SELECTED PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY OBITUARIES


Please submit yours to me to help other people

The following were submitted by Molly Shumate
THE LYNCHBURG VIRGINIAN, DECEMBER 1, 1825, P. 3  COLUMN 4

        Major Burwell Lee died 15 Nov 1825, age 59, at his home
in Campbell County.  Funeral service preached by the Rev. William
Leftwich on 3rd Sunday.
 
 

THE LYNCHBURG VIRGINIAN, APRIL 4, 1843, P. 3  COLUMN 3

        Matilda Lee, wife of Capt. Burwell Lee of Capt. Burwell
Lee of Leesville, Campbell County, died 15 Mar 1843 age 41 years
3 months leaving 7 children.

In writing obituaries, three things must be observed. First, we
must confined ourselves to the truth; secondly we should do
justice to the dead; and thirdly, endeavor to benefit the living
under the influence of these views we have taken our seat to give
notice of the demise of Mrs. Matilda Lee, wife of Capt. Burwell
Lee, of Leesville, Campbell County, Va.  Mrs. Lee had been in bad
health for several years but had apparently improved, so much
that thoughts were entertained that she would recover; but, about
two months before her death, she grew worse, but did not excite
serious apprehension until within a week or ten days before her
death, which occurred on Wednesday morning, the 15th of
March 1843 ________ aged 41 years, 3 mos. _____ religion while
young, ______ we have _______________ woman; as a wife, devoted
to the interests and happiness of her companion; as a
mother, proudent, exemplary and affectionate, as a neighbor,
perfectly unobtrusive; and it has not been the lot of many to
have so few enemies.  But inscrutible are the ways of providence.
She has been called hence leaving to mourn her absence, one of
the kindest husbands, and seven children, and we hope that the
want of her counsel in the domestic circle, and her vacant seat
at the table will prove a daily admonition to her familiy, and be
sanctified to the salvation of every member, white and coloured,
and that they may follow her as she followed Christ, and finally
meet in the Kingdom of Heaven.


Obituary
27 March 1918
Martha K. Lee
(family clipping - unsure of newspaper)

        It is with heartfelt sorrow that we must give up our
loved one, Mrs. Martha Kerziah Lee, wife of Rev. R. A. Lee, who
died on Sunday, March 18, at her home near Motley, of paralysis
and complaints.

        Mrs. Lee before her marriage, was the daughter of Dr.
Mosby Arnold.  She was born July 11, 1841 and has been married 61
years. She leaves besides her aged and feeble husband, two
children, Mr. Robert Lee of Brunwell, W. Va., and Mrs. John
Scruggs, her devoted nurse to the very last moment.  It was
touching to see with what love and care Mr. and Mrs. Scruggs
lavished in their attention upon her.

        Mrs. Lee was stricken January 1, perfectly helpless and
speechless, but bore her afflictions without the least show of
complaint.  She had also been afflicted with blindness for
several years prior to the other troubles, but always bore all
reverses with a bright smile; saying "God doeth all things
right."

        She was a woman of many sterling qualities and for
cheerfulness she was unsurpassed; and though she could not speak
or see she would let her friends know that she recognized them by
a smile and a pressure of her hand.  She was always ready to
extend a helping hand to those in need of help, bodily or
mentally.  A night was never too dark or cold, it never rained
too hard or the roads were never too long or muddy for her to go
and administer to the sick, taking with her a ray of light and
cheerfulness, trying to convince one that life was worthwhile
when their seemed to be nothing left to look forward to.


Obituary
Rev. R. A. Lee
April 1919
(From a family clipping - newspaper unknown)

Motley, Va., April 16 -

        The funeral on April 8th of our beloved pastor, Rev. R.
A. Lee was held at 3:00 o'clock at his residence and was
conducted by Rev. W. L. Mays of Hurt.  Though there was a pouring
rain all day the funeral was largely attended.   Brother Mays
paid high tribute to the exemplary life of Mr. Lee. He was loved
and honored by all classes of people and will ever be remembered
by many families in time of need.  He was always ready under all
circumstances to lend a helping hand, both spiritually and
materially, going far and near in all kinds of weather to help
bury the dead and confort the bereaved.  No matter how humble a
person might be he always gave to them a hearty grip, a pleasant
greeting and smile.  He lived to be 82 years and four months old,
and had been in the ministry over 40 years.

        The deceased fought four years in the Civil War.  He
lived most of his life at his birthplace which is near Leesville.
He is survived by two children, Mr. Robert Lee of Milburn, W.
Va., and Mrs. John Scruggs, who with her husband and children
were the faithful attendants to the last. Pallbearers were
Messrs. John Scruggs, W. Vaughan, R. L. Burks, W. Dalton, W. P.
Howell, and T. J. Walden.  During the service the following songs
were sung: "Going Home to Die No More'; "Oh, Think of the Home
over there; and at the grave: "Shall We Gather at the River".

        The floral tribute was very pretty which was furnished by
Mesdames  W. H. Vaughan, W. A. Withers, Chancie McDaniel, R. V.
Fitzpatrick, Mary McDaniel, Virgie Farmer, Hattie Mattox and Mae
and Pear and Ogsadie Walden and Mrs. Mary Walden.

