The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1913-06-01
PROF. ]. vi. TATE CLOSES
SERVICE OF IS YEARS
Old Pupils and Friends of
Escambia County Educa-
tor Have Arranged Great
Reunion at Roberts for
Monday Night.

| At the close of 81 years of service
as principal of the Roberts High
School, Prof. JAS. NJ. Tate has notified
the school board that he will no longer
accept the position as he expects 10
retire from active school work.
In appreciation of his long service
and testimonial of the love and esteem
in which Prof. Tate is he'd by All who
know him, it has been arranged to
have a great reunion of his former pu-
pills there Monday night. June =, at s
o'clock.
AL of Prof Tate's former pupils are
urged to attend and all of his frienM
are invited to be present to live oI
again for one night the many hallowed
associations that are grouped in the
last 35 years.
A special train will De run out of
Pensacola ever the Deep Water Route,
leaving the city a seven o'clock and
returning when the celebration is over,
and large number of pupils will go
in autom obiles and other conVeyances.
It is seldom that a man lives and
works in one community as lorg as
Prof. Tate has done and retains the
universal confidence and esteem in
which this venera BILE citizen Of Es
Gambia county is held by all WHO know
him. The, story of his life constitutes
an example of good citizenship and Of
worthy accomplishment that may well
be emulated by every person. young
or old.
Sketch of His Life.
James Madison Tate was born in the
village of Girard, A'a., December 29
1887. His father was a lawyer. and
public man. He held the office Of
sheriff clerk and probate judge for
many years. There is nothing remark
able in the early life of Prof. Tate.
His mother dying in his ninth year.
he had no maternal counsel to guide
him in his youth.
Sent to boarding school some dozen
miles distant-a male academy--he
had no less than half dozen scraps
the first day. received punishment from
his teacher, and ran away at night,
surprising his father by his appear
ance at the breakfast table. He was
permitted to eat his breakfast in peace,
soundly thrashed and returned 20
school in time to eat his dinner and to
receive a second thrashing.
Then commenced a series Of journeys
to and from school, the latter journey
always being on foot, his reception
being rather warm at each terminus
of the circuit His teacher, an emf
nent scholar and disciplinarian, at last
won his confidence and love, and with
whom he remained for six years. He
year. winning a speakers place in each
class and the medal for declama ton
during his sophomore year.
Admitted to Bar.
In 1858 he applied for an honorable
intending with other Ala
bama students to enter Auburn College
on its opening. Exercises not COM
az expected, he commenced !
the study of law in the office of David |
Clopton. No department for law being |
provided at Auburn, he went to the |
University at Lebanon. |
Tenn. After receiving his sheepskin, |
he stood an examination before Judge |
Robt Caruthers to practice in the cir
,uit courts of Wilson and adjoining |
Returning home, after he !
had enjoyed a short vacation, he en-
ered the law school Of Chancellor
Wade Keys. On the first session of
he supreme court at the capitol he ap-
,lied for license to practice before the
supreme court, and after passing a
igid examination he was licensed TO
IRA ctice as a counsellor and attorney
II law and solicitor in cEancery in any
# the courts of law and equity in the
tate of Alabama" signed by A. J.
Walker, chief Justice; Geo. W. Stone,
ssociate justice; r. W. Walker, asso-
ate justice.
Mr. Tate was admitted as a Junior
aember of the law firm Of Belser, Rice
Continued on Page 8. /;