Decatur Democrat, Volume 43, Number 36, Decatur, Adams County, 16 November 1899 — Page 1

ALU THE NEWS a ll the time.

VOLUME xliii.

JOHN THOfIAS FRANCE. A Tribute to One Whose Memory we Shall Ever Honor and Cherish.

a w selfish the world seems and bitter the pangs of remorse It fes courage and an unselfish devo„tn our duty to record the fact Syour W lies cold in death How harsh that word sounds and Pi uur eal it seems; but yet how yesterday all that was mortal f John Thomas France was returned f the clay from whence it came. Yes- " dav amid a confusion and display the last sad rites performed to ,be memory of one whom we oved r before was more honor bestowed 'and never by so many loving hands, pvervoue was eager to show their del„ion to the one they loved. It is Lldom indeed that one attains the Ifidence, devotion and love of our entire populace, but such can be said of him who we this week seek to honor. His friends were legion and Lai During his brief illness he *O9 surrounded by these self same friends and they were not idle even there Not a wish was expressed but a dozen willing hands hastened to gratify that self same wish. How sweet is'euch friendship and how easy it is t 0 die surrounded by such an impulse. But the shock that followed the announcement of his death was almost too much for the many hearts to bear. Men who are sturdy, brave and true, freely mingled their tears with those less hardened in the trials of life, and many were made to feel their own unworthiness as compared to him. who for a life time has been a slave to a devotion and love of his friends. His high sense of devotion has attained a standard that will be reached by but few although attemptel bv manv. His firm, easy manner and bis high exalting character will long live in memory after many of us have followed in his footsteps and are mingling with his spirit in that other and that better world. John France was an exceptional man. He lived an exceptional life and to know him was to admire him, aye even love him. There was no curiosity in the hearts of the mighty throng yesterday, in its stead being nothing but the purest feelings of friendship and admiration. His personal acouaiutance extended tonearlv every man and woman in Adams county, and their grief now is almost unconsolable. There is but few John France’s born, and fewer still that live to throw out sunshine to the frail and the weak. Few indeed, that smiles at their own sacrifice, lends a helping hand to a friend in need and complains not at the burden. But such is the life and noble character of this beautiful human subject, and it is this fact that adds to the load of sorrow that enshrouds the public and brings them face to face with the grave uncertainties of life and the realization of their loss at the very moment they feel they most need him. But the will of God reigns supreme. Such words usually seem light and meaningless but now how real, and the more apparent will they become when the exciting period is passed and his wise counsel will be sought for in vain. While the general affliction that brought about the death of Mr. France has been generally known for sometime, yet his death was as sudden and unexpected as it was untimely. While complaining, yet he was not compelled to take his bed until last Friday 7 . From that time his condition grew alarming and by Saturday morning it became apparent that hope must give way to despair, and that the end was only a matter of a few grief stricken hours. All day Saturday and all during the night following his condition remained unchanged, except that his strength gradually grew weaker. On Sunday morning it became evident that the end was near at hand, and the grief that filled that desolate home was enough to make the hardest heart jimke in sympathy. Loving friends joined the family watching every breath, and hoping against a vain hope that some superhuman effort might stem the tide and give new life to the one so nearly ended. Thus it continued through the day. He my as one in a peaceful and contented sleep, being surrounded by his friends who grasped at every indication, no matter how slight, as a return to consciousness and and a renewed lease of life. But gradually he grew weaker a od his breath shorter. His family jud friends watched eagerly by his bed-side, fulfilling an office of tenderness and love seldom witnessed. A moment before death a smile of recognition seemed to light up his face, but as cjuickly passed away, and with >t his spirit proudly flitted from life to death, ana all that was mortal of John T. France lay cold and lifeless. Ibe end came so quietly that those so laithfully watching hardly realized ‘bat life was extinct. It was just ten minutes past ten o’clock Sunday night when death came, casting a T°° m over our fair city and making •isolate the hearts and home of the

