Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1899-05-30
The Late Hon. w. II. Trayers.

Inc Late lion. w. II. lFaVerS.
Memoir by Col. Forrest w. Brown. ac-
companying the resolutions reported by
him as chairman of Bar committee to the
Jefferson Circuit Court:
Perhaps it is unnecessary for me to add |
anything to this tribute of his associates,
but the life and character of Mr.. Travers
has been so potent for good among those
who enjoyed the privilege of his acquain-
lance. that hope may be pardoned if,
impelled by the impulse of friendship and
the promptings of gratitude. should ask
your attention for moment longer.
1t is the privilege of the oldermembers
of any Bar in this liberal profession of
ours to shape the Courts, mould the
professional character influence the
conduct and determine the tone and
ethics of its younger members.
can say with justifable pride and
without fear of contradiction, after twenty
years of membership in the Bar of Jeffer-
son county and personal acquaintance
with the Bars of other localities, that it is
second to none in the preservation of
those courtesies, that code of ethics, that
tone of generous but honest rivalry,
that spirit of fairness and that fearless
devotion to duty that should characterize
educated and self-respecting lawyers.
believe without diminishing the
influence, or detracting from the merits
of any member, that the preservation of
these characteristics in such an eminent
| Il 10, 4, -
extent to the gentlemanly bearing and
high professional rectitude of this
deceased friend.
With an unfaltering confidence in the
recognized dignity of counselor at law
with quick and abiding appreciation
of the sacred trusts and valued
condolences necessarily reposed in one
enjoying the privileges of such position,
he lived as near as man can live in exact
accord with the highest standard for the
full performance of those delicate duties
and exalted responsibilities.
He abhorred the pettifogger. he
scorned the shYster, heshunned the drum
mer in his profession who bids for work
at reduced price, and when brought in
contact with such low practices would
turn for consolation to the elegant essays
of Blackstone or Kent or Story on the
responsibilities. the duties, the magnitude
OF his profession, or seek the magnificent
pages of Hooker, to learn again that - the
voice of law is the harmony of the world"
Deeply impressed with the admitted
truth that varied knowledge is a necessary
equipment for the finished lawyer, he
sought the grains and kernels of infor-
nation in all departments of learning,
from the choicest and latest sources.
He was as familiar with the poet and
historian as he was with the reported
cases of his own State, and loved to
treasure up in the perusal of the biograph-
les of distinguished men the various
incidents of their lives, that he might in
some stray moment, stolen from the
active business of life, recite them forthe
amusement of. friends or the illustration
of argument.
Considerate to young practitioners, he
sought always to encourage them in
their efforts and was ever willing to lend
a helping hand to guide them on their
way.
Considerate was he too of his brothers
of the same standing and of equal years.
and while they found him a "foeman
worthy of their steel. they found him also
always fair and just and courteous.
In his character there were elements
most attractive. He was modest without
timidity, firm without boldness, self-as-
sertive without rudeness, reticent without
deceptiveness, and studious without ex-
clusiveness.
When I recall him as 1 knew him
through the years of my professional
experience at the Bar, when reflect
that he now sleeps the eternal sleep,
feel that the gifted refrain of the noble
Halleck to the lamented Drake is the
most appropriate tribute that friend
can pay to his memory
Green be the turf above thee,
Friend of my better days;
None knew thee but to love thee.
None named thee but to praise.
@~-