Hanford Journal Hanford, Kings Co., California Friday, 19 JUNE 1896 *************************** MAJ. LANDIS' DEATH -- History of the Life of the Father of Mrs. J.D. BIDDLE and Mr. S.L. LANDIS -- The following was taken from the Nashville (Tenn.) 'American' of June 10th 1896. Major A.L. LANDIS died yesterday evening at 6 o'clock at the home of his son, Mr. Lulan LANDIS, West Nashville. He had only been ill since Wednesday night a week ago, and to many of his warmest and closest friends the news of his death will come as a surprise fraught with the deepest pain. Major LANDIS was in his 73d year and he was one of the best known men in Nashville. For 10 or 12 years he has been identified with the busiest and best interests of the city and has earned the admiration of men for unusual business judgment and superior understanding, and their respect for the dignity and fairness which marked all his dealings. Few men live to the age reached by Maj. LANDIS and retain up to the end his vigor of mind and body. He was known as one of the "youngest men of his age" in business circles. This alone will express it. No matter what the state of his business affairs, whether the interests in which he was involved prospered or waned, whether the sun shone or the skies were overcast, Maj. LANDIS had a cheery smile and a warm handshake and kindly word for all. He was an old-time, self-made man. He was born and raised on a farm in Bedford County and at the age of 19 began teaching school. He continued to teach for about 5 years, when he entered upon a mercantile career at Rowesville, a little place near Shelbyville. About this time he took an active part in building the Nashville and Chattanooga railroad through that part of the country. He was elected a director in the company and was later chosen Superintendent of the Northwestern Division of the road, a position to which he brought rare executive ability. Subsequently he engaged in the pork-packing business at Shelbyville as a member of the firm of Barrett, Landis & Co., and at the same time was proprietor of the Sylvan Cotton Mills. He also owned a fine farm near Shelbyville and gave part of his time and attention to its management. Along about 1878 and 1880, he represented Bedford and Rutherford Counties in the State Senate, and for one or 2 terms thereafter. His alertness to the interests of his constituents and his liberal views won for him a large share of popularity and prominence in this section of the State. When the war broke out he went to the front as a Confederate soldier in the 17th Tennessee regiment. He was quartermaster in Pat CLEBURNE's division and served with distinction in several of the hottest battles of the 4-years' struggle. The deceased was most of all noted through life for his patriotism and public spirit. He located permanently in Nashville in 1886, engaging in the brokerage and banking business with his sons. The firm thus formed has since been one of the best known and most reliable in the South. Maj. LANDIS was a sincere Christian man, having been from early manhood a member of the Lutheran church. He possessed all the qualities that make the best citizenship and he was a well-rounded man. He had a big heart and was a liberal contributor to charity and public enterprise. His life was a busy one up to the end. He was the kind and provident head of a large family and he leaves a wife and 8 children, 5 sons & 3 daughters. The immediate cause of Maj. LANDIS' death was congestion of the liver. He was taken sick Wednesday night, a week ago, and the closest and most skillful medical attention was brought to near upon his malady. But the days of his illness marked a constant loss, although at times he would rally for a short time. Yesterday at noon he began sinking rapidly and death intervened at 6 o'clock. Prayers will be said at the residence tomorrow morning at 8 o'clock and at 9:15 o'clock the remains will be shipped to Shafner's church for interment near his boyhood's home. ------------------------------------------------------- LOCAL PARAGRAPHS -- -Eva EVANS was granted a divorce Monday from James W. EVANS on the ground of desertion. They were married in 1893, while Eva was preparing for her stage career. EVANS deserted her to enter the United States army. -Frank MARKEL, who was impaled on a pitchfork, rode 60 miles over rough roads, and lay 4 days with 8 inches of steel fork-tine in his body, is on the road to recovery. His physician says he will be entirely well within a month. ------------------------------------------------------- TRAVER TIDINGS -- -Miss Margaret KENNEDY is visiting her sister, Mrs. A.W. CLARK. Mr. KENNEDY, wife and children have gone to Santa Cruz for the summer. -S. WOLFF has resigned the office of school trustee, both of the public and high schools. Mr. WOLFF has devoted much time in the interest of our schools, having served about 4 years. Transcribed by Dee Sardoch To see more old newspapers, visit http://www.newspaperabstracts.com/