Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-04-05
The Late Rev. Thomas II. Cas-
flAmam.


The Rev. Thos. T. Castleman, formerly of Vir-
ginia, died suddenly, at his residence, in the town
Of ST.. Joseph, Tensas Parish, Louisiana, on the
7th Of February. Mr.. Casteman had been, for
several years officiating as rector to small con-
gregation in the town of st. Joseph, and has com
bined with this duty Services four plantations
in the neighborhood.. He had, during his whole
life been deeply interested in the work of instruct
ing negroes in the South, and prepared, some
years since, volume of sermons to be used in
teaching them, called "Castleman's Plain Ser
MONS This work has been found very useful to
many. have used it occasionally in teaching my
own negroes.
Mr.. Castleman's life has been very varied and
chequered one. He has suffered nearly every i'll
that can befall humanity -s'from perjury up to
calnmay"' Hurled from lofty and prosperous
which could not be proved, though acquitted by
his Bishop and others in auth rity, hearth broken
and weary, he was forced to leave bis home and
friends and go out into the world seeking to begin
another life He went to Illinois where he strug-
gled and almost starved with his large and help
less family. Most men would have sunk down and
died. then and there, but with a noble and manly
fortitude, strong courage, and faith in God and
The ultimate triumph OF truth and an upright life,
this Christian man lived on.
III was induced to enter into correspondence
with the Bishop of Louisiana, who happened to be
eognzant Of all the trouble which had befallen Mr..
Castleman in his earlier life, and who possesses in
a most remarkable degree the truly pastoral vir-
eth,' all things 1t ended in Mr.. Casteman' S
coming into this diocese and into this parish. Here
he has remained ever since, except few occasion
al visits his health compelled him to make to the
cooler climate of the Tennessee Mountains.
Amongst his other duties, Mr.. Castleman UNDER
took to offciate occasional chaplain for us. He
could only come at nght-after preaching and
teaching all day, and riding ten, twelve and TWEEN
ty miles to perform his duties. He delighted in the
Choral Service-said the "Service here, instead
of wearying, was refreshInent and inspiration to
him. | was very grateful for his ministrations,
as had found it almost impossible to obtain such
a chaplain as | needed Even in this matter, he
showed his true Christian feeling for, finding his
health overtasked and that he Watlld have to re-
: sign either Service for me-which be always en-
joyed because our negroes trained and famll-
iar with all parts of the Services and he Fas re-
lieyed from all Catechetica instruction Of them, az
| attended to that myself; finding he must resign
this, or plantation where the owner an alb
sentee, where the negroes We're dependent upon
the overseer for every thing, the overseer, good,
kind man, but no Christian, where Mr.. Castleman' $
work really severe and heavy-he gave us up,
and remained with the latter plantation, although
/ the emoiument was greater with me. Not only
were his Sundays spent in this manner, but nearly
every day in the week found him some errand
of mercy or neighborly kindness. All through the
country he itinerated carrying with him the
Church and its blessed teachings. His influence
has been most marked and extensive, his zeal IN
domitable, his courage and cheerfulness un!ailing,
his labors interchangeable.
/ 1t seems mysterious Providence to US, why ne
should have Keen removed in the midst Of his
years, apparently full of health and with every
promise of longevity, and when life began once
more to unfold broad prospect Of honorable use
fulness, when he had molly and manfuy
lived through, and lived dozen, the bitter waves OF
reproach and agony which had gone ever his head
But cur Lord knows best it was His servent not
ours If the Master chose to sommon to HIS pre-
sence, the tried and faithful soldier Of the Cross
that He might bestow upon him the guerdon Sc
hardly won, it is not for us to murnur.
'Nor deem who to that bliss aspire,
Must win their way through blood and fire.;
The writings of a wounded heart,
Are iercer than a foemans dart,
Meek souls there are, who little dream
Their daily strife, an angels theme,
Or that the rod they take to calm
Shall move in Heaven a martyrs palm"
Throughout this whole community there is one
| voice Of regret and lamentation. The people OF
his parish i'll st. Joseph mourn him as they would
a father. The negroes on the plantations where he
oiciated are deeply grieyed and are most anxious
10 testify in every way their warm attachment to
him and sympathy with his family. There is much
eloquent teaching in the mere retrospect of such a
life as Mr.. Castemans; both enemies and friends
may learn from it.
To those persons who may have been adduced,
by circumstances, lend ear to he ISLANDERS a.
gainst tbs good and faithful man, in times past,
we, his friends simply answer by pointing to his life
among us, our best and only retutation for him.
honor AID reverence, death that we coyet.~ The
Bridegroom came at an hour he was exp ected rot,
his servant was ready and found watching.
cit is not exile, rest on high
Its not sadness, peace from strife;
To fall asleep, is not to die,
TO be with Christ, is better life."
Ashnood, Teusus Parrish, La. FILA.
February 20, 1861.