The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1886-03-13
speech OF Chairman vance.

character OF Judge Temple;
speech OF Chairman Vance.
BRorHKRs OF THE BAR-We are met
here for the purpose OF adopting pro.
ceedings in regard to the death and
burial Of Brother James X. Temple,
who died on the 10th instant at his
residence in Chelsea. He was the last
surviving member Of the old bar OF
Memphis. He studied in the office
and under the instruction OF Gran
vile D. Searcy, Esq, and commenced
practice about the year 1874, and was
born in Upton county June 8, 1871.
In his long career as a lawyer OF only
were his garments kept free iTom
stain, but not even the shadow oil
criticism passed over any OF his pro-
fessional acts. He was pure, up
right map, aud his personal qualities
entered into and distinguished his
professional career.
On account Of physical in6rmities
and dependence Of bereaved relatives
on his earnings for support, he bad to
travel in life the hard and thoIny
pathway OF comparative poverty. His
last words when dying, addressed to
his widowed sister, seemed to be
retrospect OF the pecuniary embarrsss-
ments OF his past life.
SISTER" says he, 1--WE have had a
hard life OF it, and this is the end OF it
for me-"
But poor as he was his poverty never
tempted or pressed him outside OF the
life Of an honest man and heightened
gentleman. Amidst its vicissitudes he
preserved his integrity. Noshedow OF
repraach rests upon any act OF bis
long life, either as lawyer, q chris
tan or gentleman. He was sedulous
in the performance CT all the duties
eDjoined on him by Christian con-
science.
II was said two Thousand years ago
that the noblest spectacle OF life was
"a good man struggling with adver-
sity," The trlth OF this saying is
well illustrated by the life Of our
dead friend. He was never prosper
GUS; pecuniary straits encompassed
his life from earliest boyhood. Yet
he met them with manly iortitude,
with patience, and with a pure, up
right conscience. He was indefatiga-
BILE in his efforts to retrieve his condi-
ton, and although horne down with
physical il firmities, and his duties ia
dependent relatives, he died compare
lively free Of debt.
Knowing his ability and pcrsever.
ance, whenever / had hard case in
litigation, which required attention
and pertinacity often gave Mr.. TEN
pie an interest in II, and he never
Jailed to do his duty to the business
however difficult and troublesome Il
might be.
He was studious OF books, and KEEP
up with the decisions of couit5.
He was ever at work in his office
and when not engaged in the work o.
his lawsuits, he kept himself busy in
storing his mind with the elementary
principles OF his profession. On &C
count OF defective eyesight and thu
shrinking modeety OF his character
he was not overburdened with pro
iessiopal business, but what he go
was we'll and intelligently attended to
} and gave satisfaction to his clients
. When he once got client he retalne'
I | MIN IN hll 0lb buUbeQuohb puoihOon
for he inspired confidence and respec
! in every one who had transaction
a with him. .
His character was distinguished 10
= its quiet, unobtrusive virtues, an
u won the respect and affection oil a
= his associates. No envy, malice O
b hatred ever entered into his hear
for 1t was soft and amiable as a child
> heart, and he died without a singl
enemy. How was II possible for any
= one to feel inimical 10 one OF such pull
J. lie simplicity OF character and manner
!. His latter years were made happy b
, the devoted affection OF child, Dor
u to him in his old age. She was th
o light OF his life, and in her presenC
n he forgot the struggles he had to MAX
- for livelihood. This bright, winson
y little girl made him forget the car
IL ing cares OF life, and scattered sui
8 shine over its latter days. 1t is ga
a that every life is made up with 81
10 ferings and compensatious; and tn
20 Gift Of God to our brother we can hoI
o was compensation for the troubl
n he had TO encounter.