                        Beyond the doubts and hopes and fears,
                        Beyond the cares and joys and tears,
                        Beyond the smiling and the weeping,
                        Beyond the waking and the sleeping,
                        Our loved one rests in slumber deep,
                        In silent and eternal sleep.
                        We loved in life, let us not forget in
                         death.



Contributed by Burke Wilson

        NMHP59A@prodigy.com (MR BURKE WILSON)

FROM ALTAVISTA VA. JOURNAL NEWSPAPER - Week of Nov. 9, 1922

MRS. MARY DALTON PASSES AWAY  Would have been 97 years old 22 of Nov.
 

At one o'clock Sunday morning, Mrs. Mary B. Dalton, mother of A.J.
Dalton, died at the home of the latter here, age nearly 97 years.

Mrs. Dalton had experienced the infirmities of old age for three
weeks prior to her death and the end was not a surprise to the family
all of whom had been at her bedside almost constantly from the
beginning of her illness.

Mrs. Dalton, prior to her marriage, was Miss Mary Adams, daughter of
the late Allison and Phoebe Adams, and was born Nov. 22, 1825 near
Riceville, Pittsylvania Co.  Early in life she united with the
Missionary Baptist Church and at the time of her death held
membership at the Riceville Church.

In February 1865 she was married to Patterson Dalton who died June 3,
1874, he also being a native of Pittsylvania Co.  To this union were
given four children, three of whom survive.  The surviving are Mrs.
Will Walton, Mrs. Sam Patterson of Altavista and A.J. Dalton who is a
millionaire coal operator of Logan County  West Va. and also resident
of Altavista.  The deceased son, Berry Dalton, a twin brother of A.J.
Dalton, died July 4, 1895.  There also survives three sisters, Mrs.
Julia George of Spray, NC, Mrs. Lettie Robertson of Chalk Level and
Thomas Adams of Brights, Pittsylvania Co.

Mrs. Dalton was born during the administration of John Quincy Adams,
President of the United States, and experienced the hardships of  four
wars during her life.

The death of her husband came in the early childhood days of her two
daughters and a week before the birth of her twin sons.  With the
encumbrance of a family of small children and deprived of the help
and consolation of her husband, she took up the burdens of life alone;
 and with a determination born of hardships, she went about her daily
tasks.

The funeral services were held at the residence Tuesday afternoon,
Rev. H. H. Street, Pastor of the local Baptist church officiating
assisted by Rev. J.S. Lodge of the Methodist church.

Selected hymns, favorites of the deceased, were sung by a double
mixed quartette composed of Mrs. E. H. Lane, Mrs. Arthur Rowbotham,
Miss Gertrude Walker, Messrs. A.G. Bell, W. C. Bess, C. H. Edwards, G.
 H. Robbins, and C.N. Cumnock.

The active pallbearers were JL Hogshead, E.V. Dudley, Dr. O. O.
Cooper of Huntington, W. VA, C.Q. Edwards, RL Cumnock and Dr. W. O.
Smith of Altavista.

The honorary pallbearers were G. M. Angell, J.A. Kelly, C.C. Hale of
Huntington, W. VA. John L. Hurt, H. L. Lane, and W. S. Frazier of
Altavista.



Submitted by Patricia East Denny

Transcription of  old newsclipping  on Jno. O. East given to Patricia (East) Denney to view by George Samuel Vance.  (Part of clipping is missing).

JNO. O. East.

 The subject of this sketch was born in Pittsylvania county, Va, September 20, 1829.  He died April 19, 1909.  He was married to Nannie A. Owen, January 27, 1853, who died two years ago.  He survived by the following brothers and sisters:  S. A. East, Abingdon, Va., W. T. East, Danville, Va., J. R. East, Lafollette, Tenn., J. M. East, Washington State, C. H. East, Tenn.:  Mrs. S. J. Martin, West Va., Mrs. Francis A. Hudson, Tenn., Mrs. Martha E. Broils, Tenn.  Also the following children: Alexander East, N. W. East, Mrs. J. A. Burch, Mrs. J. P. Lovelace, all of Pittsylvania county, Mrs. R. C. Adams, and Mrs. R. E. Cook, of Danville.  He also leaves a large number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
 He was converted, and joined Greenfield Baptist church in 1859.  From his conversion he was a regular attendant and an active worker in his church and Sunday school.  He was the organizer and suberintendent of a large number of Sunday schools in the county.  From these schools three baptist churches were organized.  He was Sunday school superintendent for 40 years--an unusual record.  Oh for more men like him in all our churches-- men who are active and consecrated in the Lord’s work.
 Brother East was a man of strong convictions, and possessed great will power.  He ever dared to do the right even though he encountered strong opposition.
 He exercised unusual energy and perseverance, both in his Christian duties and his daily pursuits.  He was considerate and charitable.  No  one ever went away from him empty-handed if he could help them.  He was ever ready to visit the sick and help the distressed in his    (rest of article is missing)



Submitted by Susan Clanton Simpson
 <gsimpson@wcnet.org

I'm snowbound and so finally spent the afternoon typing up these old
newspaper clippings from the Harvey Family Bible (William Richard Harvey
& Mary Lula Hines.)  I thought they could be posted on the Pittsylvania
Co. page if you feel they are appropriate.  I'll send you three emails
so that they are separate.  There are two obits and one marriage
announcement.  They are probably from the Danville paper although, as
they were clipped and tucked in the Bible,  I'm not real sure.    I have
typed them as written with the grammar used in the paper at that time.

