The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1873-06-19
DEATH OF THOMAS j. NICHE.

DEATH OF THOMAS J. NICHE.
This community was startled by the an
nouncsment on last Thursday morning that!
Thomas 3. Niche was dead We have neyerI|
known such profound sorrow to pervade aI
whole people. as that which followed the re.
cital of the sad details of the close Of theI
earthly career of this good and great man /
on Wednesday night. 1t was grief that
found expression in bated breath and long,
drawn sighs, as though reluctant to give ut
tera0ce to tie mournfhl and terrible TRUTH
For near half century he had moved among|
this people as one Of them, beloved and re-
yered as no man who had ever gone before
him had been beloved and revered. There was
in him a remarkable blending of gentleness
and greatpess-that native simplicity in all
the intricate and varied associations of life,
which threw mellow charm and effeminate
attractiveness over the massive intelloct--a
softness of affection. that won from lispipg In
fancy smile of delight at his approach, and
a grandeur of mental attributes that awed in
to respect and reverence the most gifted Of
his compeers. We had met him on the streets
IN the morning of Wednesday, and exchanged
salutations--ho had been in the Court room
attending to professional business during the
day, and an important case had been appoint
ed for Thursday in which he was to engage
in arguing. He had gone to his home in the
evening, somewhat fatigued and slightly com
planning. but no one, not even himself, sus-
pecting that the angel of death was lowering
about him. A few murmurs as to pain
some slight application-of remedies change
in his recumbent position, ando the spirit of
Thomas j. Niche passed from the clay tene-
ment that confined it, up to the God who
gave it. Even the Grim Monster approached
his fearful mission with velvety tread, and
with soft touch separated the pure spirit from
dissolvpg nature without struggle. No ag
ouizing contortion; no stihei gasping nc
warning conflict signalized the event. As
gently as the repose of infanoy-as softly as
the stirring of summer zephyrs, the purified
Immortality left the mortality, throwing the
impress of its angelic radiance over the couo
tenance of the sleeping body, an expressive
evidence Of the peace and plaeidity Of the
soul that had been emancipated
The proceedings of the Staunton bar in re-
spect to the deceased, embrace brief history
of him. We have never seen more unaffected
sorrow than that which pervaded his fellow
members Of the legal profession Oh this ocea
sion. For several minutes profound silence
reigned, as though each one distrusted his
self-command to introduce the painful object
of their assembling Finally, Mayor N. K.
Trout, commanded fortitude sufficient to move
that Hon. A. H. H. Stuart take the chair.
With measured step Mr.. Stuart assembled to
the Judges seat. For moment he seemed
overpowered with emotion. Then, trembling
under the influence of suppressed grief, the
bCotS tAdSiuT CdIti othCt uDWA N 10 OhSCho
with choked utterances and faltering voice he
announced, in feeling aud beautiful terms
the sad event Then all was silent for few
moments Judge Shelley arose, in compii-
ance With the previously expressed wish Of
the bar, and feelingly introduced the pream
bic and resolutions which will be found else.
where. Col. Skinner paid an appropriate
tribute to his departed friend, and Major
Watts moved the adoption OF the resolutions,
and that the proceedings be spread Oh the re-
cords of the Court 10 as few words as pos
sible the question was put and carried, and
the meeting quietly adjourned.
The feeling of sad and reverential affection
for the deceased thus exhibited, was not con-
fined to the Staunton Bar He was as well
known at Harrisonburg. and as afectio matt e.
ly regarded by his brethren there as here
When the electric fash transmitted the pain
full intelligence of his death to them, they al
once determined to pay the last tribute Of re.
spect to their deceased friend, by attending
his funeral in body. In this mournful du
ty they were disappointed. for the reason
that burial became necessary before they
could make arrangements to gss here.
Not only this, but every where, within the
wide circle of MIR. Michie's acquaintance was
expressed sorrow rarely exhibited. 1t was
the quiet, expressive, fearful tribute Of his
fellow men to exalted virtue--moral and intel
iectual greatness As was tearfuly remark
ed to US by Gov. Letcher, ''you have none
like him left" There was an inexpressible
modest nobility about the man that irresistibly
drew Apur friendship and commanded your
homage Il was the instructive tribute true
greatness commands. There was child-like
simplicity that magnetized confidence, and ;
aaoral excellence and intellectual massivenes:
Ahat enforced respect. These rare and beau
tifan attributes and eDdowments, constituted s
mau, who, ''take him all in all. we ne'er shall
look upon his like again" -one whom "env5
dared not hate"
His characI er presents symmetrical good
ness and symmetrical greatness, that it i
instructive and pleasing to contemplate. With
hand ''open as day to melting charity" and