family. The loss is so great that time alone will to necessary to measure the fullness thereof. The cause of death was a complication of Bright’s disease and later diabetes developing itself. Either is sufficient to cause death, tiiul in themselves in the course of a short time would have brought about the same end. The two together, with the close application to his profession no doubt hastened the time some, although that is indefinite, as such an ailment is uncertain in its growth and development, although certain and fatal as to their outcome. After some persuasion he was induced to take his bed on Friday last, and from that time he rapidly sank, everv hour showing a weaker physical condition, until after the elapse of two days and that many nights, it was plainly evident that life was mastered. It has been known for two years or so that he was afflicted with Bright’s disease, and last summer he was taken with a severe attack, but after spending some time in rest and recuperation, he regained himself and until very recently was apparently as well as ever. He understood his own condition pretty well, however, and knew that the time was not far advanced until he would to asked to give up the life that contained so much for him. Many things done, have shown this to to true. The loss is so great to this community that no matter how much the newspapers dwell upon it, their words fall idle and meaningless. No death has ever occurred in this city when every person was a mourner in the true sense of the word. His great and noble character admitted the confidence of every one, irrespective of party, sect or creed. To know him was to honor and esteem him, and seemingly everyone knew him, his charms extended and everyone was his champion and his friend. This slightly tells the tale of sorrow that encumbers the breasts of his admirers, and slightly foretells the gloom that overshadows our city and county. He has long been a councellor and adviser, and a promoter of the best interests of our people and his death makes a vacancy that no man can fill. The loss sustained will more clearly define itself when the present clouds roll by, and the sober second nature asserts itself. Then will the loss fall more heavily and the magnitude be fully realized. There is no use to ennumerate, he has held almost every office of trust on the callendar, all of which came unsought and unsolicited. There, as elsewhere, his fidelity and honesty of purpose always asserted itself, and the interest of those he represented were protected in the fullest meaning the term may applv. He was an honest, acapaple and a deserving man, true to his friends, his family and himself, and the honor now conferred upon him is but a slight recognition of what he deserves.

In the profession of law the name of John T. France is well and most favorably known. There is hardly a lawyer of any prominence in the state but what knew him, if not personally, by reputation. The state of Indiana has nroduced some very noted lawyers! but we dare say that none were more able or better exponents or had a clearer conception of the rudaments of practice than had Mr. F ranee. Such flattering comments have often been expressed by lawyers who have high repute among the members of their profession. He was truly an able lawyer, being peculiarly adapted to this, the greatest profession known to nic-n. He was gifted, sagacious and wise, and a counsellor whose advice seldom went astray. In a court of trial he was fair, but persistent when right and before a jury was a power within himself. Hisarguments in court have many times alone saved a client and at the same time extended a deserved reputation, thus showing and demonstrating his powers. He began studying law in the spring of 1874, in the law office of France & Miller, the former being his father. C M France, of this city, and the latter Oof M B. Miller. The following year he was admitted to the bar of Adams county and the next year he> formed a partnership under the hrm name of France & Son. In Jan uarv, 1883, the firm of France & Merrvman was estabfished, which existed until December, 1898, nnen hev dissolved and the firm of France & Son formed, the junior menitor c 0. France, the eldest son ofthe deceased. From 1878-82 he served attorney of the twenty sixth judicial circuit, which at that time comprised the counties of Adams liv and Wells. During that offiual T?*i£»«;s23« SLSSStTZ* i«

DECATUR, INDIANA, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16,

Richards was twice trie 1 and finally sent to prison for life. At his home here he was a generally favorite, both witu the members of the bar and with his clientage as well.

John Thomas France was born at Delaware, Ohio, December 5, 1853, and at the time of death was forty-five years, eleven mouths, and eleven days old, right in the prime of life with the best days before him. He was the eldest son of Charles M. and Miranda (Thomas) France, who came to Adams county when the deceased was quite young in years. He graduated from the schools in this citv in 1873, and in the same year and in 1874 he taught his first and only term of school, in Blue Creek township. October 19, 1876, he was married to Miss Isabella Corbin, and to them were born four children, three boys and one girl, the latter dying in infancy. The wife and three sons survive and now deeply mourn their loss of a kind and loving husband and father. How bitter the world seems to them. However, the} 7 are happily surrounded with friends without number, whose sympathy and kind words will aid and encourage them during these sad hours of affliction.

