The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1893-03-29
Death of a Bright Young Man.

Death of Bright Young Man.
No death has recently occurred in An
derson that has caused more sorrow and
general expressions of regret than that
of Lieut.. John A. Towers, of tho End
Regiment of the United States Artillery,
which took place at his fathers residence
in this city last Thursday morning,
about o'clock. He was the eldest son
of our venerable townsman, Mr.. A. B.
Towors, and was in the 31st year OF his
age. Having been born and reared in
this city, he was we'll known by our peo-
pie, and was most highly esteemed by
everybody. He possessed a most pleas
ant, genial disposition, was courteous
and affable gentleman, and made a friend
of every acquaintance. He was strictly
moral and temperate in his habits, and
in his youth joined the Presbyterian
Church. He spent his boyhood under
the tutorship of the late Prof. Ligon, and
was very much devoted to his studies.
He next attended the Washington and
Lee University in Virginia, where he at
tanned considerable distinction. Subse-
quently he obtained all appointment to
West Point, from which be graduated
in 1886, standing sixth in his class and
having achieved the distinction Of Ca
det Lieutenancy in the Corps of Cadets.
He was commissioned Lieutenant in the
1st Regiment United States Artillery and
served fou1 years with his command in
California. In October, 1890, he was de-
tailed as military instructor at the South
Carolina Military Academy in Charles
ton. Last fall he was promoted to First
Lieutenant and assigned to the 2nd Ar
tillery.
Lieut.. Towers continued to discharge
his duties at the Citadel until last No
vember, when failing health forced him
to retire. During his stay in California
he had a severe attack of the grip, and be
never fully recovered from its effects.
Three months ago that ever-fatal disease,
consumption, developed and our young
friend continued to grow weaker until
death came to his relief.
Yes, the reaper death has cut down
bright young life, one who had prom
ising future before him, but those of us
who knew him best will long cherish bis
memory. The aged father and sisters, in
their sad bereavement, have the sympa-
thy of our whole people.
The funeral services were held in the
Presbyterian Church on Saturday after
noon at four o'clock, and were conducted
by DR.. Frierson in the presence of large
congregation. The remains were inferred
in the churchyard with military honors
By the battalion of the p. NJ. I. cadets
under the command of Lieut.. Donaldson,
of the U. s. A.
Upon the receipt of the intelligence Of
the death of Lieut.. Towers in Charleston,
the colors were placed at half-mast at the
Citadel, and tho Academic Board of that
Institution was called together and the
following resolutions adopted
Whereas, 1t has pleased Almi ;hty God to take
from us our beloved FREUD and former associate,
First Lieut. John A. Towers, 2ud artillery, u s. A.
and until recently professor Of military science
and commandent of cadets, S. c. NJ. A.
Resolrcd. That the members OF the Academic
board Of the South Carolina Military Academy do
hereby express their sincere sorrow at the untime-
ly closing OF o life that was devoted to the per-
forpance Of duty, and gave promise oil great
achievements.
Rssolred, That in his death we have lost q true
and cherished friend, and his profession q talent
cd and enthusiastic inemb bcr whose happy pres
ence and able work will long be remembered In
his praise
Resolred, That the board do also express their
great sympathy with the bereayed father. and FAM
lily, and that copy OF these resolutions be iof-
warded to them
The following were the orders read to
the corps of cadets:
"It is with profound sorrow that the superiu.
tendent announces to the corps the death of Lieut.
John A. Towers q. 8. A., late commandan! OF ca.
dets Of this Academy.
"Coming to the Academy at time when many
fundamental changes in the regulations had to be
instituted, this officer accomplished his work with
n tirmness and wisdom that has left a permanent
impress for good upon the discipline OF the nsti-
tuition. The superintendent congratuatcs the
corps of cadets upon the fact that their reuent
sponi aueous testimonial of esteem and sympathy
was made in time for him to respond In his own
handwriting. The letter acknowledging their
kindness is probably the last he ever wrote.
I'm t0kon Of respect the flag Of the institution
| will be raised t9 half-mast until the interment
takes place"