The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1894-04-18
less than last year ; eighteen note an
Improvement in the general condition Of
business.
GEN. JOSEPH B. KERSHAW
business.

Gen. Joseph B. Kersbaw died at his home
in Camden last Thursday night IN the 73d
year of his age. He bad been critically i'll
for several days, and the eni came peacefully
and calmly with his family gathered at his
bedside. His death was that of the christian
gentleman, which he was throughout a long
and unusually useful life. His death causes
grief, not only in Camden where he lived
from youth to old age, loved and respected
by all, but throughout the entire State. 10
Camden the affection was felt as a personal
bereavement by every one, and we have never
; witnessed such a universal outpouring of
sy mpathy as was seen 10 Camden on Satur-
day the day Of the funeral. Such a tribute
| conveyed more than words can convey. They
did honor to the spotless record as soldier,
Judge and citizen, and in this tribute the peo-
pie of the State unite.
, Gen. Kershaw's career was honorable IL
I all. He contributed freely Of his time and
talents to the service of his State and county +;
and it is due to such service by such men that
the record of South Carolina has in it so
much that is worthy of honor and emulation.
In two wars, when duty demanded, be served
faithfully and with distinguished ability. In
the DAYS of reconstruction be was ooe of the
truest and most trusted lesders. AS a judge
aud iurist be had the confidence and respect
of the bar, and his ability was recognized
by all.
No words can 80 truly describe the spirit
that animated Ger. Kershaw, as his address
on retiring from the bench last Juoe
He said: "Gentlemen, l retire tomorrow
to the shades Of private life to seek in some
way the uecessaries of life, and l do so with
out regret. What can | regret7 The appro-
val of a people competent to judge of a life
which meets their commentator as having
been well spent is a most delightful remin-
! isceuce to have at the close of oue's life.
ssThere are other things besides money in
this world, other things besides political pre-
ferment as little as some people may think OF
it. Honor! got this idea from a distin-
guished female writer Of the day. She re-
minds her readers that the real test OF life is
God, honor, country, justice, truth These
are the things which we are to foster and up
hold. Let US give ourselves to them, as
au sure you will.
.sMy life has MOI always been one to be ad'
mired, very far from it. | was not born With
a silver spoon in my mouth. | had no sd-
vantaees when | was child. | was left at a
very early age the only son oil my mother.
and she a widow in delicate health and with
very little resources. l started life at The
bottom. Whatever success may have
attained in life is due to a kind Providence
that has put into your hearts the idea of pass
ing these resolutions 30 complimentary and
so kind to me. In every station of life | havt
felt the hand of Providence and have seen il
distinctly as if it had been my fathers band
lifting me ont of difficulty"
Gen. Kershaw has passed across the river
and entered the life eternal TO receive the re-
ward of a pure, patriotic, well-spent life
He has gone, but he leaves behind him an 10
fuence aud an inspiration that time cannot
eface, for his memory is enshrined in the
hearts of men.
+ Gov. Tillman, Secretary of State Tiudal,
Treasurer Bates, Attorney-General Buchanan,
AID Superintendent of Education May6eld, at.
tended the funeral id a body. There were
also several gentlemen from Columbia and
Sumter.