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 Memorial addresses on life and character 
 
 3 1924 008 127 569 
 
Cornell University 
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 the Cornell University Library. 
 
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 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924008127569 
 
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES 
 
 LIFE AND CHARACTER 
 
 Abraham Dowdney 
 
 (A REPRESENTATIVE FROM NEW YORK). 
 
 DELIVERED IN THE 
 
 HOUSE OF EEPRESENTATIVES AND IN THE SENATE, 
 
 FORTY-NINTH CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION. 
 
 PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF CONGRESS. 
 
 WASHINGTON: 
 
 GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 
 1887. 
 
JOINT EESOLUnON proTiding for printing eulogies delivered in Congress upon the 
 late Abraham Dowdney, John Arnot, jr., Lewis Beaoh, William T. Price, WiUiaai H. 
 Cole, and Austin F. Pike. 
 
 Resolved bytheSenate midJSouse of Representatives of the UnitedStates 
 of America in Congress assembled, That there be printed, of the eulogies 
 delivered in Congress upon the late Abraham Dowdney, John Arnot, jr., 
 and Lewis Beach, late Representatives in the Forty-ninth Congress from 
 the State of New York, and William T. Price, late a Representative from 
 the State of Wisconsin, and WiUiam H. Cole, late a Representative from 
 the State of Maryland, twelve thousand five hundred copies each, of which 
 three thousand copies of each shall be for the use of the Senate and nine 
 thousand five hundred each for the use of the House of Representatives. 
 
 Sec. 2. That there be also printed of the eulogies delivered jn Congress 
 upon the late Austin F. Pike, a Senator from New Hampshire, twelve 
 thousand copies, of which four thousand copies shall be for the use of the 
 Senate and eight thousand copies for the use of the House of Representa- 
 tives. 
 
 Sec. 3. That the Secretary of the Treasury be, and he is hereby, directed 
 to have printed portraits of the said Abraham Dowdney, John Arnot, jr., 
 Lewis Beach, William T. Price, William H. Cole, and Anstin F. Pike, to 
 accompany said eulogies, and for the purpose of engraving and printing 
 said portraits the sum of three thousand dollars, or so much thereof as 
 may be necessary, is hereby appropriated out of any moneys in the 
 Treasury not otherwise appropriated. 
 
 Approved, March 3, 1887. 
 2 
 
ANNOUNCEMENT 
 
 OF THE 
 
 Death of Abraham Dowdney. 
 
 PROCEEDINGS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 In the House op Representatives, 
 
 December 10, 1886. 
 
 Mr. Timothy J. Campbell. Mr. Speaker, it is witli sor- 
 row and regret I have to announce to this House the death 
 of one of its memhers, Hon. Abraham Dowdney, one of my 
 associates in the representation of the city of New York. 
 As he was entering his house last evening he was stricken 
 with apoplexy, and died at 8 o'clock this morning. I offer 
 the resolution which I send to the Clerk's desk. 
 
 The Clerk read as follows : 
 
 Resolved, That the House has heard with profound regret the announce- 
 ment of the death of Hon. Abraham Dowdney, late a Representative from 
 the State of New York. 
 
 Resolved by the House of Representatives {the Senate concurring). That 
 a select joint committee, consisting of seven members of the House and 
 three members of the Senate, be appointed to attend the funeral, and the 
 necessary expenses attending the execution of this order be paid out of 
 the contingent fund of the House. 
 
 Resolved, That the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House be authorized 
 and directed to take such steps as may be necessary for properly carrying 
 out the provisions of this resolution. 
 
 Resolved, That the Clerk communicate the foregoing resplutions to the 
 Senate. 
 
 Resolved, As a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased, 
 that the House do now adjourn. 
 
 The resolutions were unanimously agreed to, and, in ac- 
 cordance therewith, the House adjourned. 
 
4 Life and Clmrader of Abraham Dowdney. 
 
 December 11, 1886. 
 
 The Speaker announced, under the resolution of the House, 
 the following as the committee to attend the funeral of Hon. 
 Abraham Dowdney : Mr. Timothy J. Campbell, Mr. 
 ViELE, Mr. Merriman, and Mr. Muller, of the city of 
 New York, Mr. O'Neill, of Missouri, Mr. Brady, and 
 
 Mr. SCRANTON. 
 
 In the House op Representatives, 
 
 February 8, 1887. 
 Mr. Timothy J. Campbell. I offer the resolutions which 
 I send to the desk. 
 The Clerk read as follows : 
 
 Resolved, That in the death of Hon. Abraham Dowdney, late a 
 Representative of the Twelfth Congressional district of the State of New 
 York, that district and State have lost an able, conscientious, and faith- 
 ful servant and the country p. safe, intelligent, and prudent legislator 
 and a public-spirited and patriotic citizen. 
 
 Resolved, That the Clerk of the House be directed to transmit a copy of 
 these resolutions to the family of the deceased. 
 
 Resolved, That as a further mark of respect the House, at the conclu- 
 sion of these ceremonies, do adjourn. 
 
ADDEESSES 
 
 ON THE 
 
 Death of Abraham Dowdney, 
 
 DELIVERED IN THE TWO HOUSES OF CONGRESS. 
 
 Address of Mr. Timothy J. Campbell, of New- 
 York. 
 
 Mr. Speaker : Tlie solemn duty of delivering a eulogy on 
 the memc-ry of a beloved friend, the Hon. Abraham Dowd- 
 ney, is assigned me this evening, an office which I fear I 
 cannot fulfill with full credit to the name of the deceased. 
 
 In my humble way, I rise in my place to pay such tribute 
 as I am able to the character of him whom I esteemed in life 
 and whose name I revere in death . 
 
