Donald Muir Stuart BA, (1858-12/1/1889). "a brilliant career"

DEATH. 

STUART. — On the 12th January, at Knox Manse, Donald Muir Stuart; aged 30 years.  -Otago Daily Times, 14/1/1889.

FUNERAL NOTICE. 

The Funeral of the late Mr DONALD MUIR STUART will leave Knox Church (after a short service) for the Northern Cemetery THIS DAY (TUESDAY), the 15th inst., at 2.30 p.m. 

HUGH GOURLEY, Undertaker, Clarke and Maclaggan streets.  -Otago Daily Times, 15/1/1889.

Commenting on the death of Mr D. M. Stuart, the Dunedin Herald says: — His forensic career was a singularly successful one, and on several occasions he pleaded with a skill that was remarkable in so young a man, this being notably the case in his defence of Pearce, who was arraigned some years ago on a charge of murder. It was generally conceded that there were few in the profession who saw a point in common law sooner than did Donald Stuart. For the past few years he suffered greatly from growths of a more or less malignant nature in his throat, and it was an aggravation of these that several weeks ago produced his fatal illness. From an early stage of the malady, it was known that Mr Stuart's case was a hopeless one and the news of his death will therefore not cause surprise. His illness, although a most painful one, was borne without the slightest murmur, and relief eventually came about 2 o'clock on Saturday afternoon. By his removal, the community is deprived of one of its most brilliant members, and one who possessed a rare and inextinguishable vein of humour.  -Western Star, 23/1/1889.

The sad death of young Donald Stuart, youngest son of the esteemed pastor of Knox Church, has caused general regret, and great sympathy is felt for the venerable doctor, who first lost his helpmate, and now, in his declining years, has, after seeing them grow up to manhood, lost two of his sons within a brief space. As a boy, the deceased was rather an unpromising subject, being lanky, uncouth, awkward, and rather slow of speech. As he ripened in body, however, so did his intellectual capacity. From an awkward youth, he developed into a stalwart man. His keen but kindly humor, when among his friends and chums, was delightful, and when he commenced the practice of the law, a brilliant career seemed to lie open before him. The grip of the disease, which eventually carried him off, made itself felt, and though he never complained, it is evident he long suffered before he took to his bed. As a writer, the deceased had high abilities. Pungent wit and brevity were among the merits of his style. Rest in peace, is the heartfelt response of all who had the privilege of knowing and admiring Donald Muir Stuart.  -Cromwell Argus, 5/2/1889.

Northern Cemetery, Dunedin.