The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1882-02-23
Death of Can't. Ham chanherlaune.

Death OF Capt. Ham Cham berlayne.
This community was shocked on receiv-
ing the State newspaper, on Monday morn
ing (Which should have reached here on
Sunday morning. to read the announcement
of the death of its gifted editor. Capt. John
Hampden Chamberayne, which took place
at his residence in that city on Saturday
evening at O'Clock. after an illness of sew
| e-al days from pneumonia. He was aged
Al years, native of Richmond. and a
graduate of the University of Virginia,
where he won the degree of Master of Arts.
He was admitted to the bar in Richmond in
| 1859. and upon the breaking ont of the war
entered the Confederate army as private
where he displayed great GOODNESS and cour-
age, and was finally made captain of ariil-
lery, for gallant services at the battle of the
Crater. In this position be won the repu-
tation of being one of the hardest fighters
and most skilful artilleri lists connected with
| the army of Northern Virginia. He was
| several times wounded, and made many
| narrow escapes from death. In 1868 Capt.
| Chamberlayne became editor of the Peters
burg Inder, where he soon attracted atten-
ton as brilliant and scholarly writer. In
l 1873 he assumed editorial control of the
! Norfolk Virginian, and while living in that
city became equally well known as an elo-
! quent and effective speaker, having engaged
| in the political contests of the second dis
trict, and given his splendid talents to his
party throughout the State. In 1876 Capt.
] Chamberlayne founded the Richmond
! State, which. through his skill and ability
soon became a pronounced success. and is
4 now one of the most influential and pros
porous evening papers published in the
| South He also served one term in the
\ House of Delegates from Rcha ID city,
where he quickly advanced to leadership.
and was recognized as one of the most use
| He declined reelection. preferring to give
to his journal his undivided attention,
where he believed he could better serve the
! interests of Virginia. and demonstrate his
passionate devotion to his native State and
all her interests. He was son Of DR..
\ Chamberlayne, distinguished physician OF
Richmond, and married daughter of Rev.
c. J. Gibson, an Episcopal clergyman, of
\ Petersburg, who survives, together with six
small children. His mother was also one
of his household and between mother and
son there existed an affection that amounted
almost to idolatry. His sister married DR..
Geo. W. Bagby, well known lecturer and
\ writer.
Capt. Chamberlayne was brave, gener-
GUS, brilliant, knightly gentleman. and his
| loss at this time will be acutely felt not
only in the immediate circle of his associa-
ton. but throughout the Commonwealth.
| Few men have won so largely upon the
the popular esteem of VTginians, and
no one whose taking off could have
touched the inner feelings more keenly. His
! whole nature was attuned to the highest
\ and best sensibiities. and in whatever field
| of labor he was called to act, he measured
up to the full stature of man and dignfied
the work to which he appropriated his en-
ergies and talents. Differing with him in
political association, yet there was much in
his writings with which we concurred. for
| there was a sagacious liberality and an ele-
waited independence which disdained the mar
row influence and range of the mere partizan,
and reached to the plane of the statesman.
Journalism. especially. has sustained Sc
we're loss in the death OF this gifted and and
versatile writer. and Virginia will feel the
absence of his vigorous. incsive pen.
Brave. generous. brilliant Ham Chamber
layne, we drop tear of unaffected sorrow
over thy untimely grave, and extend our
most heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved
| family and associates who have been called
to mourn the sad end of a loving husband
| and father ssand an unselfsh and devoted
friend, cut down in the very bloom of man.
| hood.