Yesterday the last sad rites were performed. The body lay in stale m the court house from half past seven to half past nine o’clock, surroui ded by six Knightly guards of honor. A constant stream of friends and acquaintances passed in and out of the court house during these two hours, and looked for the last time upon a face so well known, loved and revered.

Mr In 1 * »..•■« . . .. . . ■„■■■. • JOHN THOMAS FRANCE.

People from all over the county were present without number, besides members cf the bar and friends from Fort Wayne, Bluffton, Geneva, Berne, Wiltshire, Monroeville, and many other places. In the faces of each could to easily read a kindly interest in him who* they now so fittingly honored. The funeral services were held under the auspices of Kekionga Lodge No. 65, Knights of Pythias, the Adams county Bar Association and the National Union, No. 280, in all of which he was a prominent member. The funeral services were held from the Methodist church, the Presbyterian church, in which he held membership, being too small to accomodate the vast throng of friends who were present to pay their last respects. The services were in charge of his pastor, Rev. H. C. Duckett, assisted by Rev. W. H. Daniel, pastor of the Methodist church, and Rev. Mygrant of the Evangelical church, following the sermon eulogies were delivered upon the life and character of the departed. These were delivered by Judge Heller as a representative of the bar, R. K. Erwin as a Knight of Pythias, and Mayor Beatty as a member of the National Union. Each one spoke in terms of endearment, which are printed below: AS A LAWYER. In connection with the memorial and resolutions just read I have been granted the privilege of adding my own testimony in commemoration of the life and many splendid traits of character of our deceased brother attoruev. In attempting this sad undertaking I deem it proper to say that I have uot got the command of lansufficient to describe to you the esteem in which I held this great and <rood man. I first became acquainted

with Mr. France more than thirty years ago, then lie was but a mere boy, not yet out of his teens. I think as school examiner of this county I ii< ensed him to teach the only school he ever taught. He was theu'a bright and promising boy. As a law student I knew him to be industrious, studious, apt and earnest. After he began the practice of his chosen profession I became more intimately acquainted with him. Lulikemost young men Mr. France seemed to be a lawyer from the time lie first embarked in the practice. Many times in the past fifteen years of his practice I have been associated with him in the trial of cases; but more frequently we were opposing counsel in the same cases. We were not long in learning that it took a lawyer to meet him and to equal him in the trial of a case. His success at the bar was marvelouslv rapid. Since taking my present office in 1889, ne has practiced as an attorney lie'ore me. Here. I may stop to add that no more gentlemanly attorney ever appeared before any court. His efforts to convince a court or a jury were open, fair, praiseworthy and proper, and no man despised more than he, any attempt to mislead or deceive a court. From what I have said it may to seen that it has been my good fortune to ha\ 7 e ample opportunities of knowing the real worth of the man whom death has stricken from the roll of attorneys of the Adams County Bar, even before he had reached the noon time of life. During all the years I was engaged in the practice of law, I found him to to a frank, gen-

erous, courteous, yet a determined ! and resolute opponent, whose good nature and pleasant manners had the j effect of rendering our business relations agreeable and easy. In tho trial of causes in our courts lawyers ; come in contact with each other so I that it becomes a necessity, and a duty j as well, for the attorney on either side to use and apply his best legal ability and skill in procuring for, and seeing that his client gets all the rights to which he is entitled under the law and from the facts. In these contests strong disputes often arise betxveen apposing counsel which have the appearance of being bitter and revengeful; but this is not usually correct. It is in fact not bitterness, but earnestness. It is not revenge, but duty. All practicing lawyers have had these experiences. Mr. France was not an exception. He always worked hard, and gave to his client the full benefit of his learning, his ability and his powers, but when the contest was ended, he was the first to meet his opposing counsel and party, and extend the hand of friendship and ask pardon for anything offensive he might, in the heat of the trial, have said or done. The noble traits of his character were many, and were of such a nature as to forcibly impress themselves upon the minds of all who met and knew him. As a man and a citizen lie was pure in morals and purpose; he was an honest, pleasant, compauiable, kind good and Christian gentleman. As a lawyer he was just to both friend and foe; he was careful, pains taking, logical and eloquent. His business life was one of strict integrity; his private character was without blot or stain and his reputation is pure and unsullied. Though comparitively a young man a kind Providence in his wisdom has

