Obituary of Archibald Austin, 1837 - Buckingham Co. VA

The following obituary is transcribed from “Richmond Enquirer,” published October 6,
1837, page 3, column 4. Available from the Library of Virginia on microfilm; Film 23a,
Reel 23. 

“OBITUARY NOTICE 
The spirit of a true Israelite without guile has departed this life; Archibald AUSTIN,
Esq., of the County of Buckingham, aged about sixty-five years. He labored under a
chronic breast affliction, greatly aggravated by a residence in Richmond the last two
winters as a member of the Legislature; and it may be truly said, that he lessened the
number of his days from his patriotic devotion to stand to his post in the service of his
country, when he had neither health nor physical power to do so. It is true, the Court of
Buckingham , at whose bar he stood about forty years as a worthy member and
successful advocate, has adopted resolutions honorable to his virtuous and well-spent life
- yet the author of these lines, an old and devoted friend of the deceased, would reproach
himself to be longer silent in adding his small tribute of respect and high regard to so
much departed worth. As a husband, he was loving and kind; as a father, tender and
affectionate; as a friend and neighbor, the bewailings of his neighbors and friends speak
forth his claims; as a master, he was humane and uncommonly indulgent - more than
thirty years a worthy member of the Anabaptist Church, fellowshipping with the virtuous
of every denomination, denouncing none, his walk in all the great Christian duties is a
bright example for others to imitate and to pursue. Mr. Austin is favorably known to the
public, having represented this District in Congress, and several years a member of the
State Legislature. With the origin of the two great parties, Republican and Federalist,
Mr. A. attached himself to the former party, believing they were the true friends of free,
representative Government, to be administered within the prescribed limits of the
Constitution: from which principles he never deviated to the day of his death one jot or
tittle, steadfastly opposed to a National Bank, a protective Tariff, and public
improvements on the part of Congress as so many usurpations of power on their part. 
‘Let friendship’s faithful heart his bier attend,
Heave the sad sigh and imitate his latter end.’ ”


Submitted by Dr. Barbara Allen <distractable@prodigy.net> 

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