The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1902-05-08
Memorial of Col, Horace ResIey.

Col. Horace Resley was. on the 18th
instant, quietly and suitably inferred
in Rose Hill Cemetery, by the side of
his esteemed wife, who preceded him
on the 3rd day of September, 1872.
He had been painfully ill for three
weary months from an accidental fall
much of the time so enfeebled in
body and mind as not to recognize
those who so tenderly ministered to
his wants for that long while. Death
at last came to relieve a great suffer
er, but at the same time to bring pain
and grief, not only to the small fam
lily, but many not in that diminished
circle.
He was born March ., 1915, near
Hancock, Md, of very respectable
parentage. His ancestors rendered
service in the revolutionary war. His
wife was Sarah Isabel McLanahan, of
an eminent family of Franklin county,
Pa. Many were the regrets and sor-
rows for her unexpected death. They
had six children; only two survive
John and William. The only living
daughter died during the illness Of
the father-one event of which he
was never conscious. She was lady
greatly esteemed for her many fine
and lovable traits of true woman
hood. The Resley home, so well
known and respected for long years,
is now almost desolate-only the two
sons left as momentoes.
Horace Resley came to Cumberland
in 1S48, embarked in the mercantile
business for a while; was also an ex-
tensive contractor, especially with
the B. and 0. Railroad Company. He
was always active and enterprising in
business-never satisfied with single
enterprise but must have something
more.
In 1851 he was an independent Wing
candidate for the office of clerk of the
circuit court for Allegany county, and
elected, though he ran without the
aid of any party organization. He
was the first clerk to be elected by
the people; was re- elected in 1857 and
served % consecutive years, faithfully
and efficiently, not a blur to mar his
honorable record. In later times he
served as clerk for the Mayor and
City Council of Cumberland for fif-
teen continuous years, with the same
fidelity and usefulness that charac-
terized his service as clerk of the
court. He was a mechanical genius
and showed it in many ways, espe-
cially as an inventor of useful imple-
ments or agencies, but with little or
no profit to himself.
Must now say something of his mo-
raj, social and mental nature. He
was strictly honest, exact and just.
More apt to wrong himself than his
fellow man. Every one knew his lib
erality and generosity. Always ready
and willing to help when and where
needed sometimes even beyond that
line. To accommodate and oblige
Others was his pleasure. Was genial
and cordial in nature and manners.
II he should occasionally evince some
irritation it would be of short dura-
ton, while his regrets would be
lengthy and sincere. In the aggre-
gate he was an excellent and useful
citizen of our county for more than
fifty years. He has already and will
be still more missed for years yet to
come. Though he was industrious
and enterprising in his more active
years, he did not leave much of an
estate. In his last years he was count
ing and relying on the realization OF
just claim of about $4,000 against
the Government for supplies furnish
ed it in the great war. 1t did not
materialize to ease him in his life
time. 1t is to be hoped it will not be
allowed by great and rich country
to die from age as was the fate of its
just owner.
The feeble hand that indicts these
poor, but well intended lines, did the
same kindly service for the departed
wife in September, 1872, and it also
helped to lower her casket into the
yawning grave; and the same hand
aided in like function at his burial,
whom have endeavored not to eulo-
gize, but truly portray. J.B.
/