The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1878-02-22
VOL. LII.
DEATH or JUDGE GU,aoN.
A VALUABLE OFFICER GONE TO HIS REST
FATAL ENDING OF A SUDDEN ATTACK
SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF DECEAsED-HIs
MILITARY. AND JUDICIAL SERVICES.

hOu. aIeAauGSF DNfhftS 6ulSOHs 1uuSc VI
the Hastings Court OF Richmond, died OF
apop,exy. His illness was OF brief dura-
tIon. He was cut down in the midst OF a
life OF usefulness, when it seemed that the
future was rien with promise o. increased
honors. to him, and as his capacity to
serve this community which he loved SO well
was reaching its full development. Up
to short time before the sad hour
which robbed his aged mother Of fond
SON, his children Of an affectionate father,
and this city OF a wise and courageous
guardian, his general health had been good,
and he ha been actively employed in pub
lie duties. Indeed, when the illness came
upon him his mind was charged with mat
ters affecting the Interests OF this city.
They were only displaced by the realization
OF the impending danger. Almost bis last
thoughts were for us. Long will he be re-
membered. and long will his works endure.
BIRTH AND EARLY LIFE.
Judge Guigon was born in this city OIL
the 18th OF February, 1881. His father was
a French teacher, well known in his day,
who died when Aleck was very young.
His mother, q most estimable lady, was
married again to a gentleman who was pop
uIarly called Commodore Claiborne, and
who was somewhat prominent in public af-
fairs twenty-five or thirty years ago. Young
Guigon received a careful training at home,
and had the advantage OF some Of the best
private schools OF the city.
About 1S43-'4 Commodore Claiborne,
who was q warm personal and political
friend OF Henry Clay, managed through
Mr.. Clay to secure for young Guigon po-
sition as page in the United States Senate.
There the deceased had his first glimpse at
ambitious hopes which were being fast real
lied when death cut him down. There he
formed friendships which ended only with
the existence Of the parties to them. There,
in the sight Of great and good statesmen,
was laid the foundation of many OF the
traits which gave strength and symmetry to
his character.
Young Guigon-probably after leaving
the Senate-was sent to the Richmond
Academy, famous institution, presided
over by William Burke, graduate of Trim
ity College, Dublin, who sent into the world
many young men who reflected credit upon
his zeal and learning. Messrs. Henry G.
Cannon and James Pleasants, and other
ReHCieIUGu Ol uOH 4CoiuCue
here, were with him at the Academy.
IN THE LAW.
Well grounded in most Of the branches
of learning deemed essential at that date,
young Guigon commenced the study OF the
law under Thomas I. Giles, gentleman
whose requirements, habits, and practice
afforded exceptionally good opportuni-
ties to such beginner as this one was.
" I'D nj nd yryor,
the good opinion OF all those who were
brought into contact with him.
In 1851, before he was quite twenty-one
wears Of age, he was introduced by Mr..
John Harmer Gilmer to the court OF which
the present Hastings Court is the successor,
and was qualified to practice law.
Only very short time ago MIR. Andrew
Jinkins, the clerk OF the court, and the
Judge turning over some musty records
came upon the entry Of his qualification,
and the Judge laughingly remarked that
Mr.. Gilmer didn't quite tell the truth that
day, as he lacked little OF being twenty
one at that time.
IN PRACTICE.
MIR. Guigon did not leap into success at
once. His progress, on the contrary, was
slow but steady. He made reputation,
however, with nearly every case, and was
rarely, if ever, guilty OF neglecting eli
ent's business.
For several years Mr.. Guigon edited Ihe
| Laao Journal, q quarterly published in this
citv. The research, calmness, and ability
there displayed gave him an excellent
standing in the legal profession. About
1857, after Mr.. Marmaduke johnson retired
| from the position of Commonwealths at
torney, johnson and Guigon formed CO.
partnership. Mr.. johnson was an eloquent
adyocate-a man OF great popularity, and
often called before the people in political
| campaigns to address Whig assemblages.
Mr.. Guigon was q clear and forcible
speaker, but by no means an orator. lie
was highly useful in the firm. BE trans.
| acted most Of the ofice-business, and did
much Of the heavy work in the way Of ex-
amining and preparing papers, searching
authorities, &c.
Mr.. Guigon was good writer-not, in-
deed, brilliant; but sound, safe, and per-
spicuous. During Mr.. Ridgway's editorship
of the Wkig he frequently contributed to
its columns. On several important occa-
sion, in high party excitement, he managed
the editorial columns in MIR. Ridgway's
absence. 5.. @
At this time he had a hali-completed law
work in the hands Of his publishers, Ran
dolph & English. F, sl& y 81
.tE,eI4 ~. HIS MARRIAGE. p ~.
Mr.. Guigon married Miss Sarah P. Allen,
daughter OF James Allen, who was men,
Der OF the firm OF Davenport IL Allep. She
was most worthy lady. She died about
eighteen months ago. Two children sur
yiYe-AleXander B. Guigon, Jr., and lit
tie girl of seven.N Young Mr.. Guigon was
formerly employed at Yarbrough's factory
here, but is now teaching school and study
ing law at OF near Central Depot, in Pulaski
county. He,was telegraphed yesterday, and
will reach this city as soon as the cars
can bring him. Judge Guigon's mother
(Mrs. Claiborne resided with him. q
,as& > IN THE WAR.
Mr.. Guigon was ga Union man" in the
agitation preceding secession, but he never
for moment hesitated about his duty. He
became volunteer and entered the war as
orderly sergeant of the Richmond Howit-
zers, and was with that company in its early
service on the Peninsula. subsequently he
became captain of an artillery company un-
der Floyd and saw much rough service III
Western Virginia. After the disbandment
OF his command ne was under General h:
Lindsay Walker as an ordnance ofhcer, ana
was one Of the true and tried veterans OF
Lee who surrendered at tAppomattox Court
house.
HOME AGAIN.
The war ended, the cause for which we
fought lost, Captain Guigon returned to bis
native city to find o great portion OF 1t In
ashes and the people sorely impoverished
ana sodIv distressed. His partner had also