Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-23
Obituary..
ALExANDER PRoyIs.

Alexander Provis was born at South
ampton, England, on the 30th day of
May. 1885. He immigrated to this
country in 1859, settling first at Potosi
in this county. Since then he has lived
in Patch Grove and Lancaster but for
the greater portion of the time in Bos-
cobel. He studied law with and for
years was the partner of Hon. Geo. C.
Hazelton. Upon the departure of that
gentleman for Washington Mr.. Provis
formed partnership with John d.
Wilson, of Boscobel, with whom he has
since been associated.
Last Thursday morning. December
10th. he was apparently as well as usual.
The day previous he had bee engaged
in taking testimony on an important
case from Iowa County, Iowa, and al
the time of his death he was waiting for
| additional witnesses from Fennimore.
He had been at his office, read the morn
ing paper, examined his mail and tran
sacted the usual routine of the morning
Upon the books at the office are two
entries made on the 10th in that firm
unwavering hand of his that show how
full of strength and confidence he was.
Mr.. Provis left the office, went up to
| his house with provisions for dinner and
| returned to the Central House. Enter.
ing the Office he remarked that he felt
I unwell, staggered and would have fall
en- but that those near by assisted him
to lounge. When asked where his
trouble was he said 81 tremble, | am
chilly and | cannot talk" These in
reply to question from Mr.. Wilson
| were the last words he ever spoke.
Carried to his home. he was given what
! aid medical science could prescribe but
in about four hours from the time apo
plexy struck him he was dead.
His funeral was held at the Congre-
gational church on Saturday afternoon
his friend, the Rev. VIM. Stoddart, of
Black Earth. officiating. The large
concourse of people assembled from
Boscobel, and the many prominent
lawyers present from abroad testified
in the strongest possible manner as to
the esteem in which he was held.
Mr.. Provis had kind and considerate
disposition, was just toward all and
possessed the universal respect of those
who knew him best. Intellectually he
had few peers, with keen insight into
the motives which govern mankind he
rarely failed in forming correct esti-
mate of those with whom he had to
deal. With thorough knowledge OF
the law and clear apprehension of the
applications of its principles he was al,
most invariably right in his conclusions.
He loved his books and would spend
hours in their perusal, not in aimless ON
nivorous devouring of their contents but
in thoughtful palnstaking study. All
the information so gained was in his
mind Systematically arranged and ready
for reference. His comprehensive
knowledge of men and events, of prin-
ciples and laws is rarely seen. His
memory never failed him; the case, the
volume, the page where certain au-
thority could be found were quickly
given though months had elapsed since
reference had been made thereto. But
true and accurate memory was not his
only gift. A penetrating insight, acute
perceptions, and keen powers of dis
examination gave to his mind iu.
dicial cast noted by all who came in
contract with him.
Possessing these powers he was not
niggardly in their exercise. No young
person ever went away sappointed
when he had asked question and often
did Mr.. Provis spend hours in formu-
lating papers, instructing those who
asked for assistance and aiding in all
possible ways those who sought him.
In his Office he was kind and courteous,
and those over whose studies in law he
exercised controlling influence re-
member with gratitude his conscient-
ions care and interest in their advance
ment.
Mr.. Provis leaves no children, but the
wife who survives him has the heart
felt sympathies of the community in
her terribly sudden bereavement.