Decatur-Early-Hancock County GaArchives Obituaries.....Sims, Richard August 29, 1872
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Kim Stephens kim@watrap.com September 3, 2007, 2:37 pm

The Weekly Sun, October 19, 1872
From the Blakely News
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Death of Col. Sims
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At the September term, 1872, of the Superior Court of Clay County, Arthur Hood 
announced the death of Col. Richard Sims.  On motion, the Court appointed 
Arthur Hood, Isaac E. Bower, Herbert Fielder, F. L. Douglass, Thomas F. Jones, 
and Isaac A. Bush, Esqrs. a committee, with instructions to report at Early 
Superior Court.

In obedience hereto the committee appointed to report a suitable tribute to the 
memory of the late Col. Richard Sims, a member of the bar of this circuit, 
submit the following preamble and resolutions:

Col. Richard Sims was born in Hancock County, Georgia, in the year 1818, and 
died on the 29th day of August, 1872, at his home in Bainbridge, in the 54th 
year of his age.

He remove to Decatur county with his father and family, when about 12 years of 
age, and spent his early life in youthful amusement and sport-not in 
cultivating and developing that superior mind with which Divine providence had 
so kindly blessed him.

He was elected County Treasurer at the age of 20 or 21 years, which office he 
faithfully filled.  Some time during his term of office he commenced the study 
of law and admitted to the bar at about the age of 33 years.  He commenced the 
practice of his profession without much promise, education or money.  But his 
untiring energy, perseverance, and application, supported by an uncommon 
memory, a vigorous and discriminating mind, soon rendered him conspicuous as a 
rising member of that profession, at the head of which a few years later, end 
ever until his death, he remained distinguished.

His political career was short, his time and energies being devoted to his 
profession.  He was elected to the legislature from Decatur county in 1854, and 
performed the duties of legislation with marked integrity and ability.

When the disturbing elements of Secession and Union were perplexing the public 
mind, he chose to embark with the South and share the fate of his countrymen, 
and his country.  He was sent to the Secession convention at Milledgeville, and 
there, his voice was for "Southern Freedom"; and his service there, though sad 
the result, were to that end.  After the war begun, he took part in its 
struggles as a patriot and a soldier, holding the commission of Colonel, and 
dignified and exalted that position by his patriotic services.

A worthy Mason of long standing, benevolent and humane, a friend to all 
mankind, he died the oldest member of that fraternity on the list of his Lodge, 
and was buried with its honors, leaving a record without a blot or blur.

He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, believing its faith-devout in his 
nature and reverence to God.

Resolved.  That this Bar and Court and his country sustained an irreparable 
loss and are bereft of one of their brightest lights and most distinguished 
sons in the death of Col. Richard Sims.  But we question not, nor complain at 
the workings of an omnipotent and Divine Ruler who "doeth all things well" but 
humbly say, "Thy will be done."

Resolved.  That the bereaved family of our departed brother and friend, have 
our heartfelt condolence and sympathy.

Resolved.  That this report be entered on the minutes of this Court, and a copy 
of the same transmitted to the family of Col. Richard Sims, by the Clerk.

Resolved.  That the Early County News and Bainbridge papers be requested to 
publish the same.

The above preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted.

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Additional Comments:
Col. Richard Sims married first Charlotte Morgan, then married Susannah 
Caroline Paulett.  As a great-great grandchild of Col. Sims and Susannah 
Paulett Sims, I am greatly interested in the ancestry of Col. Sims. 

Family researchers have been able to ascertain the identity of his father and 
mother, Richard Sims and Elizabeth Jones, respectively, but cannot positively 
go back further.  If anyone can help with this line, please contact me at the 
above address.

Thank you,

Kim Stephens

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