^. m.' -p .'^ V .v^' >#,* <>► ^^^^'<- .^. 4 A. .A <> .% > •^ .^^ ^' "^^-^^ :4 ,v ' - * O N O A' ,-^ o V r .'irr- '>.^^ ""^ '^ •^. .^^ ->■ • • s * >■ ^. . ^*. n\\\x\^ ^^x/y/il T* S V4 *0r//^._ y^'^ci. \'V' mww^v 4 q^ . ^: 0^ o-^^.-^o, .^^^ ,.^' V ^.■(■♦(ffec?;^^''' ■4m^' ^^ ^. --^f ^^* / % "W* ^ ^ ,^ ^q " .*-^ N'^-'^, •,-■' ,-^ 4 O A^ 4 o^ ^'. ^. ■^^ .^' '^^^^^^ ,0 ^, ^^.^^;>^ , 0' V \^ ' !^\ ^ A^ '^' c '^o^ :'^^»: '^v^ :}^fi^^': '^-^ r-^. ■rl«^J' /^^'^ \^ K /^>;^-% ^°'-^<-°- /-w/^-"-^' ^°«-i^ (^JU (^' nioiimm. MARSHALL JEWELL 'ip^ >^ s ■IN- JOINT CONVENTION OF THE- COURT OF COMMON COUNCIL •OF THE- CITY OF HARTFORD ■ON THE- :F'ol3rT;i.«tx-3r X2, X883. The Fowler & Miller Co., Printers, 311 Main Street, Hartford. n IPilpaiiiam. In pursuance to a call of His Honor, Mayor Morgan G. Bulkeley, the members of the Court of Common Council met in Joint Convention, to take proper action upon the death of the Honorable Marshall Jewell. His Honor, the Mayor, called the Convention to order, and in a very feeling manner officially announced the death of Mr. Jewell, as follows : Gentlefuen of the Court of Common Council : The sad intelligence that flashed through city, state, and nation, during the closing days of the week just past, that one of its foremost citizens was sick, dying, dead, demands on your part such a recognition as will place in the archives of this, the adopted city and home of the late Hon. Marshall Jewell, some fitting memorial of the man. A public-spirited citi- zen, Hartford's interest became his own, and all that contributed to the pros- perity and fair fame of the city, both at home and abroad, enlisted his hearty co-operation and support. A segacious business man, his counsel was widely sought, his matured judgments eagerly followed. Honored by his fellow- citizens, thrice Governor, foreign ambassador, cabinet minister, he zealously guarded the trusts reposed, and returned them with untarnished hands. The citizens of Hartford will miss from their streets his noble presence, when laid away in yonder beautiful cemetery, and there is builded over him monuments of granite and marble by loving friends, but they will never for- get the Christian gentleman, whose personal friendship, manly powers, kind acts and generous deeds have builded in their hearts a monument more enduring. I cannot refrain, in closing, from quoting these words from a pleasing tribute from a personal friend: God grant to us who stay an end like his, 1 A life of half his generous powers, A life so true and sweet, we know the weeds Upon his grave will turn to flowers. 4 COURT OF COMMON COUNCIL Alderman Taintor addressed the convention, and presented resolutions, as follows: Mr. Mayor: The words that have just fallen from your lips announce a fact that brings sadness to all our hearts. Marshall Jewell is dead. How much of sorrow is compressed in those few words. Not yet have we had time to appreciate their force : the shock has been too sudden, the blow too unexpected and severe, the time too short, for us to realize our loss. It was but yesterday that he was by our side ; was with us in our daily avocations, active and energetic in the many different pursuits in which he was engaged, the com- fort, support and assistance not only of his immediate family, but of the host of friends to whom he was endeared by many acts of kindness, full of life and strength, and with the promise of many years of activity and usefulness before him ; to-night he lies in the stillness of death, robed for the grave, and for his bereaved family and sorrowing friends there remains but the precious memory of a noble life. It is meet and fitting that at such a time we should pause from our ordinary business and give a little space and a few words in memory of one to whom our city and our citizens are so much indebted, and whose death is a common loss. It was my good fortune to have been intimately connected with Governor Jewell and to know him well, and when I say I knew him well I do not need to add that I loved him very dearly ; and I speak to-night under the sense of a deep and bitter personal bereavement, with a heart too full of sorrow for my own loss to find words to express what I would wish to say. Governor Jewell was a man of rare social qualities, of unusual business and executive ability, of strong personal magnetism and of wonderful force of character; possessed of a peculiar power for adapting himself. to the cir- cumstances in which he was placed, and of bringing to bear upon the matter" in hand all the powers of a strong, well-disciplined mind, he achieved a suc- cess both in business and in the political field that comes to few. He was emphatically what is known as a self-made man. His youth was sur- rounded with none of those factitious aids to success which fall to the lot of many. His education was that ordinarily given by the common school at the time of his boyhood, and he began life laboring with his hands at his trade. For a few years he was connected with the telegraphing business; which, however, he left in 1S50, to engage in the manufacture of leather belting in company with his father, the late Pliny Jewell. This business he followed until his death, and the firm of P. Jewell & Son, or as it has been known in later years, P, Jewell & Sons, has become favor.