The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1914-05-15

astic, and the physical ana nentai en-
dowments derived from such paren-
tage. At home and in the school room
his training was of nature best cal
culated to advance him in educational
attainment and lay solid foundation
for character developing and expand
ing under the influence of parents OF
frugal habits, sterling worth ana IN
born appreciation of like character
and worth in others, regardless OF
what such other might or might not
have in material worth, and based
upon wealth of character considered
apart from mere possession of mater
ial wealth. To the influence of such
home and of father who had under
trying difficulties supported wife and
children, at the same time acquiring
thorough education, continually in
creasing knowledge, can be traced the
secret sources of power that carried
John Mayo so far in conquering
among fellow students and the world
at large-the eminent position he
achieved.
Thoroughly prepared he entered
college at Millersburg, and was kept
there until successful graduation and
| thereafter remained as teacher, at
what cost the self sacrifice by the poor
and self-denying father and mother,
the world may never know. Yet liv-
| ing. they We're rewarded in the oppor-
tunities given their son, first by the
wealth of flial regard, and secondly,
] in solid benefits which he ungrudging-
" gave and offered to give in degree
very much beyond either their need
or disposition to accept.
| The young teacher was a dreamer
to others, even as were Columbus and
other great captains and leaders in
the history of the world, but his dream
was real-the realization of the posi-
bilities of wealth located in the hills
and valleys of his beloved mountain
section. Strangers had come and
gone, noting but not persisting in pur-
pose to develop the possibilities of that
section. The obstacles to develop
ment were great. Lack of transport
tation and of financial resources in
yolyed in searching out these hidden
| fields of wealth were sufficient to deter
the most optimistic. 1t was the vision
of this young teacher later wrought
out in steadfast purpose, animated
and sustained not less by motive of
personal gain than of benefit to his
people.
In any just estimation of his accom-
plishments it must be recalled that he
was without money and living in a
community practically devoid of cap
ital; that he was unacquainted with
men of capital or with those who were
a "a could in turr intrDdncn him 10
those who had money necessary in
realization of his plans; and so view
ing. we must find that John Mayo had
courage that transcribed any danger,
and a purpose sufficient to triumph
over any obstacle. r
Today we may reckon not less than
$50, 100000 of capital invested in ex-
tending railroads into the coal terri
tory of Eastern Kentucky, and in the
acquisition and development of coal
properties, directly traceabe to the
organization of the Northern Coal &
Coke Company formed solely to ac-
auire lands in localities selected by
John Mayo and held by him under
contracts for sale and purchase. The
men who furnished the money and
made possible their acquisition. were
those sought out by John Mayo after
rebuffs from others. and who were
brought to see the situation in the
optimistic views of this dreamer of
years before, not until then but ever
after regarded universally as far
seeing, practical, level-headed, man Of
affairs 1t required years of patient
endeavor for this man to acquire even
tow
his own people, as also with strange
people, it was hard for him to establish
confidence in his plans. Success, he
realized, is the worlds test Of merit,
and he squared his purpose to this
test
Modest at all times, he kept this
virtuous jewel at time when his
achievements were being blazoned
forth from financial centers and
mountain tops. He was not puffed up,
did not behave himself unseemly, nor
did he ever vaunt himself or his
achievements, walking always in, out
and among his fellows upon the same
level of brotherhood and comradeship
as before; he held both an open heart
and an open purse, the one in ready
sympathy for anyone distressed in
body, mind or estate, and the other
pouring out in unstinted quantity Of
the means of relief required
To his alma mater, Wesleyan Col
lege; to the Sandy Valley Seminary in
his native town, and its dormitory; a
beautiful church edifice for worship
according to his own and the faith of
his parents and wife: paved streets in
his home town; residence OF cost
and magniicence, very far beyond his
own simple needs, but only because
fit in his judgment to adorn his home
town; a bank of abundant strength Of
resource, and other public improve
ments, are a few but not all Of many
evidences of the abiding spirit of his
generosity and desire to testify his
sense of obligation to his home people
and former benefits denied from
schools and church.
While the foundation for his for
tune was being made, he wooed and
won for his life companion, Miss Alice
Meek, daughter of Capt and Mrs
Green Meek, of Paintsville, neighbors
and friends of his fathers family.
This union was most happy one and
two bright children, Master John G. @.
Jr, aged 10, and Miss Mary Margaret
Mayo, aged 5. are left to mourn and
to comfort the mother in this her
greatest sorrow.
/. Mrs. Mayo presided as queen in
the place built by her husband for his
family in Paintsville and she has pre-