The people's journal. (Pickens, S.C.) 1891-1903, 1901-01-31
ONE OF WARS FAMOUS SONGS
Federa1s and Confederates Sang
1t Around Their Camp Fires.
Washington Post.

Washington Post.
While convalesclng from severe
| wound, received at the battle of Kenne
saw Mountain, Georgia. on tho 9th OF
June, 1854, l mot at the officers hospital
at Louisville, KY. Adjutant Nichols, OF
tho OH Pennsylvania cavalry, who re.
| lated to mo the pathetic story Of tho ro.
mantle love OF the Rev. Homer Webster
the author of ono OF the most beautiful
songs ever composed in America
"Lorena" was composed and pub.
lished during our late civil war, and was
sung around the camp fires Of both the
Bluo and the Grey alike, music speaking
in all languages and love ideals cherish.
cd by friends and foes in all lands and
climes.
We may forget the singer, but we can't
forget the song.
Webster, the composer, was a son of
the South, where mocking birds, orange
blossoms, wild roses and snowy cotton
fields fill up the measure of the fleeting
year. He was finely educated; had a pc
cullarly sensitive mind. destined by ma
ture as we'll as art to preach the gener-
Gus and God-given gospel Of the meek
and lowly Nazarine.
After graduating, his first church was
at Pittsburg, amid an aristocratic sect Of
that working and educated community.
Ills congregation was made up largely
Of wealthy miners and manufacturers,
who turned out millions Of tons Of coal
iron, glass and machinery.
The Rev. Homer Webster was young,
handsome, faithful and eloquent, Just
such minister as the fathers respected,
the mothers adored and the girls went
wild over.
Between prayer. meetings, weddings,
baptisms, funerals and preaching the
young minister was kept busy perform
ing his sacerdotal duties, placing his
soul.lit thoughts on heaven, while his
impulsive and loving heart could not es.
cape the invisible arrows Of Cupid
Who is ever quick and cunning
With his passion ammunition,
Is always going" cunning"
And devoid Of all contrition.
A wealthy glass manufacturer, belong.
Ing to the congregation, had an only
daughter, "Lorena," who was tho pride
and joy Of the family and a devoted
worker in the church. Sunday school,
with class Of poor boys and girls, ab
sorbcd her ardent attention on Sabbath
mornings and the sick and dying In
squalid novels or humble cots found hor
a ministering angel, e walking bonodic.
tion.
Such a co worker was at onco a joy
and affinity to the young parson, and
thrilled him with love at first sight His
secret devotion was reciprocated, flong
ing eyes, blushing checks and fervont
hand-clasps are indicative signs Of affec
ton.
Lorena" had rich lovers by tho
score, ana there was never dinner or
tea at the grand mansion on Allegheny
Heights that was not graced by the
fashion and manhood Of the Smoky Citv.
itch and rare were tho gems a6e
wore. She did not seem to care for the
dashing." bloods" who sought her hand,
and while her proud father and fashion.
aDle mother endeavored to match her
with q young millionaire iron master.
their 1nsinuating efforts did not meet
win much success IN the first dawnings
OF love. Modesty and grace were the
handmaids OF "Lorena," over enchant.
ing companions to truth and virtue.
no the outward world, when the Young
minister and herself met in home
church or streets, she was always the
dcvotee Of religion and the polished, |
benevolent lady, but deep down in her
heart she loved the poet priest |
with as much devotion as ever Heloiso |
bestowed on the lofty Abelard.
Eternal promises passed between
;hem, and the lovers patiently waited
Tho hour wnon fashion, wealth and pa.