Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1890-06-18
Death of Col. John II. Guy


From, Ac Richmond State Of June 18th.
Col. John II. Guy died this morning at
fifteen minutes to o'clock at his residence
No. ITO Capitol street, in the hity-nin'n
year of his age.
Col. Guy had been in bad health for many
wears. He was one of the prominent coun-
sci for the defence in the Bette Thomas
Lewis case, and on last Thursday, while
present in the Chancery Court, he was tax
en- i'll. but he said nothing to any one. de
would not attempt go home, because he was
afraid he would not be able to reach there
and he patiently sat in the courtroom dur-
ing the argument, and, when the court adj
iourned, be was helped into his carriage ana
taken home.
His death was caused by congestion OF
the lungs.
Col. Guy was born in Groochland coun-
ty. aud was educated at Randolph Macon
College. After leaving college he studied
law under Col. Peter Guerrant and located
at Goochland Court house, where he formed
A partnership with Mr.. John G. Ruther-
ford. At the commencement of the late
war Capt. Guy organized the Goochland
artillery
In the battle of Cotton Hill Col. Guy and
mis- battery bore a conspicuous part, and 1t
was there he made his first reputation as
daring and brave officer. He was after
wards transferred to Fort Donaldson, where
he and his entire command, under Gen.
Buckner, were captured.
Afterwards he was exchanged to return
to his home and was elected State Senator
from the district composed of the counties
of Goochland, Fluvanna and Louisa. While
in the Senate, he commanded regiment in
the reserve forces, and was afterwards in the
trenches around Richmond.
1t the close of the war Col. Guy returned
to Goochland and resumed the practice OF
his profession. In 1867 he removed, and in
1870 Hon. A. NJ. Kelley, who was men,
Der of the House of Delegates, was elected
Mayor, and Col. Guy was elected as his sue
cesso. in the House, where he at once be-
came a leader of his side CT The House. In
the Kemper campaign Col. Guy was chair
man of the City Democratic Committee, and
filed the position with distinguished abili-
g.
In 1876 Col. Guy was candidate for Con-
gress from this district in the primary cleo
ton in opposition to Gilbert G. Walker,
and was defeated.
The deceased was an eminent lawyer, and
stood at the mead OF tie Bar As man he
was greatly beloved by all who knew him.
The deceased possessed an amiable and
gentle disposition, and under the most try
ing circumstances he was never known to
show any temper. lie vas a noble, pure
and honest man, and his death will cause
the greatest sorrow in this community.
Colonel Guy married Miss Mary Ransom,
of Cbaflestown, W. Va, daughter of j. NJ.
Ransom, who with three cbildren-a son
and two daughters-surviye him.
Pall-bearers of Col. J. II. Guy: Honor.
ary-Gov. P. w. Mckinney. Judge W. j.
Robertson, Judge Z. c. Burks, Judge Jo-
seph Christian, Judge E. II. Fitzhugh,
Judge b. r. Wexford, Jr., Judge T. d. Iry-
ing. Mr.. James Peasants, Mr.. James Alfred
Jones. Col. w. II. Palmer, Major L. r.
Page. Hon. w. w: Henry, Major Robert
Stiles. Active-W. NJ. Hill, Z. ID. Prince,
B. W. Richardson, Thomas ID. Stokes, DIR.
Edward Mcclure Charles Y. Meredith, F.
II. Deane, S. II. Pulliam.