The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1896-08-06

ton for quickness Of conception and
holiness in action. He was a Republi-
can from the time that organization
had a foothold in Tennessee, as he had
been a Wing in the days of that old
party, so dear to his heart He was
partisan. but never a strong enough
partisan to wear anybody's collar with
out protest or question. contrary to
his own convictions.
Thus have hastily sketched the illus
trious life Of great man and a dear
friend. I could extend It largely but
space here will not permit. For twenty
five years knew him well. For fifteen
years was associated with him. most OF
the time intimately and to bear testi-
mony to his worth, is a labor of love
His widow still lives in Knoxville es-
teemed by all. His son, Col. James p.
Brownlow, who won so much distinction
In the late war, has been dead sixteen
years, Col. John R. Brownlow. his eld-
est son. resides in Washington and Is
engaged in the Government service.
Three daughters, Mrs. Sue Boynton,
Mrs. Henry M. Aiken and Mrs. Callie
Hale, reside in Knoxville, the latter with
her mother. Mrs. George G. Latta, an
other daughter, lives at Hot Springs,
Ark. A few years ago Mrs. Anne Pat
rick, another daughter who was a uni
versal fayorite, was laid to rest in Gray
Cemetery beside the grave of her illus
trious father.
cannot better close this sketch than
by reproducing an editorial printed in
the Knoxville Journal last September,
QS95) as just estimate Of the merits
of this most famous Tennessean:
Eighteen years ago April 20. last,
died William G. Brownlow. 1t does not
seem so long since he was among us,
the SYNONYM Of Intellectual energy. Yet
from the silence Of the tomb he still
speaketh as one born to command OF
this we are strikingly reminded by the
large number of visiting strangers in the
city in the past few days, who have
talked about Knoxville being his home,
and who have called upon his widow at
the old homestead He was a part OF
the dynamic force of the greatest con-
fiict Of modern times. Out of the con-
tentions Of the past, his individuality
stands forth in vivid outline, as that Of
a leader whom reverses could neither
conquer nor appall, and whose fields of
defeat were but forerunners to more
heroic effort and achievement that ex-
acted even the. respect of those who in
the heat of party strife most assailed
and most misunderstood his motives
He Is SO fixed In the public eye that
he hangs like a picture on the WALL"
He was sometimes criticised, but never
doubted. He was never on the fence on
any question. You may say he was not
a great statesman, yet few exerted more
influence in the affairs of State. You
may say that he was not the greatest
orator. but in his public speeches he
welded an influence over the popular
mind that the greatest orators might
envy. That he was great editor.
everybody admitted. His highest char
acteristic was that he never fell short
of himself or Of expectations. He was
splendid example of American i'm
provement of. opportunity. The Amerl-
can boy will burn to emulate the heroic
figure and noble career Of this man.
All healing time has vindicated his
name and VIM. G. Brownlow goes down
to history with the best and bravest Of
his countrymen. His ambition was
great; but 1t was never sordid; his moral
and physical courage was the miracle of
his day and generation; his loyalty to
any cause he espoused. and he never es-
poused a cause he did not believe to be
worthy, was absolutely perfect. It was
said Of him by prominent political OPP
ponent that ''he never turned his back
on friend or foe." He was true to his
friends, true to himself, true to his coun-
try. What grander epitaph may any
man have? @s# A# tE#