The Vinton record. [volume] (M'arthur, Vinton County, Ohio) 1866-1891, 1872-05-30

mittse heretofore appointed, reported
the following preamble and resolutions,
which, upon motion Of Porter Du>
Halfway, Esq, were unanimously
adopted: -' no. ' ' LHt
Judge John Potter Plyley was born
in Ross county, Ohio, on May 9, 1926.
His father Phillip Plyley is still living.
He studied law with Hon. Milton L.
Clark, of ofChillicothe, and was admitted
to the bar April 5, 1851, his examina>
tiOn being SO creditable as to elicit
compliments from the committee, COM
posed of Judge J. r. Swan and other
distinguished lawyers.
In July Of the same year he located
in the new county of Vinton, forming
a partnership with his preCeptor Mr..
Clark, and entered upon the practice
of his profession with marked success.
His rare good sense and his legal
knowledge, together with his k indncss
Of heart and high-toned gentlemanly
bearing soon won for him the conf.
dence and admiration of the people Of
Vinton and surrounding counties,
On the 9Th of December, 1859, he
married the only daughter of Judge
Richmond, a prominent citizen, and one
who had been active in procuring the
creation Of the new county. But his
fair and loved wife was not to be With
him long in this world. In little more
than one year he followed her, and the
pledge of affection she had given him,
to the tomb. Judge Plyley never reA
covered from this sad and terrible be
reavement He lived unmarried with
his widowed motheF-in.law, seeming
to have no desire to either WOO OF wed
another, but appeared rather to be
awaiting the time when he should join
his loved and lost one in the spirit
land, Alter some years of successful
practice, February 9, 1859, the firm of
Clark Il P'yley was dissolved by the
appointment of Mr.. Plyley to the
judgeship Of this judicial district, m lde
vacant by the election of Hon VIM.
V. Pecktc the Supreme Bench. In the
fall following he was elected for the
unexpired term and was twice after
ward elected to the sams position for
full terms But never Of robust con.
stitution, it was early faArel that the
fell destroyer consumption, had Ex-
ed its fangs upon hin. These fears were
but too well founded. For many years
he was in feeble health, yet his intel
lect retained It's grelt visor AMI clear.
ness. lie was an honest, capable and up
right judge. The dearest friend Jared no
better than stranger, and the poor and
rich fared alike before the bar Of Lis
court lie was as judge, Kind and
courteous to the bar and would subject
himself to great inconvcnionce to &C.
eommodate them. His memory was
remarkable. He could retain and re-
peat the evidence of every witness in
the longest and most tedious trials.
His calmness, caution and unerring
judgment made him a most excellent
Judge. His was no ordinary mind.
As q Common Pleas Judge he had few
equals in the State. Notwithstaudin g
his impaired health he took rank among
the best judicial minds of the country,
aud lis death in the very meridian Of
life was but the result of too arduous
and long continued mental exertion.
Socially Judge Plylcy was greatly
endeared to his friends. lie was con.
slant and true in his friendship. His
kindness Of heart and liberality were
so great that he could seldom, if ever,
refuse any demand upon his charity OF
lenevolence. lie gave away large
portion Vf his earnings during life.
During the rebellion, hc seriously im-
paired his fortune by his charities and
donations. The widow and the orphan
the MANNED or needy soldier all knew
where to 60, and they were never re-
fused. The unworthy even took ad-
vantage of his noble heart and gener>
Gus disposition. lie could never dc
too much for friend, and in ieturn
they could refuse him nothing. Few
men ever had warmer or truer friends
Cut Uf in the prime Of life, first after
having returned to the bar where Sc
much was expected Of him, he is gone
it is hoped, to u better world and joins
ed her who anxiously awaited his com
ing and IN the remembrance of WHOM
he lived his saddened life. None knev
him but to admire, respect and Low,
him. And we, his brethren, mourn
him with heartfelt and tender sorrov
that long years will not efface
Therefore aio,l e..aaH
ResOlcsd, That, by the death o.
the Hon. John p. Plyly, we are calle'
to deplore tho loss of one who, whil
eminently distinguished for talents an,
learning, was by his genial teWpe
and unvarying cIurtesy, endured
I-aI;La ko tI,a hunai,la a,,d ravyl,oJ -.4