Death of Maj. Wm. H. Lucas.

When Maj. Wm. H. Lucas breathed his last, then died a true noble man. A great heart ceased to beat, a vigorous intellect went out, a sturdy frame grew cold and a long and happy life was ended.

As the announcement of his death passed from man to man in the county of his adoption, it became apparent that no ordinary love was borne the old gentleman.

Not till now did we know how deeply in our hearts were fixed the respect, admiration and love which the character of this quiet, retiring, estimable gentleman forced from all who knew him.

Long since, he had retired to the private walks of life, but when in the vigor and activity of manhood as editor of a leading Whig journal of Montgomery Alabama, he aided in shaping the policy of his party and lifted a wise and influential voice in the public councils. After some years of most successful journalism he left it for the pleasanter walks of home life, and so upon an ample fortune he spent the rest of his days with his family about him.

Maj. Lucas was truly of the “old school.” Born and reared to it, his nature forbade a departure from the character of his family, and now that his life has sustained and illustrated that character, he sleeps, as do his fathers, in an honored grave, his memory embalmed in the hearts he leaves bereft, his spirit returned to Him who gave it.

At his father’s house in Sparta where he was born, was held the first conference that ever assembled in the history of Methodism in Georgia, when Bishop Asbury presided, and where the lamented Dr. Lovick Pierce was admitted to the ministry. Of that prophetic gathering there is now, perhaps, no living witness—all have gone to their reward.

The sickness which culminated in his death was sudden and brief. Due to this fact he died away from those whom best he loved, but sweetly tended by the gentle hands of devoted relatives.

So passed from this life, on the morning of the 24th inst., in his sixty-eighth year, at “Clarendon,” his beautiful home, Maj. Wm. H. Lucas; and on the following afternoon his body was slowly, sadly borne out of the house he could no longer claim, to that narrow grave which of all earth alone he possesses. With sadness we chronicle this event. With pride we offer to his memory this slight tribute.