The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1868-08-26
HAMHEL OFT.


'The memory OF the just is blessed, !" and
when good man dies, well may the people.
mourn. Then may affection yield her trib-
ute, and the heart render testimony to the
virtues Of the dear departed. And this WIS
done to-day by the large multitude that as
sembled to pay the last tribute OF respect TO
one of our worlhIest and most estimable
citizens, Samuel OFT, Esq, who departed this
life; Saturday, the I'D inst. and whom" de-
won't men carried TO his burIar this morning.
It is due to hIsmemory that a brief notice Of
this excellent man be given 10 the public.
Mr.. OFT was born at the close ofthe last CEN
tury, in woodstock, Shenandoah county,
Virginia, and there passed the early part Of
his life. More than thirty years ago he re
moved, with his family, to the city of
Wheeling, and engaged in mercantile pur-
suits, in which he continued TIL near the
close OF life. BY remarkable attention to bu-
siness, accuracy in all his dealings, and by
lust aud upright course, he whs blessed IN his
efforts and crowned with success!
The esteem in which he was held by his fell
oW.merchants, and the high appreciation of
his character by all classes, were repeatedly
shown. in his being called TO I'LL positions of
important trust For some years he was
President of the Merchants and Mechanics
Bank of Wheeling, and more recently of the
Savings Institution of the same city,
He was also highly respected mag
istrate, and a member OF the County Court
of Ohio county. Strictly conscientious, pos
sessed OF sound Judgment, and examining
closely into all matters brought 10 his atten-
ton, his opinions were regarded OF great
weight, and carried with them a strong influ-
ence whenever expressed. The mercantile
one OF their ablest members. a.a
1t is however in his Church relations that
tile writer better know the subject OF this
notice. and in this respect can give Lnqualf-
fed testimony. For thiTty:tfre years he has
filled the position of Ruling Elder in thee.
g. Presbyterian Church, aud most faithfully
did he discharge the duties OF that sacred
and responsible office. He watched for
souls" and guarded with jealous care, the
interests of his beloved Zion. Above the af-
fairs of this life stood the Church of God in
his estimation. 10 that, he gave time,
thought, prayer AMI means, and labored in
cessantly for its advancement. The Third
Church OF south Wheeling. now under the
successful passionate or Rev. Mr.. Cross, is II
monument to the untirIng efforts and be-
nevolcnt cxertions of Mr.. OFT, who united IN
himself, for many years, the offices of Elder,
and Superintendent OF the Sabbath School
in that Church. How deeply Will his loss be
felt there! Who will take his placer More
than ever, Will that church now feel its need
of drawing near 10 the hand that hath smit-
ten, for II is the only nAnd that can help.
We will not attempt to intrude into The
private and domestic life OF our departed
friend. The inner life of the soul is alone
known to the all-seeing God; but lf"by their
fruits ye shall know them" surely our judg-
ment cannot err i'll regard TO him. II 10 be a
man oil. pray Ter, to breathe the spirit of Christ
TO be liberal without ostentation, not letting
"the left hand know whaB the right hand
uoeth )" to be mot SlothGuI in business, fer
vent in spirit, serving the Lord ;'-if these
be the characteristics of II Christian, surely
HE WAS ONE! And now may we fOndly
cherish The hope that sanctifiod by his ait lc.
lions, aud made fully ripe for the gathering
hc has heard The Masters word OF welcome
well done, good and faithful servant, enter
into The JOY OF thy Lord ~ Ir- 9H.Lr.Ft
| A widow and numerous family and 60
cialconnections survive TO mourn the loss OF
their beloved one. Still, tender as his mem
Dry may be, aud though natural grief may
lead them TO shed many tears over the void
thus made. yet faith pIompts them 10 look
upward, and Contemplate the unspeakable
gam no iiaS ae'AAttoA AZ HSiE "tSoHt 'N't
the body, - and "present with the Lord"
His end was what might have been ex-
pecled from his life. 1t was peace, sweet, in
enable peace. for it was 1.-the peace OF God
shat passeth all understanding" Surround
ed by his loved family. aud conscious to the
last, he gently ceased to breathe,
$50 tades summer cloud away,
SO sinks gale, when storms are Ger,
| SO gently shuts the eye of day, t @
80 uies u wave along the ShUre."
'sLet me die the death OF the righteous,
and let my last end be like his" u.
TPhecltn0, dug. 25, lSGS.