The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1896-04-17
IN MEMORIAM

Nathaniel Richards wilkes.
Nathaniel Robards Wilkes was born
in North Carolina in July, 1888, and re-
moved to Tennessee about 1887, and was
reared i'll Maury County. He received
his collegiate education at the old Jack
son College, which was noted at that
time throughout the South for the abil-
ity of its instructors and thoroughness
of its course. He was licensed and ad
mitted to the practice of law at the Co
!umbia bar, March II, 1886.
His preparation for the bar and his
early experience in the profession were
under the guidance and influence of
such men as A. o. p. Nicholson, the
two Friersons, w. S. Fleming, l.. ID.
Myers, James II. Thomas, w. c. Whit
thorne, and others equally worthy of
mention. 1t is not surprising, there
fore, that he should have developed into
the courteous gentleman, with exalted
opinions of the duties and responsible
ties of lawyer which characterized
his dealings with his brother lawyers,
and his demeanor in court.
He was twice married; first to the
sister of the gifted and brilliant Vance
| Thompson; and next to Miss Mamie
Baird, the daughter of one of Maury
County's best and most prominent men.
This wife still lives to mourn this ire
treavable loss.
From the time of his admission to
this bar up to few months previous to
his death, he was, with the exception Of
a brief interval during the war, actively
engaged in the practice of his profess
sion; filling conspicuous place at the
bar, and engaged at times in some of
the most important litigation in our
courts. 1t may be truthfully said of
| Inn at 40 No
sought his services in vain.' Respect
for his honesty, integrity and fair deal
ing was universal where he was known.
He disliked the jar and wrangle of
politics. 1t was distasteful to his ma
ture, which revolted at the arts of the
demagogue. Once only, at the urgent
request of friends, he consented to serve
his people in the house of Representa-
tives of the Tennessee Legislature,
where he was valued member of the
Judiciary Committee, and left an en-
during record of faithful and intelli-
gent discharge of duty. 1t was not often
that he addressed the House, but when
he did he always had an appreciative
and attentive audience.
But it was in his character as a brother
lawyer that we. knew him best and
loved him most He frowned upon the
tricks of the unworthy. He set no traps
for his adversary. He did not attempt
to conceal the main points upon which
he proposed to rely. He was faithful in
court to his agreements made out OF
court, and did not seek to modify or eX-
plain these away. He delighted in a
straight forward legal combat, in which
authority and logical reasoning were
the weapons, and Keen and simple jus
tice the arbiter.
s., . 1,
stituted power for the administration
of justice was intense. He fought his
cases with all the power and energy Of
his nature; but when the courts haC
finally determined the questions agains
his contention he accepted the result
without a murmur, and never sought tC
impair the proper influences of Judicial
decisions by insinuations and reflec
tions upon the integrity or fairness o
the Judge. AS patriot he realized tina
respect for the law and its due anC
orderly administration is the uplifting
force which sustains our government
and preserves our liberty.
, His kindness to the young lawyer was
proverbial, and many young men il
! their first struggle for position at tht
, bar, owe him lasting debts of gratitud,
+ for assistance in the hour of need.
He loved justice, but benevolence was
probably the dominant characteristic
of his life. His kindness, patience, for
bearance was constant subject of re
) mark. In long years of practice III
} was never known to speak discour
| teously to, or wilfullv to wound thu
I feelings of another. He was as gentle
as refined, and delicate in his sensibili
> ties as a woman, and for his unfailinl
kindness and courteous treatment be re
. ceved in return the warm and affec
3 tiODate regard of every individual
member of the bar. If it were pos
sible to gather all the loving word
q which have been spoken of him during
! the last few weeks of his sickness, whel
death seemed imminent, no furthe
comment upon his character would b.
= needed. But it is because we so re
; spected and honored him that we desir
: to commit to the enduring records o
our courts this testimonial of our low
and esteem.
!, We shall miss him sadly. His voice
7 will not again be heard in our assem-
blies, nor in our courts. But may h.
I not speak to us from beyond the grave
comes there back no sound beyond us
Where the trackless sunbeams call?
+, Comes there back no wrath of music,
= Melting through the crystal walls?
+ Comes there back no bird to lisp us,
OF the great forevermore,
With a leaf of life unwithered
Plucked upon the further shore?
What shall sorrow say to sorrow,
Like to tears, fall unsaid?
For as life is to the living
SO is death unto the dead.
sympathy shall sit before Thee
Seven days mutely on the ground
Sorrow is a voice too tender
To be drowned by ruder sound"
Let us trust that he has found tina
, peace and rest which endureth forever
ain that beautiful land, the far ava
{ home of the soul"
Therefore, be it
ResolUed, That in the death Q
Nathaniel r. Wilkes we have lost on
of our most honored and respecte
e members of the bar, and the count
and community useful citizen.
q ReSOIUed, That we tender his bereave
and sorrowing family our sincere SYN
pathy.
ReSOlUed, That we request the var
Gus courts of Maury County TO hav
these proceedings spread of record NJ
on the minutes of the court.
GEO. r. HUGHES