The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1889-01-29
HON, JAMES NHBSON.
The Death Of a Well Known
Former West Virgiuiau
AT HIS HOME IN RICHMOND, VA,
Once u Leading Lawyer and Poll
tlcIan of Marion county-sketch
of His LIro aad Services,
His Surviving Family.

RICHMOND, VA Jan, 2s,-James Nee
son, ESQ.,, died at his residence In this
city at 8;l5a. m. Saturday, He was born
in Ireland February ., 1922, but came to
this country with his parents when he
was only five or six years old, His par
ents settled in Western Pennsylvania,
and he was educated there, where many
West Yirginians were also educated
among them Governor Plerpont, Hon,
A, b, Fleming, Hon, B, +, Martin, Sem
ator Wiley, Judge Samuel Woods mr.
Nees9n's brOther.ip-law), and many
other distinguished men, Mr., Neeson
studied law in Morgantowu, West Vir'
ginia (then Virginia. under Fox Alden,
and began the practice Of It in Prunty'
town, Taylor county, whence he after
wards removed to Fairmont, in Marion
county, where he resided until the
breaking out OF the war between the
States,
HIS fuhLlC LlFE'
Mr.. Nelson's talents soon drew public
attention to him, and he was for years
Commonwealth attorney in Marion
county, He was elected a member oil
the Convention OF 1850 that framed the
new State Constitution Of that year. In
that body he attracted the notice OF John
Minor Bolts, who took occasion to COM
pIlment him In the convention upon his
remarkable abilities, He also formed In
that body near friendship for Henry A,
Wise. About the year 1855 Mr., Neeson
was elected to the Senate Of Virginia, In
which body he served up to and (by
elections In the army during the war
He then made a fine reputation. On
his way to Richmond in June, 1861, he
was captured by the Federal troops and
held q prisoner at Pruntytown until re-
leased BY company OF cavalry sent Ia
his rescue by Colonel Porter6eld.
IN RICHMOND.
At the close OF the war Mr.. Neeson
resumed the practice Of his profession,
but did not return to West Virginia,
He made his home in this city. Here
he was engaged in many important cases
notably the Ellyson. Ohaboon case,
He continued to practice law for per.
haps fifteen years after the war closed,
but for the last eight or ten years OF bis
life lived upon his income from other
sources. This writer knew him init
mately for many years, studied law In
his school, aud never learned to look
upon him rs anything else than oneof the
ablest men in his proiession-an opinion
which he has heard endorsed by fine
lawyers. He was brave, true man
honest, conscientious, and absolutely
fearless.
HIS FAMILY.
Mr.. Neeson married Miss Sarah Jane,
daughter OF Matthew Gay, Esq, Of Nor.
gantown, w. Va, who died In this city
some years ago. The Gay family was
one OF the best in the State. Mrs. Nee
sons uncle, William Gay, was once a
partner OF Chief Justice Ohase-not in
law, but in other business. Mr.. Neeson
has also at present q number OF relatives
living in the vicinity OF Fairmont.
Mr.. Nelson's surviving children are
Mrs. E. Fl. Smith, jr., Mrs. Thomas l..
Niche, OF Huntington, W. Va, and
Miss Matte and Miss Julia Neeson. His
son, William Gay Neeson, died q few
years ago.
ILL HEALTH.
For years past Mr.. Nelson's health
was anything but good, and since August
last he had been unable to leave his
room except on few occasions. His
disease was probably consumption, but
he was hurt at the Capitol disaster-an
injury 10 the back-and from time 10
time there was recurring trouble from
this source. A few days ago 1t became
apparent that he could not recover; he
realized the fact as well us any one, for
he was conscious almost to the last and
pressed the hands Of dear ones an affec-
tionate farewell.
His funeral took place from the resi-
dence Of his son.in.law, Mr.. Z. II. Smith,
Jr., No. 1l15 East Clay, where he died,
this afternoon at $3.50 o'clock.