South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1875-08-20
South Braurh Sntslligeuftr.
ROMNEY, FRIDAY, AUG. 20, 1875.
IN MlIMORIANI.
HON. JAMES w. F. ALLEN.
MOoREFIELD WEST VA.
August 3, 1875.


Circuit Judge, Hon. JAMES w. +. ALLEN,
died at his residence near this place on
the 10th Of last month. The Judge was
subjected to long and severe illness,
ndec !, it is seldom one is called upon
to endure the amount of physical suffer-
ing he was; but he bore it all with great
christian resignation and fortitude, thus
showing the power and strength OF true
and abiding faith in the greatness and
goodness of God.
Notwithstanding the name Of Judge
ALLEN is rs household words through
out the length and breadth of this beau
titul valley. it will not be amiss in one
who knew him intimately for some years,
to call attention to some points i'll his
life and character, which ought to serve
to teach the young men of to-day, if they
Will but follow his example, what they
can accomplish. In this broad, free, aud
glorious country Of ours, every young
man has opened to him n magnificent
field wherein to use the gifts OF great
and hountilul creator. 1t only needs
courage, and energy and virtue 10 make
men in this country. We have many
beautiful examples. which serve as in
ccntives to our young men TO perseverc,
and show that
Perseverance is a Roman virtue
That wins each godl ike act, and pIucks success
Fen from the spcar-proof crest Of rugged
danger"
The life and character Of Judge AL.
LEN is one Of them. lie was born in the
quiet little town OF Woodstock, Shenan-
doah Co., in the valley OF Virginia, Oh
the End day of December, 1913. Ills
father was 4 man OF moderate means,
but loved and respected by all who knew
him for his strict integrity and business
qualities. He had five children, one Of
which died in infancy. The son, James,
when mere child, was taken by his ma
tcrnal grandfather to raise and educate
The old gentleman lived in Lccshurg,
and WAS one Of those noble old Ger
mans who had in early life come to this
country in quest OF liberty. and when
the time came he bucklcd on the armour
and fought for it. lie was \ man Of fine
education. being a graduate Of the Uni
versity Of flIcidclburg. He was very proud
OF his little grandson. and took great
pains to lay the foundations upon which
he could rear = good, useful and true
man. Those who knew Judge Allen,
know how we'll he succeeded. In the
course OF ten years, tho OLD gentleman
died. and the son returned to his father.
Before tho death Of his grandfather. the
Judge had mado considerable progress
in his studies, especially in Latin and
Mathematics.
Soon after this, his father sent him to
school to DIR. Foote, and after remaining
under his instruction for time, he a.
gain changed his teacher. lie was then
put under the tuition OF Mr.. Lodor.
who had charge OF tho Woodstock Acad-
cmy. This gentleman is spoken OF in
the Valley yet. with great respect and If.
fcction, and rs having great ability as n
teacher. lie was graduate OF Prince.
ton with the first honors. The Judge
remained undor the instruction OF this
gentleman some oight or nine years.
From the time he learned his letters, he
had been devoted to books and constant
in his studies. BY his own energy and
determination. aided by tho instructors.
L liAvc mentioned, lie acquired a first.
class education. When lie left school
hc did not. like most boys, quit his books.
All his life ho was a hard student 1t is
mistake to say that Judge Allen lack
cd the advantage OF q good education.
1t is truo lie was not the graduate OF any
Of our renowned colleges, but lie was
better educated than most Of those they
send out with diplomas in these days.
AS scholar, be was rs faithful and cx-
net in the discharge Of all his duties az
Inc WAS in after life as Counsel & Judge.
When Mr.. Lodor left the Woodstock A.
cadcmy. ho established private school
nt Montvuo, Frederick Co., Va, and the
Judge was for two years his assistant.
AT the end ofthis time, lie concluded TO
study law. and accordingly quilted the
school OF Mr.. Lodor. On his departure,
Mr.. Lodor, OF his own motion. handed
him tho following highly complimentary
testimonial. written OH parchment. 1t
shows that lie stood then, ut the arc OF
twenty. in tho estimation Of those who
knew him, very high. During the whole
Of his life, ho maintained the same high
character given him by his teacher:
,IosrvUx, March ao,h, 1889
With Mr.. James ". +. Allen, havo been nc
quaiu,cd for more than niue years. During the
first seven years, with very little interruption,
he was pupil Of mine in tho Academy Of Wood
stock, Va, aud for more than two ycnrs pnst hc
has assisted inc in my private and select School.
As student, Mr.. Allen was indefaligaLlc in hi,
application mud industry, and mos, successful in
his tFor,s, his etaionents being invariably Of
tbc highest character as n pupil, uucxceptiona.
ble and most exemplary in his moral aud gentle
manly department, uniformly manifcstug tho
greatest respect and NEST tcuder md nfTcc,iouac
regard towards his instructor.
As IN assistant, have always found him
faithful 10 every trust, pcrscvcriug in tic dis
charge Of every duty, aud highly qualified TO in
s'ruct in ell the branches usually laugh, 10 our
schools and academies As scholar, Mr.. Allen
is decidedly superior Gcogrnphcr, Atiihme.
icia", Gramnarian, Algebrnist and Lipguist.
And, he also, prc-cmiuen'ly cxce's in Geometry,
i