The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1891-07-23

DEATH OF DIR. o. e. MAYER, SIX.

One of Newberry's best citizens has
passed away. DR.. o. B. Mayer, Sr.,
died ut his home in Newbery on Thurs
day afternoon, July 10Th, at half-past
two O'Clock, after an illness Of nine
days. Though his death was not un-
expected, it was shock to the commu-
nifty in which he had spent an honor
able and useful life of nearly fifty years.
DR.. Orlando Benedict Mayer was
born near Pomaria, on February y,
1918, and spent he days of his boyhood
at his birth. place, to which he so often
refers in his writings with filial devo-
ton.
As he grew into manhood's estate he
attended school at Lexington, and sub
sequently entered South Carolina Col
lege, where he graduated in 1887. He
then began the study of medicine and
received the degree Of NJ. D. from the
Charleston Medical College. He prac-
ticed his profession for year or two in
Dutch Fork, and then resolved to at
tend some Of the best European Uni
yersities.
On the 18th of April, 1914, he left his
home at Pomaria and went to Charles
ton, where he sailed for Liverpool. He
spent three years in Europe, dividing
his pursuit Of learning between the
Universities of Edinburg, Paris and
Heidelberg. He returned to Pomaria
in April, lS47, and after practicing his
profession there for two years, he re-
moved to Newberry, where he has
spent his useful life.
DR.. Mayer was thrice married. In
1889 he married Miss Mary Davis, OF
Fairfield, who at the time was living
in Mississippi. She did not live year
after her marriage. In 1851 he married
Miss Carrie DeWalt, of Newberry, who
died in 1861, leaving one son and four
daughters to a fathers care. Later
he married Mrs. Lou Kinard, who sur
wives him.
DR.. Mayer attained an eminent place
in his profession, and was as well dlstln-
guished as a writer. He contributed
largely to the periodical press in early
life, which he kept up almost within a
week of his death. His last work Of
this character was the revisal of the
Dutch Fork sketches for The Herald
and News, and on the day before be
was taken with the disease, which
ended his life, be finished these
sketches.
He retired from the active practice of
his profession several years ago. He
performed many difficult surgical
operations during his practice, being
often called to distant counties.
DR.. Mayer did not seek the applause
of men, or he could have obtained a
| worldwide distinction in his profession.
Neither did he seek wealth. Nothing
delighted him more in his later years
| than his literary pursuits. He was
pure-hearted, honest, overhowing with
generosity and kindness.
DR.. Mayer was thorough English
scholar, and spoke and wrote the Ger
man language. He was quite familiar
with French, Latin and Greek, He
devoted his attention also to music and
fine arts. He has translated many
German hymns into English and ar
ranged appropriate music for them.
His best work in fiction was 1.-THE
Voice, the Hand and the Silhouette"
and s'The Music Girl of the Rue de La
Harpe.n These two stories appeared
in RusselIs Magazine, published in
Charleston in 1857. In the first OF
these he distinctly predicted the inven-
ton of the telephone.
DR.. Mayer had been professor OF
Physiology and Hygiene in Newberry
College since 1877, and also before It's
removal to Walhalla in 1868.
DR.. Mayer was consistent member
| of the Lutheran church. He was STU
dent OF the Bible, which he read with
devoutness and in which he believed
! with a strong faith. The grandeur OF
his character is most manifest IN his
religious life. No man of our acquaint-
ance possessed more abiding faith IN
the promises of the gospel Of Christ.
With the faith of a little child, his con-
! victions were strong and he relied fully
on the doctrine of the resurrection and
the happiness ofthe life to come, which
was his solace and comfort in his last
| illness.
DR.. Mayer leaves four children, DR..
o. B. Mayer, Jr.; Mrs. Martin, of Lau-
reus; Mrs. Connor, of Cokesbury; and
Mrs. J. T. Mayes, of Newberry. One
of his daughters, Miss Alice Mayer,
died in December 1884.
His nobleness of character and his
many virtues truly enitle him to the
high name Of Christian gentleman.
- szssE:s1zE,silE8