 Since the assembling of the second session of the Forty- 
 ninth Congress the Messenger has called our fellow-member 
 of the Twelfth district of ISTew York from the bosom of his 
 family. Mr. Abraham Dowdney, whose career will be the 
 subject of my brief remarks, was stricken down without 
 warning or apprehension, on the evening of December 10, 
 while entering the house of his sister, in New York city. His 
 death, though very sudden, found him not unprepared. He 
 was identified with the Catholic Church, and devoted him- 
 self to his religious duties with characteristic earnestness 
 and zealous devotion. It was only on the day previous to 
 
6 Life and Character of Abraham Dowdney. 
 
 Ms death that he bade me- good-bye on the floor of this House, 
 feeling in good health and cheer, and started for his home 
 to attend to private matters needing his attention there. 
 
 The next morning I was apprised by telegram of his death. 
 Thus "in the midst of life we are in death," and none of us 
 upon our brief pilgrimage here below can lift the veil which 
 closes out the "unknown realm " where the king and the serf 
 meet upon an equal basis ; from whence the Reaper cometh 
 with his scythe to cut down his weeds and his flowers. 
 
 But one fact we all know ; our hour must come, do what 
 we may to ward off the mysterious touch which stills for- 
 ever all joys, all sorrows, all strifes, all conflicts, all hopes, 
 and all earthly aspirations. Amid this stern truth we 
 realize a nameless comfort in the thought that everything 
 passes away — the stars, the dust, and the granite rocks; 
 but, as Bulwer beautifully expresses it, 
 
 To rise upon some fairer shore, 
 
 And, bright in heaven's jeweled crown. 
 
 To shine forever more. 
 
 Mr. Abraham Dowdney was born in Ireland, and came 
 to this country when quite young. After finishing his studies 
 in the public schools of New York he appi-enticed himself to 
 a plumber, and mastered his trade at the early age of nine- 
 teen years and embarked in business for himself. Impelled 
 by duty to espouse the cause to which he adhered, he left 
 his home and business to face the dangers, trials, and pri- 
 vations of war. Assuming the responsibilities devolving 
 upon a captain, he proved an efficient, brave, and praise- 
 worthy oflicer. Always scrupulously careful of the feelings 
 of others even at the sacrifice of his own feelings and inter- 
 ests, he made firm friends wherever fickle fate chanced to 
 cast his lot, irrespective of the congeniality of clime or the 
 people with whom he was thrown in contact 
 
 A few years after his return from the Army Mr. Dowdney 
 
Address of Mr. Timothy J. Campbell, of New York. 7 
 
 ■was married to Miss Mary E. Crimmins, sister of John D. 
 and Thomas E. Crimmins, the well-known contractors in 
 New York City. She died eight years ago, leaving two 
 interesting children. Two years later he married Miss Lellie 
 Pnrcell, daughter of Dr. John Purcell, formerly of the Sev- 
 enth ward, New York City. The fruit of the second mar- 
 riage was four boys. The widow and all the children sur- 
 vive him. 
 
 Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege and duty as the friend and 
 associate of Mr. Dowdney to say he possessed the keenest 
 sense of honor, which word, in its fullest acceptation, means 
 the reflection of a man's own action shining like the sun in 
 the face of all about him and from thence rebounding upon 
 himself. 
 
 Hence it is my sacred duty to publicly proclaim the virtue 
 of him who in life was the builder of his own name, and 
 who, upon being taken away by relentless Death, left behind 
 him a monument of deeds more lofty than the proudest 
 gifts known to the books of heraldry. 
 
 In 1881 he was selected to become school trustee in the 
 Nineteenth ward of the city of New York, which position 
 he occupied in so satisfactory a manner as to give unani- 
 mous approval. Unsought and unsolicited he was prevailed 
 upon to accept the nomination and election to the Forty- 
 ninth Congress. 
 
 He was the candidate of all factions, and was selected to 
 harmonize the conflicting elements within his party. 
 
 Molding his opinions into such shape as to give offense to 
 no man, showing in every action the magnanimity of an 
 expansive mind unshadowed by prejudice, guile, or malice, 
 he attained the highest honors it was within the power of 
 his constituents to bestow as an acknowledgment of his 
 worth. The strife and turmoil of public life were uncon- 
 
8 Life and Character of Abraham Dowdney. 
 
 genial to him. His delicacy of feeling and extreme mod- 
 esty suffered at every turn in conflict with selfish politicians 
 who were more worldly wise than he, yet not more ardent 
 in purpose. He therefore declined a renomination to the 
 next Congress, hoping after this session to pursue the even 
 tenor of home life in the midst of a happy family, when, 
 suddenly, in the zenith of his manhood, God saw fit to close 
 his career on earth. 
 
 Each man was sent into the world to do his own work ; to 
 bear his own burdens ; to form his own principles ; to main- 
 tain the laws of God, and respect the laws of man. Our 
 deceased friend was not only a God-fearing man but a 
 philanthropist. Truth is violated by falsehood, and it may 
 be equally outraged by silence. So the highest praise that 
 can be awarded in this case is simply to say he was an hon- 
 est, upright, and just man. 
 
 Mr. Dowdney's life critically reviewed leaves no trace of 
 uncertainty in the minds of those who knew him. He was 
 prepared to be led by the shadowy hand into the presence of 
 the never-erring Judge. 
 
 All that breathe 
 Will share thy destmy. The gay will laugh 
 When thou art gone, the solemn brood of care 
 Plod on, and each one as before will chase 
 His favorite phantom ; yet aU these shall leave 
 Their mirth and their emi^loyments, and shall come 
 And make their bed with thee. As the long train 
 Of ages glide away, the sons of men, 
 The youth in life's green spring, and he who goes 
 In the full strength of years, matron and maid, 
 The speechless babe, and the gray-headed man — 
 Shall one by one be gathered to thy side. 
 By those who in their turn shall follow them. 
 
Address of Mr. Viele, of Neiu YorJc. 9 
 
 Address of Mr. Viele, of Ne-w York. 
 
