Observations of a Retired Veteran
Tinsley, Henry C., 1834-1902
English
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OBSERVATIONS OF A RETIRED VETERAN
By HENRY C. TINSLEY
("P. Boyzy")
Introduction.
The essays contained in this little book comprise a selection from
many of a like character which were contributed at intervals through
a series of years to the columns of the VINDICATOR, a weekly newspaper
of Staunton, Virginia, by its editor, the late Henry C. Tinsley, under
the pen-name of "P. Boyzy." The perusal of them in their present form
will serve to confirm the opinion of those who read them as they then
appeared, that they possess in marked degree the unusual quality of
a winning humor coupled with the pathos that is often humor's most
exquisite accompaniment; and that they combine a shrewd if homely wit
with a profound knowledge of the workings of the human heart.
In the more strenuous life of political journalism, to which Mr. Tinsley
devoted his energies from the time when he laid down his arms at the
close of the War between the States to the beginning of his last
lingering illness, these "Observations" were for him but an inadequate
outlet for the expression of the courageous and hopeful philosophy
which was always his distinguishing characteristic. To cover his pain
with a jest,--to preach without cant the gospel of love,--to do the
best that he could do according to the lights before him--these generous
motives and high purposes are to be read between the lines by those
who knew him as legibly as if they shone out in words upon the printed
page.
During his lifetime he was frequently asked to gather into book form
these little essays which had delighted so many of the readers of his
newspaper; but to all such requests he smilingly turned a deaf ear.
His innate modesty esteemed their value at far below their real worth.
They are given here just as they were written by him and printed in
the VINDICATOR, without change or correction other than of typography.
It goes without saying that if their author might have revised them
with a view to their publication in a permanent form, there would
probably have been many changes; but it is believed that as they came
warm from heart and brain, they will serve to reproduce him most vividly
for those who knew him best and to illustrate once more for them in
all its dignity and sweetness the simple courage of his life.
It is for such friends that this book is published.
ARMISTEAD C. GORDON.
Staunton, Virginia.
October, 1904.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
Henry C. Tinsley was born April 7, 1834, in Richmond, Virginia, and
lived on the corner of Franklin and Governor streets, in his father's
residence, which was opposite the old WHIG office. His father was a
native of Ireland and died at the early age of 28, the day after the
birth of his only daughter, Ella, who was educated at the Virginia
Female Institute in Staunton, while presided over by the Rev. Dr.
Phillips. She and his mother have since died, and it is not believed
that he has at this time any living relative.
Mr. Tinsley's education was obtained at the old Richmond Academy of
that city, a classical school. In his 18th year he began his
journalistic career as a reporter for the Richmond DISPATCH, in which
profession of his choice he soon attracted attention.
The war coming on, he enlisted in the Richmond Howitzers and served
during the whole war as a faithful and brave soldier.
After the war he returned to the Richmond DISPATCH and soon became one
of the most valued men upon its working corps.
Early in the '70's he became by purchase, half owner and editor of the
Staunton VINDICATOR, being associated with the late W. H. H. Lynn until
1876 when Mr. Lynn sold his interest to Capt T. C. Morton. The paper
was then for eight years conducted under the style of Tinsley & Morton.
After this Capt. Morton retired from the paper and his eldest son, A.
S. Morton, became in turn half owner, the firm continuing as before
until 1895 when it was dissolved, Mr. R. S. Turk purchasing the office
and good will of the VINDICATOR and consolidating it with the SPECTATOR,
since which time it has been known as the Staunton SPECTATOR and
VINDICATOR, Mr. Tinsley retiring from the paper of which he had been
chief editor for twenty-four years.
Mr. Tinsley died in Staunton, after a long and painful illness, August
21, 1902.
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