The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1867-06-26
JUDGE WILLIAM H. LYONS.

The death of this amiable gentleman, which
has produced a most remarkable impression,
and called forth an unusual demonstration OF
public grief, occurred on Tuesday the 18TH
His serious illness for several weeks, and the
constant apprehension of his death for several
days awakened, before the sad event occurred,
the feelings Of our community towards the
man, and revealed the depth and tenderness
of that sentiment which manifested itself at
his funeral on the Goth, in such an assemblage
as has seldom been before witnessed in Rich
mond-certainly never to do honor to the mem
ory of one whose years were so few, and whose
public services were so restricted to the con-
fines of the city-and this the place of his ma
tivity, and of his residence from youth.
There was charm about Judge Lyons
which won, and which held the hearts Of the
people. No man ever saw in him any OF the
attributes of the demagogue, or any manifesta-
ton of desire for place or popularity; but on
the contrary every one was constrained to ad-
mire his uniform modesty and humility, and
utter want of assumption. These, with his
affability towards every man with whom ne
came in contact, and the well known kindness
of his heart, and his undertaking integrity and
devotion to duty, were the quaitiesupon which
rested fame which any aspirant for public
honors may well desire to possess
We have never known an instance in which
young man entering that profession, which
in times of peace is the most popular path for
the ambitious had at so early stage OF his
life, for he was only thirty-seven, risen to q
place in the favor of his fellow-citizens so well
adapted to crafty the aspirations of an honor.
able mind. The example is a most instructive
one, inasmuch as it shows how quiet, how uu
obtrusive, how comely, and how useful are
those virtues and talents which domost engage
the interest and the esteem of an enlightened
community how far removed from the de-
grading diplomacy, the vicious intrigues, tC
which it is too often thought necessary to de-
scend in order that one may rise to fame anC
influence.
Less than ten years ago Mr.. Lyons was chos
en- to the position which he occupied at the
time of his death that of Judge of the Hus
tings Court of Richmond. Against the objec
ton to his youth and inexperience, his friends
urged his remarkable gravity and maturity o
mind, thorough acquaintance with law, natura
talents, gentle manners, and freedom from pas
sion; and they said that by selecting him VIII
had, as they hoped, long time to live, the pub
lie could secure Judge who would soon become
familiar with his duties, and wouldripenin expe
rience and grow in usefulness for years to come
The wisdom of this reasoning was amply vim
Dictated, up to the time when it pleased Hin
who ruleth over all to remove the public ser
want who by His favor had thus fully met tn
full measure of public expectation.
At the funeral of Judge Lyons, in addition
to various societies and public bodies, whicl
came forth to do him honor on the occa
sion, there was very large concourse OF tn
| people of Richmond, whose interest in the oc
casion was manifested by general suspension
, of business The sermon was preached b
, Rev. DR.. I. v Moore, at the First Presbyte
rian church, which he regularly attended,
Other ministers took part in the interestin
services and many Christians heard with dee
1 pleasure that Judge Lyons had, in the cleares
, manner, professed his faith in Christ-his en-
tire trust in Him for salvation.