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physical duty was disregarded until he had mastered, in its most minute details, the facts and law of the case submitted to him. Nothing escaped him; and yet, whilst his mind covered every detail and his memory retained every fact, this mastery was not allowed to overshadow the general principles of the law on which he based his argument, and over which he had such a philosophic grasp. The very intensity of his application was the main cause of the shortening of a life which originally gave promise of abundant years. Caperton Braxton was called to the great assize on the 22d day of March, 1914, and in the fifty-third year of his

age.

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Whilst here it is proper to make most prominent his qualities and talents as a professional advocate and adviser, yet we would do injustice to our feelings and affection for our brother did we not also record his many amiable virtues and genial traits. rebound from intense application was nowhere more evident than in his social intercourse. He was, in the society of intimates, like a schoolboy let loose. He could not bear that there should be a dull moment. Jests which were without sting and laughter which was always kind, gave token of his presence.

He was

His marriage, but a short time before his death, to Miss Mary Patterson Miller, of Staunton, served to brighten those dark hours, and was the culmination of a lifetime devotion. not only a devoted son and a generous brother, but his generosity knew scarcely any bounds, and it was only necessary to need help for him to give it. Though completely engrossed by his profession, he was ever ready to serve his friends and to advance their interests.

WYNDHAM R. MEREDITH.

ALBERT PENDLETON GILLESPIE.

If a man does not so live and act during his life-especially if he moves in public life-that a faithful recitation of his acts and character, will, at last, be his best biography, no skilled pen portraiture can make it more impressive. If Albert Pendleton Gillespie could supervise the composition of his biography, he would require only the plain, simple truth to be told. He did not assume to be one of the great ones, yet he was far above the average of the unpretentious world, in all that goes to fill the niche where his neighbors, friends and fellow lawyers agree to place him.

He was born April 3, 1855, at Richlands, in Tazewell county, then a beautiful rural place, now a flourishing and busy town of Southwest Virginia. His father was William M. Gillespie, a farmer and successful business man, of marked energy and intellect. His mother, Olivia Gillespie, was a Miss Johnston, of Giles county, Virginia, noted for her beautiful character throughout a long life.

After passing through the country schools of Tazewell, Albert Gillespie entered Emory and Henry College, from which he was graduated in June, 1876. Shortly afterwards he began the study of law in the office of Joseph Stras, then and for years before and after, know as a learned, accomplished and successful lawyer of this section. He continued his studies in that office until March, 1880, when he was married to Nancy L. Higginbotham, of Tazewell county. In February, 1882, he entered into partnership with J. W. Chapman, under the firm name of Chapman & Gillespie, which continued until his death, on August 5, 1913. During the existence of this firm its members built up a large and lucrative business in this section of the State and beyond it. Albert P. Gillespie was possessed of dynamic energy and will power, as well as of a love for labor, which he seemed actually unable to control. He became a well-equipped lawyer, and acquired a general practice. He was a strong man, whether on the law or chancery side, in the criminal courts, or wherever he

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earned, accomed and successful lawyer He continued studies in that office until when he was mort i to Nancy L. Higginbotham, ounty. In Feb, pary, 1882, he entered into partnerW. Chapin under the firm

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of Chapman & on August 5, 1913.

ers built up a large he State and beyond it. ssessed of dynamic energy and will for labor, which he seemed actually came a well-equipped lawyer, and He was a strong man, whether on n the criminal courts, or wherever he

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A. P. GILLESPIE.

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