The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1881-09-09
LOCAL MATTERS.
Death OF psacsy n. era,,au. Eso

Death OF Penchy He Graftau, ESQ.
Mr.. Peachy r. Grattan, the reporter OF
the Court Of Appeals, died at Ashland last
night at 1905. Mr.. Grattan bad been 10
poor health for several years, though he had
lost but little time from his laborious post.
For more than month his Illness was Sc
we're, but until day or two ago his rela-
tIyes and friends had reason to hope that be
would recover. Yesterday morning some
of bis intimate associates here were notified
that he could hardly live throughout the
day, and before IL O'Clock at night bis SON.
in'law, Mr.. Ohio q. Kean, telegraphed the
news OF bis death.
Mr.. Graltan was born near Harrisonburg,
In Rockingham county, and was eigbty.one
years of age. He had the advantage OF
careful classical and legal training, and
upon coming here in 1895 at once took a
prominent position at the bar. His practice
was chiefly In chancery matters, and his ex-
aciness and fine perception Of law points
were soon generally recognized.
About 1910 or 1871 Mr.. Crattan was elect
ed reporter OF the highest court 10 the
State, and in that service spent the best snd
last years OF his life. He succeeded Mr..
Conway Robinson, who ever bad for the
deceased the highest respect and affection,
and bis labors are to be seen in the thirty
four volumes OF reports which bear his
name and indissolubly link it with the his
tory OF The State. Besides bis work as re-
porter Mr.. Grattan, as long as his health
held out, practiced his profession, and his
counsel was always highly valued by the bar
and bench and by businessmen.
For a good many years he was a member,
and a higbly.vaued member, OF the City
Council, and was more than once at the
head Of its Finance Committee. He also
represented the city In the House Of Dele
yates, there, as-everywhere, discharging his
duty with thor0ughness of research and
courage Of conviction never exceled by
any member from this city.
Mr.. Grattan married daughter OF Major
J. b. Ferguson, OF Goochland. The issue
OF this marriage was two sons, both de.
ceased, and three daughterS-one Of whom
married and removed TO Georgia. The
other two live here. The family conbec-
tions are extensive, and include names well
known and houored throughout the State.
In the death OF Mr.. Grattan IL may be
emphatically said that the Commonwealth
loses a good and loving son. He was de-
voted member o, the Presbyterian Church,
faithful and prompt in his religious duties,
and always earnest Ia the cause OF Christ,
As a lawyer ne will be cheerfully accorded
high rank. "Grattan's Reports" will
live to bear record to his accuracy, clear
ness OF analysis, and unwearying industry.
As a citizen there was never a more un-
selfish one, and few who had given more
gratuitOus labor for the public good. The
Court OF Appeals will hardly be recogniza'
BILE when II is opened at the coming term
and his chair found empty. The judges oI
that tribunal, lawyers OF the whole State
and particularly the citizens of Richmond,
will long hold his memory 10 veneration.
The notice OF the funeral and OF the meet
ing Of the bar will be given hereafter.