The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-03-06
Sketch Of Benz. Estill.

Sketch OF Benz. Estln.
i Eds. Virginian The following article
written by distinguished minister of the
Presbyterian Church in commentator o
as good and true Christian as was eve
known to me, request you to republish
Take BENZ. Estil, all in all, there was moi
a more cultivated and refined mana more
moral Christian and gentleman anywhere
to be found in the county of Augusta. He
was writer and talker much above the Or
| binary class in those departments; but he
rarely published tire world those things
that might have given him fame.
As a Biblical and Theological scholar few
men were his peers, and the good works
done by hi m in life, will go down beyond
the grave, in testimony of his great and no
BILE Christian life. J.H.M.
| The deathof Mr.. B. NJ. Estill has been an.
nounced in your columns--perhaps 1t might
! have sufficed thus simply to let his many
relatives, numerous Rieds and acquaintehees
learn OF his departure had this only been
| done, but one of the papers in his native
and wei loved county, referred to him in a
who knew him and appreciated his worth,
has thought fit to attempt a true representa-
ton OF lis character.
MIR. B. NJ. Estil was the son of Hon. J.
H. Estill and Patsey Miller, and reared In a
family of refinement and intelligence and
having been early placed under the tuition
of the late DR.. J. Hendren, it will be under
stood that his early advantages were surpass.
ed By few in this part Of the valley. These
he diligently improved, and by his entire
manner and course of conduct at this period
secured his preceptor's regard, confidence
and esteem. Leaving this school when pre-
pared for college, he entered the Virginia
Military Institute and pursued the course
until he received his diploma.
It is known that such was then his repu-
tation for high moral character and scholar
ship, that 1t was the advice of DR.. Hend.en
that he should apply for professorship in
some one or other of the colleges in his ma
tive State or in the South. Why this course
was not pursued, the writer of this is not
entirely able to answer, most probably his
fathers declining health and the settlement
after death of his estate together with the
care of members Of the family required his
attention.
Soon after completing bis literary course
he made an extensive tour through the
West, and while in Missouri was Frustrated
by disease-such was the violence of the at
tack and so protracting its effects that his
hitherto vigorous constitution was much en-
feebled. This no doubt precipitated, if it
did not cause the premonitions of heredi
tary malady-to ward off which kept him
ever afterwards from undertaking any regu-
lar employment, except for stated and COM
paratively brief periods.
Z He occasionally taught school in such
communities as where his labours would be
likely to be appreciated, and the duties were
such as the state of his health would likely
endure. When not thus engaged, his time
was spe Mt in visiting friends and relatives in
the valley, or in longer journeys. His health
demanding exercise and constant change.
Mr.. Estill at a comparatively early age
made profession OF religion and connect
ed himself with the Presbyterian church.
most probably at Messy Greek, OF which
church he was member many years pre-
ceding and until his death. His christianity.
though not obtrusive or displayed for the
applause OF men, yet shone, for his friends
and acquaintesces, knew that christianity,
the religion of the Lord Jesus Christ, which
he possessed, controlled and influenced his
whole walk in life. His Master and his Mas
ter's cause he was ever ready to defend.
Nothing was so grating to his feelings, moth.
ing more painful than to hear or witness in
friends or acquaintences irreverent or pro-
fame expressions, or the indulgence occasion
ally or habitualIy in any error or vice the
| tendency Of which was not only to dishonor
his Redeemer, but destroy the human soul.
Most carefully, too, did he watch for OPP
portunities Of benehtting the souls OF hi
fellow-men. One method, which he is
known to have frequently used, was that OF
the pen. Being we'll informed and hand
ling the pen of ready writer, and master
of correct style and good command of
language his best thoughts and the warmest
expressions OF his heart were place d on pa
per and sent to one and another If his
friends. Having this end in vew-their
happiness here and hereafter. May these
bear fruit and the desires of his heart be re-
warded. Could these be gathered a volume
might be formed.
| One who knew him well and lor e consid-
cred him one of the most pure minded, up
right and high toned Christian gentleman
he has ever known. This opinion is sustain
ed we know by otners.
His death-as has been stated in the no.
tices published, was very sudden, and yet
| he had premonitions which had caused him
| to remark that he expected death to come to
him without warning. So it came. But he
| had heard the words Of Him who said, "Be
we also ready for in such an hour as We think
not, the son of man cometh," and had not
postponed the preparation for dying hour.
December 25th, 1878, on his way from
Stanton to his home at Mrs. kyles, he stop
ped at the house of W. A. Crawford. H.
was about leaving and had nearly reached
the gate-a few steps from the housewives
he turned back and entered the house. MI.
Crawford coming in Immediately afterward,
found him on bed unconscious. The fami
ly were summoned, restoratives applied, bul
it was of no avail, a few struggles and tht
heart ceased to beat, ''the wheel was broker
at the cistern, the spirit returned to Cod
who gave it.
On December 2Sth, just as the sun wa
hiding behind the Western hills, friends lait
his body to rest In the family grave yard al
the Works" nea- Messy Greek.
It. n. r.