Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-05-27
peatn Of Col. 81. Peyton.

At 1.50 o'clock on Saturday morning, May
23rd, this distinguished gentleman breathed
his last at his home in this city. His death,
though sudden, was not wholly unlocked for.
True, it was not expected at the time, but
about three weeks previously he had been
stricken with apoplexy, but had rallied to
such an extent as to be again on the streets in
his carriage enjoying outdoor exercise, which
he did whenever his health would permit
Many of his friends had seen him the day
before his death looking very bright and
cheerful, and, indeed he had entertained
some, until 9 o'clock the evening before his
death. In the night, about IL o'clock. his
son, Lawrence, who was in the room, noticed
a change in his breathing, and before physi-
clans could reach his bedside he had fallen
into condition from which he never again
rallied.
Col. Peyton has been prominent figure in
Virginia and Staunton for many years. He
was man of vigorous intellect, devoted to
literary pursuits. and a writer of great beauty
and force. Many literary productions have
emanated from his pen. He is the author of
valuable history of Augusta county and his
work entitled Rambling "reminiscences
has given unbounded pleasure to its readers.
Col. Peyton was model of urbanity, of alb
| stemiousness, of energy, of devotion to family
and friends, wise counsellor, prudent and
conservative man, ripe scholar, a student of
men and times, and probably unequaled in
| his knowledge of scientific, historical and
literary writer's by any private gentleman in
the country.
Col. Peyton was the son of the late John
Howe Peyton, one of the greatest of Virginia
lawyers, whose splendid presence and wonder
full logic are remembered by many of our
older citizens who have listened to him in
court and on the hastings with rapt delight.
| splendid portrait of this distinguished
man adorns our court house, the gift to the
county only short time ago, by his son Col.
j. L. Peyton, whose death we now announce.
Col. Peyton was about u years CT age, and
was born at Montgomery Hall, near this city,
which was then and for years thereafter an
ideal Virginia home. Adorned with all that
made home beautiful, the center of refine
ment and culture, it would have been i'm.
possible for him not to have carried with him
through life the impress of these softening,
and elevating influences. He was lawyer
by profession, but practiced only in his early
life. On his mothers side, he was direct
descendant of John Lewis, the founder OF
Augusta county, and was connected by blood
with the most distinguished Virginians
Col. Peyton was at one time in the Diplo
matte service of the United States in France
and during the war was Confederate com
missioner to England. His wife, who sur.
wives him, was Miss Henrietta E. C.. daughte
of the late Colonel John C. Washington, O.
N. c. One son. Lawrence w. H. Peyton
also survives him. He is also survived BY
six sisters-Mrs. John B. Baldwin, of Staun
ton; Mrs. Mary Preston Gray, of Bristol
Tenn; Mrs. John N. Hendren, Mrs George M
Cochran, Mrs. w. H. Greene, of Staunton
and Mrs Joseph F. Kent of Wythe.
The funeral took place from Emmanue
Episcopal Church at o'clock Sunday after
noon. The services were conducted by tn
rector, Rev. R. q. Jett, assisted by Rev. w. @
Hullihen, rector of Trinity Church. The fol
lowing gentlemen acted as pallbearers: Messrs
s. M. Yost, R. s. Turk, A. F. Robertson, 7
D. Ransom, s. D. Timberake, Thomas q
Elder, Howard Wayt, Arista Hoge, Lyman
Chalkley, w. P. Tams, F. B. Berkeley, VIM
A. Burke, W. 7. McCue, P E. Wilson, Hugl
M. McIlhany, Judge Charles H. Grattan.