Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1866-01-30
Tributes of Respect.

|
Written on the death of Mr. JOHN P. MCCLURE
member of Co. B, 23d Va. Cavalry
Farewell, dear friend, oh! fare-thee-well,
For thou art gone, tbs true,
To soar beyond this earth and dwell
Far from those friends you knew.
Farewell, dear friend oh fare-thee-well,
For thou art gone to rest,
From this world in heaven to dwell
And be a welcome guest.
! To dwell with Jesus, whom you love,
Is your last resting place,
And soar eagles wings above,
| And see your Saviors face.
And when in Jesus arms IN laid
Far from this world of VICE.
Then l must say as L have SAID,
| 1--WE done with all below.
ST hear my gracious father call,
Pm going to obey,
Then must bid adeu to all,
And go with him to stay" ANXIOUS.
from the Romney Intelligencer]
Mr. HARPER:-Of the many citizens Of the
county who have died during the suspension OF
your paper, there is one who will be more
missed, or who is more deserving notice In your
columns than our friend, VIM. A. VANCE, who
departed this life on the 18th day of June, 1865,
| in the city of Baltimore. ,
resided therein all his life, with the exception OF
year or two, spent ip store in Shepherdstown,
preparing for the career OF merchant
and prosecuted it successfully for several years,
conducting it according to the highest notions OF
mercantile honor and integrity, and acquiring and
retaining the entire confidence Of those who knew
| him. While thus engaged, he was appointed,
without solicitation on his part Cashier OF the
| Bank of the Valley at Romney. In this position,
he continued until his death, discharging its du-
ties only to the satisfaction OF the Directors
and of the community, but so as to establish for
himself wherever known reputation for business
capacity and fidelity of no ordinary character.
When it became necessary, early in the war, to
remove the effects OF the Bank from Komney,
| Mr. Vance was in very feeble health and unable
to take charge of them, but as soon as he gained
strength sufficient to travel he followed after and
took control of the institution which he retained
! during the war. During all this period, notwlth-
standing the many strong inducements to one OF
his health and disposition to return to his nome,
he continued at his post, with that answering H.
deity to his trust and principles that was one OF
his marked characteristics. And it was only those
who were with him during his long and dreary
exile, that knew with what anxious longing his
heart turned towards his home and all the dear
friends he had left.
1t is well known that at the commencement of
our civil troubles, with the decision OF character
that belonged to him, he opposed secession, but
when war had been declared and Virginia had
taken her position, he determined to adhere to
her fortunes, which he afterwards did with
unyielding purpose When the catastrophe came
which his clear judgment had long dreaded, upon
none did it fall with more crushing effect than
the humiliation that had befallen the Southern
people, and comprehended, in theirfullest extent
the disastrous consequences, to them, from the
| overthrow of their cause.
| The end of the war; to which, month after
month, and year after year he had looked so Wea-
ry and anxiously as the time when he could re-
turn with joy and freedom to his home and
friends, was to him time of sadness and OF gloom
His proud and lofty spirit that could not bear
even the suspicion of dishonor, was stricken to
the earth. With that intense action OF the mind
that was peculiar to him. and with q depth OF
feeling that few men possessed ne dweit muc c
upon the calamitous effects of the war upon the
institution with which he was connected, and IN
whose success he took most laudable pride, and
the consequent effect upon the widows and or
phans and other innocent persons whose funds
had been invested in it. These thoughts distress
ed him beyond measure, and preyed upon him
until his shattered constitution completely gave
way and going to Baltimore for n, medical relef'
His death has left void in the community that
will not soon be filled. As citizen he was pub
lie spirited ever ready to contribute In any way
public good He took the deepest interest in
whatever concerned the welfare of his county and
was strongly attached to her people. Hampshire
has not a son left whose cOunsels would be more
| fine intellect a sound judgment, the incest and
Hottest sense of honor, despisng that which was
mean, and loving that which was manly and hon
orable
LIS WSs d HsttuIC SdpdUiO VI '.O -AAN.
most enduring attachments, and of the highest
and rarest friendship. His relatives, to whom..he
was the most affectionate of men, and his intimate
friends knew how invaluable was his regard
How ready to counsel and advise, how sincere his
sympathy, and how earnest his endeayors to aid
when in distress or difficulty He seemed to make
the interest of his friends his own, and of him it
may be said as truly as of any one, that he wept
when his friend wept, and rejoiced when he re-
joced.
OF a most benevolent nature, his hand was ever
open to relieve the wants of the needy around
him. By his urbanity of manner, intelligence,
manly bearing and uprightness of character he
commanded respect and made friends wherever
he went.
But he is gone "Life's itful fever with him is
Ger" and he sleeps quietly on the banks of the
beautiful stream he loved well, and in the spot
above all others he would have chosen as his rest
ing place. A warmer heart, truer friend, no.
bier gentleman, does not survive him.
&aa- Central Presbyterian copy and send bill
to this Office for collection.
The Richmond Times of January 23rd saws