The Farmville herald. [volume] (Farmville, Va.) 1890-1934, 1899-12-15
Or. ". W. H THAcKsTON.
Farmville Shocked at His Sudden
Death.

dened on last Friday morning, the sth
when il became known that DR. Thack
ston had died suddenly at his home OF
High street. When last seen on on
streets, the day before his death. his
bearing was So erect and his step 5,
firm that no one saw in him physical
inlirmity, aud this made the shock the
greater.
As has been said by another, Dr.
Ihackston was friend Of the lowly,
and che who stoops DER the fallen
stands erect" But if the HERALD
We're To devote the columns of this is
sue to what has been written and said
of our most distinguished townsman
since his death, there would be no
room for more. We select two tributes
only Of the many to his memory, one
that of his pastor, Rev. j. ; Hunter, "a
graceful and yet faithful portraiture of
the man; the other from Confederate
soldier, touching yet eloquent
The funeral services were held at the
Methodist church on Sunday after
noon, at 23O and were conducted by
the Rev Mr. Hunter, who was assisted
by Drs. McIlwaine and Harding. The
church was crowded with representa-
tive citizens of the town and the sur
rounding country, the flowers (Dr.
lhackston loved flOwers) were the
choicest and fairest sister cities could
furnish, and the singing uplifting and
heart moving. After the reading of
appropriate selections from the Bible,
singing aud prayer, Mr.. Hunter spoke
as follows:
This is simply burial service, but
it may not be inappropriate, indeed
the occasion demands, that word or
two be said in regard to him to whom
We this day pay the last tribute of re-
spect, about him who has gone in and
out before you so many years.
"Dr Thackston was born in Prince
Edward county, Va, February %, 1920
Had he lived a little more than two
months longer he would have been 50
years Of age. lie had passed his three
score years and ten, and by reason Of
strength, had well nigh completed his
four-score years
"In 1873, SO years ago, while yet
boy, he moved to Farmville. Here he
spent his advanced boyhood, his early |
manhood, his middle age aud his adj
vanced years. And so completely was
he identified with Farmvlle and its
interests that he became a part of its
very life. The people have from time
to time shown their appreciation of
his integrity aud ability, by putting
him in positions Of trust and honor.
physically DR.. Thackston was fine
specimen of manhood. His command
ing presence attracted attention i'm any
body Of men. His bearing was courtly.
lie was very Chesterfield in his man
ners. TO all, high and low, rich and
poor, old and young, he was most cour-
teous. In one Of our homes my atten-
ton was called on yesterday to what
myself had seen years ago. DR.. Thack
ston was very attentive to children,
greeting them kindly in passing, and
giving them at Christmas little tokens
Of his interest and affection. 1t always
touches my heart to see one who is
growing old in years, keep the heart
young, as evidenced in kindly concern
for the happiness and well being Of
those who are of tender years.
"Dr. Thackston had native intellect
far beyond the average. This he had
improved He was cultured man.
His addresses on stated occasions, a.
the presiding officer Of "A well-nigh in
definite number Of public meetings
and deliberative gatherings as well as
elsewhere, were models of propriety
and elegance. His thought was Wig
orous, his style chaste and polished.
He was easily master Of assemblies
at may not be amiss to say that in
his profession Dr. Thackston held an
place, one altogether
unique. He was the second gradu-
ate of dentistry in the world, and was
for a long time the oldest living grad
uate, the first having died years ago.
His presence was eagerly sought after
by dental associations, State and ma
tional. Already two dental associa-
tons have, to my knowledge, passed
tributes of respect to his memory.
Although he graduated so long ago, he
did not live in the past, out kept
abreast of all the Improvements in dem
tistry. His eminent skill was every
where recognized
at is needless for me to speak Of his
relations as citizen, neighbor, friend.
You yourselves know what manner Of
man he was among you. This large
OF people, the general mourn
ing in the community, attest your es-
innate Of his worth.
al shall not more than mention that
in the delicate family relations, as
brother he was ahectionate, as a hus-
band he was devoted, his wife having
nreceded him 10 the better land nearIy