Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-02-13
MAJOR NASH'SDEATH.
THIS wELL-kNOWN LAWYER DIES
AFTER A BRIEF ILLNESS.
Son OF John White Nash, the Dis
tinguished Jurist and Legislator
His Army Record and Professional
Career-Family Connections.

Major BENJAMIN Hatcher Nash. one OF
the best-known members OF the Rich
mond Bar. died at his residence, NO
shortly after II o'clock.
Major Nash had been in bad health
since the past spring. when he developed
kidney trouble. but his last Illness COM
menced only about two weeks ago. The
immediate cause of his death was en-
largement OF the heart. and the end
was quite sudden.
AT ~ o'clock yesterday morning Mr..
Mercer. who has Il desk In Major Nash's
Office. called on him for the purpose of
getting him TO sign a check and some
papers. The sick man seemed quite
cheerful. and Mr.. Mercer remarked upon
his apparent Improvement; also that his
signature was better than he had seen
II for a long time To this the Major
replied that he thought he felt better.
a little over an hour later, however. he
was dead. His passing away was calm,
peaceful. and without pain.
SKETCH OF HIS LIFE.
Major Nash was born In Powhatan
county April !, 1885, and was the son
OF Judge John W. Nash. who was n
member OF the Virginia senate for SIN
teen years, judge of the Second Judicial
Circuit in lSis. a member of the special
Court OF Appeals. and at the time Of
his death again judge OF the Second Cir
cult.
The deceased received his liberal edu-
cation at the Wigwam Academy of Pro-
lessor Harrison. in Amelia county. after
which lie attended the University OF
Virginia. and graduated from the law
school. At the age OF ~. he began the
practice OF law In his native county. but
the same year moved to Manchester.
Here he pursue'. the practice Of his pro-
fcssion until 1850 when he was elected to
the STATE Senate from the district COM
posed OF the counties of Chesterfield
Powhatsn. and Cumberland.
At the breaking out Of the war he raised
company Of infantry. which was as
signed as Company r.. 10 the Fcrty-iirst
Virginia Regiment. and later was ap-
pointed adiutant-gene on Mahone's
staff. He served gsllantly until January.
1856. when he resigned his commission TO
resume his seat IN the Senate, 10 which
he had been reelected.
RESIDENCE IN RICHMOND
After the war Major Nash settled In
Richmond, and CONNIE need here the prac-
tice OF his profession He had for long
time prior to hts death been one Of the
counsel Of both the Richmond and Peters
burg railroad and the Richmond and
Manchester electric-railway, the latter
being now n part Of the Richmond Rail-
way and Electric Company During the
year lSsS'S1 he served a. Commonwealth
Attorney of Chesterfield county. by APP
pOintment OF the court.
The announcement Of Major Nash's
death was a great surprise and shock to
the community. There were numerous
expressions OF sorTow and regret among
the hundreds who first learned the sad
news from the Dispatch's bule:in-board
Major Nash was a kind-hearted. courte-
oUs gentleman a true and de-
voted friend. and was held In high es-
teen. lie was thoroughly in love with
his profession. gave great care 10 the
preparation cf his cases. and enjoyed
good practice. he married Miss Matte
Freeman. who survives him. but leaves
no children.
THE FUNERAL ARR ANGEMENTS.
rhe arrangements for the funeral which
will probably take place tomorrow.
will be made to-day upon the arrival Of
the brother Of the deceased. Dr. j. W.
Nash, assistant superintendent Of the
raetcrr state Hospital A. Williamsburg.
and of his nephew. DR.. Francis :. Nash,
OF Washington.
Major Nash was member Of the Ma
sonic fraternity. The Richmond Bar As
sociaticn at their annual meeting. at ;
O'Clock this afternoon. will take suitable
action In respect to the memory OF the
deceased.