I've not had too much luck finding information on Henry David Hines (my
gr gr grandfather) and family.  There seem to be a large number of
Pittsylvania Co. and Campbell Co. Hines' researchers but I've never been
able to connect my Hines' line with their line.  Maybe posting these
documents in different places will generate some cousins.

Here is the first, an obit for Henry David Hines' son:
 

William A. Hines Dies Early Yesterday

William Adolphus Hines, a well known and highly regarded citizen passed
away between 12 and 1 o'clock yesterday morning at the General hospital
as a result of an illness which was brought on through ptomaine
poisoning which developed about 10 days ago.  Mr. Hines was taken ill
upon his return from a visit to the country and so rapidly did his
ailment grow worse that it was decided to take him to the hospital where
everything possible was done for him.  The advanced age of the patient
was one factor which mitigated against his recovery.  Yesterday
afternoon it was realized that he was dying and relatives in distant
cities were notified.

Mr. Hines was 63 years of age being born in Hinesville, Pittsylvania
county on November 17th, 1853.  Here he spent his early days and came to
Danville in 1870  as a young man entering the tobacco business. First he
was partner in the firm Bendall & Hines on the corner of Spring and
Market streets where they operated a tobacco manufactury.  Later he was
associated as partner with Mr. J. G. Covington, the firm doing business
under the name of Hines and Covington, their plant being on Union and
High streets.  Several years ago, after having conducted his business
along highly successful lines, Mr. Hines retired from active business
and lived on the fruits of his labors.  For some years he was a member
of the City Council and always was particularly interested in the
conduct of the city's affairs.

In the year 1882 Mr. Hines was married to Miss Lucy Catherine Hatchett
of Caswell county and they lived the most of their married life on Grove
Street.  He is survived by his wife and seven children.  Mesdames P.J.
Carlton, of Richmond, Va., (document is torn) Mac. England of Logan,
West Virginia, Miss Catherine Hines of Danville and Messrs. C.H. Hines
of Memphis, Tenn., W. C. Hines of Buffalo, N.Y., J.W. Hines and R. S.
Hines both of this city.

The funeral will be held this afternoon at 3:30 o'clock from the
residence 906 Grove street conducted by Rev. J. N. Latham, D.D.
Interment will be made at Green Hill cemetery.

Mr. Hines also leaves five brothers and two sisters, Messrs. T.N., A.H.,
R.L., and J.P. Hines.  The surviving sisters are Mrs. D.F. Cooke, of
Danville and Mrs. W. N. Swanson, at Pilot mountain.

=============================

Here is Henry David Hines' obit.  It was written by Thomas Hines, Jr.
(I guess his brother?)  There isn't much "meat" for genealogists in this
one but it's colorful:

HENRY DAVID HINES

Death! grim-visaged monster! he has again invaded the terrestrial
sanctuary and stolen therefrom one of its best (torn space) Yes, Henry
D. Hines, -- a (torn spot) Baptist, a prominent (torn) successful
---mer, a devoted husband, a kind and indulgent father, a good neighbor,
a faithful friend, an honest man, and a hospitable Virginian, --is
dead.  It was said by an eminent author that, he who causes two blades
of grass to grow where only one grew before is a great man; by another
that there are better examples for the young to be found in the private
walks of life, than in the public; and by still another, that an honest
man is the noblest work of God.  Pittsylvania County, Va., has lost such
a man in the death of H.D. Hines.  Mr. Hines was born of good parentage,
near Whitmell, in the year 1822.  After receiving a common school
education, he chose as his occupation, agriculture, because, as he said,
it was a business in which he could study nature, and, at the same time,
be perfectly honest.  In 1852 he was married to Miss Celistia M.
Robertson of White Oak Mountain.  For several years succeeding his
marriage he was quite an invalid; but owing to the assistance of a good
helpmeet, the faithfulness of his servants and the help of the Lord, he
not only prospered but also was eventually restored to the fullness of
health.  In the great civil war he enlisted in the Southern cause and
served his country upon the field of action until Gen. Lee's surrender
at Appomattox.  He is said to have been a brave soldier.  While in a
skirmish near Richmond, a spent minnie ball struck him directly over the
heart and fell harmless at his feet.  He ever afterwards thought it was
a special act of providence that he was  (torn) killed.  In August,
1865, (torn) to the new order of things, he went into the field with
hired labor to retrieve his waning fortunes.  By his indomitable will,
untiring energy and invincible determination, he soon became prosperous
and this prosperity remained unbroken until the day of his death.  He
was a generous hearted man; and, in a quiet manner, gave annually much
of his substance to the poor and needy.  He had also lost thousands of
dollars by endorsing notes and lending money to relieve others in
distress.  Yet his rule was always to forgive a debt rather than to push
an unfortunate man to the wall by sueing him.  As he paid cash for his
own purchases, he (torn) no debt himself.  He had been for (torn) -ber
of the (torn) and his godly walk and deeds of charity were an example
for all professing Christians, in fact his whole life was a labor of
love, love for his Maker and Savior (torn) for his family, and love for
his fellow man.  After much exposure to the vicissitudes of weather in
the Autumn of  1890 he suffered from an attack of bilious remittent
fever.  This was followed by dropsy, and he lingered between life and
death until the 19th day of January 1891.  In the morning of this date,
he offered a fervent prayer to God to receive his soul into his
kingdom.  After this he called his wife and said; "Celistia, take me
into your arms and raise me up, I'm going now as fast as I can."  He was
asked if he was willing to die.  He answered: "I am in the hands of a
just God, if he has called me I am both ready and willing to go."
Saying this he died as easily and peacefully as a little child falls
asleep.  But why need we prolong this obituary?

