The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1888-04-25
Wednesday, April 25, 1888


w SSASSSJ ~~S
Death Of L. Wardlaw Smith, Esq.
This announcement will carry pang o.
poignant sorrow to wide circle of relatives
and friends, who were endeared to the deceas
ed, by the cherished associations OF the past
and to whom his death will bring sense o.
deep personal bereavement. That one sc
young, SO bright. so loveable, so full of prom
ise, should suddenly have been snatchec
away from all that makes life desirable, when
Just entering upon the threshold Of his ca
reer; adds to the bitter Ingredient in the cur
Of sorrow.
L. Wardlaw Smith died at the home Of his
mother, Mrs. S. Wardlaw Smith, in this vii
lage, on Sunday night, the 22d, Of heart dis
ease, in the 2Sth year of his age and thus has
passed away one of the youngest, the bright
est and best beloved members of the Able.
Vile Bar.
The occasion Is one Of inexpressible sad
ness; for though for months past, the premo
nitions Of death were such, that life seemed
to be held by single thread; yet it was fond
ly hoped, that the resources OF the best medi
cal skill. and the vigor Of young and robust
constitution, might stay the insidious ap
proaches OF disease, and prolong life, even Il
1t did not restore to wonted health. But alas
for the vanity OF all human hopes. fatal
blow had been struck at the citadel of life
and the waning powers rapidly succumbed
Yet amid bodily weakness, the buoyant spirit
remained steadfast, and the bright intellect
retained consciousness even to the last. 81
shall die In q few moments" were his last ex
~ ond cnirit nQgSaf
quietly and peacefully away.
Death which comes alike to all; the young
the middle aged, and the old, brings peculiar
sorrow when 1t enters the charmed circle o.
home, and takes away the brightest of its
cherished jewels; or when it cuts down upon
the threshold Of busy life, the young aspiran1
for its honors and emoluments. Our friend
was the idolized son Of happy home, the
centre Of q group Of warm hearted friends, the
pride and ornament Of a noble profession
He has been taken away when the pulse o.
life beat highest, when hope seemed bright
est, to teach "what shadows we are and what
shadows we pursue"
The deceased was born in Abbeville, and af
ter spending some time in the village schools
he received his academic training under the
instruction OF the Rev. O. T. Porcher at Will
lington. Thence he went to the University Of
the South at Sewanee, where he completed
his collegiate course. Upon his return to Alb
beville he studied law in the office of the Hon.
Armistead Burt Forming partnership with
w. c. Benet, ESQ.,, of this place, under the
firm name OF Benet & Smith, he entered upon
avery successful practice, but allured by the
prospect of wider field of labor at Atlanta
(SQ ha N lint cifv mi
whilst health lasted, promised to realize the
brightest hopes of his friends. But his con.
stitution gave way, and in shattered health
he returned to Abbeville, where his last mo-
ments were passed.
For his chosen profession Of the law, the de,
ceased seemed peculiarly fitted, as we'll by
natural endowment, as by the scholastic and
legal training which developed those powers
OF thought, and habits Of research, which
make the able and successful lawyer. A clear
analytical mind, enabling him to seize upon
the salient points Of case, and to hold in its
comprehensive grasp its material facts, was
remarkable In one 80 young, and needed only
the experience and ripened Judgment Of ma
turer years to put him in the front rank OF his
profession. He had intellect, ambition and
those habits OF industry which alone COM
mand success. He had fine person, q pleas
ing address, and an earnest and impressive
manner which made him successful advo-
cate before juries.
Before all and above all, the deceased had
all the elements Of a noble character, integri.
ty, truthfulness, and high sense Of honor;
and with these were combined kind heart,
courteous temper, a frank and affable dispo-
sition, which made him hosts Of devoted
friends. The trials, the sufferings, and the
disappointments Of life, were sustained with
Christian patience and resignation and we
trust with all the hopes and consultations
which ensure a blissful eternity hereafter.
During his Illness he received the ministra.
tions Of devoted Christian ministers, and on
ly a few moments before he died, he request
ed that beloved college mate, the Rev. John
Gass, Of Augusta, Ga, should minister at his
grave.
The funeral services were held In Trinity
church at 6 o'clock, on Tuesday evening last,
and larger audience than we have ever seen
on similar occasion, crowded the spacious
edifce to Its utmost capacity.
The following gentlemen acted as pail bear
ers: W. MCGOWAN, II. T. Wardlaw, David
rim, L. G. Haskell, George White, Thomas P,
Cothran, Amos Morse.
The services were conducted by the Rev
John Gass according TO the beautiful and i'm
pressive ceremonial Of the Episcopal church
and as the sublime utterances Of Psalmist and
Apostle upon the vanity of life, and the sol
emn realities Of death, the steadfastness o
God, and the blissful hopes of the resurrec
ton fell upon the ear the scene was inexpres
sibly anecting. The beautiful hymn II would
not live alway" was finely rendered by the
choir, and at its close the services were con-
eluded ut the grave. Here touching and af
fecting prayer was offered by the Rev. DR.
Wilson of the Presbyterian church, which
brought tears to many eyes. AS the last rays
OF the setting sun iliumined the West, the
body was consigned to the dust, and wreaths
OF spring flowers. the last tributes Of loye and
affection, were placed upon the grave. Peace
TO his ashes.
Big Tax Dodgers.
II the owners of real estate do not pay full
value for their property, II Is wrong 10 tax
banks to the full value Of their capital and
surplus Columbia Register.
We think the files OF the Columbia Register
will show that that paper has published col
nmns Of editorials urging that farmers be made
to assess their lands and mules at higher fig.
ures-and all this at q time when q majority
OF the banks are supposed to have been the