Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1872-01-03
ALEXANDRIA. VA.
DEATH OF COL. GEO. WV. BRENT.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3.

DEATH OF COL. GEO. WV. BRENT.
Col. BRENT died at his home, in this city,
Yesterday evening, from sudden and violent
attack of typhoid pneumonia, in the htty'hrst
year of his age His death has cast gloom
over the entire community, where he was eS-
teemed, honored and respected tor his genuine
worth, acknowledged ability, and the many ex-
cellent qualities which made up the man.
George William Brent was born in August
1921; graduated at the University of Virginia.
lust before he was twenty one, with distinction,
and commenced the practice Of law 10 Warren
ton, but shortly afterwards removed to this
city, where he formed partnership with the
late Judge Christopher Neale. and practised
here for short time; after which he returned
to Warreuton, and in partnership with the late
B. n. Shackelford and Gen. W. Payne, con-
tinued the practice of his profession for several
years; during which time he was elected to the
State Senate and represented the district com
posed of the counties of Fauquier and Kappa
hammock with fidelity and ability. In 1852 or
3 he returned to this city, and in partnership
with the late l. Louis Kinzer, prosecuted his
profession until the breaking out of the war.
He was elected to the State Constitutional Con-
vention of 1S60-'6l; and upon the passage OF
the ordinance of secession was appointed by
Governor Letcher Major of Artillery, but was
afterwards assigned to the 18th Regiment OF
Infantry, from this place, which position he
held only short time, having been detached
in 1852 and transferred to the Army of the
West, under command Of Bcauregard, with
which he remained actively engaged, taking
part in all the battles. When Gen. Bragg took
command, COL B. was made Adjutant General,
and in that capacity served until the close of
the war. He then returned to this city and re-
sumed his profession, in partnership with Mr.
c. W. Wattcs, and continued in the enjoy
ment of lucrative practice up to Saturday
last when he was attacked with the fatal disease
that terminated in his death.
Col. Brent was one Of the sufferers By the
terrible disaster at the Capitol, in April 1870,
at Richmond, and from the severe injuries he
then sustained, he never fully recovered.
His record proves him to have been promi-
nent in the history of this State; and with what
credit to himself the multiplied duties of his
evenful life were discharged, the approval and
admiration of all whose fortune it was to know
him in life, as we'll as the universal sorrow mani
tested at his death, furnishes the grateful as
surance that in them all no acquitted himself
as became man.
As lawyer he was learned in his profession,
skilful in the management causes, and though
active and diligent at all times in the service Of
his clients, he never permitted his zeal for their
interests to sacrifice the great principles of JUS
tice. Magnauimous and kind, he could never
feel disposed to disregard the demands of pro-
fessional courtesy and to his brothers of the bar
he leaves rich inheritance 10 the example OF
his professional life.
As a soldier he claimed no discharge FROM
the hardships and dangers of life which his
patriotic devotion led him to believe he owed
to his State. Brave and intrepid he was under
the most trying circumstances always calm and
collected qualities which rendered him emf
nently fitted for the important position he filled.
As politician he recognized no servile de-
pendency upon party but was bold in the as
sertiou of those principles and doctrines, which,
in the purity of his purpose he conceived to be
for the general good of his State and country.
In the domestic relations of husband and
father the generous and noble impulses of his
heart were most conspieuousy manifested.
Within the family circle were the especial re.
cipients of hisafection and love, and to them
has the affection been heaviest, whilst his ad-
mirable traits of character had endeared him
to all, who counting their own loss, will fully
sympathize with them in their sore bereave-