"Can storied urn, or animated bust, Back to its mansion call the
fleeting breath?  Can Honor's voice provoke the silent dust, or Flattery
soothe the dull, cold ear of death?" No, our hero has found the realm
from whose bourn no traveler returns.  He's gone; yes, he's gone!

"The active pulse has throbbed its last,  His aching head is laid to
rest; Another from our ranks has passed, the truest, the bravest, the
best."

Thomas Hines, Jr.



I ran across the following Pittsylvania County obituary and copied it in
case it may be of interest to those who read your page.

Best wishes,

Bruce

BURTON, James W.
BURTON, DOWDY, JONES

THE HENRY BULLETIN, Friday, March 30, 1917, p. 6, col. 4 [edited].  On
Tuesday night Jan. 2nd, 1917, the angel of death so gently hovered over
north America, alighted at the home of Mr. Jas. W. Burton and bore the
spirit of that good man away.  Mr. Burton was 75 years old and was born and
raised in Pittsylvaia Co. where he had always lived.  He was married to
Miss A. M. Dowdy.  He leaves a wife, one son, Mr. T. S. Burton of Axton and
two daughters, Mrs. R. L. Jones of N. C. and Miss Josephine Burton of
Axton. Burial services were conducted at Centenary Church, after which the
remains were laid to rest.  [Ref. Mike K. Williams:  MARRIAGES OF
PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY VIRGINIA 1862-75, p. 23, 28 Jan. 1873:  Jas. W. Burton,
27, son of Saml. B. & Winifred Burton, married Almeda B. Dowdy, 26, Dau. of
Jno. C. & Betsy Dowdy.  bwl]

Submitted by  "Bruce W. Locke" <blocke@widomaker.com>



Submitted by Bill Poindexter" <KAY-BILL@worldnet.att.net>

Major Jefferson D Poindexter b  28 Nov 1865 d 09 Sept 1911 was the son
of Thomas L Poindexter, bn 1-8-1829 d 10-30-1904 in Pittsylvnia CO VA
m Emily Jane Starkey Poindexter bn Jan 28 1837 d before 18
April 1913. He was a veteran of the Philippine Insurrection where he
contacted several disease and was retired from the Army on disability

                     The following obit is from The Danville Register,
Danville VA., September 12 1911

                                                               DR
POINDEXTER FUNERAL

                              Remains Laid to Rest In Family Square in
County Yesterday

    At the close of a beautiful autumn day afternoon in the family
burying by the deceased, the remains of Major Jefferson Dudley
Poindexter, who died at his home on Green Street Sunday morning, were
laid to rest yesterday afternoon in the family burying grounds beside
loved ones gone before.  Two hundred friends or more were at the house
awaiting the arrival of the funeral party from the city, which arrived
about five o'clock.

   The funeral services were held from the Church of Epiphany
yesterday afternoon at half past two o'clock, being conducted by the
Rev. J. Cleveland Hall, rector of the church and pastor of the
deceased. The services was very impressive and quite a number of
friends, gathered to pay a last  tribute of love and respect to the
deceased.  The music was very sweet, several favorite hymns of DR
Poindexter being sung by the vested choir of which he was a member.
These hymns were:  "Abide With Me," "Rock of Ages," and "How Firm a
Foundation."

   At the conclusion of the services at the church the remains were
taken to the residence of his sister, Mrs. T. J. Woods, near Lima,
where another short service was had for the benefit of Major
Poindexter's boyhood friends and neighbors who had assembled at the
house.  A good many friends drove out from Danville to attend.
"Nearer My God to Thee"  was sung by the Epiphany choir after which
Mr. Hall paid a beautiful tribute to the deceased, referring in a
feeling manner to his pure, consecrated life and his love to do good
among the sick and poor.  After "Jesus Lover of My Soul," had been
sung, the body was borne from the house followed by many friends
through the orchard to the family burying ground where the remains
were laid to rest beneath a bower of exquisite flowers sent by
relatives and friends.

   As the grave was being closed the"Christians Good Nigh" was
tenderly sung by the choir.

   The casket was borne by DR. Charles W. Pritachett,  Dr. Lewis E
Harive and Messrs. W.  B. Church, L. C.Clarke, Rutherford Haravie,
John Bustard, Sr., J. M. Covington and A. A.Giles.  The flowers were
carried by Messrs. W.  P.  Hodnett, R.  M. Herndon, John Lee,  W.  B
Guerrant,  Green Williams, Ed. Haar, Frank Lumpkin, Whit Tison, S. K.
Cobb, C. L.  Booth, J. K. Dudley,  Mr John F. Rison, Dr R. B. James
and others.



