Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1900-05-27
A Sketch of His Life.

George w. letters was a son of the
late Matthias letters, who died a few
years ago at Gallipolis, O., and was
born in this city about 1888 or 1885. He
received a college education, and then
choosing the profession of the law for
his life ~avOcation, was admitted to the
bar of this county, soon having an eX-
tensive practice. In the later sixties
he vas chosen City Solicitor for the
town of South Wheeling, and also was
Solicitor of the City of Wheeling, fill
ing both offices with the greatest credit.
In the latter capacity he had charge of
the vast labor involved in the transfer
of the gas works to the city, and car
ried the case to a triumphant
conclusion for the people. An
uncompromising Democrat, Mr.. JEFF
fers early took an interest in politics,
and was especially prominent in the
politics of the city nearly a generation
ago. At the Democratic City Conven-
ton held January %, 1871, he was a
candidate for Mayor, with DR.. J. w.
Bates and John H. Hall. 1t was a hot
fight in the convention, and the vote
resulted: Bates 1928, Hall 239, and
LETTERS 800. DR.. Bates then declined
the nomination, and on a second vote
the poll vas letters 1000, Hall LOTT.
The Republicans made no nominations.
Mr.. Hall al as an Independent candi-
date before the people, and the result
was: Hall, Ind, 954; LETTERS, regular
Democrat, 1,4S6. Two years later, in
1873, there were no regular party NOM
nations, and the poll before the people
was: letters, 2,606; Thomas Sweeney.
1888.
In 1875 Mr.. LETTERS retired from the
chief magistracy of the city with hon
or. In 1881 he was again called into
public life as Judge of the Municipal
Court of Wheeling, holding that posi-
ton until the Court was abolished in
1889. AS a jurist he commanded no
less respect than as a citizen, attorney
and Mayor, and was universally rec
ognized as a just and upright Judge.
Upon several occasions since his re-
tirement from the bench he has been
prominently mentioned for Mayor and
other offices, but preferred to lead a
quiet life of semi-retirement. He still
practiced his profession, being coun-
sellor, advocate and guide for a num-
Der Of clients, and was for many years
and up to the time of his death aud
itor for the Wheeling and Elm Grove
Railway Company, at the office of
which corporation he was to be seen
almost daily. He was also a frequent
visitor to Wheeling Park, the beauti-
full surroundings OF which he particu-
larry delighted in and he was V so
happy S when under -e trees of that
resort, on a summer afternoon or
evening, with M or two of his many
friends. He was close to Natures
heart, and often spoke of his almost
infantile delight at being among the
trees, mowers. birds, and in the fresh
air of the country. The writer has
walked and talked with him for hours
upon such occasions, as many others
have, and it was at such times that
the simplicity and inherent beauty of
his character displayed themselves at
their full. He was "a gentle man
no more, no less" His ways were
quiet, and all his paths were peace.
He doubtless never knew what it was
to have a personal enemy. and a harsh
word never came from his lips. He
was of the old school-cultured. quiet.
retired, and always the perfect gentle
man, with a smile and an extended
land and a glad greeting for all-and
yet he was doomed to die alone. in
the midst of his friends. Such is the
irony of Fate.
Judge Jeffers was never married.
One brother is living-William LETTERS.
OF Columbus, who was t~elegraphed
yeste rday. and who is expected to ar
rive in the city at 5 a. N. to-day.