The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1886-04-28
~ L. ". avery, ESD. an Old-Time Citi
izen of jackson

MEMPHIS, April 18th, 1886.
c. ii. GanShip E-q.-My Dear Sir:
have received the intelligence to-day of
the death on Saturday last, oil our Old and
beloved friend, James Smith. The death
Of no other man OF my acquaintance could
have produced the same feelings OF pain
and regret and sorrow, and | am taken by
surprise for when we first knew James
Smith, his father and grandfather were
living, and as he was descended from a
long-lived ancestry, had hoped that many
years OF usefulness would yet remain to
him. He was an unpretending and plain
man, but at the same time one of natures
noblemen and in his early career in Jack
son, he was noted for his fidelity to every
trust committed to him, a citizen, and
a member OF the Board Of Aldermen. His
thoughtful ness for the good of others was
conspicuous and remarkable he looked
ahead and provided against contingencies
before they happened BY his prudent
thoughtfulness on the Steamer Arctic, by
providing himself with about 80 feet of
( time he saved his life, for with the line
ne dashed his tin lined basket to the frail
raft of three planks which supported him
on the broad Atlantic until he was rescued
by ship that took him into the river 81.
Lawrence, thence TO Montreal. You re-
member the saying OF one of our old fire
men, Joe Irish, that il only one man was
saved from the wreck of the Arctic, that
m an would be jim Smith You will also
remember the grand reception given him
by our old company, upon his return to
Jackson: he attempted 10 give US descrip
ton Of that terrible disaster that was fatal
to more than three hundred persous-the
rec lection Of the thrilling scene was so
appalling that his utterance failed him,
and he could not 90 on.
His noble deeds OF goodness and liber-
atty are well known and there are many
other benefactions from the same generous
| hand, only known to the recipients OF
them. Ii lacks but few days OF forty
seven wears since James Smith, Tom
Green, c. H. Manship, f. NJ. Avery, and
numerous others, met together on the FIRST
Of Nav. 1899, and formed that brotherly
organization, long known as J aekson Fire
Company No. L. and of that goodly mum
Der, embracing about sixty young men at
the beginning, so far as l know, you and
myself are the only survivors. w. II
/ Terrett came in soon after, as an active
member, and D. n Barrows as an honor
ary member, but OF the original char
| Ter numbers only two, are left alive
and YOU and | can well say. in the Ian
guage of that good old song,
Il feel like one who treads alone
| some banquet hall deserted.
Whose lights have fed. whose garlands dead
Aud all but be departed.
The family and immediate relatives o
our deceased friend and brother, will no
be the only mourners over his grave hi
death will be looked upon as almost ;
i national calamity, for he had eudearet
himself to thousands OF our countrymeI
by his princely acts of benevolence, ant
the deeds of such a man will always b
remembered with gratitude and love.
[ must relate one incident which shows
the faith our good friend had in the kna
success of the Confederacy, and at time
too. when most of us here, had lost al
| hope. In a letter TO me in 1854, he writes
IL heard OF Gettysburg and Nicksburg OF
the same day, and | Immediately wen
forward and paid up my subscription {
the Confederate loan in a lump. I'll
! showed his faith by his works. | shall no
he able 10 make one OF the large numbe
who will assemble ON Wednesday nigh
I the l4th. to do honor to his memory, bu
| would be glad TO read an account c
what is said and done, and will be mucl
obliged ii YOU win send me paper con
tanning report of the proceedings.
: cherish the hope Of some day visiting you
{, dear old city where all the days OF m
: early manhood we're spent, aud viewin
: those days from the distance OF time
: almost twenty years. am convinced the
$ were the happiest days OF my life, for 4
E such friendships have been formed as wei
: contracted during my nineteen years res
dence in the city Of Jackson. With kin
regards for all the members OF your tamil
: 7 remain very truly and sincerely, yos
friend, r. ~ AVERY.