 Mr. Speaker: The announcement of the sudden death of 
 our lamented friend and associate, Abraham Dowdnby, 
 was received with feelings of utter incredulity ; and even 
 now it seems almost impossible to fully realize the fact that 
 he has passed forever from the scenes of busy life, in which 
 he took such an active part. He was in the very prime of 
 life, and a wide field of usefulness and honor was opened out 
 for him in the future. He was a type of many of our worthy 
 fellow-citizens, who, born in a foreign land, came to this 
 country in. their boyhood, and growing up under the auspices 
 of our free institutions, have given to the home of their 
 adoption a love and allegiance as true and loyal as if it were 
 their birthplace. 
 
 His life was one of uninterrupted activity ; with earnest 
 and untiring effort he trod the paths that lead through 
 industry to competency, and yet not forgetful of his obliga- 
 tions as a citizen he gave a large portion of his time gratui- 
 tously to the duties of an office of the public schools. On the 
 breaking out of the war he organized a company of soldiers, 
 and at a large pecuniary sacrifice left his business and went 
 into the field. 
 
 The loyalty to his country thus promptly shown was the 
 key to his whole character, for he was loyal and true in every 
 relation of life. Representing so far as individual possessions 
 are concerned the wealthiest constituents in the United 
 States, his personal feelings were nevertheless absorbed by 
 the interests of the poor. 
 
 None among them ever appealed to him in vain. The cir- 
 cumstances which brought him to the House of Representa- 
 tives were not of his seeking. He accepted the trust as he 
 would perform any other duty, simply because he con- 
 
10 Life and Character of Abraham Doiudney. 
 
 sidered it his duty. He never sought or desired the applause 
 of the multitude, nor did he expect to receive through popu- 
 lar plaudits any return for the services it might be in his 
 power to render to his fellow-citizens. A man of innate 
 modesty of character and demeanor, he felt much more the 
 responsibilities in holding a public position than of any 
 honor it might bring to him personally. All who remem- 
 ber him on this floor will recall his earnest attention to every 
 subject under discussion. 
 
 His opinions were formed on a careful examination of the 
 questions at issue, and they were generally characteristic 
 of a mind that conscientiously weighed all the facts pre- 
 sented, and decided only after mature deliberation, and when 
 his conclusions were once arrived at they were unalterable. 
 Unobtrusive almost to diffidence, he had no false aspirations 
 or seliish ambition, and yet no Representative possessed a 
 warmer regard or a greater degree of confidence among his 
 constituents than Mr. Dowdney had secured for himself 
 through the sterling traits of character that belonged to 
 him. No one could doubt this who saw the multitude that 
 gathered in the great cathedral of the metropolis on the 
 occasion of his obsequies. 
 
 The vast temple was filled with mourners, whose illy sup- 
 pressed feelings testified to the sincerity of their sorrow. It 
 was indeed an impressive scene. The softened rays of 
 varied light that poured through the limned windows, the 
 solemn requiem from the deep-toned organ, the priests in 
 their robes of sanctity, the long procession of acolytes, the 
 burning tapers, the incense from the golden censers, all 
 gave testimony that the plain and unostentatious man was 
 as much to the church as the highest and most conspicuous 
 in the land. And that church received his remains with 
 the deepest love and veneration, to be cherished and remem- 
 
Address of Mr. Hewitt, of New York. 1 1 
 
 bered in its daily intercessions so long as prayer stall he 
 offered to the Throne of Grace and Mercy, and so shall we, 
 his friends and associates, keep his memory green. 
 
 His generous nature and kindly disposition can not soon 
 be forgotten. He has gone before, but is only waiting for 
 us to follow, waiting where the angels wait, beside the shin- 
 ing river. May we all hope to leave behind us as kindly 
 remembrances, unalloyed save by sorrow and regret. 
 
 Address of Mr. Hewitt, of New York. 
 
 Mr. Speaker : I propose to enter into the career of Mr. 
 DowNDEY a little more at length, because of the three 
 members he was the least known to his associates in the 
 House, and his modesty had kept him from showing the 
 sterling qualities of mind and heart which made up a manly 
 and admirable character. To me personally he was unknown 
 until after his election to Congress. At first I was disposed 
 to wonder why a man of such quiet and reserved temper 
 and habits should have been selected for a position which 
 requires force, courage, and intellect ; but as I came to know 
 him better, I saw that he possessed a solid stratum of sound 
 sense which could be relied upon in every emergency to lead 
 him to a sound decision and to honest action. I think his 
 peculiarities of character were largely due to the influence 
 of a good mother to whom he was passionately attached, 
 and for whom his love and respect increased to the last hour 
 of his life. 
 
 Abraham Dowdney was born in Youghal, in Ireland, 
 the native place of his mother, in the year 1840. He was 
 the son of an English sea captain, a man of some means and 
 of great energy of character. His father's family had long 
 lived at Topsham, in England, but his mother continued 
 
12 Life and Characier of Abraham Dotvdney. 
 
 after her marriage to reside in Ireland, where the family- 
 were horn. When he had reached the age of eight years 
 his father met with an injury at sea, which resulted in his 
 death within two weeks after being landed at the nearest 
 port in England. There were four children, of whom Abra- 
 ham was the eldest. They remained in England for several 
 months, in order to settle up the modest estate of the father, 
 but when this was accomplished Mrs. Dowdney returned to 
 Ireland, where the family resided until Abraham was thir- 
 teen years old. He passed the interval at school, where he 
 seems to have been a diligent student, and to have shown 
 not only great fondness for books but a general intelli- 
 gence which made him a favorite with the officers of the 
 garrison stationed at Youghal, so that they often made a 
 companion of him in their little excursions, and doubtless 
 gave him larger views of the world than he would otherwise 
 have possessed. He lived in a romantic country, the home 
 of the Desmonds, made famous by song and tradition, and 
 filled with the scenes of many a hard-fought conflict. He 
 had a taste for nature, and wandered among the hills at his 
 own free will, developing that honest spirit which never de- 
 serted him through his subsequent career. 
 
