The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1890-03-20
meath of Mr. Peoples.

Just after the INTELL1G ENCER had gone
10 press on Wednesday afternoon of last
week telegram conveyed the sad news to
the city that Mr.. John Z. Peoples was
desd, his death having occurred that
morning at about 10 o'clock at Thomas
willie, Ga. This announcement was ex-
pected by his friends, for telegram re-
ceiyed in the city day or two preceding
stated that he was critically ill, and there
was no hope for his recovery.
Mr. Peoples bad been in feeble health
for several months past, being afflicted
with that terrible disease, consumption.
During this time he was cheerful and
hopeful, and continued to give his atten-
ton to his business interests as long he
was able. About the first of February,
acting upon the advice of. his physician,
ho, accompanied by his brother-in law,
Mr.. G. W. Howell, went to Thomasville,
Ga, to spend few weeks. He stood'the
trip there remarkably we'll, and for the
first two weeks or more tie 6ne climate
of that delightful section seemed to bene-
6t him, but in short time thereafter the
terrible disease began to show itself more
plainly than ever, and he gradually grew
worse until the end came. He passed
away apparently without q struggle,
being conscious almost to the last mo-
mont, and surrounded by his brothers.in-
law, Messrs. Howell and Laughlin, and
the latter'u wife, His remains were at
once prepared for shipment home, reach
ing Anderson on the Savannah Valley
train at o'clock on Friday. They were
met at the depot by Committees from the
Board of Trade, knights of Honor and
Masonic fraternity, all of which he was an
active member, and escorted to his home
on Main Street.
Mr.. Peoples was born In Newberry, and
on the End inst. was 81 years old. When
about two years old his father died, and
a year later his mother moved to Green
vile, where the deceased resided until
1875, when he came to Anderson. he
had been clerking since he was quite q
small boy, and had had good business
training.
He began work in Anderson for Gill;
reath & Burgess, dealers in stoves, tin
ware, etc. Mr.. Gilreath was an uncle OF
Mr.. Peoples, and it was not long before
the latter purchased the interest of Mr..
Burgess, and the firm was known as Gill
reath & Peoples. From the start Mr..
Peoples displayed a wonderful amount OF
energy and push, and he soon built up q
big business, and in few years bought
the interest of Mr.. Gilreath in the estab-
lishment. He was close observer, at
tended strictly to his own business, was
prompt in every transaction, and every
thing he handled seemed to turn into
money. He invested Lis money judi
ciously, and embarked in several other
lines of business. Success crowned his
efforts in every direction, and, from an
humble beginning, he died recognized as
one of our wealthiest citizens. Mr.. Peo'
pies was possessed of quiet disposition,
and was very temperate in his habits
He had for number Of years been con-
sistent member of the Baptist Church, and
was ever ready to assist any needy oh:
jsct As citizen he was truly public
spirited, and within the last few years ha:
done as much OF more than any citizen Of
Anderson to build up the town and ad.
vance it's prosperity. In short, by his
death Anderson loses one of hor best citi
zens, whose place will be hard to Fill.
Mr.. Peoples. married Miss Josie Bleck
ley, oldest daughter of s. Bleckley, O.
Anderson. His wife and two small
children survive him. It is little sin.
gular that the deceased was born ir
March, was married in, March, and dice
in the same month.
Last Saturday morning at IL o'clocl
the funeral services took place il
the Methodist Church, his remains
being in charge of the Masonic fra
ternity. Rev. Chas. Manly, DID,. o
Greenville, preached q most interesting
and impressive sermon, and was assisted
in the services by Rev. Or. Frierson ant
Rev. G. B. Smith. In respect to the
memory of the deceased, all of the bust
ness houses of the city were closed during
the services. The Church was crowded tc
its utmost capacity, and many person:
were unable to gain entrance, Attic con
clusion of the services, the remains were
carried to the Baptist cemetery and there
laid to rest with Masonic honors. Hon
| ]. L. Tribble, Master of Hiram Lodge
who conducted the funeral rites, delivered
tbs following eulogy on tho deceased a
the grave:
Brethren It seems meet that I shoul(
| add few words concerning our deceased
brother. The occasion that calls US to
gether is one Of peculiar sadness. Abou
/ fifteen years ago John u. Peoples, ther
quite young man, came to Anderson
and cast his lot with us, and from tina
time until prostrated,. he WAS closely
identified with every advance movemen
upment and building up of our city, ant
well may our hearts feel sad when such 9
| spirit as his has been removed from oul
midst.
In the beginning of his. business career
he had but small capital-in so far a
money is termed capital-but he possessed
in an eminent degree, the alchemist'.
wand that could convert into money
everything it touched. Pluck. energy
and sound, practical, business judgmen
has never failed to win success where th,
indolent fail. His success should encour
age every young man to exercise thesl
God given talents, without the due exer