The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1899-05-04
THE LATE A 3 RAWLINGS.
spotsylvania Bar Pay Tribute to His
Memory


vania, Monday, was crowded to its
doors, when the people and legal
fraternity Of the county met to honor
the memory Of the late Commonwealth
Attorney A. h Rawlings. who was 80
dearly loved and respected by all who
knew him. When Judge Waller con-
vened the court, Judge Thomas N.
| WEIGH, the oldest member Of the bar
said 60 the court that at the April term
Of the court resolution had been en-
| tered upon the records that at this term
| a meeting should be held to pay tri-
butte To the memory Of the late A. B.
Rawlings. but before doing 50 he would
present paper prepared by himself.
which he read.
JUDGE WEIGHS TRIBUTE.
When | came from the Madison and
Orange bar to this, some forty odd
years ago, found that the famous iu
rist, scholar and author that had pre-
sided on this bench. Judge John 4.
IDmax had recently departed this life
that he had been succeeded by Judge
Eustace Conway, young member OF
this bar, who had already distinguished
himself as lawyer and in the legisla-
tive department of the State, had, after
a short judicial term. been gathered to
his fathers TO the deep regret Of the
people Of the State; that he had been
succeeded by Judge Richard III. Cole
man. all old classmate of nine in the
law school Of the University Of Viz
ginia. lawyer Of much learning and
ability, and who was then the presid-
ing Judge, and continued so until the
end OF the civil war. Then for a
short period Of time Judge John
NJ. Chapman, Of Orange, became the
Judge Of this court and discharged the
duties OF his office most acceptably to
the people Of the district. Then Judge
Vim. s. Barton, under the new order Of
things became the judge. and for more
than twenty years presided with a dig
nifty. ability and fairness that was an
honor to himself and the judiciary OF
the State, but recently he has been
called to another and happier world.
The old reaper. Death, has gathered
them all one by one, and will continue
his harvesting until all OF us are gather
ed in. Recently Judge John f. Mason,
young man Of high character and
fine attsinments, who h I'd already dis
tinguished himself as lawyer Of abili-
ty and as a member Of the General AS
sembly Of Virginia has been chosen to
preside as judge Of our Circuit Court
and whose youth and good health gives
us reason to hope that in the Providence
OF God he will be spared TO us many
years to come
OF the justices Of the peace-gentle-
men justices as they were truly called
who then presided in the county
u
mind Major Oscar Orutchfeld, a man
OF excellent mind. who for years was
a delegate to the Legislature from this
county and Speaker Of the House; Mr..
Lewis A. Boggs, courtly and learned
man; Mr. Nelson Walker, man Of
polished manners and learning. the
father Of the present efficient judge of
this court Il T. Waller; and many
Others, that my time will not permit
me to speak
The members OF the bar were the
venerable Thomas b Barton, Common
wealth's attorney, renowned, too, as an
expert commissioner Of accounts, John
L. Marye, who had State reputation
as a lawyer and advocate. John Nj.
Forbes, William A Little, ST., VIM.
5 Barton, afterwards judge, Hon.
Alexander Holiday. Hon. John l..
Marye, Jr., Hon +. NJ. Braxton and
O. Wistar Wallace, and some other non
resident lawyers of distinction. OF the
above that composed the then bar OF
this court, there could be material
found fit to fill any position either
State or Federal. Each and all were
not only learned in law, but cultivated
and high toned gentlemen. OF the
above all have departed this life save
the Hon. John l.. Marye, Jr., who
still lives an honOred member Of the
bar and an honor to the profession, and
q. Wistar Wallace They alone, with
myself, are the only survivors Of the
bar of that day.
Mr.. Robert G Dabney was the clerk
of the courts-efiicient and accommoda-
ting He, too, has departed this life
comparatively Young Then came as
clerk Captain Frank Beverley. a born
gentleman, who for short period re-
NAMED in Office and retired. Then
came into the office Of clerk of the
courts ]. Z. II Crismond. the present
incumbent. and can truly say one of
the most efficient ana accommodating
officers have ever known.
At this bar Of the present day, am
glad to say, composed of younger gen.
Grafton Of lawyers, it gives bright prom
Use of being in all respects worthy sue
cessors Of those who l have mentioned
as composing the bar generation
ahead. OF those who now are known
as the lawyers of the present generation
was Mr.. A. B. Rawlings, up to the
time Of his death Commonwealth at
torney for this county; was born and
raised in this county, studied law. be-
gan the practice at this court; very soon
by hard study and great energy ad-
vanced to the front ranks of the bar;
had the esteem of the members Of the
| A. o0oRdapoa ~ tho manila 0f