 An illustration of his personal self-reliance is to be found 
 in the fact that, having fallen from a tree and broken his 
 arm, he went directly to the doctor and had it set and 
 properly bound up, and then returned to his home, saying 
 nothing to his mother as to what had happened, so that she 
 first learned of the accident by the inquiries of others who 
 knew how the boy must have suffered. At the age of 
 twelve he calmly signified his intention of going to America 
 to seek his fortune. His mother was quite willing to accom- 
 modate herself to his wishes, as she had a brother residing 
 in New York, who was anxious that she should join him 
 
Address of Mr. Hewitt, of New Yorh. 13 
 
 witli her little family, and especially with, the bright and 
 intelligent lad who had not only made himself beloved by 
 his companions but had shown a spirit of self-reliance in 
 action and in argument which gained the respect of those 
 who were older than he was, and who foresaw the success 
 of the career upon which he was about to enter with an 
 honest soul, a clear head, and with hands ready to turn 
 themselves to any work that might come for them to do. 
 
 His self-reliance was made manifest even in the embarka- 
 tion of his family at Liverpool, so that the captain remarked 
 that if he had been twenty years of age he could not have 
 shown more judgment in the management of the trouble- 
 some work of getting the family and their possessions on 
 board the ship. On the voyage over, owing to a careless 
 accident, a fire broke out on board the ship, which our little 
 emigrant was the first to discover and to give the alarm. 
 When help ultimately came, he was found stamping "for 
 all he was worth" on a piece of tarpaulin which he had 
 thrown over the flames. The captain and the officers were 
 immensely gratified, praised him highly, and told him that 
 he was, as he had proved himself to be, a brave boy. 
 
 This event made such an impression that the officers, when 
 they came to New York on subsequent voyages, were in the 
 habit of calling on the family and of ascertaining how their 
 little protdge was making his way in the world. He was 
 soon apprenticed to a plumber, but after working at the 
 trade for about a year he became dissatisfied and told his 
 mother that he was tired and disgusted with the business. 
 She immediately made arrangements for his release, and for 
 several months he seemed to have passed the time in study- 
 ing the city and in solidifying his constitution, which doubt- 
 less had been weakened by rapid growth, accounting for a 
 spirit of lassitude which induced him to give up his trade. 
 
14 Life and Character of Abraham Dowdney. 
 
 Mean-wMle lie kept up his reading and employed Ms active 
 mind in making inventions whicli may or may not have 
 been of some value. 
 
 But the one conclusion at which he arrived was that if he 
 had $300 in cash he could buy a house and lot in Harlem 
 for his mother to live in. He got some employment in a 
 lock factory in Brooklyn, but at last, with that tenacity of 
 purpose which characterized him under all circumstances, 
 he camly decided to complete his apprenticeship at plumb- 
 ing, at the old shop and with the old master, because, as he 
 said, he had not finished the contract which he had made. 
 As soon as his time was out, at the early age of seventeen 
 years, he opened a shop for himself and prospered so well 
 that he was able in a short time to furnish a little home in 
 which he installed his mother, so that once more the house- 
 hold was reunited. 
 
 At this time, just as his business may be said to have been 
 firmly established, the civil war broke out and appealed to 
 all the enthusiasm and patriotism of his manly nature. He 
 proceeded to raise a company, and was chosen its captain at 
 the age of twenty-one years. He gave two years of diligent 
 and honorable service, when he felt that his duty to his 
 mother and her family required him to return to New York 
 and resume his business. In this he was successful, enlarg- 
 ing it very rapidly by transactions in real estate and in build- 
 ing, which brought him fame as well as profit. • He was 
 school trustee for four years, and for two years was chair- 
 man of the local board. In 1884 he was elected to Congress 
 by an overwhelming majority, and thus we came to know 
 him. 
 
 This is not the record of a very eventful life. In truth, 
 hundreds of men of equal merit live and die without calling 
 for any special eulogy. But there is enough in this life, 
 
Address of Mr. Hewitt, of New York. 15 
 
 simple as it was, for the purpose wliicli we have in view. 
 It was indeed a manly life. He asked and received no favors 
 from f ortnne. As a boy he early realized that there was work 
 for him to do, and he prepared himself for it as well as he 
 conld. He saw that the world was full of opportunity. He 
 did not ask for charity, which now often it is the fashion to 
 miscall justice, hut he sought for himself an opportunity for 
 a display of the energy and the intellect and the ambition 
 that fired his soul. He did not seek success by falsehood, 
 by fraud, or by the betrayal of trusts. He did not think 
 that the acciimulated wealth of the world belonged to him, 
 but he did think that its existence oif ered an opportunity 
 for him to acquire his fair share of it by work and brains. 
 It is curious to observe how easy it seems to have been for 
 him to get the means of livelihood, and to pass from one 
 stage of fortune to another until he had acquired enough for 
 all his wants and of those who were dear to him. 
 
 To accomplish this end he did not think it necessary to 
 cause others to refrain from working; but, instead of put- 
 ting obstacles in the way of honest labor, he was diligent to 
 search out and open for himself and others the pathways of 
 industry so that labor might have its just reward. The 
 equitable distribution of wealth came easy to him, because 
 he recognized the primal law that man must gain his living 
 by the sweat of his brow and that upon himself chiefly 
 depends whether his labors shall be crowned with success 
 or failure. Such a man is in the nature of things a thorough 
 gentleman. He knows no meanness, he seeks no sharp 
 advantage, he strives to help and not to hurt his neighbor, 
 he gives freely of his substance for good works, and he never 
 is in doubt whether a promise once given is to be kept, " for 
 though he promise to his loss he keeps his promise good." 
 
