The Van Buren press., 1897-12-18
A Tribute to Captain James
Thompson Stuart.

A Tribute to Captain James
Thompson Stuart.
The end of noble life has come, aud a brave
heart has ceased 10 beat The closed eyes will
look no more on ear hly scenes; and the ears
will be alike deaf to the harsh voice of censure
and the tender accents of affection. Yes, the
brief solemn announcement has come TO host
of friends that another earthly career has ended
How short the transition from time to
eternity The endl What solemn meaning In
that sound rs ii peals mournfully through the
soul when a living friend has passed away,
All now is closed, irrevocable The loved
friend who WAS with us has put on the garments
of eternity. aud only the backward visias OF
memory remain, To him the high destiny was
appointed TO live to ripe old age, full OF years
and full of honors he died.
Ii was at Franklin, Tennessee, on March D,
1922 that James Thompson Stuart was born. He
was educated at a college at Bardston, Ky, and
read law under his uncle, Alex ii. IL. stuart
who was at one time member of President
Fillmore's eabiuet as secretary of the interior.
Capt stuart came to Arkansas in ls4. while
this was yet Territory. He was one of our
Oldest aud most respected citizens.
The writer has often been impressed with the
cordial greetings which young and old aseorded
Uncle Jim, as he was fondly called
His death removes another of the old land
marks. He belonged to the old type of southern
gentlemen whose characteristics were courtey,
Kindness, and true chivalry. He was in the old
true sense of the word every inch a gentleman.
His WAS n kind and courteous manner, and
benevolenee beamed forth in his looks He
came OF military stock, allied to the war of the
Revolution ON his mothers side by one OF the
first eoionels of that desperate struggle for
liberty, he belonged to the Scottish house OF
Stuarls by direct descent on his fathers side.
His father was an officer in the United States
army in the early days, and was in command OF
Fort Pickering, now Memphis when he died.
The deceased was also first cousin to Gen. J.
L. b Stuart. SO well known in military fame and
history In the late war Capt James 7. Stuart
identified himself with the Conlederaey, and
accordingly raised company OF artillery. He
threw himself with all his energy iuto the con-
fict and was promoted TO the rank of Captain,
title which he proudly wore till the day OF his
death.
His fortune went down With the fortunes of
the Lost Cause" and he was as much distin-
guished for his loyalty and cemency when
peace was declared as for his bravery and
courage when the battle ragged. He came back
from the war homeless. hatess aud barefoot
his cause lost but not his courage But like the
brave of every section of our Southland, he
mingled as quietly with the community as a
drop of water does with the waves on whose
bosom il falls. All honor 10 the old veteran!
Peace be to his ashes
"Why weep for him. who having won
The bounds of mans appointed years, at last,
Life's blessings all enjoyed lifes labors done,
Serenely to his final lot has passed;
While the soft memory of his witness yet
Lingers like twilight hues, when the bright
sun is set JAMES b. STEVENSON.