The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-07-28
AG0VERN0R OF THE PAST
AN OLD HISTORICAL, MIDDLE
GEORGIA MANSION.

sional Days, and an Account of BIS
Death.
BUTLER. GA, July 27.-Within an hours
ride of Butler on the Reynolds road, in this
county, stands in a grove of gigantic oaks
an old fashion southern house made famous
by having been once the homo of one of
Georgia's great governors.
A half century ago it was painted white,
but the rains aud time have long since
deprived it Of its coat, save here and there
in sheltered spots Massive columns in
front, like grim sentinels, recall the master
who has long passed away. The sombre
old mansion stands sad aud lonely, yielding
by inches until it too shall bow before the
storms of time, aud crumble to earth.
But the sad and lonely old structure is
interwoven with Georgia's history.
Gov TOWNS HOME.
1t is the country home of the late Gov.
George w. Towns. A look at the old house
now in connection with what it once was
produces feeling of sadness Where once
sparkled great mems wit, and where affairs
OF state were discussed, Is now the abode of
au humble country farmer and his little
family.
| visited the old house yesterday. The
grove, old residents say, has lost none of its
beauty, but has become more picturesque
by its wild aud tangled growth. The oaks
tower high above the house, covering it in
shadow every where.
A wide avenue leads up to the old man
sion from the public road, but its once
beautiful walk is now washed into gullies,
strewn with dead leaves and decaying
brush.
As opened the old fashion gate it swung
heavily on its rusty hinges, screaking so
harshly that il reused the rabbits from their
sleep in the matted weeds. The costly flower
gardens which fourished there once have
given place to weeds and thistles.
ALL SILENT THERE.
Everything was almost as IL in twilight
and as still as death, as bent my footsteps
to the crumbling old house
Wnen l stepped on the porch the old halls
gave back my step with solemn and recipro-
cal voice. The morning glory has climbed
the side of the house and is twining itself
about the dilapidated window blinds.
A FARMERS HOME.
A rap on the door brought a rugged
farmer to it, and he carried me through the
old mansion, aud pointed out the very room
which Gov. Towns occupied. 1t is the
former's bedroom. Around him gathered
his family as we conversed about the old
place. Imagined what different picture
would have presentsdairself half century
ago. Then state legislator, a senator, a
governor. surrounded by his family, occu-
pied the old mansion. 5plendor dazzled
and learning and enlightenment held their
sway. Now all is changed, and the simplest
and humblest people are living out their
allotted time there.
WHAT Gov TOWNS WISHED.
1t was to this place that the great Towns
CaD 10 tha tIo
evening of his days among his more lowly
fellow citizens.
1t was good place for that 1t is in the
heart of good country and amidst
a noble people who loved their supe-
rior fellow man and who were not
above being taught by HIM. Until
this day the good effects of Gov. Towns
superior intellect aud social distinction are
felt in this section. 1t buoys a people up
to be honored by the presence among them
Of u great man.
Every splanter in this section loves to tell
about the days when "his friendn Gov.
Towns lived here. His history is upon
their lips and his life is a sweet song to
them.
HOW HE LOOKED.
Gov. Towns was small of stature, with dark
hair and deep blue eyes. He was considered,
in his day, to be one of the most eloquent
chief magistrates which Georgia ever had
As an executive officer he ranked with any
of his predecessors; as q criminal lawyer
he found no peer, and as IA man Of learning
and research he was at the top. He was a
humorist of no mean qualities. He was a
great story teller, and he had an endless
fund Of good jokes.
HIS COUNTRY LIFE.
Gov. Towns lived upon his farm and
planted corn and cotton just as did his
neighbors. He visited among them and was
upon tae most friendly terms with his
poorest neighbors. The fact that he did
this placed him higher in the estimation of
bis people than the influence Of wealth
could. Gov. Towns even went among his
farm hands, d by his kindly service he
made himself beloved by them. They all
knew him, and his name and his good works
we're proclaimed throughout the country
alike by citizen and slave.
The old mansion to which have alluded
is situated short distance from the Cen
tral railroad on the public road. 1t does
not front toward the railroad, and speck
of woodland hides the house from it. The
land is fertile, the water is clear as crystal
and the climate is salubrious
GARDEN SPOT.
Gov. Towns called the district
the garden spot of the south.
He moved from Talbatton when he
settled mere. On CHe OCcdSlOl OF VlSlt 10
this county during his active engagements
at the bar he fell in love with the country.
He expressed a strong desire to live among
the people, but beng involved, besides
owning property In Talb ottop, he was
unable to pull up his stakes and drive them
here.
DESTINED TO COME.
He seemed destined to come here, how
ever. Two years after his visit Dr. Ben
Newsome, one Of the most celebrated physl-
clans of his time in the state, killed prom
inent planter Of the county, and the feeling
In the district was sharply divided. 1t was
not plain case of justifiable homicide, and
it was therefore necessary to employ the best
counsel TO defend him. The Newsomes we're
wealthy, and they united money or lands
as nothing when they could employ with
them such )unsel as they wished. Accord
ingly Gov. Towns services we're secured to
defend the case. Gov. Towns went to work,
and, after a month of diligent labor, he
appea ed in the court room here before one
OF the largest assemblies ever known in the
county Ia behalf of his client
GREAT SPEECH.
IL is said that his speech on that occasion
was the grandest exhibition of oratory ever
made In this part Of Georgia. representa-
tive members Of the bar from all over the
state were present TO hear IL.
DIR, Newsome vas acquitted. He called
un0n his ooungel the next daV and aaxad