The Farmville herald. [volume] (Farmville, Va.) 1890-1934, 1900-04-06
,,pMvlLLE HERALD.
1..w.w. Il. rhack,ion d. d. 5.
cARnENIA, " ""''" 10 ''00

Al
"a vicinity remember the stately
ST" dr. Thackston rs he walked
l'''" v IN aud from his office and
''' ~ .,,.eeully with upllf'ed hat "a
oo"' IDS as they passed him on
De his cordial hand a stranger
''0so nv, into town aud witnessing the
S 5sls-sn shown one whose poii'ensSs
S.,ur,esy were Of such "a high order
S'O ,,, f,il 10 be impressed with the
cur, ss,,here was "a man Of more than
i0'' influence and Importance
',,g his fellow men.
Tine weight Of Dr. Ihackston's IN
-. was not confined TO the narrow
i'' ~ his town where he had spent
M, ~ years of his useful and indus
'...ns he. but it extended far beyond
's..ondpes Of his native state, and he
~ y. bopond throughout the union 10y
~, ,;ghest associations in his profess
man If culture, refinement
1,o,slleetual ability, aud such was
.. divinity of man er, and such his
,mposing appearance aud his capacity
.'n,e.ids over deliberative bodies OF
men that whenever he went he was
,ror.sllv chosen for excellence as
ding officer, aud 1t is well known
-, a. long a. DR.. Thackston lived the
- If Farmville always felt itself
a..nliarly honored if he would consent
= assume the chair to introduce a
.osaser or welcome guest, and on all
.oeb occasions such was the pride he
.,,s in his beloved town that he was
,o.nired TO the utterance Of his choicest
pbr,ses aud his hsppiest style Of ora
torieal defamation.
Dr. Thackston was mayor oil the
town Of Farmville for many years-as
one g his friends felt that owing to
hi. advanced age and increasing in
s,mitjes and the constant pressing
duties Of his profession it would be too
mueb to exact Of him the irksome cares
and responsibilities that would devolve
upon him as chief magistrate of the
corporation
That a. mayor he was firm and inn
martial in his decisions, prompt IN
execution, and that 'Justice was tem-
pered with mercy il acknowledged by
sll. aud that on more OCCASIONS than
one be couspicuOusly put the town
under lasting thankful remembrance
for the stand he took in Its be-
half Astriking Instance of his fidelity
70 the interest Of the town WAS illustra-
led BIZ the firm decision he took when
The citizens drew up petition to the
general assembly asking that the State
Female Normal School be located IN
the town OF Farmville, Offering the
building aud grounds As an induce
ment to favorable action, while other
towns and cities were throwing out
tempting offers. DR.. Thackston siren
lously refused to sign the petition uu-
less the charter contained the prOylsO
that should the Stale Of Virginia here
sfler determine to move the institution
10 another locality the land and build
ngs would revert to the town Of Farm
vile, thus making a far As foresight
ind wisdom could do, this noble insti-
llion fixture probably for all time
% thi. part of the State and in the
own Of Farmville
Dr. Thackston was intensely south
m. For patriotic devotion his pub
shed articles on the war abound in /
angusge SO comprehensive in style |
nd clear in dictiOn that some OF his |
atriotic sentences are not surpassed /
~ the best authors OF any aye or /
ationality His readings were largely |
( the best literary works. He was
ever satisfied with present attain
nents or qualifications, but was al
'ays trying to move up higher in the
Gale Of thought and culture. From |
bis constant training of the mind and |
rom coming in contact with people Of |
ducation and common sense he &C
ured versatility of conversation and |
fund Of anecdote that made him a
hsrming fireside companion. He was
student Of nature and a very close /
Oserver. He loved to cultivate flowers |
nd fruits and studied the art Of pro-
agation aud was fond Of botanical !
search. He was ardently attached to
Us faithful pet dogs, Bob Ridly, Bull !
nd Sam johnson, whose wonderful |
agaeity, intelligence and fidelity fur
lshed him with many a delightful
and pleasing rehearsal.
Men Of Dr. Thackston's type are fast
lassing away. His noble form lies be-
cath the clods i'm this vale of tears,
uI his spirit has returned TO Him who
ave 1t and We feel assured he stitch
ow at the right hand of the Majesty
D high, and walketh the streets of the
'ew jerusalem.
THOMAS J. GARDEN.
Glorious News