The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1888-12-19
ANDREW bowie WARDLAW
ENTERS UPON THAT GREAT SLEEP WHICH
MEN CALL DEATH.

This People are Very Much Touched,
and Evince Great Affection for
IIfm---ReltEious Services Suspend
ed...A Great Multitude Attend His
Funeral and Burial -.-Tribute to
Him by His Pastor.
| In Abbeville is again heard the voice OF sor-
row-"Rachel weeping for her children'-and
again at the freside, in the place Of business,
and in the sanctuary, we are confronted with
the emblems of woe. Death has come again
to claim his yictim-not now the prattling
babe, the young man radiant with the hopes
of the future, the lovely maiden just bloom
Ing into womanhood; but one, long honored.
loved and respected, prominent citizen OF
our community, q Christian gentleman. rep
resentative man, type Of all that Abbeville
holds dearest and brightest, an exemplar of
all the virtues, which she cherishes, as the
richest legacy of historic past.
Death has come OF late with startling fire.
ouency. He has had "all seasons for his
own" Not many months have gone by, since
we were called upon to mourn the lamented
Parker, a most useful man in the community
and in his church: then Miss Calhoun, in the
first flush of youthful bloom; the gifted
Wardlaw Smith, upon whom so many hopes
were centered; Mr.. Davis, known and re-
spected among us all; Mrs. Visanska, q
blooming matron, the stay and solace OF de-
voted household; Frank and Agnes, 'llke
twin roses on q stalk" the household treas
ures of our townsman E. B. Gary, ESQ.,; the
sweet, bright child of Mr.. Julius DuPre; Mrs.
Kerr, 'mother In Israel" whose name is as
ISOLATED with all that is best in Methodism I;
and last OF all, the sudden, sad bereavement,
which removes the devoted husband, father
and brother, the useful citizen, the honored
church member and officer. Truly the Scrip
ture says Of God: "His judgments unsearch-
able and his ways past finding out"
There is something in the circumstances
which preceded and attended the death of
Major Wardlaw, which apart from its sudden
ness, makes it inexpressibly sad and impress
sive. One OF the leading spirits in the erec-
ton of the beautiful church ediice, which
now forms the crowning architectural orna-
ment of our town, he was fair representa-
tive of that sinsleness Of purpose, and unity
of action, which enlisted the prayers OF faith
rul and devoted hearts and willing hands, un-
til at last "lnbor crowned the work." and he
with the worshiping congregation, returned
from exile, to their New Home, to join In the
prayers and thanksgivings OF the dedicatory
ceremonies. Only o few weeks have elapsed,
since on that bright Sunday morning, the
new temple opened its doors to large con-
gregation Of Christian people, and became vo.
cal with the thanksgiving of joyful hearts
The eloquent sermon of the gifted preacher,
the devout prayers of the beloved pastor, and
the sweet songs of the choir, gave expression
to the cherished feelings of the hour, Of hopes
long delayed but now crowned with fruition.
Prominent among those who took part in
the exercises of the day, was our lamented
brother. To him was assigned the duty Of re-
counting the history of the origin, progress
and completion Of this new temple of Chris
tian worship-the difficulties encountered and
overcome-tbe differences OF opinion which
were harmonized in one common purpose
the united, persistent and Jealous work, which
was crowned with success. All this was
brought out in bold relief, in the admirable
paper, which he read. Well do we recollect
the glowing tribute, which he paid to the de-
voted zeal of the lady members, and the faith
full work of the children. He lived to wor-
ship only few times more in the new church,
and then was transferred, we trust, to bright
home above-"a house not made with hands,
eternal in the heavens"
We shall not attempt to portray the charac-
ter OF the deceased, or to delineate in detail
those qualities OF mind and heart, which
made him one OF the most highly esteemed,
and loveabe of men-the high integrity, the
perfect truthfulness, the deep sincerity which
formed the basis Of his character; combined
with the affable department, the frank and
conciliatory address, which betokened kind
and sympathetic temper. His pastor, In his
funeral tribute, alludes especially to the Sc
rene wisdom which distinguished him. tho
calm and even temper, the dry light Of rea-
son, unclouded by passion, which made him
sage counsellor, a. trusted adviser. He had
that blended combination Of qualities which
make up the character Of the honored and
useful citizen that harmony Of all the pow
ers, intellectual and moral, which is the pre-
requisite to the achievement of any lasting
good.
In the death of Major Wardlaw, Abbeville
has lost one Of its most honored citizens, the
church one Of its strongest pillars, and the
community one Of its best beloved members.
The people Of Abbeville will long cherish
his memory, and recall his many virtues, as
embodying the best type Of that historic cul-
ture and refinement, OF which Abbeville is
Justly proud and which she will not willingly
let die. Peace to his ashes.
Facts in Reference to the Deceased.
His Death.
The death of Major Wardlaw was compare
lively sudden. Previous to Tuesday: the 4th
December, he seemed to he In his usual health
and spirits. On that day. he was attacked
with vertigo. apparently from indigestion; !;
but was doubtless then suffering from inclp-
lent pneumonia which soon developed itself;
and In ten days reached fatal term1nation.
slant, calmly and serenely maintaining his
consciousness to the last, and giving express
sion to perfect Christian resignation;
The deceased was born at Abbevliie on ~ no, no,
vember the 5th, 1881. and was the eldest chlld
of r. H. and Eliza Wardlaw.
His mother was member or the we'll
known family Of Bowies. and he was connect
ed thus, on both fathers and mothers slae
titled with that of Abbeville, and has given
her Il name at home and reputation abroad
We have heard his father often sny that the he
| of the surviving landmarks OF the past.
The deceased graduated with distinction at
the South Carolina College In 1852, and after
wards studied law in the office of Chancellor
Wardlaw at Edgefleld Court House.
| He then taught school In Beaufort and was
elected President OF the Beaufort College, but
was compelled to leave ON account OF an al
lection Of his eyes. His intention at first,
was only to teach temporarily; but he met
with so much success that he concluded to
remain q teacher, until the weakness OF his
ad IN 6egiSt