-^bly known wherever leather belting is used. His career as a public man commenced in 1867, when he was candidate for Senator from the First District. To his political work he brought the IN JOINT CONVENTION. 5 same qualities which he had exhibited in his business, and his success was no less marked. I will not dwell at length upon the different offices he filled during a few short years. Whether as Governor of this Commonwealth for three separate terms, as Minister at St. Petersburg, as Postmaster- General in the cabinet at Washing- ton, as Chairman of the National Republican Committee, or as a public speaker in the interest of the party with which he was connected, he ever showed the same wise executive ability, the same indomitable effort and per- severance that marked his business career, and won for him the approval of his fellow- citizens. With all the calls made upon him by his business and public life, he yet found time for many other enterprises. He was a director in many of our home institutions, and ofificially connected with other large and important interests at home and abroad, and was a power in every one. But it is not as the head of a large and successful business house, nor as the wise and able public servant, that I would speak of him to-night. I would speak of him rather as the man whom we knew among us here in Hartford; as the kind and genial friend. He was a man of wonderful brotherliness, a large-hearted man, the soul of honor, cast in the large mo,uld of true nobility. He had, in a singular degree, the peculiar power of attaching men to himself ; a power I have never seen equaled. To meet him was to admire him ; to know him was to love him. And the regard of his friends was warmly returned. His ear was ever open, his hand was ever ready to assist his friends; and the more his assistance was needed the more ready was he to accord it. His assistance was given, not grudgingly but with an overflow- ing heartiness and good will that made it doubly welcome to the recipient. He was especially kind to young men. He never forgot the toils and struggles of his own early life, and that remembrance made him doubly anxious to assist those who were themselves struggling to attain a position in life. Many and many a man, as he learns this sad story of Governor Jewell's death, will think of him as the one to whom he owes the timely assistance that came at the turning point in his affairs. His life was marked by great good humor and cheerfulness, and by a wonderful elasticity of spirit; he had a genial smile and word for every one; his memory was wonderful, and he had trained it to be a faithful servant; his wide and varied experiences made him a most charming and entertaining companion, and he was at home on every topic; he believed in no half-way measures, but thoroughly mastered whatever he undertook; his courage was invincible, and his perceptions so quick as to seem at times like instinct; and to this courage and quickness of perception, joined with persistent labor, we may accredit his success. For his success was not due to chance; he was no exception to the rule that all things come by effort. Endowed with a strong and vigorous constitution, he 6 COURT OF COMMON COUNCIL never spared himself or shrank from any amount of work ; and the record of his life is full of lessons for all who would succeed. He was not an old man, except in deeds ; he had not reached the allotted three-score years and ten of the Psalmist by more than a dozen years; in the prime of his health and vigor he has been stricken down untimely, leaving a vacancy that cannot be filled. Truly the ways of Providence are inscrutable to our short-sighted human vision. In our own sorrow let us not forget those who were united to him by ties of blood — his aged mother, his afflicted wife and sorrowing children, his sur- viving brothers and sisters. What words can paint their loss? Aught that can be said seems hollow mockery, and we can only ask for them the loving ministrations of Him who alone can wipe away all tears. Governor Jewell's death was as noble as his life ;. he was prepared and ready, not tired of life, nor feeling that he had lived out its possibilities, but calmly accepting the decree; with no repinings and no useless regrets he obeyed the summons of the dread angel, and has passed unto the other shore, where all is Light and Life, and Death can never come. Yes! "He is dead!" " Few words to write it in, and yet they read : 'A noble heart forever still, A tender spirit quenched, a true soul gone, A vacant place which none may fill. " 'A woman's tenderness, a man's strong will, A knightly honor and a gay And sparkling fancy — by all these the world So much the poorer is to-day.' " In view of the sudden death of the Hon. Marshall Jewell, for many years an eminent citizen of Hartford and a loved member of this community, this Court of Common Council desires to express, in tender tribute to his memory, the universal sorrow of this people. Cut down in the strength of his manhood, he had attained well-deserved honor to himself and wrought great good to his fellow-men by a life of industry, earnestness and philanthropy. Always alive to the local interests of Hartford, his broad philosophy never overlooked the interests of other parts of our State and nation. His rare energy was never satisfied with the accomplishment of personal success, but included in its activities the welfare of all whom his strong arm could touch. The industries of the community, its peace and good order, its cultivation and refinement, were dear to his thought and foremost in his actions. His executive power was only excelled by his good heart, which harbored no resentment and held no shadow of malice. His useful and conspicuous life IN JOINT CONVENTION. 