The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-05-13
TRIBUTESgTO THE DEAD.
MEMORIALS OF THE MISSISSIPPI
PRESS ASSOCIATION.
Appropriate Euiogies BY Editor r. H.
Henry--The Character OF the Late ].
II. Martin-worth OF John s. Hoskins.
J. r. McGregor and William Ward.


After the Mississippi Press association
had adopted Tributes OF respect TO the
memory of ]. II. Martin, Of the Nac Mssis-
sippidn, John s. Hoskins, IT,, Of the Lex
ington Bulletin, J. r, McGregor, Of the
Pittsboro Bonner, and William Ward, OF
the Macon Beacon, the following remarks
were submitted by r. ii. Henry, OF the
Clarion Ledger:
The brightest writer Of the Mississippi
press now rests from earthly toll beneath
wilderness OF flowers in tho Brookhaven
cemetery. John II. Martin, late editor Of
the Ner Mississippidn, was truly a genius.
No other words can fifty describe him.
All his writings and speeches evidenced
the spark that only genius could enkindle.
As a delightful impromptu speaker he
stood with tho foremost in the State. As
writer he was fluent, forcible, facle and
fearless. With all his eminentability, and
no man win question that he possessed il,
he was often indscreet, sometimes rash
and imprudent.
lie believed In aggressive Journalism,
and always boldly expressed himself about
men and measures regardless OF results.
He knew nothing Of policy or the blan-
dishments Of the politician. That he was
at times too extreme his best friends will
not deny. His idea Of journalism was
that no man was above criticism, and,
while his course was condemned by many,
he yet had large following who Endorsed
oil his uttemnccs.
A anof remarkable energy, and strong
will power, no built up for himself name
that will live through all time. Lot us re-
member only his virtues and the good he
has done.
One OF the oldest members Of this asso-
citation, who had not an enemy on earth,
the urbane, genial and everagrceable VIM.
Ward, the poet editor Of the Macon Bed-
con, is with us no more. Those OF us who
knew him well and loved him for his big
heart and true manly worth, will sadly
miss his gentle footballs, cheerful face and
warm hand-grasp as we meet In our an
nual conventions. The voice Of him who
sang songs OF love, devotion and duty, is
as silent as the marble shaft that marks
his last resting place.
Born in bleak New England village, up
among the hillsof old Connecticut, in 1928,
Mr.. Ward came south when youth Of
tender ycarsl 10 seek a home In the land
OF sunshine aud flowers, III prototypes Of
his own sunny self. A poet by nature,
and writer OF the purcst English. he gave
10 the press some Of the sweetest poetic
gems that have erIced the literature Of tho
south, and his poems addressed TO or read
before our PRES conventions were always
regarded as the chief feature Of an enter
tainment With them he was "wont
10 set the table in a roar" or
draw tears from the eyes OF the
most obdurate. lie wrote his name high
up on the scroll OF fame, and through all
the vicissitudes OF life, from the days Of his
early manhood when struggling to support
a growing family, TO the evening OF his de-
clining years whom surrounded by the
comforts and Injuries OF life, that name
remained AZ pun ~ q star, N unsullicd %
the snowflake falling In mid-heaven. In
all the relations OF life William Ward wns
ever true and honorable man, loving and
4 beloved by all who came within the circle
Of his acquaintance. Let the rccollections
OF this New England youth who east hi'
lot with the SOUTH and who lies buried In
lis soil, ever remain fresh and green In our
heart OF hearts, and now let us pluck a
flower nom the chaplet OF memory and
| hlgh htn thioNth ktNNts
John s. Hoskins, IT,, the pungcnt para
grapher OF the Lexington Buiietin, has
passed over the dark river, and the men,
ton OF his namo aud the manner OF his un-
timely taking oil will cause sigh OF rcgre,
from each member Of this association. lie
had hardly entered upon the duties Of a
journalist when he was called hence,
but during his brief connection with the
editorial management OF his fathers paper
he distinguished himself M writor and
gave promise OF useful career. May the
sod rest lightly above him.
And what shall say Of poor John X.
McGregor, Of the Pittsboro Boudf Or.
phaned when but a small boy, he was left
TO fight the battles Of life alone. Step by
step he climbed the rugged path Of life
and when all seemed faircst and brightest
hc, too was called up higher. An unprc'
tentious quiet lad. his fine traits Of char
meter were only known and appreciated by
his most intimate friends. Though hil
deathbed was unattended by father
mother. brother or sister, kind iriendl
stood around and spoke words Of comior
ms he entered upon his journey 10 Oh,
great beyond. MAY the Father Of all draw
the spirit Of this noble boy close up 10 IN,