| From the New Orleans Daily Picayune |
| |
| May 9, 1865 |
| |
| The Death of Major H. J. Ranney |
| |
|
The tidings of the decease of this well-known and popular citizen will
be received by this community, as by thousands elsewhere, throughout the
country, with deep regret. This sad event occurred at Lewisburg, near
Mandeville, parish of St. Tammany, on Monday, the 1st inst. |
|
Major Ranney was a native of Maryland, and was educated as a civil
engineer, in which capacity, in 1836, he came to this city, where he
soon became, what he was to the last day of his life, one of its most
popular, trusted and beloved citizens. He frequently represented New
Orleans in the State Legislature, in whose proceedings he ever took an
active and influential part. He was often a member of the city council,
and took a deep and efficient interest in municipal affairs. He
administered the government of the New Orleans, Jackson and Great
Northern Railroad for several years, with marked ability and usefulness.
He was long the lessee of the new canal from this city to the lake, and
greatly improved that avenue of trade, and the roads adjoining it. |
|
He was a firm, consistent, but liberal and courteous politician, a
member of the old conservative Whig party, in which he wielded much
influence. At the breaking out of the war from which we are just
emerging, he was not considered a secessionist, but his interests were
so involved with many who were, as to make a removal from the city
expedient. For some time after, he continued to conduct the running of
the railroad, in connection with others. Since the occurrence of the
recent events, foreshadowing the early termination of the war, we have
understood it was his intention to return to his old home, where he
would have been most warmly welcomed back by his many friends. |
|
Major Ranney must have nearly, if not fully, attained the age of.
three-score. He was universally esteemed for his amiable and genial
traits of character. He was benevolent, charitable, and liberal to a
proverb. His board was the centre of a fine hospitality, and a genial
smile and a kindly word were ever ready to invite thereto his always
welcome friends. His benefactions to the poor, and especially to his
servants, large numbers of whom he employed, were bestowed in a manner
to make them seem the acts of a friend rather than of a mere almoner.
Many of our citizens will remember his open house at New Year's, and the
scene of the annual visit of his dependents to their kind and indulgent
master. Though man of notably cheerful and mirthful character, yet he
had ever "___ a tear for pity, and a hand open as day for melting
charity." |
|