Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-02-15
DEATys OF COL. GRANVILLE c. TOR
BETT.

DEATH OF COL. &sftANNAAAzA ~ A&AS-
BETT.
The death Of this old and valued citizen,
which occurred at fifteen minutes before
eleven last night at his residence in this
sity, aftcr a gradual decline Of several
months, though long expected, will sadden
the hearts Of large circle Of friends and
acquaintance throughout the State.
Col. Torbett was a native Of Monroe
county, East Tennessee, born on the 4th
Of March, 1910, and was therefore nearly
sixty-two years of age. He commenced
Life under disadvantageous circumstances.
but, by his native energy and application,
educated himself for the profession Of law,
under the favor and instruction Of the late
Judge G. w. Rowles. In 1871 he was
elected representative to the Legislature
of Tennessee from his native county; ard
In 1873 and again in lS45 was elected to the
State Senate from that district. On the
I'D November, 1912, he married daughter
Of the late Matthew Barrow, of this city,
and in 1S47 moved to jackson,
Tennessee. In 1852 he was induced
to move to this city and associate himself
with E. g. Eastman in the publication of
what was then known as the Nashville
American, which at later date they con-
soldated with the Nashville Union, and
thus commenced the publication of the
present UNION AND AMERICAN, through
which we now chronicle his death. In
1855, when the then "American partyn held
a bare majority in the Legislature of this
State, be was taken up by the Democratic
party as the only one who could overcome
thst majority, and, without solicitation,
was elected Treasurer of the State. Having
severed his connection with the press, be
was elected early in 1861, President of the
Bank of Tennessee, which position he held
to the close of the war. The troubles of
the war, and the disasters incident to it,
told heavily upon his constitution. For
more than a year past he has been in de-
clining health. He died in the sixty-second !
year Of his age.
Col. Torbett was Of plain but eminent
Iy practical order of mind. He seldom
erred in his judgment upon any subject to
which he had given his attention. The re-
suit was, that while not brilliant, he sell |
dom, if ever, failed Of success in anything |
In which he engaged. He started in life a
poor boy, and with but the ordinary educa-
ton of the old fashioned country school; |
and yet he succeeded early in acquiring a
profession, in which he ranked well during |
the time he gave it his attention, Without
the gift OF oratory or the advantage of |
influential connection, be soon com |
manded public regard for his intelligence,
and unbounded confidence in his in !
tegrity. Without a speculative turn
Of mind or disposition, he met with pecu-
niary success in every branch of business in
which he engaged.
As a lawyer be had every promise Of sue
cess. AS legislator he was looked to as q |
sound and safe counsellor. AS an execu- |
tive officer of the State, he commanded the |
highest confidence. As the President of a
bank, the leading financial institution of the |
State, he counseled the most prudent policy; |
and passing through great civil war, pro-
tected this important interest Of the State
with a fidelity that was never excelled, and
with g success greater than was the fortune
of most men in their private affairs. As
one Of the managers Of a leading
party organ in his State, and
as one Of the advisers in all party move
ments, his good judgment inspired conf
dence in whatever policy be approved. In
all the relations of private life his opinions
were sought for and valued by those who
knew him best.
BUt,as favorably as we can speak of him,
and speak truthfully in these respects, his
greatest excellence lay in the moral and
social attributes of his nature. From a
long personal acquaintance, we can say,
without texaggeratiOn, that we never knew a
more honorable, honest and just man. He
sought no advantages. He had no conceal
ments. He was liberal in all his dealings.
He was eminently social and hospitable.
BE cherished enmity toward none. He
was kind and liberal toward all.
he was an affactiOnate husband,
IN indulgent father, and a most
)blging friend. He was a sincere patriot
)f the cid school, with an abiding faith in ,
he intelligence and integrity of the people.
Such virtues cannot be too highly cxtolled.
The general interests of society require !
hat they should be marked and praised !
found, as guides to others and as
to noble action. The dead are
nsensible to our words of praise, but they
all like the Ginning of sweet bells upon
he ears Of the living, and awaken noble
sentiments Of generous emulation. Though
privilege too often abused, it should never
,e neglected when so well deserved. {
He leaves a deeply afflicted widow, three t
.hildren and host of devoted friends in
be three grand divisions of the State, in :
ach Of which he has at some time of his b
ife been an honorable and honored citizen. $
y
CONVICTION 0F cor. SrOEEEs