— 
8 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN, 
IN MEMORIAM — DR. JOHN BATES JOHNSON. 
Dr. John Bates Johnson died October 6th, 1903, at the age of eighty- 
six years, 
Born at Fairhaven, Mass., educated at Harvard University, he came to 
St. Louis in 1841. He was appointed an instructor in medicine in 1846, 
and from that time until his death he had an important part in medical 
education and in the practice of his profession. 
He was a member of the Western Sanitary Commission during the 
Civil War, and in that position he rendered inestimable services in alle- 
viating the sufferings of those who participated in that struggle. 
He was appointed by Mr. Shaw one of the original members of this 
Board, and until failing health made it impossible, he was always present 
at Its meetings. His sound common sense, his hearty sympathy with the 
work of this Board, his unfailing courtesy and kindness, his genial ap- 
preciation of the work of others, won the respect and affection of every 
member of this Board. We mourn his loss as that of a strong, faithful, 
public-spirited citizen, an ideal trustee of a public charity, a warm and 
constant friend. His life was long, his labors were constant and great, 
his friendships were numerous and lasting — his work was done. 
May he rest in peace. ° 
It became necessary in January last, to retire Mr. James 
Gurney, as Head Gardener, on account of advancing age 
after about thirty-seven years’ connection with the Garden, 
although he is still associated with it. 
The Board, as a slight recognition of the valuable serv- 
ices rendered by Mr. Gurney for so many years, adopted 
the following resolution, which, by order of the Board, was 
engrossed and presented to him :— 
TESTIMONIAL —- JAMES GURNEY. 
Years roll by for the race, and age creeps on for individuals. Nor can 
anything human stay the course of either. 
The eloquence of a Cicero may reason about the fact of old age and the 
voice of the Sacred Psalmist may seek to sing content into the heart in 
spite of it, but steadily on it comes if life is spared, and it cannot be 
evaded. 
Facing this fact of human experience, Mr. James Gurney, the long 
time superintendent of the daily activities of the Missouri Botanical 
Garden, feels obliged to withdraw from the pressing cares and responsi- 
bilities of such a post 
Remembering that Mr. Gurney served long under the eyes and personal 
direction of Mr. Shaw himseif, and that now for near forty years he has 
labored in the Garden guiding its work, the Board of Trustees desires 
