THE BUTLER HERALD
Butler Ga. Tuesday, September 20, 1887, Vol. XI No. 46

A Prominent Citizen Gone

One of our most prominent citizens, William M. Cheney, Esq., departed this life on Wednesday last after a protracted illness of more than three months. Mr. Cheney was also a practicing lawyer, having been admitted to the bar several years previous to the late war. With one exception, he was the senior member of our local bar.

The writer of this, had a intimate acquaintance with Mr. Cheney from his boyhood days, a period of forty years. What we shall write will be from a thorough knowledge of this subject and a sincere regard for the memory of the deceased.

According to our recollection Mr. Cheney was in the fifty third year of his age at the time of his death. He leaves a wife, and seven children and many friends to mourn his loss.

Mr. Cheney was well informed in his profession, especially in the decisions of the Supreme Court of the State. His practice was a good as was evidenced by the large number of cases that were continued at the last term of our Superior Court. When once engaged for a client, he sought by all honorable means to make his case triumphant.

As a citizen Mr. Cheney sought to do his duty, and was consequently useful in this community. He was possessed of many noble impulses. He was accommodating and for a friend, he never tired work in his service. He was strictly temperate, and possessed many commendable qualities of heart. As we have already intimated he was a good and useful man, and our town and county will sadly feel his loss.

We would not draw aside the veil that curtains the family fireside further than to say that to the sorrowing widow and orphan children the loss is irreparable. May God in his infinite mercy afford them that comfort this earth can never give.

Mr. Cheney was interred in our town with Masonic honors of which ancient order he was long been a honored member. The services were very impressive and witnessed by a large concourse of people. Peace to his ashes!