 I was very much interested in this simple, straightfor- 
 
16 Life and Character of Abraham Dotvdney. 
 
 ward, and manly soiil. We parted in the House for the last 
 time with a shake of the hand, during which I said to him, 
 " DowDNEY, you are a good friend and a true man." I can 
 add no higher testimony now to the feeling in which I hold 
 his memory, and I can only say, " Good-bye, good friend! 
 You will never be forgotten by those who sounded the length 
 and breadth and depth of your noble soul!',' 
 
 Address of Mr. Scranton, of Pennsylvania. 
 
 Mr. Speaker: Sudden death has its terrors for the living, 
 but is merciful to its victims. Such was the mortal end of 
 our associate, Abkaham Dowdney; stricken down in the 
 prime of manhood, without warning, at the threshold of one 
 of his family. The startling intelligence sent a shudder 
 through this House on that chill morning early in Decem- 
 ber, for he had been with us only two days before apparently 
 in robust health. But while his life work was cut off at the 
 untimely age of forty-six years, its record is complete and 
 admirable. The brave, honest, ambitious spirit of the Irish 
 lad who landed on our shores at thirteen years of age devel- 
 oped into the successful business man, the patriotic and use- 
 ful citizen, the honored Representative of the wealthiest 
 constituency in the country. 
 
 Abraham Dowdney was emphatically a self-made man, 
 and in his great success, financially, socially, and politically, 
 illustrated conspicuously the possibilities of achievement to 
 the American citizen. As proud as is the distinction of 
 American citizenship to-day, each succeeding decade will add 
 to its luster. The English-speaking people are to rule the 
 world, and before the next century completes its first half a 
 majority of the English-speaking people on earth will be 
 included in the population of the United States. As great 
 
Address of Mr. Scranton, of Pennsylvania. 17 
 
 as are the possibilities of the present, as great as they have 
 been in the past, they are to be greater for the American of 
 the future. Whoever does not realize his ambition must 
 look within himself for the controlling cause. 
 
 Mr. DowDNEY gave to the land of his adoption his entire 
 allegiance, and contributed more than one man's share to 
 the prosperity of its industries and its material advance- 
 ment. A widowed mother brought him here and carefully 
 watched and trained his boyhood, placing him for several 
 years in the public schools, subsequently apprenticing him 
 to a trade. In his after life he was actively interested in 
 educational matters, officially connected with the public 
 schools of New York, and a patron of parochial schools. He 
 early became master of his trade, was a large employer of 
 workmen, and amassed great wealth. 
 
 The outbreak of the Rebellion found Dowdney at the 
 age of twenty prosperously started in business. With warm 
 patriotic purpose, common to Irish-American citizens, he 
 abandoned trade and enlisted for the war, organizing a 
 company of which he was elected captain. His noble spirit 
 was manifested in the following lines to his sister on No- 
 vember 20, 1862, from the headquarters of his regiment at 
 Fort HaUeck : 
 
 Banish all fear from your niiad. Think I am absent engaged in the 
 cause of that country and Government that made a man of me, and 
 which I feel ia duty bound to stand by in her need. 
 
 Mr. Dowdney was possessed of enlarged and liberal 
 views, and had the courage to enforce his convictions. He 
 was a man of affairs, of keen perception and excellent judg- 
 ment. Eminently practical, always successful and influen- 
 tial, he was not charmed by the glamour of Congressional 
 life, and early in his first session determined to leave it. 
 
 He was of a retiring nature, and consequently well known 
 H. Mis. 158 2 
 
18 Life and Character of Abraham Dowdney. 
 
 to but few of our membership. He was a good counselor 
 and a wise legislator, representing an unobtrusive, experi- 
 enced business element, of which it were better for the 
 country were Congress more largely composed. My com- 
 mittee duties brought me into close personal relations with 
 him, and I am gratified to bear testimony to his worth and 
 purity of character. During our brief acquaintance I con- 
 ceived a high regard for him, and in his death I mourn the 
 loss of a valued friend. 
 
 The legacy of such a life is better than silver and gold; it 
 may well be emulated, not only by the family of boys he 
 has left, but by the youth of the land. It may encourage 
 the toiler in every pursuit to deserve success and to win it. 
 
 His last rites were solemnized with all the circumstance 
 of his church in the grand cathedral of his adopted city. 
 We paused at his bier, while pleasant memories banished 
 saddened thoughts, and then committed all that was mortal 
 of Abraham Dowdney to the silent tomb. There may it 
 peacefully rest until the end of time. 
 
 We, too, will go over the river of rest. 
 As the strong and the lovely before us have gone; 
 
 Our sun wiU go down in the beautiful west, 
 To rise in the glory that circles the Throne. 
 
 Until then we are bound by our love and our faith 
 To the saints who are walking in Paradise fair; 
 
 They have passed beyond sight at the touching of Death, 
 But they hve, like ourselves, in God's infinite care. 
 
 Address of Mr. Adams, of New York. 
 
 Mr. Speaker : It is befitting on an occasion like this, de- 
 voted to a commemoration of one of our dead colleagues, 
 that those who knew him well should bear some testimony 
 to his life and character. 
 
Address of Mr. Adams, of New York. 19 
 
 It is not my purpose to pronounce any extended eulogy over 
 Abraham Dowdnby, but, from a knowledge derived from 
 tlie close social relations of years, to say a few simple words 
 expressive of my love and respect for the man whose tried 
 worth, whose genial character, whose warm heart and gen- 
 erous friendship endeared him to all who knew him living, 
 and forces us out of honest truth to pay tribute to his mem- 
 ory when dead. 
 
 Born in Ireland in 1840, coming to this country at the age 
 of thirteen, he was obliged, after a few years attendance at 
 the public schools, to embark on his life's voyage. 
 
 It is to be remarked that, with but a scant education, with 
 no social or financial backing, with nothing but the resources 
 of a strong purpose and an honest heart, he quickly won 
 among his equals both name and position. 
 
 Though attached to the land of his birth, from which an 
 oppressive and tyi-annical policy had driven him, he always 
 displayed the keenest interest in all that affected the honor 
 or welfare of his adopted country. 
 
