The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1859-05-06
Tribute Of Respect


Society, was announced. A committee was
Immediately appointed to draft and publish
resolutions expressing, on behalf of the Society,
her own deep sorrow at the loss OF one her
most honored members, and her warm sympa-
thy with the family Of the deceased, in the
heavy trial with which it has pleased God to
visit them.
The deceased was mere than an ordinary
man, and one who by his useful life, his exal-
fed virtues, his high attainments, and his
unceasing devotion TO the cause Of truth and
humanity, has reflected the highest honor on
the Society. The committee, therefore, have
thought i: appropriate TO deviate from custom,
and. in addition 10 the usual resolutions, TO in
clude in this Tribute of Respect to our departed
brother some particulars of his life and charac-
ter, which have been gathered from his
companions at College, IRON notices of his
death in the most prominent of the Texas
papers, and from the proceedings OF the Su-
preme Court OF that State, and ihe District
Courts of Austin and Galveston.
OLIVER G. HARTLEY was born IN Bedford
county, Pa, in 1923. He pursued his pre-
paratory studies in the town of Bedford. In
1888 be became a student OF Marshall College,
then located al Mercersburg. He was one of
the best students IN the College, and during the
whole of his course stood high in his class
He was remarkable for his sterling integrity
ana his high sense of honor, and was admired
and beloved by all with whom be had any
intercourse. In body be was robust, vigorous
and manly. His talents were of The highest
order. In his manners he was frank and
agreeable and by those who then knew him,
L. IT. &
and s'genIal" youth He was an earnest
seeker after the truth, and became interested
in the peculiar form of philosophy which had
been then introduced al MerceTsburg by Dr..
RAUCH, first President OF the College. He
freely Imbi5ed the doctrines of that distinguished
Christian scholar, and through his influence
was brought TO cherish deep reverence f0r the
truth of Christianity. In nis investigations be
was not unsuccessful, for no difficulties wbatey-
er could deter him, and he soon acquired the
character OF profound thinker and reasoner.
This turn OF mind, which characterized him
until his death, doubtless contributed III a great
degree TO his signal success in all the studies
and labors of his life. At the close of his
College course, in 1871, he was honored with
the Valedictory Grafton. Such was o. C.
HARTLY as youth at College, and it is crafty
ing TO learn that his College course was the
history in miniature of mis- subsequent life
After his graduation be studied law in Bed
ford. In 1916 be left Pennsylvania and be-
came citizen OF Galveston, Texas, where be
engaged in the practice of law. Here he a.
gain acquired the character of a dilgent and
faithful student. At the opening of the
Mexican War, when the whole county was
filled with apprehension for the safety of our
small army, he felt IT to be his duty TO rpln-
quish for a season his professional duties, and
serve MS country in the capacity Of soldier.
As at College and in the study of law he never
shIunk from difficulties, so in battle his courage
never failed hun and he returned from the
campaign with the reputation of brave and
gallant soldier. After the war he resumed his
profession. The results of hls labors during
his residence in his adopted State seem almost
incredible. He represented for one term the
County OF Galveston in the State legislature
But he preferred the quieter pursuit of his
profession, AMI TO this at the close Of his term
he retired. He prepared and published Di-
gest OF the Laws of Texas, a work of great
labor, but of great importance aud usefulness
in the chaotic state of Texas Jurisprudence.
He was one of the Commissioners appointed
10 frame the Civil and Penal Codes and
during the last eight years of his life was
Reporter Of the Decisions OF the Supreme Court
of the State. AT the time of his death he was
engaged on the Twentieth Volume of Reports.
II is the testimony Of his associates at the Bar,
that IN his published works 'she has left behind
him memorials more enduring than inscriptions
on iombstones or monuments of brass, which
will perpetuate his name with honorable
in the judicial history of his
and that in every position he
occupied ''he fulfilled The highest expectations
Of his countrymen."
ln the midst OF his laoors, in the strength OF
bis manhood, having already been elevated 10
posts oil honor and distinction, and with the
prospect before him OF long and still more
career, he was suddenly struck down
BY the hand OF death. True il is that ssthe
good die first" Early in life fell HENRY KIRK
WHITE early in life tell the lamented RAucH
and early in life Tell our honored HARrLEY.-
On the 18th January, 1859, he ceased from his
Earthly labors. He now rests in the grave.
'Here he reposes after his generous toll" He
vent down TO the grave young in years, but
laden with honors. Peace TO his ashes. All
honor to his name.
ADOPTED By THE SOCIETY.
Resolved, That since it has pleased the
Allwise Disposer of human affairs TO separate
from us by death, Hon. OLIVER C. HARTLEY, of
Galveston, Texas, an esteemed graduate honora-
~ member of this Soci-ty, we hereby express
The unfeigned sorrow which has been caused us
BY the tidngs of our brothers. death, BY which
our Association has lost worthy and honored
member, the State OF his adoption one of her
ablest jurists and thinkers, the country patriot
and brave soldier, and society at large a man
who, by his spotless moral character, had
rendered himself one of her proudest orna-