Democratic Sentinel, Volume 4, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 November 1880 — Characte' of Governor Williams [ARTICLE]

Characte' of Governor Williams

Before proceeding with the sermon last Sunday evening, Dr. S. M. Ver non, of Roberts Park Church, Indianapolis, of which congregation the late Executive of Indiana was a member, remarked as follows: The State of Indiana mourns the death of a pure and good Governor. Parry lines, as they approach the tomb ©f this upright man, are no longer visible, and Republicans not less than Democrats mourn for the man whose integrity in politics and official position was an honor to the State, as well as his party. He wielded a great influence, and uaa left a profound impression upon the people of this State by the sterling qualities of character that made him wnat he was. This chief quality was character, the highest order of all ** 'men qualities. He was not deficient in talent, as many of his speeches and public documents testify, but the character he maintained through so many years was what made him eo dear to the people of Indiana and commanded their suffrages at the

polls. Throu ?h ail his pil lie < areer, political partisanship, personal hate n>r secret malice have ever dared utter a word against the purity of 1 is character. He belonged to ths old seho.ll of politicians. which seems to be coming back to new lite, which believed in simple honesty, in plain, unvarnished truth, straightforward manliness, and in the practice of the Christian virtues. No one could look upon his tall, striking figure without feeling that it shrined an honest, manly soul. Not uni ke the great martyr Lincoln in physique, he was not unlieke him in the strung points of his character and mental

pe uliarities. He was a constant and reverent attendant upon Divine services in this and other Methodist Churches, and possessed a wonuerful knowledge of the Bible. Frugal and economical in manageing his means, he was liberal and generous in disributiug charities and in supporting the Church; not endowed with brilliant talent, he posessed the moie

valuable qualities of a noble heart, a sound understanding, a patriotic spirit, ai conscientious legard for Inty, and fidelity to his convictions; not h ghly polished on the exteriors, le had an affectionate heart, great kindness and sympathy for the unfortunate, a winning simplicity and artlessness, a rich fund of anecdoe and wit, and in eveiy circle was fe.t to be more than an ordinary mar. His life is a worthy study for the young men of Indian t, and give# emphasis to the qualities most to be ieaired among American politician*. \Ve could have desired for him a more deflnate and pronounced Chri; • tian profession and life, but trust that be by faitli apprehended the great truths of religion to Ids own personal salvation.