The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-07-17

such service as might have been expected
OF him. when no was tod-not TO his sur
prise. however. that "Mr. Peasants had
undertaken all"
This good man well-knowing the ex-
trcme poverty OF the family. and without
being solicited, was first TO provide the
wherewithal for the funeral.
'sThe most virtuous OF all men IL he
that contents himself with being virtu-
Gus. without seeking 20 appear So"
A SPLENDID LAWYER.
AS previously stated. Mr.. Peasants was
a son OF the great Wing editor. John
Hampden Peasants, and nephew OF his
hardly less distinguished brother. Hugh
r.. Peasants. Mr.. Peasants was more
than a mere lawyer. dealing in prece-
dents and technical learning. He was
rioe scholar and his command Of English
was unsurpassed. His easy fluent style
combined with conciseness OF statement
made his cbancery pleadings models OF
legal excellence. Sound in all branches
Of the law his tastes and peculiar fitness
drew him TO the Equity Courts, and he
became a master OF this important
branch of the profession. He enjoyed
large practice and his clientele were num-
erous embracing the leading business
mon OF the city He was conservative In
his judgments, and his advice was often
sought both in and out OF the profession.
lie came to the bar when the Richmond
Bar was noted far and wide for the dis
tinguished ability Of its membership
Conway Robinson. Samuel Taylor, John
NJ Patton, John q. Steger, Judges Mere
dith and Crump, James Lyons and VII
liam H. Mcfarland were regular pracu-
TONERS then, and their fame still lives.
Mr. Peasants was modest, and retiring,
never pushing himself, but won his way
by reason of his ability and honesty OF
purpose He was a charming companion
and delightful talker. and was never
more delighted than when he was relat-
ing some amusing incident connected
with the personel OF the bar.
Mr.. Peasants had a most pleasing APP
pearance and the shape of his head and
contour Of his face were hot unlike. II
IS said. the face and head Of his blood
relative Thomas Jefferson
A PAINS-TAKING PLEADER.
His care in the preparation Of legal
papers and pleadings were proverDial ana
no more accurate plcader ever adorned
the profession. lie was particularly KIND
10 Young men and was never too busy 10
give them timely assistance, when IN
doubt or perplexity-over knotty problems
of pleading or practice. What gave MN
his greatest strength as a pleader ana
/
cility for learning and presenting the
facts OF a case He was rarely found
wrong in his statements and was always
ready 10 appeal 10 the records and 10
abide the results.
Another prominent characteristic was
his fairness. lie rarely, If ever. INDUCED
in personalities of in frivotties. He i'm
medlately went to the very core ana
heart OF a case and II IL was not founded
Ha ID 10 oil
SETTLE without further cost or delay.
His death is a source Of profound sor-
row TO the bench and bar Of the city. At
the memorial meetings of the bar as long
as his health permitted, he was always
present. and his eulogies OF the deserving
and able lawyers who preceded him 10
the Judgment seat Of God are green and
fresh in the memories Of those who to-day
speak of his virtues.
His life was gentle and the elements
so mixed in him, that nature might stand
up and say 10 all the world, this was
a man
HIS LOVABLE CHARACTER
His home life was that Of an affection
ate husband. and an accomplished Vir-
ginia gentleman. He dispensed charm
ing hospitality at his home in this city.
Among the many delightful entertain
ments given to the present Court OF AD-
none are remembered with more pleasure
than the one given by Mr.. Peasants In
their honor. His charm as host on
that occasion was feelingly alluded TO to-
day by one Of the younger members pres
ent
His death is more than the passing OF
an able lawyer 10 is the loss of one OF
Richmond's most useful and respected
citizens, for no one had a greater love
for his home city than he did. Here he
had passed his whole life except few
years that he lived in Manchester. He
possessed to greater extent than IS
usual the sympathy OF his contempora-
ries doubtless due TO the unfortunate
tragedy which cut of the brilliant career
OF his father. which was remembered by
him as the sad afliction OF his youth.
HIS FATHERS TRAGIC DEATH.
Not many years ago. he had occasion
10 visit the office of one of his early
friends a distinguished lawyer, since
dead, who asked him had he ever read
the correspondence which resulted IN the
death OF his father He said he had not
and his friend said: "Wel. I have a
copy of it, which 1 long kept for you, and
II you desire II, / will give It to you.
Ny reason for it IS / desire you to see
the beautiful forbearance displayed by
your father in the controversy"
Mr. Peasants accepted the proffer and
therein was made acquainted more fully
with the splendid chivalry and peace lov-
ing disposition OF his father.
Certainly Mr.. James Peasants was kind
chivalrous. and even in his right hand
carried gentle peace to silence envious
tongues"