The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-11-11
Remarks BY s. G. CasOn, Esq.

Mr.. Chairman and Brethren of the Bar:
II was my purpose and desire 10 Say some
worthy OF the memory OF our deceased broth
er and friend, but I find l am able 10 make
only few remarks and then perhaps not in
connected way.
from the heart and is true. though small
tribute 10 the memory Of Mr.. Lee and d
flower placed upon his newly made grave.
When l was admitted to the Bar, here. In 1876,
don and b. r. Calhoun. there were many dis
tiuguished lawyers connected with the
Abbeville Bar. | mention their names;
T. C. Prrc cs and hos M Al Hdomsoh R%r HON
f. Noble. Mr.. w. H. Parker, Col. J. S. Goth
ran, MIR. w. A. Lee, Mr.. E. b. Gary. Mr. w. e.
Benet and Mr.. NJ. p. DeBruhl Perhaps no
Bar In the State could show as many names
Of so much prominence and ability as those
Just mentioned.
or this number five became Judges, n
record not equaled:doubtlesslby any county In
the State. These were Judge McGoWan, Su-
Judge Cothran, Circuit court. Judge Gary,
Supreme court, and Judge Benel, Circuit
court.
Among this brilliant array of legal talent.
MIR. Lee occupied and maintained high and
honorable place, and that was not al easy
thing to do.
Now Mr.. Chairman, after twenty years
have passed, we are called upon once more to
paw a last tribute TO one of this number, DR..
| WA. Lee, who was at the time OF his death
the Oldest member Of our Bar. having been
admitted 10 the practice OF the law In 1916.
BY the death Of Mr.. Lee. only two of the
large number mentioned above are left as
mem bers In active practice at our Bar-Mr.
w. H. Parker and Mr.. M. p. DeBruhl.
What lesson for all OF us! Only score
of years, aud yet time has moved rapidly
AS said, Mr.. Lee stood high at Bar that
was equal 10 any in the Stale. He did not
seek the active practice OF our profession.
He was not lawyer 10 contest cases In the
Court House, that was not his forte. HIS
work was done in the quietness OF his office.
Here his wise and safe counsel was sought
and obtained by many and many client
who trusted him with supreme confidence.
In this branch OF our profession he was emil
nently successful. Others have spoken truly
OF Mr. Lees virtues and attainments In other
spheres OF life, of his valor as soldier, his
great and accurate literary requirements
and of his splendid disposition.
II was my privilege TO be closely associated
with Mr.. Lee for number OF years, al
though he was many years my senior. L
was his neighbor In our homes, and was for
past ten years his nearest neighbor on Law
range, the doors Of offices being within few
feet OF each other. During these years our
Althogh Mr.. Lee was an old man, yet he was
easily approached and reJoiced always to
talk with his young friends. Indeed ] was
as free and unrestrained In converting with
mate friends. Often after having read and
studied upon certain lines, would speak to
Mr.. Lee OF my reading and talk over the sub.
jects read and studied and It was wonderful
how wide and accurate was his information
upon lmost any subject mentioned.
AS has been alread truly said, he was
man Of true literary taste. Two things OF
secular nature only afford permanent pleas.
ure here. They are honest and hard work
and good reading. These were rarely blended
in Mr.. Lee.
Mr. Lee possessed that which is beyond es-
timation, indeed 1t IL not TO be valued by
any material standard. A noble disposition
Who can tell what this does for ones sell or lot
others during Il we'll spent life9 As much
as was thrown with him, this same kindly
disposi ton manifested itself always:
great legacy TO leave family. Mr.. Lees
private and home life was of The highest type.
and it is but a just ms ed OF praise TO say, that
his was u savory influence.
But must stop, 1t was my privilege I 70
see much of MIR. Lee during this year ana
before he became too feeble TO give up the
duties Of his office. may say that almost
every morning during this Summer lie
would come into my office upon reaching his.
lie talked cheerfully and freely ABOUT MS
oLdtion and 1t Is not wrong ior me 10 SPEAK
of Il. Often in most quiet ana dellShl.
full way, without any assumption, TAXED OF
the one great business of lifecrellglon. 10
say that his views we're elevated ana hls lallh
sound, Is to speak what was the truth.
And now Mr.. Chairman and Gentlemen VI
the Bar, Mr.. Lee met the supreme IasR Oh
life. II Is true IN we all know ana as many
have SO beautifully portrayed, now wen nc
met and how nobly he discharged hil the
varied duties of life. but whnt Is all ms
worth unless crowned Dy trne apprehen.
sion of ones relationship to the unsteIl-inat
which alone i,bldcs? Our friend met this
highest test of llie-he not only lived right.
but lie died right.
Remarks Of Walter l.. Miller, Esq.
Mr. Chairman: Following as l DO gehte-
men who have known DIR. Lee so much longer
than I-genLlemen so much more capaole OF
doing Justice 10 the distinguished dead, leel
u dl tfidence In speaking on this occasion.
But, Mr.. Chairman, would feel recreant 10
my sense of duty were | to Withnoiu my
need of praise. DR.. Lee was my friend.
When ! came TO Abbevile, he received me
cordially and always treated me with every
Kindness. / have often counselled with MIN
and from his lips there fell only words 4l WIS,