Contributed by MHeaden@kimbanet.com (John Mark Headen)

Mrs. Letitia Hubbard

Estimable Lady Passes to Her Reward Near Vashti.
Vashti, Va., June 30.--(Special)--
Mrs. Letitia S. Hubbard, widow of Mr. Frank Hubbard, died at her home near
here of apoplexy on Thursday the 24th at the age of 78 years.  She was born
March 31st, 1831, and was married to Mr. Frank Hubbard in the year of 1855,
and is survived by the following children:  Messrs. B. F. Hubbard, of
Roanoke; Percie Hubbard, of Randolph, Va.; J. P. Hubbard, of Callands, and
Monroe Hubbard, of Louisville, Ky.; Mrs. George Witcher, of Ajax; Mrs. J. D.
Fuller and Mrs. William Lawrence, of Callands.  One daughter, Mrs. Robert
Belcher, preceded her to the grave some twenty years ago.
     The funeral service was conducted from the residence by her pastor,
Rev. W. C. Clark, on Friday evening and her remains were laid to rest in the
family graveyard beside those of her faithful husband in the presence of a
large crowd of sorrowing and sympathizing friends.
     Twenty-seven years ago Mrs. Hubbard united with the Christian church
and was baptized by Rev. T. J. Stone.  She was an active member of County
Line church the remainder of her life and a consecrated Christian.
     She was of a cheerful disposition, kind-hearted and appreciative, noble
and sincere and possessed a large circle of friends, many of whom had gone
to eternity many years before.
     Mrs. Hubbard was a faithful wife, kind mother and a generous neighbor
and a true friend, and it was a great pleasure to be in her presence, for
she scattered sunshine and gladness along the path of life.  And amid the
many ups and downs of life she ever stood for the best, and, her ideals were
always lofty and her purposes pure and inspiring and her influence led many
to nobler and better lives.
    She is survived by one brother, Mr. Thomas Fuller, and one sister, Mrs.
William Allen, of Callands.



Here are four family obituaries which I recently received from another
relative.  I don't know what newspaper they came out of.
Cindy Taylor

TABITHA ROARK (2 October 1836 - 25 September 1917)

AGED LADY CROSSES THE GREAT DIVIDE

Mrs. Tabitha, wife of Mr. James E. Roark, who have lived for forty-six years
at their home, one and a half miles east of Motley, died on Sunday last at
eight a.m.  Mrs. Roark had been in feeble health for several years, but did
not give up until two weeks before her death.  On Sunday night, Sept. 16th,
she was paralyzed, and never spoke or apparently knew anything until her
death a week later.

Dr. Smith, of Altavista, her children, her aged husband, and neighbors and
friends did all that loving hands could do, but death claimed its own.

She was born and reared at Chalk Level, in Pittsylvania County.  Before
marriage she was a Miss Shields.  She was married sixty years ago last
February, having married in 1857.  They had six living children, 43
grandchildren, and 35 great-grandchildren.  The living children are, Messrs.
John A. and J. B. Roark, of Altavista; Mr. Sherman Roark, of Level Run; Mrs.
Virginia Short, of Hurt; Mrs. D. A. Walker, who lived on an adjoining farm to
her father's, and Mrs. Sallie Hurt Adams, of Spencer, N. C.

Mrs. Roark had been a member of the Methodist Church for 36 years, and had
she lived until the third of next month would have been 82 years old.  She
was devoted in her church and to the cause of Christ.

She was laid to rest in the family burial ground on Monday afternoon, after
religious services held in the home by her pastor, Rev. W. L. Mays, assisted
by Mr. John Allen, a life-long friend of the family.

The pall bearers were six of her grandsons--Messrs. James Roark, James Adams,
Dodson Short, Parker Short, Burt Short, and Thomas (misprint ? - tiful).
Friends from every directon brought beautiful flowers, one of the most
beautiful of which was a wreath presented by the Red Men of Altavista.

LEMUEL T. JACOBS (April 1851 - 28 March 1921)

After being confined to his bed one week Mr. Lemuel T. Jacobs died at his
home near Motley Monday at 5:30 A. M. of bronchial pneumonia in his sixty
ninth year of age.  Mr. Jacobs condition was considered serious by those at
this bedside from Friday until his death though hopes for his recovery
freshened Sunday afternoon when he seemed to rally.  The symptoms of
improvement grew dim in the early evening, however, and continued so until he
breather his last.  He contracted a cold which lead in to pneumonia about two
weeks ago on a trip to West Virginia to attend the funeral of his daughter.

Mr. Jacobs was a native of Pittsylvania County, having been born and reared
in sight of the place where he died and with the exception of a period of one
year spent in an adjoining state had spent his entire life engaged in farming
the land on which he lived and owned at his death.

More than ten years ago he was elected Justice of Peace and had succeeded
himself each term since.  He was for many years an active member of Prospect
Baptist Church.

Mr. Jacobs was married twice.  His first wife who died 26 years ago was Miss
Fannie Scruggs also of Pittsylvania County.  To this union was given ten
children eight of whom still live.  They are C. A. Jacobs of Salisbury, N.
C., W. E. Jacobs of Bedford City, J. J. Jacobs of Motley, W. T. Jacobs of
West Virginia.  Mrs. W. B. Josselyn of Chattanooga, Tenn., Mrs. H. C. Johnson
of Crumplier, W. Va., and Mrs. J. B. Roark of Hurt, Va.

The second wife who survives though very ill with pneumonia was Mrs. Fannie
Aswell before marriage to Mr. Jacobs eighteen years ago.

The funeral services were ___________ at the grave in the family cemetery
Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 P. M. after which the remains were laid to rest
beside those of his first wife.

A large crowd of friends and relatives were present to pay a last tribute to
one whom they had become to love through intimate association.

