The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1883-08-24
Death Of Judge Black.

The country has sustained great loss in
the death of Judge jeremiah Sullivan Black,
which occurred at his home, near York, Pa,
on Sunday, the 10Th instant in his T4lil year
In Vigor, breadth and brilliancy of intellect,
Judge Black was one of the foremost men of
the age. He lowered among his fellows
like Saul among the prophets and AS n jurist,
as statesman and in the more fiowery fields
Of literature his ability and pr eminence were
acknowledged. In politics he was Demo-
crut, of the sternest JefIersonian and Jack
son school, and his voice and his pen were in
constant use in support of his party.
Judge Black wa, presiding Judge and after
wards chief justice of the supreme court of
his native State, Pennsylvania. He was
President Bnchanans Attorney General, and
before the close of that administration held
the portfolio of Secretary of State. He
served in the Pennsylvania constitutional
convention of 1873, but with this execution
held no other office. While not actively en-
gagged IN politics he was frequently employed
in political controversy. Ills profound and
varied knowledge, his brilliant intellect and
polished sarcasm made him an antagonist to
be feared. Some of his political papers ar
raignng the Republican party for the viola
ton of constitutional rights and guarantees,
and particularly his scathing denunciaton
ofthe Electoral Commission and the fraud of
the Presidency, will compare favorably with
the Phillippics of Cicero against Caliine and
his fellow cOnspirators. The browning glory
of Judge Blacks splendid talents is that he
was Christian. Love to God and love to man
for Gods sake were distinguishing attributes
of his character He was member of the
Christian Baptist Church, having been hap
tizrd by its founder, Alexander Campbell
His talents, uprightness and kindness of
character in private life commanded the re-
spect and esteem of all parties
Judge Black was about five feet eleven
inches in height, with shaggy gray eyebrows
that in repose gave his TEXTURES II stcrnncss
of expression, which was quickly melted
away in the humorous 1winklro of his eyes or
as the animation OF expression stole over his
u.
of ruddy, healthy complexion, strong bodily
frame and erect carriage, In 1868, while 90.
ing to Galyest ON, Texas, in company with
some other lawyers and Justice Swayne, to
argue railroad case II wood car that had
slipped from its place on the siding of n Ken
lucky railroad bumped against the side of
the passing car, in which his right hand was
lying on nm open window. 1t was very Sc
verely injured, and after careful nursing at
Louisville, during which he was the object
OF much solicitude and attention from the
citizens, the arm was saved from amputation
at the expense of its future usefulness. When
he was told that he would never use that arm
his characteristic reply was, "Then I'll never
enter the prz ring" For time, owing to
this disability he Travelled with colored
body servant, hut he grew impatient at such
dependence; he wouldn't be dependent on
any fellow to shave and write" so i'm "A few
weeks, by persistent efforts and will power
he learned to shave himself with his left hand
and to write clear, beautiful backhand
AT the time OF his death Judge Black own
ed Il farm, near Bel Air, upon which his
daughter and her husband Capt. Henry Clay
ton, resided IA few years ago. The latter me
now in the West, Capt. Clayton being in the
army.
Shortly before judge Black died he said
to his wife, How can fear to cross the dark
river when my Father waits for me on the
other shore" and added, Would | were as
comfortable about all leave behind unfin-
ished in this world, and then brcathed the
following earnest prayer; Oh, Thou bcov
ed and most merciful Heavenly Father, from
whom had my being, and in whom have
ever trusted, if it be Thy will, grant that my
suffering end, and that speedily be called
home to Thee. And o, my God bless and
comfort thee, my Mary"