Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1901-09-27

DEATH OF JUDGE CRIToHER.-Judge
John Critcher died at his home on
north Alfred street at 11:50 o'clock this
morning. The deceased was 10 HE SD
year. He had been failing 10 health
recently, but had kept on his feet as
long as possible, and persisted In de-
voting his attention to his legal prsc-
tice. The powers OF nature, however,
were running down and organic weak
ness developed which for time had
copfiaed him to his home. He con-
tiDued to weaken and this morning the
end of long and busy life was brought
10 close. He leaves widow
ADD four children-one son and
three daughters. His funeral will
take place Sunday afternoon at 4
O'Clock. Judge Critcher for half GEN.
fury had been prominent figure 10 tie
judicial and political history Of Virginia.
He was born at WaterView, Westmore-
Ia d county. Va, March IL, 1920. being
the son of John Critcher, a well-koown
planter of that neighborno0d, ADD was
reared at the family mansion which
had been occupied by his ancestors for
over two centuries. After attending
schools 10 the neighborhood snd 10 di-
ferent parts of the State he WIS a stu.
deOt at the University Of Virginia
where he studied law for which he
manifested remarkable aptitude. In
early life he went to Europe with
George Tucker, author OF the Life OF
Thomas Jefferson. where he continued
his studies. He witnessed some OF the
most exciting debates 10 the British
House OF Commons while abroad and
was 10 Paris when the remains of Ma
poleon we're brought from st. Helena
aud PLACID in the Invslides. Ia 1912,
having returned to his native coun'
try, he begun the practice of law
10 his old home, aud subsequently,
married Miss Lizzie Whiting, of
HAMPTON, Va, who survives him with
the three children alluded to above.
Sometime before the war between the
States Judge Cdtcher was elected to
the Slate senate, representing West
morelsnd, Northumberland, Lancaster
and Ricbmon counties and was engaged
10 important work for his district and
State. At the break king out OF the war
he had become prominent 10 the politi-
cal field, and vas one of the few who
we're opposed to secession. He was
elected to the stste convention in the
early part of 1861 on that issue, but sub.
sequsntly as the feeliDfi became more
bitter between the two sections OF the
country and 1t became certain that the
Old Dominion was to be invaded
by hostile army, he. like Others,
originally opposed to secession, voted
to dissolve the relations existing be-
tween Virginia and the general gov.
eminent. At the breaking out Of hos
tilities he was member Of the State
Senate and convention and enlisted as
g private 10 the Confederate army,
serving 10 that capacity for about q
year. At the end of the war be was
colonel, and at times commanded
brigade of cavalry. AT the close Of the
war the deceased with Il. Nj. I.
Hunter, A. II H. Stuart AID others
was summoned to Richmond by Presi-
dent Lincoln to assist 10 the re-
organization of the State government.
Later Governor Peirpoint sent his
nomination as Judge OF the b Judicial
district to the Legislature. His nomi-
nation was confirmed and be filled the
position for about three years and in
November, 1870, was elected to Con-
eress from the First Virginia district,
taking his seat in March OF the follow
ing year. In June, 1884, Judge Critcher
became d resident OF Alexandria, where
be had since resided. He had for years
enjoyed an extensive law practice,
haviog been retained on some of the
most important cases which have OF
late years come before the United States
Supreme Court the Court OF Claims
and the Court of Appeals OF Virginia.
Daring his residence 10 this city he had
made many friends and acquaintance.
Quiet. gentlemauly and approachable
by all, he has moved In orr midst re-
spected and esteemed, and tbs members
OF his family who are plunged in sor.
row by the decease of kind husband
aud fond parent have the sympathy OF
the entire community.