MRS. MARY J. ROARK (25 February 1873 - 1 February 1940)

Mrs. Mary Jacobs Roark, 66-year-old wife of J. B. Roark (James Braxton
Roark), died from heart trouble at her home at Hurt, Thursday morning at 9:40
o'clock after an illness of four weeks.

Born February 25, 1873, she was a native of Pittsylvania County.

She was a member of New Prospect Baptist Church.

Mrs. Roark is survived by her husband, three daughters, Miss Berta Roark, of
Hurt; Mrs. E. W. Dalton, of Hurt; and Mrs. C. A. Farmer, of Ohley, W. Va.;
and a son, James E. Roark, of Nitro, W. Va.  Two sisters, Mrs. F. G. Miller,
of Zanda, Kansas, and Mrs. G. B. Johnson, of Columbus, Ohio; and five
brothers, J. L. Jacobs, of Hurt; C.  A. Jacobs, of Durham, N. C.; W. E.
Jacobs, of Richmond; S. T. Jacobs, of Hurt; and G. T. Jacobs, of West
Virginia, also survive.

Funeral services were conducted by Dr. Walter Lickliter, pastor of New
Prospect Baptist Church, assisted by Rev. R. L. Camden, pastor of the Central
Baptist Church, and Rev. J. S. Garrenton, pastor of the First Baptist Church,
from New Prospect Baptist Church near Hurt Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock.
Interment was in the church cemetery.

Active pallbearers were James Roark, Jr., Rudolph, Warren, Elliott and
Camillus Farmer, Chester Trail and Claude Hamby.

Honorary pallbearers were Dr. W. O. Smith, Dr. J. P. Kent, J. H. Allen, R. W.
Mattox, J. L. Hurt, Jr., J. S. Yeatts, C. A. Arthur, Amos Hudson, W. R.
Martin, R. I. Farmer, V. H. Allen, L. A. Simpson, G. W. Dalton, J. A. Green,
J. E. Ramsey, Joe David, G. C. Holt, R. L. Wells, W. K. Vaughan, S. W.
Orrell, E. T. Howell, J. P. Farmer and Albert Arthur.

Flower bearers were Helen Trail, Juanita Hamby, Aurellia and Iris Farmer,
Nancy Dalton, Gloria and Gladys Farmer, Vivian Jacobs, Inez Dalton, Naomi
Stanley, Henrietta Jacobs, Janice McDaniel, Margaret Jacobs, Everee East,
Ruby Arthur, Laura and Ruth Roark, Sally Dalton, Gladys Short, Elizabeth and
Ge? Beach, Lou and Lee Adams, ? Arthur and George West.

MISS BERTA REBA ROARK (8 December 1902 - 21 August 1986)

Miss Berta Reba Roark, 83, of Virginia Retirement Community in Culpeper and
formerly of Hurt, died Thursday evening in Virginia Retirement Community.

Born in Pittsylvania County Dec. 8, 1902, she was a daughter of the late
James Braxton Roark and Mary Ann Jacobs Roark.  She was a member of New
Prospect Baptist Church for 65 years and was a retired telephone operator.

She is survived by one sister, Mrs. Thelma Dalton, Altavista.

A funeral service will be conducted by the Revs. Robert Reese and Morris
Cather at New Prospect Baptist Church at 4 p.m. Sunday, with interment in the
church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at Finch & Finch Funeral Home from 7 to 8:30
p.m. today and at other times at the home of her sister, Mrs. Thelma Dalton,
at 1213 Main St., Altavista.

Contributed by Cindy Taylor       Tcindy@aol.com


Note: This obituary appeared in vol. XX, June, 1912, p. 287 of “The Confederate Veteran Magazine”.
 

HON.  JAMES W.  GREGORY.

James W. Gregory, one of the oldest members of the House of Delegates, representing Pittsylvania County, Va., for several years, died at the Retreat for the Sick in Richmond on March 13, 1912, after a short illness of pneumonia.  He was three-score and ten years old.  His home was near Pickaway, where he was a successful farmer and a man of large influence in his county.

As a soldier his record was fine, for he entered the war as a youth under twenty years of age and served with unswerving fidelity in the Ringgold Battery.  He was with that command in the last engagement near Appomattox C. H. He did not surrender there, but with his battery, of which he was sergeant, he went to Lynchburg, where the battery was disbanded and he was later paroled.

After the war he returned to his native county and lived the life of a farmer, uniting industry with intelligence.  At the time of his death he was serving his third term in the House of Delegates of Virginia, and was unusually active and vigorous mentally and physically.  He is survived by his wife and a son and daughter.

Note: This obituary appeared in vol. XXII, July, 1914, p. 327 of “The Confederate Veteran Magazine”.



VINCENT W. HAIZLIP.

Vincent W. Haizlip, whose death occurred on May19, 1914, was born in Pittsylvania County, Va., January 7, 1836.  At the outbreak of the War Between the States he was in the prime of young manhood, with a wife and two children.  In May, 1861, he enlisted in Company G,  21st North Carolina troops, and served in all the principal campaigns and engagements in which the Army of Northern Virginia took part up to the second battle of Manassas, where he was twice wounded. From a private he rose to a first lieutenant and was commanding his company when he fell severely wounded.  At the same time fell also his major, Saunders Fulton.

