The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-01-31
Death Of Gov. Letcher.

Death Of Gov. fletcher.
One of the truest. bravest and most de-
voted of Virginia's sons died at Licking
ton on the morning of the 26th Hon.
John Letcher, whose life is a part of the
history of the Commonwealth, and whose
public services have so signally Illustrated
the sagacity of the statesman. the
patriotism and devotion of the pub
lie servant, and the integrity and cour-
age of the citizen, passed away from the
scenes of the struggles of his youth and the
triumphs of his maturer years. in the 10th
year of his age. He was was born in Rock
bridge county. March, 20, 1913. Inherit
ing poverty he had but few of the early
advantages for accurate mental training
and advancement in the avenues of intel
lectual conflict. The inherent force of his
character, however, rapidly passed him
from the carpenters bench to the halls Of
Randolph Macon College, thence to the
study of law and the successful practice of
his profession. His first public service
was in the Convention to revise the Con-
stitution of Virginia in 1850, where he
acted distinguished part, to which posi-
ton he had been elected by a large major
ity in a county opposed to his political SEN
timents. In 1851 he was chosen, without
opposition, to succeed Hon. James Nc
Dowell in Congress and served in that ca
pacity for eight years, where he achieved
a national reputation as one of the purest
and ablest members of that body. lie was
elected Governor of Virginia, over W.. L.
Goggin.h his Wing opponent,in 1859 and dis
charged the arduous duties OF that high Of
flee during the most trying and critical
period in the history of the Common
Weaith--the war period-which brought
out the heroic traits of his characteristic
quick perception,th the comprehensive grasp,
and the highest moral courage. His capac-
ties were equal to every emergency however
suddenly thrust upon him and of whatever
magnitude. Faithful to every trust, true to
everysintereSt and equal to every demand
of the old Commonwealth he loved SO well.
he retired from the Executive chair at the
close of his term with the confidence and
esteem of every class of citizens. He re-
manned out of public service until 1876.
when he was elected to the Legislature
from Rockbridge county. After serving
for two years, he retired to private life
suffering much from physical debility, but
his mind remained clear and unclouded to
the close of his eventful and distinguished
career.
1t was our pleasure to know Gov Letch-
er well and to enjoy his friendship through
many years. His kindly advice and friend
ly admonitions, frequently given, were of
Infinite value in our early life and left an
indelible impress. His robust, well bal
anced intellect rarely was at fault, in it's
judgment OF measures and men, and while
his criticisms were fearless, they were
never colOred by uncharitableness or ma
Lightly. Few men have played so con-
spicuous part in the history of Virginia
within the past fifty years, and fewer still
left behind them more fragrant memo
ny or less of the acerbities which attend
political gladiations and the conflict of
opinion in heated political contests. A
true friend, a tried patriot, and noble
son OF grand old State, his memory will
be cherished as one of the brightest her.
itages of the Commonwealth and his life
held up as worthy example for the youth
OF Virginia to emulate.
The Obseques Of the deceased STATESMAN,
and patriot took place in Lexington on the
18th inst. The remains were taken from
his residence to Grace Episcopal church,
where the funeral services were read by
the rector. Rev. r. j. McBryde. after
which his remains were inferred in Lex
ington cemetry. The attending military
fired several volleys over his grave. The |
following was the order of procession !: /
First, officiating clergyman second, clergy:
third, military escort fourth, hearse and
pall-bearers fifth, family of deceased
sixth. legislative committee; seventh. |
members of the bar and county officials !; |
eighth, Faculty of Washington and Lee
University and Virginia Military Insti-
tute; ninth, Mayor and Council and town
officials ;tenth, Franklin. Society eleventh,
students OF Washington and Lee Uniyer-
sity twelfth, citizens of town and county,