7 has been an ornament of our city and a blessing to humanity. In the success of industry, and virtue, and a life of loving ministry, the public is enriched. To the exalted stations which he has been called to fill, he brought the same force, the same integrity, and the same sympathy, which marked his daily walk in our streets. The people of our city mourn to day, and with unaffected grief, the loss of a leader, a companion, and a friend. The City Clerk will engross this minute upon the municipal record. Voted, That a committee, consisting of His Honor, the Mayor, and four Aldermen and four Councilmen, be appointed to represent the municipal governnjent at the funeral of our honored fellow-citizen. Alderman Brocklesby seconded the adoption of the resolu- tions, and spoke as follows: Mr. Mayor : I desire, in the fullest and sincerest sympathy, to second the resolutions which have been offered. I am not feeling fit, either in body or in mind, to add anything to what has already been said so well, both here and in the newspapers ; but I feel, as the opportunity is presented, I ought to endeavor, at least, in a humble way, to place my tribute upon the altar of the memory of the man who has gone. It was only a few days since that I met the Gov- ernor. I was on my way home from New York, and he boarded the train at New Haven. He took a seat with me, and we had a pleasant chat for the hour; and I can hardly realize, to-day, that my companion of that hour is gone. I remarked to him, as he sat beside me, that the last time we hap- pened to meet on board a train was when we were returning, some months since, from the funeral of President Garfield at Cleveland. I little thought then that the next prominent man to die would be him who was with me at that time; but" death comes quickly : it is no respector of persons, of place, or power. It takes the strong man in his health, the weak man in his weak- ness, the child in his helplessness; and we know not when the summons may come for each and every one of us. The event came suddenly in his case — somewhat so, though his death was not wholly unexpected ; and coming in that way, with that suddenness, it always brings a shock which makes us feel more deeply the loss. Governor Jewell was pre-eminently a public man ; and his loss will be the greatest here at home. We all knew him — we all knew his pushing, his generosity, his ambition, his good desires for the interests of Hartford and Hartford's concerns. And when we reflect, as each one of us naturally must, that Hartford has not grown, probably, as other cities have grown, within the last decade, — that her pushing business men are few in number — we see how severe the loss is which we are called upon to sustain. The loss of such a man as Marshall Jewell, to any business community, would be great, but to the small circle here — small in comparison to other cities — the loss is irreparable. 8 COURT OF COMMON COUNCIL As a private citizen I am entitled to speak of him because I knew him well — not as intimately as some others, but in the way that one citizen natu- rally knows another. He has been a sojourner here, in the land of his adop- tion, for many years, and we have all met him more or less. He was always genial, kind-hearted, pleasant and agreeable; and we regret exceedingly that he has gone ; but he has left us for ever and for aye. He has left us, never to be seen again ; but he gives us for our keeping the remembrance of a genial face, a hearty hand, a helpful heart; so that we can most truly say of him, as was said truly of another; Sleep sweetly, tender heart, in peace; Sleep, holy spirit, blessed soul; While the stars burn, the moons increase. And the great ages onward roll. Alderman Hotchkiss spoke as follows: Mr. Mayor: It would hardly seem to be becoming, perhaps, after what has already been said, and so well said, that I should attempt to add anything to the words of praise and commendation which have beejji uttered here with refer- ence to Marshall Jewell ; but I knew him intimately. I knew him privately, and I knew him publicly, and I should hardly feel that I could do myself justice nor his memory justice if I sat here to-night and allowed this occasion to pass by without an utterance in his behalf. Marshall Jewell was a man who exemplified the highest and best life of the American citizen. He illustrated it in a life that brought him up from the stages of poverty to the highest stages of prosperity and renown. He illustrated it, moreover, in his public capacity, showing that he himself, as one of the outgrowths of American life, came into renown, into prosperity, and into all the