The Marietta journal. [volume] (Marietta, Ga.) 1866-1909, 1892-04-07
JUDGE LESTER DEAD.
THE OLD ONE-ARMED HERO PASSES
OVER.

HON. GEORGE N. LESTER, Attorney Gem
eral of the State OF, Georgia, has gone to
his rest.
In December, 1890, little over month
after his Inauguration, he was striken with
paralysis and since then had been bravely
battling disease ct his home near Marietta.
That insidious foe 'Brights Disease"
caused psralysis and his death. He yielded
to death without struggle at $50 Wed.
nesday evening. March 3osh, 1892.
Judge Lester was born in Abbeville Dis
trict, s. c., March 18th. 1924. and bis tath
er moved to Gwinnett county. Ga. when
George was about four years OF age.
His father died when Georse was about
IL years old, leaving q large family tor his
noble and courageous widow to bring up,
George being the eldest.
He may be called selt>made man, SUR
rounded with but few educational advan>
tages, he made use OF them to the fullest
extent in his power. He read law at an
early age under the elder Judge Nathaniel
l.. Huthins. He was admitted to the bar
in ls43, at the age of 10; by a special act
of Legislature.
On Nov. LIST, 1856, he was united in mar.
rage to Miss Margaret l., daughter of the
late Judge David Irwin. His faithful wife
still lives to mourn her loved ones death.
The result of this union was seven chill.
dren, five boys and two girls, all living.
His. first public position was that of Leg.
islator, as representative from Cobb
county, in which body he was the chairman
of the judiciary committee. He was short
ly after appointed to the position of Su,
preme Court Reporter.
In the late war, Judge Lester organized
company and marched to the front as
their, captain. in Col. McDaniers 47th
Georgia Regiment. In the thickest OF the
fight at the battle of Perryville, KY, he
lost his right arm. He was also taken
prisoner, but was soon exchanged and
came home. As soon as ft for service
again he was made Colonel of . regimen,
of reserves stationed at Rome, Ga.
In 1868 he was elected representative o
the 7th GEORGIA district in the Confederst,
Congress.
Alter the war. Col. Lester resumed th,
practice Of law in Marietta. In 1876 +,
was appointed Judge of the Blue Ridge Cir
cult. by Governor Colquitt and served ,
term of four years
In 1882 he moved to Atlanta, and, il
1884 was e|ector at large on the CLEVELAND
and Hendrix ticket and was made Presi
dent OF the Electoral College in which DO
sitiOn he had the honor of casting the frs
vote of the State which helped to elect
Democatic President. From this time hs
continued the practice of law until his cleo
ton to the position of Attorney General il
October. 1890.
lie leaves character free from blemish
a record Of life in which earnest, faith
full Christian devotion is prominent, and
full of noble self-sacrifce and work. Thou
sands of men in Georgia mourn his loss.
The funeral of Judge Lester took place
at the Methodist Church Saturday after,
noon at o'clock. Rev. Il j. Ellis offici,
ated, assisted by Revs. Patton and Wynne
The church was crowded. Our citizens
closed theira stores and attended. =
Governor Northen and the State House
officers we're present. The occasion was q
very Impressive one. After the funeral
tribute, the remains of the deceased were
placed at rest in the city cemetery