 When the tocsin of war that he believed affected the per- 
 petuity and integrity of Jiis adopted country sounded, his 
 ardent spirit led him to enlist in the cause of the Union and 
 against slavery. 
 
 But twenty years old, he gave up a business but just estab- 
 lished and organized Company C, of the One hundred and . 
 thirty-second New York Volunteers, and as captain of that 
 company he served with distinction during a period of three 
 years, thus adding another to that list of gallant men who 
 demonstrated at that time that although of foreign birth he 
 could still be a patriotic American citizen, and, if needs be, 
 to prove his patriotism, willingly risk his life. 
 
 He gave many eiddences of this during the war, but the 
 tenor of his thought may be gleaned from a single letter 
 
20 Life and Character of Abraham Dowdney. 
 
 sent from the headquarters of his regiment at Fort Halleck 
 to his sister on November 30, 1862 : 
 
 Banish all fear from your mind. Remember only that I am absent, 
 engaged in the cause of that Government and country that has made a 
 man of me, and in defense of which I feel in duty boimd to stand in this 
 her hour of need. 
 
 After an honorable discharge from the Army he left 
 the scenes of blood and carnage and returned to the more 
 peaceful and congenial pursuits of life. 
 
 As a contractor on a large scale, many of the largest pub- 
 lic works in the city of New York bear testimony to his 
 energy, skill, and success. 
 
 But not only did he achieve success as a contractor and 
 builder, but as a man of rare financial ability ; he made his 
 mark as president of the Bull's Head Bank, which, after an 
 unprecedented career of prosperity, became apparently hope- 
 lessly involved, and to extricate which institution from its 
 troubles Mr. Dowdney was selected by the unanimous choice 
 of directo:fs and depositors. 
 
 He so managed its aif airs as president that after an admin- 
 istration of two years he paid all depositors in full and netted 
 to stockholders a fair proportion of their capital. 
 
 Untiring in his energy and desire to serve some good 
 cause, he was scarcely free from his labors as bank presi- 
 dent when he assumed the arduous duties of chairman of 
 the board of trustees of the public schools of the Nineteenth 
 ward, which position he held until his death. 
 
 Notwithstanding his large business interests, so impressed 
 was he with the advantages of that education which his 
 necessities had deprived him of, that without pay he devoted 
 some of the best years of his life to reforming and elevating 
 that system upon which so much of the honor and contin- 
 ued prosperity of our country depends. 
 
Address of Mr. Adams, of New York. 21 
 
 All honor, then, to one who, amid the toils, the cares, and 
 the excitements of a season of struggle, would rescue the 
 golden hours of the youth around him from debasing pleas- 
 ures and more debasing sloth, and enable them to set to the 
 world in a great crisis of its moral condition the glorious 
 example of intellectual courage and progress. 
 
 Such in brief was the public career of the Representative 
 of the Twelfth Congressional district when he entered as a 
 member of this House. 
 
 Is it to be wondered at that he was selected to represent 
 one of the largest and by far the richest Congressional dis- 
 trict of the United States? 
 
 Quiet and unobtrusive in his manner, with no ambition to 
 shine as an orator, he came prepared to do his utmost in ac- 
 complishing whatever was demanded of him in promoting 
 the glory and welfare of his ^fountry. 
 
 Though not well known by all the members, his record as 
 a member of this House, as observed from his punctual 
 presence at all sessions of the House and committees, is a 
 splendid one. 
 
 And though this House lost a most valued member, what 
 a tribulation his death has been to his family and friends! 
 We from ISTew York, who enjoyed the benefit of his sound 
 judgment, his close social contact, and generous friendship, 
 have indeed a sad duty to perform. Never shall we forget 
 his memory. 
 
 His gentle bearing, his warm friendship, his genial smile, 
 and noble heart have produced on all who knew him feel- 
 ings and memories that will defy the march of time. 
 
 Fortunately his life and character need no commemora- 
 tion of mine, for Abraham Dowdney himself lived long 
 enough to see both crowned with undisputed and unenvied 
 honors. 
 
22 Life and Character of Abraham Dowdney. 
 
 His sad and sudden death brought to a close a successful 
 life. To-day we bear tribute to the qualities of head and 
 heart which, while living, made him a model husband, 
 father, friend, and colleague, and which, now that he is 
 dead, will cause us to sincerely mourn his loss and treasure 
 his memory as we would the recollection of a beautiful 
 
 dream. 
 
 The life has gone, the breath has fled, 
 
 And what has been no more shall be, 
 The well-known form, the welcome tread, 
 
 O where are they f And where is he? 
 
 Address of Mr. Muller, of New York. 
 
 Mr. Speaker : The State of New York has experienced 
 the misfortune of losing diiring the Forty-ninth Congress 
 three of her Eepresentatives — Lewis Beach, of Cornwall, 
 John Arnot, jr., of Elmira, and Abraham Dowdney, of 
 New York City ; and I come to join my voice with that of 
 my delegation in this House, and of their associates gener- 
 ally from the several States, in the expression of our sorrow 
 at the death of these three men, who by their high character 
 and successful efPorts during their lifetime had won the 
 worthy renown of being good citizens and capable and faith- 
 ful men in all the stations they were called to fill. 
 
 We have heard from their close and special friends how 
 bravely and honestly and justly Mr. Beach and Mr. Arnot 
 reached high positions of trust and confidence in their sev- 
 eral Congressional districts, and with them I appreciate the 
 State and nation will miss the sage counsel and patriotic 
 efforts of those who have gone. 
 
 But my purpose is to address myself to the career and 
 public services of Abraham Dowdney, whom I was proud 
 
Address of Mr. Muller, of New York. 23 
 
 to call my friend, and whose death, was not only a piahlic 
 loss, but to me a personal one. 
 
