Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1881-04-05

Our many readers will learn with deep regret
Of the sad and sudden death of Hon. D. Newton
VanLear, who died Of paralysis at his reetdence
near Mt. Scion, on last Friday night, in the 50th
year of his age. He was q son Of Rev. John A.
VanIear, former Pastor Of Messy creek church
and leaves q wife and six children to mourn
theirloss. He served az Magistrate for 20 years
and was faithful to the duties of his trust. Dur.
ing the years ls77-'7s and '7S'79 he represented
Augusta county in the Legislature.
Our correspondent "Peelingsv furnishes ut
with the following particulars OF his sudden
death:
''While returning home from services at Mos
~ creek church ON Friday last, D. N. VanLeal
remarked to his wife that he was going to have
another attack of neuralgia in his face. She
asked him several questions before reaching
home, and receiving no reply, supposed he dis
liked to open his mouth and admit the cold air
to q decay ed tooth; but upon arriving at the
stile, discovered that he was paralyzed, and
summoned assis ance to remove him from his
horse. Drs. Brown, Clark. and Robson were
called in. Despite their efforts. he died at II
O'Clock the same evening. Few men In this
section were better known or more highly re-
spected and esteemed than he. Honorable TO q
degree rarely witnessed in this day; generous
friend, his loss will be- deeply felt, and difncult
to replace In this community.
The vast concourse of persons who attended
his funeral Sunday from Messy Creek church
was flatttering testimonial OF the love and
esteem in which he was held all over the coun-
ty. The following deputation OF Masons from
the Lodge at Mt. Scion, Of which he wac mem
Der, acted as pall-bearers: J. W. Beaver. ]. A,
McFall, j. W. Hopewell. Fl. B. McFall, b. F.
Hanna, and s. B. McFall."
We learn that Mr.. VanLear was stricken with
paralysis whilst returning on Friday, on horse.
back, with his wife behind him, from Messy
creek church, where he had been attending ser.
vice preparatory to communion on Sunday.
After communion on Sunday. his funera
was preached to large congregation by Rev
J. W. Rosebro, Pastor Of Messy creek church
He was q man of much personal popularity
and was related to many of the most respecta
BILE and influential families of this county. Hi
death is greatly deplored by all whoknew him
After the above was put in the hands Of thu
compositor, contributor, IN - added the fol
Lowing:
about forty years ago, we accompanied three
teams from our home on Messy Creek to Lo
Gust Bottom, ON James River in Botetour
county, to the home of his father, the late Rev
John A. VanLear, to aid IL his removal from {
church that he had ministered to successfully
for fifteen years, perhaps. to the one in which
when a young man, he had been licensed Il
preach in the Spring of 1925. This church ht
served faithfully for many years, and sleeps II
Its church-yard. surrounded by all Of the mem
bers of his family. except his widow and theil
youngest daughter, Mrs. Arbuckle, OF Green
brier.
D. N. vanLear was then the Oldest surviving
child. and with his sepulture on Sunday. hi
stricken mother has buried nine children. May
the sward lay lightly on thy bosom. one Of my
sincerest friends.
There being sacramento meeting at Messy
Creek, Rev. Mr.. Rosebro was assisted by the
Rev. Mr.. Cnmpbell of Union church. Mr.
Rosebro being called upon to preach the funeral
Of Mr.. vanLear, Mr.. Campbell preached the fu-
neral Of an aged member of the church, Mrs
Hugh Dever. near Spring Creek, three miles
northeast of Messy Creek. She had reached ar
advanced age, and leaves a number of children
and relatives, now scattered over many Of the
Western States"