Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1888-08-08
Death Of MIR. Thomas A. BIedsoe

Death of MIR. Thomas A. BIedsOe.
With the opening fspring, Mr.. Thomas A.
Bledsoe did not appear possessed Of his usual
strength. and general feebleness seemed to be
making inroa DIS on his constitution. About six
weeks ago, he returned after short respite in
the country from his official labors to his
home, his strong resolution yielding to adj
vancing disease, and during the long weary
days and watchful nights which have inter
yened. he gradually failed under its effects and
In The second hour Of the morning Of the End
instant his spirit passed away to its heavenly
home in the 55th year of his age.
The death of one like Mr.. Bledsoe would
make void in any community, but in this
city and in a wide extended section OF country
his demise has produced the deepest sorrow,
for he measured up to the full standard OF
sincere Christian, a superior offical in ali The
fullness of great responsibilities and the ele
CANT gentleman. Ofthis afflction to his fami-
ly silence best expresses the anguish Of those
who would mourn with the heart stricken ones
and it is for AN to emulate his virtues. his
honorable character, and to remember that
their loss is his eternal gain in the mansions
of the blessed.
The whole life of Mr.. Bledsoe. from the time
OF his appearance in this city when mere
youth, all the way along its journey, demon
strates what manliness. character, integrity
and adherance to christian faith will accom-
plish. The best illustration of that is the
character of the testimonials published by
those who served with him in the various re-
sponsible positions to which he was called
and from all of which, and his family ana
friends he has been summoned away at an age
when his ripe experience and elegant business
capacity were maturing for a still richer and
ripper appreciation in the fullness of years.
Mr.. Bledsoe was born in the county of Flu
wanna June Nth, 1884, and came TO Staunton
when only 10 years of age and engaged in mer-
camille pursuits under the late ]. W. Brande-
burg at the corner opposite the Virginia Hotel
which is still known by the name OF the EN-.
ployer of his youth.
In 1856 the Central Bank of Virginia was
organized in Staunton. 1t was on the system
of State Banks then introduced-the issues of
its bills being secured by deposits of State Sc.
curities. The late Mr.. William Kinney was
made president of the institution and in the
completion of its equipment of officers, young
Mr.. Bledsoe was called from his mercantile
position to enter that of one in the new bank
ing institution. The Central Bank, like all
the Southern institutions OF its kind, went out
of existence as the lost cause ended its struggle
With the early revival of the banking busi-
ness in this city after 1865. Mr.. Bedsoe was
called again to responsible station in that de
partment, and so continued till the consolida-
tions of two into the National Valley Bank
when he was appointed assistant cashier. and
after the death OF Mr.. M. H. Eff niger, which
soon occurred, was promoted to the office of
Cashier, which position he filled for eleven
years with SO much dignity and kindness con-
ttnuing to add to good name and gaining the
esteem of the thousands with " hom he did
business.
AS a member of the First Presbyterian
Church, and in its Board of Deacons, serving
in the City Council, and there Chairman of the
Committee to care for the poor, In addition to
the other multitude OF duties the office Of
Councilman imposed upon his mind and time.
In the City School. board where his loss will be
most keenly felt in the brotherhood of Masons
and Knights Templar, at the board of our
oldest Life Insurance Association, are vacan
cies now which can be best estimated in extent
as he shall no more meet his associates in con-
sultation and the progress of great usefulness
Mr.. Bledsoe was twice married, first to Miss
Matte r. Wayt, daughter of the late John
Wayt, and sister Of DIR. N. and J. Howard
Wayt, of this city. She died leaving two
daughters who survive their parents. His
second wife was Miss Edmonia, daughter OF
The late Edmund R. Page, of Campbell county.
who, with four small sons, survives her hus-
band.
The funeral services were from the First
Church at $50 of the afternoon on
he 3rd instant. Rev. D. X. Mcfarland, D. D.-l
Che remarks of DR.. Mcfarland tenderly ex- |
pressed the loss to his family. to the Church, |
md the community as their sorrow would
ningle in its flow and as they would ponder
he bereavement which could not be ex.
pressed.
The Masonic Lodge and knights Templar
preceded the pall-bearers as the casket con-
aiming the body of the deceased was borne |
rom the residence to the Church. In front of
,he escort, DR.. Mcfarland walked accompanied |
oy Rev. W. w. Page, of New York, the uncle |
Of Mrs. Bledsoe who was here in consequence
If the death of her husband.
The services over at the Church, the long |
procession moved TO the cemetery. At the |
head of the column were the organizations |
named, the Stonewall Brigade Band the escort |
solemn dirges were rendered by the Band |
Turing the march. The casket was lowered |
INTO the grave, and then DR.. Mcfarland con.
,luded the Church services. Following, the |
Masonic ritual was rendered and then that of
he knights Templar ended the ceremonies of
he fraternal brotherhood. Its closing parts
we're deeply impressive, the knights In line
With drawn sabres crossed over the grave DUR
ng the rendering by the Band of the dirge of
he Templar ritual.
Preceding the closing of the last ceremony,
he Quartette Choir of Trinity Episcopal
Fannie Tams and Mary Berke
ey, and Messre. G. L. Cooke and d. e. Euritt-
lang the hymns of the Templar ritual service.
Thus with all that love and affectionate es-
eem could bestow, his Christian and breth-
EN- in fraternal association, and the people
who honored ard will long remember the
FOOD man as he was in his daily walk and con.
have laid his body to rest with the
bright assurance that his immortal soul is in
he full enjoyment OF the fruition of the Chris
ian faith he e1emplified.
The pail. bearers were, on behalf of the
Church. James Fl. Blackley. W. H. Weller,
Hugh F. Lyle, J. A. Templeton on the part
If the Bank, H. M. Bell, Robert w. Burke, A.
F. Kinney, H. A. Walker; from the knights
remplar. w. L. Lushbaugh and A1ista Hoge
and firm the Masonic Lodge, Judge Jno. W.
Stout and A. F. Robertson.
Tributes of Respect.
NATIONAL VALLEY BANK.
STAUNToN, VA, Aug q 1888.
At meeting Of the Board ofDirectors of this |
Bank, held this day, Mr.. Ro. w. Burke, Vice. |
presiding Mai, H. M. Bell, NJ. Frs |
kline Miller and Isaac Witt were appointed |
to draw up suitable resolutions |
and the following were reported and unani. |
mously adopted:
This Board has watched with deep sympathy |
the brave struggle made for life by our friend, |
and have heard with grief this morning OF |
his death, during last night. Mr.. Bledsoe has |
oeen connected with this Bank in several ca |
pacities for the last % years. and for IL years.
up to the time of his death has been its Cash.
Ter, and during all this time has discharged |
his every duty with the utmost fidelity, The |
relations between him and levery member of
the Board and every official of the Bank have
been OF the closest and most affectionate
and in This death each one of us
Bank TRUSTED and valued officer. But our
loss, whilst great, is not to be compared with
thai of the dear partner of his bosom and his
whose loss is indeed irreparable.
They have our deepest sympathy.
While Mr.. Bledsoe has been most valuable
and trusted officer of this Bank, he has been
no less esteemed and trusted by the communi-
ty which he has served in many capacities, and
by his church, of which he Was a prominent
and faithful officer.
RESOLVED, That this Board has heard with the
deepest sorrow of the death at 1;l5 O'Clock this
morning of MIR. Thomas A. Bledsoe, the Cash
Ter of this Bank.
ResolUed, That as mark of esteem for a
trusted and accomplished officer, this Board
will in body attend his funeral and the Bank
will be draped in mourning for thirty days.