relations that belong properly to a man of his character. I consider the loss of Marshall Jewell not so much a loss to the public as to the City of Hartford — a city which needs men of his character and caliber. We have here a population of 45,000 people. Industries are lagging. There are plenty of people here, but not enough industry to keep alive the faculties that we should possess and do possess. Marshall Jewell was the man who stood here in the fore-front of our battles and represented us as an industrial leader. And that is what we need in Hartford. As an industrial leader he was one of the important factors of Hartford's strength and growth. Taking him as a political leader, men will differ, but as a factor in politics and parti- zanship nobody will deny that he was a great center and focus. Where shall we find another man like him ? Now Hartford has lost not only a mechanical man but a political leader. The death of Marshall Jewell will greatly change the immediate political affairs of Connecticut. There is not a man in the State of Connecticut who IN JOINT CONVENTION. 9 could have gone down to his grave and left more personality and part'zan zeal than Marshall Jev?ell has left. Everybody knows him. I am sorry he has gone, because it takes out of Connecticut one of its mechanical factors and one of its strongest political agitators. And I love a man who is a political agitator, and works on conviction, having a belief in his party. Permit me to say that personally the loss of Marshall Jewell, as a representative of the city government, is a very severe one. I knew him in politics, and I knew him to admire him ; and I stop here — and I know the members of the city government will join me — with an indorsement of his life which nobody can combat, and with a tribute to his memory which will last, I hope, as long as we all may live. Alderman McGovern then made the foUowins; remarks: Mr. Mayor: The active life of the late Governor Jewell, the claims of family, of friends and of business, are not considered, for death is no respecter of persons. In his death the City of Hartford has lost an active and prominent citizen. Connected with many financial institutions and manufacturing industries, his name has been a guaranty of good faith, and the fulfillment of every obliga- tion with promptness and fidelity. Prominent in promoting the industries of the city, he has done more than any other man to give Hartford and her institutions prominence and character abroad. He was not only a citizen of Connecticut, but a citizen of the United States, loyal to her flag, her institu- tions, and her honor. When rebellious clouds overshadowed the land and strong lovers of the Union were apprehensive of the result, at a time when men were emigrating to save themselves and property, Marshall Jewell was at his post of duty, sustaining the government in her effort to maintain the Union of States. When elected Governor of the State it was as much of an honor to the office as it was to the man. His recommendations as Governor were wise ; being familiar with the necessities of State institutions, his recommendations were made to promote their welfare and usefulness. As minister to Russia he represented his country faithfully and well. As Postmaster-General he became known as the man who wanted to run the Postoffice Department upon business principles. There would be no straw bids; in a word, Postmaster- General Jewell would not allow stealing. This was a bold declaration at a time when it would seem dishonesty was at a premium among public officials. Mr. Jewell resigned after performing the duties of the office for two years, but his work has borne fruit ; wrong-doing is being prosecuted ; the Postoffice Department has a surplus, and at no distant period the postage will be reduced. Mr. Mayor, I remember the reception which the citizens of Hartford gave him on his return home. Regardless of political differences the citizens gave him a loyal welcome to his old home in the City of Hartford. The career of the deceased, whether as Governor, Minister to Russia, or Postmaster- lO COURT OF COMMON COUNCIL General, is of a public character, for which the public will respect and honor his memory, but the good he has done of a private character is not so well known. But it is none the less commendable. His assistance to deserving young men has been generous, for having a knowledge of the difficulties which young men in the world meet, and knowing how difficult it is for a young man without friends to succeed, he was always ready to act the part of a friend, a good faithful one, whose friendship was not of a fleeting character. His contributions to relieve suffering and misery will be sadly missed. The regrets for his death will be heartfelt among many whom he has strength- ened with his advice and assisted with financial aid. It is to be regrefed that a career so pleasing and creditable as that of Governor Jewell should terminate so abruptly. His mourners are not confined to the City of Hart- ford, nor to the State of Connecticut. Wherever Governor Jewell was known, which is throughout all this land and Europe, sincere regrets will be felt for his untimely death. After the remarks of Alderman McGovern, Councilman