The Tupelo journal., 1902-10-24
Maj. Harvey clay redford,

'A ny
The subject of this sketch W as born
in Marion county Alabama Jan. IL
1881 and died at his home in Tupelo,
on Friday, Oct. 18th 1902 and was
buried the following day. He had been
a sufferer for several months.
In his early poyhood Maj Medford's
parents removed into Itawamba Co.
where he was reared. At the age of fiji.
teen he went to Texas. He was educated
at the University of Texas, from which
institution he was graduated. Soon
after his graduation he was elected to
the chair OF Literature in that institu-
ton and ably filled that position for
several years. During his incumbency
OF this chair he read law and was ad-
mitted to the bar. He continued the
practice OF this profession uutil his
death.
Maj. Medford was a gentleman of
high literary and scholastic attain
ments. He was u fine linguiAt and had
mastered the Spanish language perfectly,
writing and speaking it f~luently. After
the defeat Of the Spaniards in Cuba he
drafted a Constitution for the Republic
of Cuba, in the Spanish language,
(Which be pubiished) and winch re-
ceived high encomiums from competent
judges in position to know the wants
of the Cubans. He was IN enthusiastic
advocate ct their independence. In al.
dition to his ripe learning and wide
reading he was "A Geologist III con
siderable reputation aud MAS IL frequent
contributor to the>cUliection or the
Smithsonian Institute. His knowledge
was based upon practical researches
which he pursued with enthusiasm and
great Intelligence. He was familiar
with the geological formation OF the
country around Tupelo and frequently
found specimens OF stone, rock and
other substances which he collected in
to a cabinet OF curiosities.
The war record of Mai. Medford was
an admirable one. At it's outset he
volunteered as a private in Lanes Texas
Cavalry and rapidly rose to be be Major
of that regiment. He fought in all the
battles in which his command was en-
gagged and was conspicuous for daring
courage and cool and steady bearing
on the field. He was a fine officer and
won the confidence and respect OF his
comrades by his calm judgment and de-
liberate action under fire.
Maj. Medford served as mayor of
Tupelo for several terms. In the dis
charge of his duties as such he knew
no man as friend or foe and exercised
his powers as an Official with tirmness
and decision. He swerved neither to
the right nor to the left in his admins
tration of the law, but melted out justice
with an even hand to all. He repre-
scented Lee county for two terms in thaJ
legislature OF the State and was a
prudent, moderate and faithful repre-
sentative OF the people. He was as
honest as man was ever made and be-
lieved that all classes should receive the
equal and impartial protection of the
law. As a legislator he was an atten-
tive and alert servant OF the people. He
was always in his place and permitted
schemes or jobs to escape his watch
full attention.
In his daily life and conduct Mai
Medford was the honorable and upright
the genial and companionable
associate, the kind and warm hearted,
the gentle and pleasant man.
nered gentleman and the honest and
i~ncorruptible man. He was known
far and wide as a MAJ OF sympathetic
of kindly and compassionate
disposition, and elevated and noble
He was universally esteemed
and had a host OF close personal friends
hearts feel keenly the blow which
his death inflicted. Maj. Medford was
he father OF two daughters Mrs. @. b.
of Knoxville, Tenn, and Miss
Aurora, of this city. He was foster
of Misses Georgia and Laura
Weatherall and Mr.. Memory Leake,
he reared. He was careful in
their training and education and affec-
and gentle in their nurture. All
Of these, survive him.
The funeral services were held at the
church by Rev. John ID. Hunter.
pastor of the Cum. Presby'n church of
this city. Appropriate and feeling adj
were made by Col. Il. S. Thomas,
p NJ. Slavery and Hon. J NJ. Allen,
comrades. and by Hon. J.Q Robins.
A large concourse of friends attended
the o~bseqnies and gave manifestation
Of high regard in which their departed
was held. In the death OF Mai
Medford Lee county loses I'M OF its
most estimable and distinguished citi
.ens. In the inconsnlabIe grief Of his
children the writer shares with sincere
and fervid sympathy. He was the
for many years of their noble
'ather and realizes the loss which they
lave sustained To them he offers a
word Of solace and invoices upon them
The care and protection OF Him who
blessed their lives with Il father SO gen.
tie, loving and true.
Write-For prices description and
maps OF rich Delta Farm and Timder
Land. We employ settlers in IN log
ying and milling operations. Liberal
HoUsToN BRos.
[O-1O-4t. Bigbee. Miss.
Fresh Oysters every day
also Cranberries Celery etc.
w H. TOPP. I