The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-08-01
THE OLD AND THE NEW.
Judge McGOwan Again Private
Citizen - Colonel EnEne II. Gary
Takes Ris Place ON the Supreme

Bench.
Ever since the earliest days In the history
| OF the Stale, Abbeville county has always
aken II conspicuous part In everything that
pertained 10 the welfare and glory OF the
country.
and integrity OF her lawyers; her representa-.
tives ON the Bench have been re-
nowned for their learning and upright.
ness Of character; her statesmen have stood
in the forefront, with the giants of the ma
iion; her warriors have been as brave as the
bravest, and In civil life her citizens have up
held the fame OF her leaders.
villes citizens did not take a conspicuous
part In all the affairs OF the Stale, ana today
they are preserving the historic record.
None have been more distinguished, or been
tried in more fields of usefulness than Sam
uel MCGOWAN, and none have more consis.
tentIy, or for longer time, shed lustre on the
county OF bis adoption.
Judge MCGOWAN, who has 30 long been re-
cognized as one of the ablest jurisLs IN the
State, last Saturday laid aside his official
rohes, and retired TO private life.
He will now in his old age. after the excite
ment and laoors incident TO d long and
busy life, euter into that peaceful rest TO
which his assiduous labors and his wonderful
pIishlnents SO justly entitle him.
In full health, and In manly courage, he en-
ters, 80 10 speak, the Indian summer OF life,
with strong heart and unbroken splrlt.
Having tasted all the sweets Of lie, and hav-
countrymen, during long and eventful
career he retires from active service with
The love and good will of all.
Judge MCGOWAN ts man with history,
whose unfailing success, In whatever position
circumstances or inclination may have put
him, should Ue An incentive aud an inspira-
tion TO the young men OF today. His success
was not attained except by hard work, and
by strict observance OF the rules which
characterize the highest Integrity.
Judge MCGOWAN came 10 the Aobeville Bar
In the "forties," aud his success AMI his his
tory Is known of all men.
BY his uniformly kind disposition and
Willingness, from his abundant fortune, to
relieve the distress OF those VINO were emoar-
rassed, he has done much good to his fellow
man, and his neighoors love and honor min
tor 1t.
He has never failed at anything. When he
was at the Bar, he was considered one OF the
best Of lawyers, and his practice was accord
Inyy large andnremunerative.
Az q legislator he gave abundant satisfac-
tlon TO his constituency for twelve years pre-
ceding the war.
On the breaking out Of the war, TO which he
was opposed, he enlisted In the battles of
mis- country, and his worth then, as In peace.
was recognized. He was elected Colonel OF
one OF the Regiments, and tor long time De-
fore the cuse VI the war was one OF Lees
most trusted Brigadier Generals. On the SOIL
OF Virginia whch is rich with southern blood,
in many nard fought battle he and his
gallant brigade bravery faced all The dangers
Of war.
When grim visaged war had smoothed It's
wrlnkled front, he came home, crippled In
estate, but with q heart which has never
known discouragement, he opened MS law
office and was rewarded with lucrative
practice, and he soon regained his lost estate.
Al one lime he was elected to Congress, but
because OF disabilities incurred BY his honor
able and distinguished participation In the
rebellion, he WAS not allowed 10 take the Seat
10 which his counlrymen had elected him.
For several terms after the war ne was elect
ed to the lower house of the Legislature.
About fifteen years ago the Legisture, In
reeoEnitioI Of ms b, AGILITY Sssoss1e sna 'sga
tice OH the Supreme Bench, which po-
sition he has held ever since. His decisions
will remain and be of record Tor the State and
credit to old Abbeville county.
He Is now seventy-1ve years OF age, and
winds up a career which, for success and
usefulness, is not surpassed by that OF any one
y He R has ample fortune. good health, and an
undaunted spirit
Having conferred honor on his country
men, he now lays down his robes of Office as
Spoiless as when he took them up. He
country. BY his learning In the law and
his uncomfortable determination TO do the
right. he has made u record which Is rich
heritage for those no are TO follow him, ana
praise the name which he has made hlstorlc
In the annals of Abbeville county.
And how as 10 his successor In oftice-he
who is 10 wear the ermine which his distin-
guished predecessor has just laid down.
Like Judge McGoWan. Associate Justice
Eugene B. Gary Is an example Of what pluck,
ssgacity and energy can accomplish. Like
Judge MCGOWAN, he can look back from the
high position which he now holds, and review
the Incidents In q career OF unbroken success.
He may recount the steps from the beginning
all the way up TO the exalted position upon
which he now stands.
Though young in years he has bad greater
honors and higher trusts conferred upon him
than has fallen 10 the lot OF many.
AS a lawyer he was successful. AS politl
clan we believe he never met defeat, and bis
record as a public servant has been one OF
steady advancement.
AS presiding officer, whether In heated con-
tests between contendlng parties, or as Presi-
dent of the Senate. his sagaclty and quick
perception, have enabled him to win com.
mendatiou even In the discharge OF most diff
tcult duties.
AS Judge we doubt not that his readiness
70 grasp the facts and the law as presented to
him on the Bench, will enable him TO NIL The
office OF Judge with satisfaction TO all.
Judge Gary, like Judge MCGOWAN, Is q cltl.
zen OF Abbevilie county, having been born at
Cokesbury about forty years ago.
With his native ability and the example OF
q long line of distinguished predecessors be-
fore him, we doubt not that Judge Gary will,
like Judge McGowan, win the well done oi
his countrymen.