
farm, whie the younger brothers were beinl
educated. His own opportunities were limited
to the capacity of a district school. At 70 he
went 10 Marion, Perry county, Ala. and en-
ERged in mercantile pursuits. In q few years he
returned 20 his home and married. going bach
with his wife to Alabama. He was Al great
reader and had strong literary tastes As a re
suit of his selfeducsting he won admission tC
the Bar Loving to write, he soon dTifted into
Journalism, first editing the Wing paper OF
Perry county. In S47 he became senior edi
tor Of the Mobile advertiser. the leading Whig
paper of the State. In 1851 he started for Cali