 He was born in Ireland in 1840, but came early to America 
 and cast his fortunes with so many hundreds of thousands 
 of his countrymen in aiding to build up the prosperity of 
 this free country. It gave him and them scope for the exer- 
 cise of their ambition to get on in the world and make homes 
 for themselves and families. He took advantage of his op- 
 portunities, and industriously pursued the way to independ- 
 ence, so far as pecuniary means are concerned, and in win- 
 ning the respect and confidence of his neighbors and fellow- 
 citizens. 
 
 His education was received at private schools, and, as we 
 know, his calm, thoughtful, even-tempered mind turned it 
 to the best advantage. He rose to be chairman of the public 
 school trustees in his Congressional district for many years, 
 and sought earnestly to spread the means and blessings of 
 the most general diffusion of knowledge among the people. 
 
 He loved the fair and beautiful land which gave him 
 birth, and his democracy took on a deeper and more earnest 
 feeling when he remembered the cruel oppression under 
 which it had unjustly suffered. 
 
 But, while he loved his native Ireland, his love for his 
 adopted country and her free institutions was as true and 
 far-reaching as that of her most devoted son. He was 
 among the first to offer his services in her hour of distress 
 and peril when war shook the foundations of our fair fabric 
 of free government. He risked his life in her defense upon 
 the battle-field, and no man could do more. 
 
 There is an old Spanish saying that a man is the child of 
 his works. It is so plainly and palpably just that it must 
 have come down from the earliest days when mankind 
 labored and earned their bread by the sweat of their brows. 
 
24 Life and Character of Abraham Dowdney. 
 
 It was specially true of the career of Mr. Dowdney. He 
 learned a trade and followed it till he had gained a compe- 
 tence. He lived honestly and justly before all men, and 
 his advancement in public positions came rather as a de- 
 mand from those who knew and appreciated his virtues 
 than from any seeking on his part. 
 
 His devotion to the Catholic faith of his ancestors was 
 stripped of every sectarian feeling of intolerance; it was 
 genuinely universal, and it had the effect of softening and 
 mellowing his whole nature and enriching his manner and 
 address with a quietness and repose which were as beautiful 
 and enduring as they were attractive. 
 
 He filled out his days in honor and good works. His loss 
 to his family is irreparable. His State and the nation may 
 have millions of men who are as good citizens and as ready 
 to do and dare what is necessary for right and country, but 
 never a one of them could boast a purer, gentler, braver, 
 nobler heart and head than my dead colleague and associate, 
 Abkaham Dowdnev. 
 
 Peace to his ashes. 
 
 Address of Mr. Mahoney, of New York. 
 
 Mr. Speaker : It would be very much against my desires 
 were this occasion to pass without, at least, a word or two 
 from me regarding the man whose life and character we are 
 considering to-night. I had known him for many years, 
 and had learned to admire his character as one full of sin- 
 cerity, unaffected simplicity, determination of purpose, and 
 honesty of intent, which could not fail to appeal to the ap- 
 preciation of all with whom he was brought in contact. 
 His kindness of heart was proverbial. Nothing pleased him 
 
Address of Mr. Mahoney, of New Torlc. 25 
 
 him more than to be able to perform a good act, and to do 
 it in his own unassuming way, without noise or self -acclaim. 
 
 He took deep interest in the educational affairs of New 
 York City, and by his painstaking and persistent attention 
 to this subject did much to promote the educational facil- 
 ities now enjoyed in the metropolis. 
 
 He was a man of intense conviction, and possessed a mind 
 capable of dealing with greater questions in a broad and 
 comprehensive sense. There was no smallness in his na- 
 ture. In his business relations he was plain, direct, and 
 scrupulously conscientious ; while in the domestic circle he 
 was loved and honored as a devoted husband and parent. 
 
 Here in Congress Mr. Dowdney was esteemed for his 
 carefulness, his conservatism, and his attention to duty. 
 
 He was in every sense a manly character, beautiful in 
 many of its attributes; always just, always frank and sin- 
 cere, always kind and generous. 
 
 If the record of a life fragrant as this with worthy aspira- 
 tion and good deeds and generous intent be claim to rest 
 and happiness hereafter, then they are his forevermore. 
 
 Mr. Timothy J. Campbell. I now move the adoption of 
 the pending resolutions. 
 
 The resolutions were unanimously adopted; and in ac- 
 cordance therewith the House adjourned. 
 
PROCEEDINGS IN THE SENATE. 
 
 In the Senate of the United States, 
 
 December 13, 1886. 
 
 A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. 
 Clark, its Clerk, conveyed to the Senate the intelligence of 
 the death of Hon. Abram Dowdney, late a Representative 
 from the State of ISTew York, and that the House had passed 
 a concurrent resolution for the appointment of a select joint 
 committee of seven members of the House of Representa- 
 tives and three members of the Senate to attend the funeral 
 of Mr. Dowdney, and that Mr. Timothy J. Campbell, Mr. 
 Viele, Mr. Merriman. and Mr. Muller of New York; Mr. 
 O'Neill, of Missouri; Mr. Brady, of Virginia, and Mr. 
 Scranton, of Pennsylvania, had been appointed the com- 
 mittee on the part of the House. 
 
 Mr. EvARTS. I call up the message from the House of 
 Representatives relative to the death of a member of that 
 body. 
 
 The President pro tempore. The Chair lays before the 
 Senate a message from the House of Representatives. 
 
 The Chief Clerk read as follows: 
 
 In the House of Representatives, 
 
 December 10, 1886. 
 Resolved, That the House has heard with profound regret the an- 
 nouncement of the death of the Hon. Abram Dowdney, late a Represent- 
 ative from the State of New York. 
 
 Resolved by the House of Representatives {the Senate concurring), That 
 a select joint committee, consisting of seven members of the House and 
 three members of the Senate, be appointed to attend the funeral, and the 
 
 37 
 
28 Life and Character of Abraham Dowdney. 
 
 necessary expenses attending the execution of this order be paid out of 
 the contingent fund of the House. 
 