Comrade Haizlip was off duty about a year on account of his wounds, but again entered the service in 1863 as a member of Company H, 2d North Carolina Cavalry, commanded by William Henry Lee, son of Gen. R. E. Lee, and served as an officer in this command until the surrender. At the close of the war he returned to his desolated home. Like many another, broken in fortune, he turned his footsteps to the undeveloped West. With his wife and children he began life anew in Illinois. Success crowned his honest efforts, but there was little room for a veteran of the Stars and Bars in that State. After a residence of seven years, he moved to Texas in 1873 and located in Grayson County, where he had resided continuously since.

He was married four times. The twelve children of the first three wives survive him, with the last wife who was faithful and devoted in his long illness.

Note: This obituary appeared in vol. XXXI, February, 1923, p. 68 of “The Confederate Veteran Magazine”.



JAMES HARRY VERNON

  Comrade James Harry Vernon died at his home in Keyser, W. Va., from the infirmities of age, December 27, 1922, near the end of the seventy-eighth year of his life.  He was so distant from the scenes of his early fellowship, and of a disposition so reserved and retiring as to make it difficult to look back into the fading twilight of memory for authentic tracings of his service through the arduous struggle of the four years of war, but after his death, a few simple lines by his own hand were found, saying: " I was born February 4, 1844, in Pittsylvania County, Va.; was twice married, with no issue from the first union, but two sons and a daughter by the second marriage, the daughter and one son surviving with their mother.

  "In April, 1861, I entered the Confederate army in the Danville Grays, but soon joined the infantry of Garnett's Brigade, and continued there with Pickett's Division to the end of my service.  I was with that command July, 1861, at the battle of Manassas, and with it in July, 1863, in its famous charge at Gettysburg."

  Comrade Vernon was a member of the Keyser Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and, on the day of his funeral in that church, the large outpouring of people was an impressive attestation of how highly he was regarded and how widely his death was deplored.  Before the still form of this soldier of a four years' war and a citizen of laudable achievements, a multitude of heads bowed in silent deference as a heartfelt invocation of garlands to his memory and peace to his ashes.

(C. M. Miller.)
Note: This obituary appeared in vol. XXXV, December, 1927, p. 466 of “The Confederate Veteran Magazine”.



CAPT. J. W. WHITEHFAD.

  Capt.  J. W. Whitehead, for a number of years a resident of Beaver Park, Colo., died on the 23rd of October, at the age of eighty-one years.

  That morning the Captain had breakfast with E. M. Johnson, and the latter remarked on how well he was looking.  Mr. Whitehead replied: "You never can tell.  I might drop off any time." After service in his memory held at Florence, Colo., the body was taken to Knobnoster, Mo., for burial.

  William Joseph Whitehead was born in Pittsylvania County, Va., July 6, 1846, one of the five children of Capt.  A, J. Whitehead, once a member of the Virginia legislature and twice elected high sheriff, and who died in 1861, just after the opening of the war.  The boy, in his teens, enlisted in the Confederate army, where he served with distinction in the command of Gen.  Fitzhugh Lee and won the esteem and confidence of his superiors.  Young though he was, there fell to him the honor of capturing General Gregg, of the Union army, at the head of his column and in the thickest of the fight in a hand-to-hand encounter.  He escaped very serious injury in the war, although on different occasions his horse was shot under him.

  Like many others, Comrade Whitehead went West after the war to make a new start.  After a brief stop in Missouri, he secured a position as driver of a six-yoke ox team in a train of twenty-one teams freighting between Nebraska City and Denver, the latter then being a village of a few hundred inhabitants. Driving a team of six mules in a train of thirty-two such teams, he returned to the Missouri River. Later he returned to make Colorado his permanent home, where he engaged in merchandising in new mining camps, and also contracted freighting into regions to which the railroad had not yet come.  He thus acquired an intimate acquaintance with the perils and privations of pioneer days in Colorado.

  Since the death of his wife in 1916, he had lived in Beaver Park, and for the last six years on the Arcadia Ranch, a home provided for him by Dr. J. A. Dunwoody, of Brunswick, Ga., in,loving gratitude for the tender care of Mrs. Whitehead, when, as a young man, the Doctor came to Cripple Creek in search of health. Neighbors and friends were also especially attentive to Comrade Whitehead in these last years.

Note: This obituary appeared in vol. XXXIX, December, 1931, p. 467 of “The Confederate Veteran Magazine”.


R. S. WHITEHEAD

  Comrade R. S.' Whitehead volunteered in the Confederate army at Kingston, Tenn., October 1, 1862, and became a member, of Company A, 1st Georgia Cavalry;  was paroled near Greensboro, N. C., April 26, 1865.

  Though born in Pittsylvania County, Va., November 11, 1846, he went with the family to Georgia in 1852, and from there to Texas in 1866, and in that State was married to Miss Elizabeth Moore in 1874.

  He was a member of Granbury Camp, No. 67,  U. C. V. Comrade Whitehead died at Granbury,  Hood County, Tex., on October 8, 1931

[J. H. Doyle, Granbury, Tex.]



Bee Register, Danville Va  December 27, 1914

THOMAS NEAL WILLIAMS
Thomas Neal Williams was born on April 11, 1854 at "Homewood" on Sandy River in Pittsylvania county, near Brosville, and died on December 15, 1914 at "Wayside" near Whitmell, a few miles from his birthplace.

