The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1894-02-03
WILLIAM ]. JONES.


In the full dignity OF an honorable
and honored manhood, his probes.
sional mantle unstained by reproach
wrapped well about him. cherished
OF his brethren, and revered by all,
a wise counsellor and good friend,
has gone from among us.
In few fleeing months, the re-
lentless reaper has rapidly thinned
the chosen ranks of those whom
high endowment and liberal educa-
ton had easily constituted leaders
among their fellows.
Creswell, Groome, Jones, trinity
of honored Cecil names, profess
sional galaxy that shone Respondent
in Cecil's legal canopy, its light
undimmed in the blaze OF associate
splendor, that illumines other hon
ored names OF Maryland's Bar.
The gift of intellect that indulgent
nature had kindly bestowed upon
this man would command success
'gainst any circumstance however
untoward.
Physical surroundings could not
misshape, or accident of birth mar
his career.
He chose his own career and faith
fully made it. cheered in his success
full aspiration, by the confidence
inspired of the silent whisperings of
those Heavenly landmarks Of every
good mans mental household
industry and integrity.
To the World, he owed less,
perhaps, than any man, who In
our day and generation, has achieved
distinction at the Maryland Bar.
No adventurous circumstance
pointed the road to fame in his
aspiring childhood, no parental
affluence attuned his ear to the siren
lays of deceptious wealth, no direct
ing hand led the way to the sylvan
shades where classic learning refined
and elevated its devoted worshippers.
The thoughtful boy, holder in
brain than Drawn, poring over his
books unnotlced and alone, played
his own prelude to the play of
intellect, that enchanted the studious
youth, through whose open portal
passed, the scholarly and self
educated man.
A mental equipment and a manly
determination, the value of which in
the upward trend of his life he did
not over. estimate, but which the
world too often under estimates, soon
challenged the notice of his seniors.
and secular responsibility early
awaited him.
The record of his career shows
no trust betrayed, no confidence
misplaced.
To man of his temperament, life
was synonymous with activity.
From the beginning to the end OF
his career, industrious endeavor
waited on his enterprise.
In the editorial chair, in public
trusts, at the Bar, in the business
councils of his church, in the privacy
of his domestic life, he was at once
and always, the painstaking coun
sellor and adviser.
As lawyer, while not gifted with
unusual forensic eloquence, he was
the keen, clear-cut and argumenta
tive advocate and pleader.
His professional condolences he
held invlolate, and for conscientious
devotion to his clients interest he
was proverbial.
Like all men, subject to the inhrm-
tiles of human temper, yet withal
heart of womanly tenderness throb-
bed within him.
The unwritten record Of his SYM
pathetic almsgiving, his generous
donations to his church charities,
reflect perhaps more truthfully the
innate character of the man, than his
professional success at the Bar, or
his business ability displayed at his
office.
The unstinted confidence that his
habitual discharge OF personal and
business obligations challenged in his
fellow men. is written in the number
and character Of his official positions
of trust and responsibility, and in
the multiplied vacancies which his
death creates.
The myterious Providence that so
Unexpectedly removed him, excites
no less our wonder, that a greater
measure of years were not vouch-
sated him for the complete tulfllment
OF his LIES trusts.
Another decade of years, measured
by present activities, safely might
have heen hiS