The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1895-03-20
RecolIectlons Of Rev. Lewis III. Aver.
BY REV. NgM. W. MOOD.

Editors Intelligencer The announce
mont Of Rev. Lewis NJ. Ayers death re-
wives many pleasing memories of my de-
parted friend as T knew him at Anderson
In 1874 and in succeeding years. l be-
came drawn to him in my first visit to
his beautiful home. became very fond
of him. and often visited him. He was
so gentle and kind in his ways, and in
his elegant hospitalities we often shared.
He was beautiful specimen Of South
Carolina gentleman, and, which was bet
ter chan all, I knew him as q Christian
man. We all called him General.
Irecall his many kindnesses,. but par
ticularly the vegetables from his garden.
It was large enclosure, and every loot
of it was kept in high state OF cultiva-
ton. He was an industrious and sue
cessful gardener. From our humble
home, Immediately In rear of the Jail,
which we rented from Mr.. T. J. Leak,
we would watch him at his work. He
furnished us with the best he had-nota-
bly were the cabbages and melons. l
used to regret that I could not participate
in the latter (watermslons). l had never
learned to love their taste.
The proposition was made to me by
Rev. P. F. Stevens, then rector of the
Protestant Episcopal Church, and Pro-
fessor in Mr.. Ligon's High School, as
well as to the General, Rev. j. s. Murray
and DR.. Friersop, pastor of the Presby-
terian Church, that we meet in each 9TH
ers' homes weekly, spending the even
ing in talking over our previous Sabbath
DAVIS work and in religious conversa-
ton. But the proposer was very posi-
tive that our repast be Of the plainest,
simplest kind. To this we all most cor
dialiy agreed. The General proposed
that our first meeting be at his home.
Judge Of my surprise when supper was
announced to find an elegantly lighted
supper-room, with an elaborate layout
of meats, DC, with coffee, tea and choco-
late. Such supper could not be trifed
with. We fingered long over the deli
cious viands 30 kindly prepared. VIII
you here permit me to remark that Bro.
Stevens family and mine tried to stand
up to the original compact as to the plain
ness OF the repast. The others did not.
We Jared sumptuously every time.
The nextyea rented rooms from Bro.
Stevens, who had rented Judge Whit
ner's house on Rose Hill-"beautiful for
situation One evening 8. called to me,
SIT is the Generals night. You don't
seem to be ready 'tReady why, no
with this Ice, and it still showing? That
bridge is in very bad shape to walk
over in the dark Seeing that I was not
going he walked around to my part Of
the piazza and said, EYES,. it Is an ugly
night, and it Is showing; but, old fellow,
iust think how you'll fare when you get
there ~ We went. Those hours spent
with these kind families love to dwell
upon.
Allow me to remark here that the last
time 7 met Bro. Murray was at the depot
In Columbia. BE bowed very formally.
Why was that? After awhile, as ne
stood in the rain, I offered hipa my hand.
Then at once saw the causeof the bow
i--he had taken me for Col. Jas. Fl. Ryon,
and said, "I never would have known it
was you, Bro. Mood, if you had not
spoken to me-"
The General accepted call to Church
In Texas. We hated to see him break up
and go so far. He was gone year. In
the meantime the Baptist Convention
proceedings had come into my hands
entire, Iknew of no one who would be
more pleased to have these papers than
the General, 30 mailed them to him.
Iwenta at once to see him on his return.
ST suppose, General. you have kept your
self informed Of South Carolina matters
while away off in Texas?" eNo, I have
not, You have taken one or more pa
pers?" "No, am too poor. While I
was away I. was Texian-now that l
have returned to South Carolina am
South Carolinian."
Curious to know IL "the Convention"
had reached him I said, "you have kept
up with your Church in South Carolina"
mo, Bro. Mood, I am not informed as to
anyio its properties or adyersities.n
You have taken some one of the Church
papers ?'' "No. I have taken no Church
paper in this Stata.' "And has none of
your ministers sent you any papers from
South Carolina. s"No, none Of them
think that much OF me-" swell, Iwould
have thought that some one would have
thought of you in that way" Twas then
silent, satisfied that "The Convention"
had failed to reach him. Mrs. Aver,
coming in just then, he told her of what
We had been saying. Then she said,
"Why, yes, don't you remember that
aome one sent you the Convention pro-
cesdings and how you enjoyed itP aOh,
yes, one good brother remembered me,
and I can't conceive who 1t was" After
q moment or so he walked quickly across
the room to me, and putting his right
hand on my shoulder, said, "you sent
those papers to mel know you did"
But he is gone. ]. loved him. live
over and over again my association with
him here. 1t is q happy reflection that
we are to meet again.
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