seen fit to remove him from our midst and from our presence. His manly form and smiling countenance will be missed in our court room. He will to missed by his neighbors, by his friends and by his countrymen. He will to sadly missed by his kind-hearted father who would gladly have surrendered his own life that his noble son might have lived; but it was uot so decreed. His family will miss him more than all. To his bright and interesting sons he has left a legacy of good examples, and a good name which are the richest treasures that can be bestowed by any father to his children. To his grief-stricken widow and sons, we commend the language of inspiration: “Now he is dead, wherefore should I fast ? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” As we place this tribute upon the grave of our departed friend, and bid him farewell forever, “we do so in full confidence that he has gone.” “Out of the shadows of sadness, Into the sunshine of gladnes; Into tho light of the blest, Out of the laud very dreary, (Jut of the world very weary, Into the rapture of rest.” “Out of today's sin and sorrow, Into a blissful tomorrow, Into a day without gloom; Out of a laud tilled with sighing. Land of the dead and the dying, Into a land without tomb.” AS A UNIONIST. We have met today to pay the last token of respect to a departed friend and brother. We are honoring the memory of one who by his departure has left vacant a place that cannot be filled. His memory will be cherished and his virtues commented upon as long as those live who have known him. Those who kuexv him best, loved him tost, and his untimoly death will be mourned for years to come. It would be impossible for me to express the love and adoration borne him by the members of our order, as well as the lawyers of Adams county and anjoining counties. To know him was an honor, to love him a pleasure, and to respect him a duty. No unkind word e\ 7 er passed his lips; no unkind thoughts lodged in his noble heart. Ho had a kind word for each and every one he met. He sympathized with those who were in i rouble, and contributed freely to the poor and needy. No one ever applied to him for assistance and was refused. His generosity was as unbounded as xvero his noble traits. He was one that had no enemies among his acquaintance, and his friends numbered thousands. As a lawyer lie was the peer of his profession, and will be greatly missed by the bar. By his death Indiana has lost one of her brightest legal lights, Adams county and the city of Decatur one of her noblest citizens. As a member of our order he was always cheerful and kind to all. His advice and counsel was freely given to those who applied, and his presence in tho lodge-room hailed with delight. Scarcely can we realizo that he is no more; that we shall never see his smiling face or grasp his welcome hand, but that he has gone to the great beyond to meet the law-giver of the universe, there to be a member of that celestial bar where there are no litigations or contentions. AS A KNIGHT OF PYTHIAS.

When on an occasion of this kind, when words are weak to express our feelings, and silence only is eloquence, how feeble seem all our efforts to convey the fullness that swells our hearts and crowd upon our memories. This occasion, with itsdeep solemnity; its sad, pathetic picture of beauty and glory, will ever be a living lesson to spur us on to higher aims and totter aspirations for the welfare of humanity. We lay to rest today, to await that glorious morn, when this corruption shall put on incorruption, the purest, truest member that has ever crossed the threshold of our lodge room. His countenance was an open book. His life a noble example. While we deplore his fate, and our selfish nature desired that he should have lingered longer, his work was finished, and his spirit unfettered by its load of care and anxieties, has flown to the realms of the blest. His nature knew no deception; his heart no malice. No man however humble, no client however poor, ever sought his counsel in vain. I have known him for long weeks at a time to devote his best energies to procure the rights of his poor distressed fellow-man, without hope of reward or wish for compensation. None have ever looked into his face but saw reflected therefrom the highest, holiest and purest motives that prompt the human soul. How grandly beautiful it is to here and there find along the pathway that leads to the gloom of the grave, one who amid the preplexing cares and sordid ambitions of life, will and does turn to the relief of his fellow-man. He was true to his convictions, and loyal to his loves, whether for individuals or for] those other more abstract but equally precious things—principles. His first aim was to have the approbation of his own highest nature, and thus he reflected the being who is the source of justice, love and mercy. He comprehended and practiced the whole scope of re-

