Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1885-11-19


week, on the occasion of the death of
Hon. Daniel Peck, We were unable, for
want of space. to give full reports of all
the excellent addresses delivered. Mr..
J. W. Nichols, having been for several
months prior to his death. associated
with the deceased, his remarks on the
occasion will be read with especial in
terest. The following is an abstract of
Mr.. Nichols speech:
1t may be that modesty and propriety de-
mand that we, who are but recently admitted
TO practice, should remain in silence upon
these occasions, and listen to the appropriate
and impressive words as they fall from the
lips Of the senior members of the Bar, especi-
ally upon this occasion, which calls us together
to lament the loss of our very aged brother,
who was best known and most appreciated by
those who have known him longest.
Yet because of my recent intimate, Though
brief relation, at the risk OF slight intrusion
upon the rights of others, ask for the indus
gence of few words in humble tribute to the
memory of my dead friend, who, though,
uo Hdu uOIS tudn llN6Q Tue
span of human life, and gone down to the
grave full of years, and with an untsrnished
reputation, was of so noble type OF humans
ty, and SO valuable member Of society, that
ne could not well be spared by any communi>
W without sustaining great loss.
Shakespeare has said, "The evil that men
do, live after them; the good is often inferred
with their BONES" If that we're true Ill this
instance, all that now is or ever has been
known of Daniel Peck, Whould be borne with
him to his final resting place, and there be
consigned to oblivion beneath the heavy thud
If the falling clay, SO few have been his
evil deeds. But it is a beautiful trait in hH-
man nature, that upon these occasions of
commemoarLion TO the dead, We are to their
faults blind, and to tnelr virtues kind; that
ghatever may have been taeir missteps or mis-
deeds, they are for the VIme forgotten, and
only their virtues leit ~ bloom aud blossom
over the pathway OF ,tucfs. ilOre than once
nave heard the deceased say, and l never
yet have had cause u uOuUt his sincerity,
that it was his desire, both IN his private and
ais professional life, " AVOID not alone that
which in itself was wrong, but all which had
the appearance of wong Certainly an ex>
cellent example for us no are just starting IN
life, and entering The threshold o1 the ousl~
ness world, to emulate.
As said, my actual acquaintance with him
has not been of :ong duration, but being III
the same Office II mas been intimate, aud his
uame has been familiar as household word,
as far back as | Can remember, and have al
ways heard him spoken vi as u praise orthy
man, and shining example OF what industry,
energy and goou habits can do for man,
even though unaided 10y fortune, or family
prestige, or influential friends; and though
some are wont to impute 10 our calling, d
Jack of truth, integrity, morality and st'briety,
yet with this man, who had been so long in
practice, over 90 years, and dying, SO to speak,
with mis- professional harness upon him, yet
never have heard these traits of character in
nim doubted or suspected. His integrity is
written upon every page of long life of wise
counsel and successful practice, in behalf of
many important business enterprises, during
the whole course of which his honor was
never questioned.
| think he WAS the most purely unselish,
kind and generous man | ever knew. 1t
seemed to me he was always on the alert to
do some uDe favor, even the little urchins
who pass to and fro upon our streets; many
OF them daily entered his office and were the
recipients frcm his aged, trembling hands of
little edibles to please them.
| well remember that almost his first words
20 me were words of inquiry TO do me kind
ness; and this was the habit OF his life. Ii
vas his religion, he said, Ito regard all man.
kind as his BRETHREN and TO DO all the good
ne could, and just as long as he could, and
thus he died. In private life he was genial
and most agreeable companion, and a warm,
sincere friend.
As an attorney, he was infiexibly faithful
to his tents, and his wise counsel, sagacious
Judgment and intelligent Interpretation of our
ave we're al ways visible, and while he ten .
Aciously and vigorously fought for those
whose causes he espoused, because he believ>
ed them to be right, he was yet merciful
and cohsiderste to his opponent, giving him
every opportunity to prove his cause, thereby
showing that his object WAS no more for vic
tory than for right aud justice. To him defeat
in our lower courts usually meant an appeal,
and seemed only to arouse his latent energies
to stimulate him to better fortify himself and
call out some of that reserve force which he
appeared always to possess, and vigorously
renew his attack in higher court, where at
last victory usually crowned his efforts.
He loved industry. 1t was his natural
element; and his busy brain was apparently
tireless in all the tasks to which he addressed
himself.
Yet with all his noble traits and virtuous
NE, ne mas al lasI Deen compeiled 10 yieiu ana
bow in humble submission to that fate which
is the common lot of us sll-that pale faced
messenger which cannot be appessed by learn
ing, noble deeds, nor virtuous lives. He is
dead; but he died as he lived, faithful, cons
scientious man, with clear escutcheon. He
was an effectionste husband, true friend, a
generous neighbor, a good citizen, an able at
torney, aud an honest, christian gentleman,
who died mot like the quarry slave, scourged
to his dungeon" but rather
Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch
about him
And lies down to pleasant dreams.