The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1886-03-30
A RemarEabIe Man.

There is guest now at the Peat ody
Hotel whose character and career de-
serve more than passing notice.
Forty years sgo an orphan boy al six
teen stepped off OF q boat at Memphis,
and travelled distance of eighty miles
tn an obscure village in North Missis-
sippi. There we're no free schools in
those days, but by indomitable pluck
and energy this friendless youth man.
eyed to secure a medium education,
and while at school writes little book
that takes the community by storm,
ere ating quite q sensation in literary
circles, realizing means enough to en-
able the author to study law, and the
frst day after he was twenty-one he
was admitted TO the bar. Soon there
after we find him first lieutenant in
the Mexican war, winning laurels by
his cash and courage. Next we find
him at the head OF the bar as a law
yer, inferior to none and superior to
many. In 1851 We find him as colonel
of a Mississippi regiment, calamity
leading his brave men against Ricketts,
battery, which he captured, at the first
battle OF Manassas. 1t was this gal
liant charge that won for him the SOU
bTiquet OF the knight Of the Black
Plume"
At the dose OF the war he resumes
the practice Of his profession. Clients
swarm around him and his wasted for
tune is soon remade. In 1872 he lays
down his books, goes to work, and in
four months builds railroad twenty
five miles in length, and in the fall re-
sumes his practice. In fact, he kept
up his legal business all the time. In
1881 the entire community was startled
by the appearance thrilling novel /;
the charming romance captiVates the
readers OF all classes. Strange, but true
it is, that while pi esident OF railroad
line, an active member Of the bar, and
the manager Of the largest farm in
North Mississippi, this wonderful man
finds time to compose novel that has
but few superiors. Fifty thousand
copies were sold in six months from
the appearance of the frat edition. In
1882 another novel from his pen ap-
pears, and in 1888 another book of
travels in Europe. The greatest mys-
terry is to know how the author finds
time to compose such books while
running a railroad, farm,
law Office, and dozen other sorts OF
business. He has made an independ-
emit fortune. Never seems to be pressed
for time, indeed, he may often be seen
lounging leisurely about the hotels,
oonversiDg with his friends, and
strangers have often mistaken him for
a regular no ell loafer. He never seeks
noteriety, but is rather shy and timid
among strangers; is greatly beloved by
all who know him; is liberal and gen.
erous,and lie always at the head OF
public enterprises. He was the prin-
cipal owner Of the railroad Of which
he was president. The road had a
good paying traffic, but another line
was go located a. to damage his traffic.
"What's the matter here z" Another
railroad being built which harms you"
This wonderful man lays down his
pen, goes 10 Jackson, Miss, induces
the Legislature 10 give him all the con-
victs until February l, 1889, and In less
than ten days thereafter he is grading
3 railroad at the rate of Two
miles per week, and says he Is going
to build from Jackson, Tenn, to Ship
Island, on the gulf, and that he will
do II IL q certainty. AIN his agents
and employees love him, and he seems
10 know the value Of nan Is soon IS
he looks on him. He never makes .
mistake in the selection Of agents and
employees. his integrity has never
been doubted; his worlds his bond,
and bis judgment has never been at
fault. II Is unnecessary for us to
name the man. He is the author OF
TIE Rhiie Rose.