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ligion, by the observance of that rule: Do unto others as ye would that others should do unto you; and which he recognized as the foundation of all laws for the control and guidance of the actions of men. In the practice of his chosen profession he adhered strictly to the principle that it was not the province of a lawyer to thawrt the ends of justice, but'that justice should to done. Whether in triumph or defeat, he was the same unchangeable, immovable self, alike unmoved by voice of flattery or words of reproach. To the younger members of his professional fateruity, he was the guiding star and to him many of them looked for counsel and fatherly advice. Not less than six of the men who are in active practice at this bar learned the rudments of the law under his immediate supervision, and other cities, including Toledo and Chicago, each claim a fast rising and shining light, who first learned the lessons of law from him who we this day revere. In the lodge room, in private life, in his home and in his daily intercourse with men, he shed alike his refulgent smile on all with, whom he came in contact. He gave to the needy; uot in the spirit of grudging charity, but with true brotherly kindness. I could not wish, no man could desire a grander, better epitaph than that which shall this day to universally written for our departed brother, and is: “He loved his fellowman.” To to honored is desireable to all men and is worth the effort to achieve, but to to enshrined in the hearts of our fellowinen is worth a life of noble service, and our departed brother has well earned that position. His sword has knighted more members of the lodge to which he belonged than any other member of the order here. From his lips and example more of us have learned the lesson of charity and benevolence, than from any other member of the lodge. Many a cup of water has he given in charity, and from the deep well of a personal example have we all drunk a refreshing draught. In his last memepts, when we were endeavoring to cool his fever parched lips with drops of water, he said: “That water is bitter, wait until I get home and I'll get a drink from the well.” \Ye know that lie left this world with a faith undimmed by the shadow of a doubt as to his entrance to the grand lodge above; and while we ill deepest sorrow mourn his loss, lie is drinking of the wrter of that fountain that flows by the throne of Ood. Over his head shall ever rest the hallow of glory that comes to all who fall in the course of duty well done. It may to said of him as of the Shepherd King: He served his day and generation well and fell on sleep. The peaceful smile that now plays upon his countenance is but the impress that comes to all who have fought the fight as lie has fought it, and is the seal of approval of the Eternal Father above, and will Veinain forever to us an inspiration—a benediction.

interment in Maplewood followed ' the services at the church, and here ended the last offices of kindness 1 that could be bestowed by human hands. The Rathbone Sisters and [ Knights gave a ritualistic service, a fervent prayer was offered and the body lowered to its last resting place. It was a sad and solemn gathering and many were the bleeding hearts, who mingled tears of sorrow aud regret. But the human mind fails in comprehension and can uot grasp the meaning of spiritual blessings, hence the regret. While no honor was too great to shower upon this great light now stilled in death, yet now our duty is performed. Cover the sacred spot and mark it with an emblem of purity, for such was the life we ever should remember and try to emulate. Thus ends a useful life well spent. BAR RESOLUTIONS. John Thomas France was born in Delaware county, Ohio, on the sth day of December, 1853. Ho was a sou of Charles M. and Amanda Thomas France, a resident of the city of Decatur, Indiana. When but a mere bov, he came to the town of Decatur with his father, who located here at that time. In the schools of this city he acquired his education. Ou the 26th day of February, 1874, upon the recommendation of John P. Quinn, James R. Bobo and M. B. Miller, he was admitted as an attorney at law, and became a member of the Adams Countv Bar. He was married to Miss Isabelle Corbin on the 16th day of October, 1876, a lady of rare intellectual and social qualities. She and three sons survive him, one of whom in his last years was associated with him in the practice of law, the other two having not yet completed their studies. One infant daughter having preceeded him in death. After Mr. France’s admission to the bar he was elected to the office of prosecuting attorney, for the 26th judicial district of Indiana, and it was while acting in that capacity that he distinguished himself and turned the eyes of lawyers, courts aud litigants in his direction. It was plainly seen that he had chosen the right profession. After his term of office expired he engaged in the general practice of his profession, in which he evinced the same zeal and ability that he had previousCONTINUED PAGE FOUR.