John Wesley Wadsworth (1835 - 1895)

Born 1835 in Davidson, North Carolina, United States

Descendants

Died 2 Mar 1895 at about age 60 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

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Biography

DEATH OF J. W. WADSWORTH.

THE SUMMONS WAS A SUDDEN ONE.

He Passed Away Saturday Night in the Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia--No Particulars Yet Learned of His Death--His Illness--A Strong Man, a Good Citizen, a Devoted Husband and Father is no More--His Life--The Funeral.

Twice in a week's time, has Charlotte sustained a shock in the sudden death of two of her best known citizens. Last week, Mr. Baxter Moore's sudden death startled the community. Sunday morning as the city church bells pealed forth their invitation to the houses of worship, the sad news reached the city that Mr. John W. Wadsworth had died suddenly the night before in the Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. The distressing news "Mr. Wadsworth is dead," was passed from lip to lip, and by the time the second summons to worship pealed forth on the still Sabbath air, the city in general knew the distressing tidings, and the bells seemed to be ringing, not so much for service, as to be tolling for the departed one. Charlotte mourns, and well she may, for "John" Wadsworth was one of her strongest men in ability, progress and power.

Mr. Wadsworth was taken sick on the 10th day of January. It was at once apparent that his mind was affected. Dr. Murphy, of the State Hospital, Dr. McCombs, of Charlotte, and other consulting physicians decided that it would be best for him to be taken North for treatment, and he was taken to a private hospital near Baltimore. He remained there 10 days when he was removed to Philadelphia. Under the treatment he received there, he seemed to be improving. Letters which came from day to day to his anxious loved ones here stated that his physical health was better, and it was hoped that would improve him mentally. Sunday morning a letter was received from Dr. John Gibbon, one of the attending physicians as well as a friend of the family, saying he had been to see Mr. Wadsworth Saturday and found him much better. "I found him rational," he wrote, "and able to read the paper." An hour after receiving this letter a telegram announcing his death was received. The shock to the family was dreadful. No particulars were given, and the family heard nothing further, yesterday regarding the cause of his death. Yesterday Mrs. Wadsworth received a letter from one of the hospital physicians, written late Saturday evening, in which he said that Mr. Wadsworth's case was very serious; he felt that they should know just how he was. By this letter it is judged that the change for the worse came on after Dr. Gibbon saw him.

For a year Mr. Wadsworth had been breaking. Only those who were thrown with him daily noted the change. He was naturally a strong man with strong nerves. For months before the final break down came, he was nervous and sleepless. It was his custom to rise early, go to the stables and see that everything was in working order there and then go to his farm west of the city and see that the hands started to work at the proper time. He worked early and late, and to this strain was due the mental collapse which came.

John Wesley Wadsworth was born in Davidson county in 1835, and was therefore, 60 years of age. His father was Rigden Wadsworth, an Englishman. Mr. Wadsworth spent his early life at his home near Lexington, and later went to Salisbury. There he began work. He came to Charlotte 30 years ago, a poor man. His first success was the sale of a drove of mules which he took to South Carolina. His profits were large, and after that he continued to trade in horses and mules, all the time making successful sales, until he opened a livery stable in Charlotte. This was the business to which he devoted his life, and which he conducted so successfully that from beginning life a poor man, he became one of the wealthiest and most influential citizens of Charlotte. His business ability was second to none. He was a self-made man, but his natural sense and clear sightedness pronounced him pre-eminently a "wise" man, if not strictly an intellectual one. Success attended him. Any business enterprise which he undertook succeeded. His name was synonymous with progress, enterprise and business capability. John Wadsworth had a level head, and his opinion on matters of finance was taken as quick as any man's in town. He owned and operated the largest livery stable in North Carolina, besides managing several farms in the county. His farm just west of Charlotte is known far and wife as "The Model Farm."

Mr. Wadsworth was twice married. First to Miss Mary Houston, of Providence, by whom he had one son, Mr. John C. Wadsworth, of Concord. His second wife was Miss Margaret Cannon, of Concord, who, with their eight children, Mrs. A. B. Reese, Misses Laura, Madge and Louise Wadsworth, and Messrs. Charles, Jim, George and Jo Wadsworth, survive him.

Deceased was a Mason in high standing. For years he had been treasurer of Charlotte Commandery, Knights Templar, which lodge will turn out today to attend the funeral.

Mr. Wadsworth was a devoted member of Tryon Street Methodist church, and in his death the church loses one of its most loyal supporters He was a member of the board of trustees, and in his church as well as in the city at large, was held in the highest esteem. Of later years specially had he grown more and more fond of his church. The last Sunday he was ever at the church, was communion Sunday in January. On his way home he said to his wife: "That was a sweet service. It impressed me deeply. I will go to church with you regularly hereafter, trying not to miss a service."

John Wadsworth always had a pleasant, jolly greeting for every one. His was a bright, friendly nature. He showed himself friendly and had many friends. His genial face will be missed and Charlotte will feel the loss of so good a citizen.

The remains will arrive here this morning at 8 30 on the Florida special, under escort of Mr. James Cannon, who went on Sunday night to Philadelphia, Mr. H. Baruch who went to Greensboro last night to meet the remains, and others from Concord. The funeral services will be conducted this afternoon at 3:30 o'clock, in Tryon street Methodist church by Rev. Dr. Creasy, assisted by bishop Duncan, of Spartanburg, S. C., a special friend of deceased.

The pall bearers, both active and honorary, are as follows: Dr. J. P. McCombs, Dr. J. H. McAden, Capts. A. G. Brenizer and W. E. Ardrey, Messrs. M. P. Pegram, H. C. Eccles, G. W. Bryan, J. S. Spencer, M. F. Kirby, G. S. Hall, R. M. Miller, H. Baruch, T. T. Smith, G. H. King, O. M. Sadler, W. S. Liddell. Five of the members are Knights Templar. The Commandery will attend in uniform, as an escort, by request of the family.

The Manufacturers' Club Will Attend the Funeral in a Body.

Mr. Wadsworth was a valued member of the Manufacturer's Club, and in view of the fact the club had a meeting yesterday afternoon to take action in regard to his death.

Mr. M. P. Pegram offered a resolution which was seconded by Mr. W. P. Jordan, in accordance with which the president was directed to appoint a committee to draft resolutions expressive of the regret of the club on account of the death of Mr. Wadsworth, one of its charter members.

The following committee was appointed by President Chadwick, viz Messrs. M. P. Pegram, R. M. Miller, Jr., and J. P. Caldwell.

Mr. D. A. Tompkins offered a resolution that the members of the club attend the funeral in a body. both the above resolutions were passed unanimously.

The member so the club will meet at the club room at 3 o'clock promptly, and will proceed from the club to the church in a body, leaving the club at 3:10 o'clock.

The Charlotte Observer Charlotte, NC Tuesday, March 5, 1895 Page 4

Sources

• https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/157224602/john-wesley-wadsworth