"Col. LEROY POPE has been gathered to his fathers. For four score years he led a life singular for its uniform probity and morality. He was born in Virginia in 1761 removed to Georgia in 1790—to this place in 1810, where he resided up to the time of his death on the 14th inst., beloved by his relatives and intimate friends, honored and esteemed by all. He was no common man, possessed of no common mind and filled no common place in our Society. The bustling incidents of his youth prevented his receiving a complete education; but his mind was one of a strong and vigorous character; bold, original and comprehensive, with a vast fund of common sense. Formerly possessing the whole of the present site of Huntsville, he was looked upon and was one of the chief patrons and founders of the place, and always took a deep interest in whatever affected the welfare of the town. His liberality and benevolence were notorious. The last ten years of his life were spent mostly in retirement, mingling but little in the turmoil of every-day life preparing in peace, in quiet serenity for another and different world, and at the time of his death he was a leading member of the Episcopal church.

 

"One of the chief pleasures of life, is to sit at the feet of the pioneers of our town and listen to them relate the early history of the place—the incidents connected with its settlement, and its original inhabitants. Acting a conspicuous part in all, and acquainted with all, it was a rare enjoyment to hear Col. Pope discourse in his colloquial manner of events in our history; and the only regret is that the pleasure was so seldom enjoyed. A mere child to him, a comparative stranger to his many virtues, and the part he acted in life's drama, we cannot speak more at length and with definiteness. His death has created a chasm, an aching void in society, which we know not who can fill.

 

"The action of the mayor and aldermen upon the loss our town has sustained, will be found below.

 

"At a called meeting of the Board of Aldermen of the Town of Huntsville, it was unanimously resolved that the corporate authorities attend the funeral of the late Col. Le Roy Pope in token of respect for the many private virtues and public services of the deceased."

 

June 14th, 1844.—Southern Advocate, Huntsville, June 21, 1844.