 Resolved, That the Sergeant-at-Arms*of the House be authorized and 
 directed to take such steps as may be necessary for properly carrying out 
 the provisions of this resolution. 
 
 Resolved, That the Clerk communicate the foregoing resolutions to the 
 Senate. 
 
 In the House of Representatives, 
 
 December 11, 1886. 
 The Speaker announced the appointment of Mr. Timothy J. Camp- 
 bell, Mr. ViELE, Mr. Merriman, Mr. Muller, Mr. O'Neill of Missouri, 
 Mr. Brady, and Mr. Scranton the committee on the part of the House 
 to attend the funeral of Hon. Abram Dowdney. 
 
 Mr. EvARTs. Mr. President, I offer resolutions, which I 
 ask may be read. 
 
 The Chief Clerk read, as follows : 
 
 Resolved, That the Senate has heard with deep sensibility the announce- 
 ment of the death of the Hon. Abram Dowdney, late a Representative 
 from the State of New York. 
 
 Resolved, That the Senate concur in the resolution of the House of Rep- 
 resentatives providing for the appouatment of a joint committee to take 
 order for attending the funeral of the deceased at his residence in the 
 State of New York, and that the members of the committee on the part 
 of the Senate be appointed by the President pro tempore. 
 
 Resolved, That the Secretary communicate these resolutions to the 
 House of Representatives. 
 
 The resolutions were adopted unanimously. 
 
 The President pro tempore appointed, in conformity to 
 the above resolutions, the following Senators to attend the 
 funeral : Messrs. Miller, Ransom, and Voorhees. 
 
 Mr. EvARTS. Mr. President, I move, out of respect to the 
 memory of the deceased Representative, that the Senate do 
 now adjourn. 
 
 The motion was agreed to; and the Senate adjourned. 
 
Proceedings in the Senate. 29 
 
 Ix THE Senate op the United States, 
 
 March 1, 1887. 
 Mr. Miller. Mr. President, I ask the Chair to lay before 
 the Senate the message from the House of Representatives 
 communicating the resolutions on the death of Hon. Abra- 
 ham Dowdney. 
 
 The President i>ro tempore laid before the Senate the 
 resolutions of the House of Representatives ; which were 
 read, as follows : 
 
 Ix THE House of Eephesentatites, 
 
 February 22, 1887. 
 
 Resolved, That in the death of the Hon. Abraham Dowdney. late a 
 Eepresentative of the twelfth Congi-essioual district of the State of New 
 York, that district and State have ost an able, conscientious, and faithful 
 servant, and the country a safe, intelligent, and prudent legislator and a 
 public-spirited and patriotic citizen. 
 
 Resolved, That the Clerk of the House be du-ected to transmit a copy of 
 these resolutions to the family of the deceased. 
 
 Resolved, That as a further mark of respect the House, at the conclusion 
 of these ceremonies, do adjourn. 
 
 Resolved, That the Clerk communicate the foregoing resolutions to the 
 Senate 
 
 Mr. Miller. I send to the desk resolutions, which I ask 
 may be read. 
 
 The President 2^0 tempore. The resolutions submitted 
 by the Senator from Kew York will be read. 
 
 The resolutions were read, as follows : 
 
 Resolved, That the Senate has received with profound sensibility the 
 announcement of the death of Hon, Abeaham Dowd>-et, late a member 
 of the House of Representatives from the State of New York, 
 
 Resolved, That the sympatliies of the members of the Senate be tendered 
 to the f amil y of Mr. DowDXEY in their bereavement, and that the Secre- 
 tary of the Senate transmit to them a copy of these resolutions. 
 
30 LAf^ o^d Character of Abraham Dowdney, 
 
 Address of Mr. Miller, of New York. 
 
 Mr. President: Mr. Dowdney a few weeks ago was ap- 
 parently in perfect health. He left this city and returned to 
 his home in New York City, where he was stricken down and 
 died without a moment's wai'ning. His life's work was not 
 finished, but he had performed well his part in every station 
 he had occupied. His early life had been one of severe toil 
 and self-denial, but he had achieved material success, and 
 had won the esteem and confidence of his people, who, recog- 
 nizing his sterling qualities, promoted him to the councils of 
 the nation. 
 
 Mr. Dowdney was born in Ireland in 1840, but decided 
 while still a mere youth to seek to improve his condition by 
 coming to America. When twelve years of age he landed in 
 New York City, which he made his home. He learned the 
 plumber's trade, and was successfully carrying on that busi- 
 ness at the outbreak of the late war. He at once gave up 
 his business, recruited a company, and went as its captain. 
 
 He showed his love for and his loyalty to the country of 
 his choice by being among the first to take up arms in its 
 defense. He realized fully the benefits he had derived from 
 the institutions of the country by which he had been able to 
 rise above the station to which he had been born. His grati- 
 tude was evinced by the offer of his life for its preservation. 
 
 It was a fact well known to all who took part in that strug- 
 gle that the foreign-born soldiers were not surpassed in loy- 
 alty, in self-sacrificing devotion to the cause, or in manly 
 courage by the native-born soldiers. 
 
 Mr. Dowdney returned from the war and began his busi- 
 ness again anew, and by strict integrity and industry he 
 amassed a liberal fortune. His neighbors, seeing his capac- 
 
Address of Mr. MiUer, of New Yorh. 31 
 
 ity for affairs, pressed him into the public service, believing 
 that he wonld guard their interests as faithfully as he had 
 his own. 
 
 In this judgment they -were not mistaken. He proved his 
 executive capacity in affairs of local importance, and in his 
 short term of service in the House of Representatives he 
 impressed himself on all with whom he came in close rela- 
 tions as a man of sound common sense, wise in council, and 
 sincerely devoted to the public welfare. 
 
 His death is a public misfortune, and an irreparable loss 
 to his friends and family. 
 
 The President pro tempore. The question is on the adop- 
 tion of the resolutions. 
 
 The resolutions were agreed to unanimously. 
 
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