Sykes, President of the Common Council Board, said: Mr. Mayor: If there could be gathered in a book all the kindly and loving words which myriad tongues have spoken concerning him to-day, what a golden memorial it would be of him; grateful words spoken by those for whom some kindly act has been done, forgotten long since by him, but which has, and which will keep bis memory green in their hearts while life lasts ; appre- ciative words of him as a man of power and ability, as a good citizen, a worthy officer, great in public affairs, a genial associate, a true friend. And the army of them whom his influence reached, directly and indirectly, by his widespread industries, by his counsel, by his willing hand, by his generous heart, know only too well that the burden of life is heavier because that heart throbs no more, and that voice is stilled forever. But we can have our congratulation, too, that such a man has lived among us, that such impulses as actuated him have borne their fruit, seen and known of all men, here and there ; in the society of the highest in the land and among the lowly. And that they were always for purposes kindly, and pure, and noble, and as such worthy to be held up for our emulation and for our highest regard. Councilman Holcombe followed, and said: Mr. Mayor: It is not my purpose to pronounce an eulogy on the public life or the busmess and political character of Marshall Jewell. This has been done and will be done by those familiar with these aspects of his character. Nor will I attempt to recite his services to his country, his State, and his city. These IN JOINT CONVENTION. 1 I will be detailed in the story of his life, and will go down to posterity in the history of the times. It is of his character and acquaintance that I would briefly speak, and do not pass over this quality as being of little importance, for it is the index to the whole. The truly honest man is he who carries out the spirit as well as the letter of his contract, and the truly Christian man is he who carries his charity, his kindness, through every day of the week, into every street he passes through, and into every house he enters. A pleasant smile, a kind word, a graceful compliment, do not cost money, and are not, for that reason, valued as they deserve, but they often do more good than money, for many a time do they fill a want that can be satisfied in no other way. This is keeping the spirit of religion, and the man who does it can be trusted to keep the letter. Who ever met Marshall Jewell without feeling the influence of that kindly spirit? Who ever exchanged a word with him without catching a glimpse of the honest, generous soul within ? The genial smile was but the outward illumination of the charity for all which was planted deep in his heart. And are not the pleasant manners for which he was noted of any import- ance ? I believe that they should be cultivated by all, for our unwritten duties to our fellows are far more effective than those which are imposed upon us by the letter of the law. We have lost a good citizen — ^this we shall remember. We have also lost a good friend and acquaintance. I do not use the word lightly but with a deep significance, for I hope that this side of his character will long be remembered not only for its own sake but for the sake of the heart of which it was a sure indicator. Coleridge wrote truly when he said: He prayeth best who loveth best All things both great and small. For the good God who loveth us He made and loveth all. Alderman Pond, the next speaker, said: Mr. Mayor: While regretting my inability to clothe my thoughts and feelings in the scholarly language so well expressed by those who have preceded me, yet I will venture to add my tribute to the memory of Marshall Jewell. I, too, knew him, both as a friend, neighbor, and ofttime companion, in musical, social and political circles, and as such will speak of him. Of an open- hearted, free and generous nature, kind and sympathetic, which so radiated from his presence that all who came under his influence were warmed and sunned by it, he was always ready to respond, by personal service, money, or both (and that not grudgingly), to all worthy appeals that were brought to his notice. It was a pleasure to be associated with him in any enterprise — COURT OF COMMON COUNCIL whether of a social, philanthropic or business character. He was punctual in his attendance at public worship, and his voice could be heard, as he joined with evident pleasure, the "great congregation" in the service of song and praise. As a neighbor, always kind and obliging ; as a companion, frank, genial and free; as a friend, " faithful, trusty and true;" open-hearted and generous to a fault ; he will be missed on our streets and in our business circles, but by none will he be missed more than by the worthy poor of our city, to whom he was always ready to extend a helping hand, as our faithful City Missionary will testify. As friends, we mourn his death with sad and heavy hearts; as a city we feel that we have met with an irreparable loss, which will be felt not only here, but throughout the entire State and nation. The resolutions passed, unanimously. 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