There passed from among us shortly before noon today one of Ironton's oldest, most esteemed and honorable residents, Major Jeremiah Davidson. He was 83 years of age, and while not ill from any specific cause yet for some time past had been enfeebled and debilitated by the ravages of age. He was one of the oldest residents of Lawrence county, having been born at Burlington, Ohio 93 years ago last January. Major Davidson was able to be up and about the streets on Tuesday of this week, and despite the heat and discomfort he seemed to stand a walk of several blocks without undue discomfort or fatigue. His condition, however, for the past several weeks has been such as to cause his immediate family deep concern. They realized that the end was rapidly approaching and despite all that they could do to prevent it, the final summons came today at 10:30 o'clock at his home at the corner of Fourth and Washington street. Major Davidson came from a family that has made history in Lawrence county and he himself was a publicist, citizen, and soldier. No man has ever been given a fuller measure of esteem and respect than he and certainly no resident of this city is more entitled to the encomiums than he. He has lived all his life in Lawrence county and since before the war he has been an honored and respected resident of the city of Ironton. He has held many places of public trust, and at various times had engaged in the mercantile business in this city. He was united in marriage to Clara C. Crawford and to them two sons were born, Dr. Hugh C. Davidson, and James Davidson. Another son, Edward A. Thomas, of Shreveport, La., also survives. All of the boys have been notified by wire, and it is probable that all will be here for the funeral, which will be held Saturday afternoon at the late home, with Rev. P. E. White of the First M. E. church in charge.

Major Davidson's was record is pre-eminently one of heroic achievement. He was perfectly fearless and very capable and several promotions in rapid succession came as a reward for unexampled bravery and heroism.

Major Davidson was one of Ironton's best known and most beloved citizens. He was a life time resident of this community and no man was ever held in higher esteem than he. We have known him since our earliest childhood and we have lost one of our best friends. He was out on last Tuesday, primary day, and he walked to the voting precinct, two blocks from his home. He informed the election officials that he did not care to vote for but one person on the ticket, and he named the writer of this article as the man for whom he desired to vote. He returned to his home and when we learned today that he had been called to his reward, we were grieved, though in a measure prepared to hear of it at any time.

Major Davidson was a hero and veteran of the Civil War, and no braver or truer soldier has ever left Lawrence county for the battlefields. He was wounded a number of times during the war, but once a bullet passed completely through his body and he was left for dead on the battlefield. He was later found and brought to his home in Ironton, where he was lovingly nursed back to health. He won many promotions on the battlefield and each was a recognition of his valorous conduct under fire. Major Davidson was a staunch Republican in politics and for many years was actively interested in public affairs. He has held many public places of trust and not so very long ago served as postmaster of the city of Ironton. He had been a member of the City Council, the Board of Education, Sinking Fund Trustees, and for many years was Commander of Dick Lambert Post G. A. R.

Major Davidson was a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and was one of the oldest Masons in the state. He was by nature a jovial, whole-hearted and agreeable gentleman and the very soul of honor. He was a splendid citizen, a loyal, faithful and true husband and father and this city and county is unanimous in paying him just tribute.