The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1874-09-17

at a meeting OF the Board OF Directors Of the
Western Lunatic Asylum, held August 18th, 1874,
the following paper was, on motion: Of Dl. S. H.
Moffett, unanimously adopted: 'ss - ~
1t having pleased our Heavenly Father, since the
last formal meeting OF this Board, to remove from
the theatre OF his usefulness. FRIEND DR. FRAN
the Western Lanatic Asylum while we the Direc-.
tors bow in reverent submission to this dispersion
of His Providence we are impelled, alike by feel
ngs OF private friendship, and sense OF public du-
N to place the records Of the Institution which,
for more than TIL rty- eight years he managed with
such signal skill and success, enduring testino-
NAL OF our attachment to him as a man, and our
profound respect and esteem for him as a-publc
officer. s%E st
DR.. strfblng was knownto most OF us for many
years and we can testify from our personal acquain-
blest qualities which serve to adqsn the the human
character To talents Of high order, he united I'M
blemished integrity and warm and generous feel,
ngs: While i'll the discharge Of his responsible
duties, he exhibited iniexible rmn eSs yet he man
TESTED So geh END az. and ana 50
Fas to win the Conscience and affection OF all who
cial and domestic relations his life beautiful
Illustration of his Christian profession In the con-
duct OF this noble Institution cf he presi-
ded for so many years, he displayed a rare comb1-
nation Of all those traits Of character which were
necessary for the successful administration Of d
high public trust With a mind vigorous and COM
prehensve enough to embrace every great interest.
in the Asylum he possessed the facultyof attending
almost intuitive, and his judgment WAS rarely
at fault. Possessing great equanimity OF temper,
while he governed with firm hand the charm of
his annsr Invested authority OF all semblance Of
harshness ss ~ 80 a.
Or. Sfrbng was born, and received his rudimen-
tary education in staunton. When youth, he was
who was then Clerk OF the County Court Of Angus
ta 1t was probably in this position that He ac-y
CURED those habits OF neatness, method and order
for which he was SO much distinguished in after
Life Having determined to adopt the medical pro-
ADVICE of dstngushed ysIcn Of fstannton he
spenta session at the Medical School OF the Univer
degree ip. Philadelphia. He then commenced the
practice st lis profession in Staunton, and soon
won the confidence of the public
In 1886, at the early age OF twentysix years. he
was elected BY the distinguished gentlemen who
then composed the Board Of Directors Physician OF
At the date Of his appointment. but little was
II n ny q the States e the
were but little more than well regulated prisons
the physical condition Of his patient and prescrib
cd for,.ther bodily diseases. The system OF moral
4 os ana naa an sn IRE
addressed to the storatlon OF reason Asylulns in
hs aS @ f a 81 ghep tor class
Fortufiatey, in some Of the Northern institutions
especially those in OF near philadelphia, and the
Mclean Asylum near Boston, more enlightened
views Of the purposes OF such Asylums prevailed.
The expel ienead and intelligent gentlemen III
charge q those Institutions, While they gave ali
Of the INN ates directed their efforts especial
ly to the Improvement OF the mental faculties.
Within few days after his election. Dr. strb li ng
went on tour OF observation through the Middle
and Northern States, I'd inspect the regulated
Institutions forthe insane ana to gather by ohser
vations and Intercourse with those in charge, all the
information nee ssary to guide him IN the discharge
of his responsible duties. He returned from that
tour with expanded views and possessed OF much
useful information. BY personal association with
such men as DR.: Knkbride. of Philadelphia and DR..
Luther V. Bell of Boston, he became indoctrinated
with their advanced opinions of the durability Of
insanity in large proportion Ct the cases, when
he came home. an enthusiast in the great work to
which his future life was to be dedicated.
Iii the autumn of 1886, he made known to the Board
OF Directors, his views Of the proper management
Of the Institution, and invoked their assistance in
appealing to the Legislature for the to carry
them into effect The Board promptly and cheer
fully acceded to his request The appeal was made
generously responded to by that body at that and
subsequent sessions s5t
reference to the reports OF DR. strihling, andof
the Board of Directors for the year 1885, will sup
ply full information in regard to the Introduction
IN later: report, Dr. stribling pointed out many
i'm PROJECTIONS in the laws regulating the Asylums
Ct the 70 whom his
mendations had been referred, feeling their incom-
t. dfs e mth a sgR
| member Of the Board 81 Directors of each, to APP
the t. gyye thsr W
ting to Asylums, Upon receiving this summons,
Pr: stribling, witHsthe aid q the member Of the
the whole subject This Bal was presented to the
sns ssos
mains in force. Dr. stribling may, therefore, be
regarded as the author of that law.
! From that time to the commencement OF his last
Fitness DR.. Stribling devoted himself assiduously
to the enlargement Of the capacti IS Of his Institu
ton, for usefulness. And it must have been a
source Of heartfelt pleasure to his noble nature to
receive the glowing tributes of gratitude which
were constantly offered to him. by hundreds who
felt that they indebted under God to his kind
and skllful inistrations for their restoration to
sanity. 4-f
He has now gone from amongst MS forever. crown
ed with years and well deserved honors; gone, We
reverenty believe to enjoy the reward which awaits
those who, like him. have faithfully discharged
cry duty Of life and walked humbly with their God
While we mourn the loss which we, in common
with the public have sustained, in his death, we
console ourselves with the thought that 1T IS his
gain and we pass to hestow the merted tribute,
SWell done, good and faithful servant we feel that
we do but echo the plaudid which has been award
ed by Him to whom the secrets of all hearts are
open.
RESOLVED That copy of this paper be sent to the
family of our latA Superintendent: and ALSO that q
copy be furnished the city papers for pu bleaTlon
HENDERSON NJ. BELL. ! gft
sept II President of Board Directors.