The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-05-29

VIRGINIAN OF last week, we announced the
painful intelligence that J. Wayt Bell, Esq,
one OF our most prominent and highly es-
teemed citizens, had been stricken with par
alysis, on the evening of the 10Th. The sud-
den prostration of this worthy gentleman,
so we'll known aud widely connected in the
county, was source OF deep concern to
his many friends and acquaintance, and in
quiries We're constantly OIL the lips of almost
every one as to the extent OF the danger
which threatened. 1t was reported on
Thursday morning that his symptoms had
somewhat improved. and then again on Fri
day morning that the Indications were less
favorable, and finally the sad information
was communicated to the citizens of Staun-
ton on Saturday morning, that he had
breathed his last on Friday night.
The robust health which Mr.. Bell had
uniformly enjoyed, his methodical life, and
vigorous constitution, had lilly prepared the
circles in Which he moved and was always a
welcome companion, for the shock which
followed the intelligence of his sudden
death. Few men enjoyed in greater de-
gree the confidence and respect of the COM
munity than Mr.. Bell. Courteous and ge-
NAL in manners and disposition, temperate
In all things, generous in hospitality, and
Uniform in the observance of the suavties
OF life, he drew to himself friends from all
classes of society, and shared in the kind
regards and sympathies of the cultivated and
less favored, and was especially beloved by
his kindred and household.
The esteem liz which he was held was no.
tably exemplified by the large attendance at
the funeral services, which were conducted
at his late residence four miles from Staun-
ton, by Rev. W. E. Baker, of this place, and
the long line of mourning friends and ac-
qnaintances which followed the remains,
through severe rain storm, to their last rest
ing place in Thornrose Cemetery. He had
been for many years prominent and consis-
tent member o. the First Presbyterian Church
of Staunton, and lived out his profession of
religion in his daily intercourse with his
fellow men, as well as in his church relations
and obligations.
The funeral services took place on Sun
day evening at o'clock, at his late home,
and the final ceremonies were observed at
the cemetery at o'clock, the following
gentlemen acting as pall-bearers: Capt.
Lewis Hartman, VIM. Jordan. VIM. Fl. Pey-
ton, VIM. Frazier, Capt. E. w. Bailey, N.
P. Catlett, Thomas A. Bledsoe, and DR.. C..
Alexander.
The deep grief manifested by the old
family servants of Mr.. Bell bore touching
testimony to the kindness of his nature and
his generous care for those dependent upon
him. The tears and signs of his wife and
children showed the deep devotion the kind
ness of the husband and father haG inspired
The sorrow of relatives and sad counte-
nances of citizens, testified to the hold he
had upon the community, and the great
loss which had been sustained in his sudden
and unexpected death.
The lesson inculcated by the loss of so
useful citizen, cut down in the IGOR of
health and with scarcely moments warn
ing, should not be lost upon those who sur.
vive. 1t forcibiy reminds us of the uncer-
tainty of the tenure of life, and the necessity
of so living that when the read summons
comes, we may wrap the drapery of our
couch about us, and lie down as though to
pleasant dreams,
Mr.. Bell was born and raised on the farm
where he died was educated at Washington
College, and had reached his Goth year. He
was brother of Col John j. Bell, Col. Da-
vld S. Bell, Maj. II. NJ. Bell, and Mrs, F. NJ.
Young, OF Staunton, who survive him, and
leaves four children, Chas. j. Bell, Geo. R.
Bell, and Mrs. S. D. Undertake, of this
place, and younger son, not yet having at.
tanned his majority