He was descended from a long line of ancestors distinguished for their service to the Colony, State and Nation from early Colonial period.

His father was Colonel Robert Walker Williams, who was a son of Colonel James Mastin Williams, of near Pickaway, Pittsylvania Co, Va who before the Revolution was Crown surveyor of the Colony of Virginia, appointed by George Third of England, and who on the braking out of the war for Independence entered the Colonial Army as a private and rose steadily to the rank of Captain and after the war to Colonel of State Militia.

His mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Pocahontas Martin, a daughter of Colonel William Martin of "Greenwood" Henry County, Va and granddaughter of General Joseph Martin of the Revolutionary Army who was distinguished for gallantry in the battle of King's Mountain.

Mr Williams was the fourth son of his parents.  His early youth was passed near Brosville and his early training was received at the "Oldfield's  Schools" of his native county, notably at the old Brick Academy at Cascade.

About 1870 he went to Richmond to live with his brother-in-law and cousin, D.T. Williams and while there attended Richmond College and later became a student at William and Mary College at Williamsburg where he was elected president of the College Literary Society and also Captain of the Military Company of Cadets then maintained at this historic old school.

About 1875 he was appointed to the position of Deputy Sheriff of Pittsylvania Co by Mr James H Collie, Sheriff, and later by the late sheriff W I Overby, and in the performance of the duties of this office he traveled all over the county and made scores of firm and lifelong friends.  In 1885 Mr. Williams was appointed by President Cleveland to the position of Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue for the counties of Pittsylvania, Henry, Franklin and adjoining counties and engaged in the collection of revenues and the supression of the illicit whiskey traffic.

On the change of administration in 1889 Mr. Williams retired to his farm "Wayside" near Whitmell where the next four years were spent very sucessfully in farming and the management of his several plantations, and descended as he was from a long line of practical planters and landowners, inherited a passinate fondness for the farm and country life.

On the re-election of Mr. Cleveland in 1893, Mr Williams was again appointed to a position in the Interanl Revenue Service, this time being made Special Raiding Deputy and assigned to the States of Virginia and North Carolina and to parts of the States of Tennessee and West Virginia.  In the performance of this duty he was often exposed to the greatest personal danger and was ever distinguished for his cool daring, bravery and fearlessness and for the faithful performance of his duty.  General Fitzhugh Lee and Colonel W H Chapman, the latter a distinguished follower of Colonel John S Mobsy with whom Mr Williams was associated in the government service both declared Mr Williams to be one of the bravest and coolest men, in places of danger, that they had ever seen.

On the retirement of the Democratic Administration in 1897 he again retired to his farm where the remainder of his life was spent in the cultivation and supervision of his plantations, and as success came to him, he constantly added to his holdings of land and was one of his native counties largest landowners.  A farm was to him the most attractive place on earth.

Mr. Williams home life was a happy one.  On June 21, 1877 he was married to Miss Pattie Green Jennings, third daughter of Joseph Jennings of near Swansonville, Va and to this union the following children were born.

David T Williams of Chatham, Va.

Mrs Joseph F Roberts of Charlotte, N.C.

Mrs. Howard Randolph Gano of Richmond, Va

Dr. James Neal Williams of Clifton Forge, Va and George Cabel Williams and Hamilton Sheppard Williams, both of Pittsylvania County.

Submitted by Gayle Austin



   I have copied this information found in an old family bible.  Clipping newspaper unknown.
 
                          Tribute of Respect
At a special communication of Chestnut Grove Lodge, No.17, F. & A.M.,held in their hall at
Whitmell Nov. 2d A.L. 5878, A. D. 1878, the following preamble and resolutions were
unanimously adopted:

Whereas, it hath pleased our Heavenly Father to remove from our midst by the hand of death, our
esteemed brother William T. Price, and,

Whereas, we deem it due to the memory of our departed brother to place this sad dispensation of
Divine Providence upon our lodge.

Therefore,

Resolved. 1, That we bow in humble resignation under the chastening rod of our Divine Master.

2d, That in the death of our brother a worthy mason, a good citizen, a kind and true husband and
friend has fallen.

3d, That in all the relations of life he faithfully and unobtrusively discharged his duties.

4th , That we tender to his bereaved wife our sincere sympathy and condolence.

5th, That we wear the usual badge of 30 days.

6th , That a copy of these resolutions to be sent to the wife and family of our decreased brother and
one to the "Chatham Tribune for publication.

                                                               JNO. I Pritchett

C. H. Tompkins, Sec. W.M.

 

Sarah E. Dallas

Fou

Sarah E. Dallas

 

Mrs. Sarah E. Dallas died at her home on yesterday morning, May 18th. The funeral will be conducted by Rev. G.
W. Belk at the home of the deceased. The striken family have the sympathy of the entire community in the time of
sorrow. Mrs. Dallas was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church, and died in full possession of the hope
of eternal life. "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord." Rev.14:13

found in Bible  Sarah E. Price born :  1/31/1823 Died May 26, 1879

no information when she wed .

Mrs. Sarah E. Dallas died at her home on yesterday morning, May 18th. The funeral will be conducted by Rev. G.
W. Belk at the home of the deceased. The striken family have the sympathy of the entire community in the time of
sorrow. Mrs. Dallas was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church, and died in full possession of the hope
of eternal life. "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord." Rev.14:13

Submitted by Janet Eldred   janeteldred@hotmail.com


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