The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1885-08-29
Nh h1viaI property Of life p

personal eHdlllplC. LIS EShSis'oiN iio'iN'
upon whose brow age still sits with de-
cent grace, has exemplified her chris
tianity by years of assiduous and self
DENYING devotion to her children.
John was born on the 10th of Nov
ember 1889, and was the third of four
sons, two of whom survive him.
As child he was gentle and afiec-
entwining himself about the
hearts of his parents, by the early ex-
hibition of generous qualities.
He grew to be an engaging boy, who
contrived to win the esteem of his asso-
ciates by the charm Of his frank and
genial manners, and his quick and
superior intelligence.
The promise of his boyhood became
the realization of his early manhood,
for he was affable in manner, attractive
in person, and pleasing in address,.
With the best education that the schools
of his native town afforded, and which
he supplemented by short period OF
clerical service with his father, then a
merchant of Elkton, he essayed career
in the world by engaging with mer-
chantile firm in the city of Philadelphia
before the attainment of his majority.
This engagement anti-dated the out
break of the Rebellion but a few
months, still it was sufficient to indi-
cate that he possessed business quail
ties of high order. But the City of
Brotherly Love was loyal to the core,
and the patriotic impulses of her people
were profoundly excited by the agrees
sive attitude of the South. Being an
ardent Republican and an intense ad-
mlrer of Abraham Lincoln, with all the
enthusiasm of an ardent nature he es-
poused the cause of the Union and
enlisted in its defence. He joined the
I 9Th Regiment of Pennsylvania Cavalry
as a private. He had quick eye and
a steady hand, and although of medium
stature possessed well-knit frame, and
was a fair horseman. His experience
as a cavalryman soon put to the test
his physical endurance, unprepared
by previous training or discipline.
Yet he withstood the hardships of the
field like a veteran, and with thousands
of others equally patriotic, soon became
Injured to the fatigue and privations OF
a soldiers life. With active service,
promotion came, and through many a
vicissitude of the battle field, he earned
a captaincy by brevet while serving as
an aid upon the staff Of his cousin, the
late Gen. A. T. A. Torbert.
But great and important as were the
issues settled by the war for national
unity. to John Torbert personally, as IN
the cases of thousands of other young
men of equally generous impulses, 1t
was not in any sense blessing. Tram
ed to the peaceful pursuits of an &C
countant this episode in his life diverted
its natural current, and in measure
disqualified him for the more restrained
and methodical routine of the counting
room. The close of the war found him
beginning his business life anew. But
in whatever channel of pursuit his en-
gagements ran, he proved the same
faithful, conscientious, pains-taking and
obliging worker.
There are few persons we have known
to whose courteous and considerate
conduct in some of the most interest
ing relations of domestic and business
life, SO many strong and honorable tes-
timonies remain. The flial tenderness
with which he repaid long years of
parental devotion shows one unmistak-
able evidence of manliness-respect for
the aged. No less noticeable was his
Partially for and devotion'to children.
No child could ever live near John
Torbert and not instinctively recognize
a friend in him. He possessed in an
unusual degree the faculty of entertain
ing and attracting the young. Itseemed
the greatest pleasure to him, to excite
pleasure in them, and no task was tedious
enough, no trouble great enough to ex-
haust his patient pains-taking in their
behalf. 1t was the best evidence of a
kindly nature.
"GeNc,ous as 6ra0e,
kindness, tie s0'cef 0DlfcS
OfLove and duty a0erc TO him as needtNi
rs his daily Bread"
In the quiet repose of the tomb, lie
the mortal remains of our brother,
companion and friend. Time will mel
low the remembrance of his frailties,
but will not dim the recollection of his
manly virtues. Autumn's signing winds
will chant a kindly requiem DER his
grave, and carpet it with varied hues,
while to those who knew him and loved
him, it will ever remain a hallowed
sanctuary of affection.