Miami Union

DAVIS, JOHN S., ESQ. - At his residence at New Albany, Indiana, on Friday the 16th inst., of "softening of the brain" John S. Davis, Esq., many years ago a Troy boy, aged about 68 years. The death of this gentleman awakens the mind of the Senior editor of the Union many recollections of the early times in Troy. Just about fifty years ago, when the population was not more than a seventh part of what it is now is, there resided with their parents here six young men of more talent and more intelligence, for the times, and under the circumstances by which they were surrounded, than can often be found in much larger and more favored towns. These were William Davis, John S. Davis--better known to old citizens as Steele Davis--Charles L. Telford, Ralph S. Hart, James H. Hart, and Isaac W. Hart. At the time we speak of the ages of these young men ranged from 17 to 20 years. The best students among these were R. S. Hart, Wm. Davis, and Charles L. Telford. The others, though perhaps quite as intelligent, sought their information more from other sources than from books. They were bright, quick-witted and fond of fun. At this time none of them had any other school opportunities than those afforded by a Troy Common school, which, as all old citizens are aware, were common enough. Two of the number--C. L. Telford and J. H. Hart--afterwards enjoyed better educational privileges--being fortunate enough to be sent to Miami University--Mr. Telford taking the regular College course and Mr. Hart an irregular or Scientific course. One of these young men, Wm. Davis, studied medicine with the late Dr. R. Sabin and went West to practice; I. W. Hart became a mechanic, and the other four chose the law for a profession. Two of them--R. S. Hart and J. S. David--both rose to the Bench; another, Mr. Telford, had he lived, would unquestionably have risen to eminence, and the other, J. H. Hart, became a good lawyer. As he alone of the six remained in this county till his death most of our readers know as much of his history as we do. Of this brilliant galaxy probably the brightest star, Charles L. Telford, was the first whose light went out in the darkness of death. He died before he had reached his prime, at Mackinaw, whither he went in search of health. The next death was that of James H. Hart. He had served as an officer in the Union Army with credit to himself and advantage to the country. I. W. Hart went into the Army from his Indiana home, and also did good Union service. Dr. Wm. Davis, we are told, then residing in Iowa, also joined the Army in the Capacity of a Surgeon, and rendered the Union cause efficient service. Both he and I. W. Hart have since deceased, but which died first we do not know. R. S. Hart, who now resides in Montgomery County, a few miles north of Dayton, is the only survivor of this noble band. He, at the time referred to in the beginning of this article, was one of the most vigorous, physically, of the six. He has out-lived all the others, although, we are sorry to say, he no longer possesses a fourth part of his youthful vigor--being in quite feeble health. Although not a "town boy" but a farmer's boy residing five miles from Troy, it was our privilege, our pride and our pleasure, to meet with these young men. We always received a hearty welcome among them, and the meeting with any one of them was always a pleasure. During the past half century Troy has produced many young men of fair ability. But never since that time, notwithstanding the greatly increased population and the educational advantages enjoyed, could another such a "six" have been selected at one time from the list of its young men.