The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1888-08-16

The death of Mr. James SHIELDING, super
intendent of Lowmoor furnace, brief
notice of which we published last week, is
serious loss, not only TO his devoted fam
iIy: to the enterprise he so ably managed
and to the community in which he lived.
but also to the State of his adoption and
to the New South" in the future of which
he had the utmost faith.
In many respects MI Shedding was
remarkable man. His knowledge OF iron
and iron making was equaled by few in
this or any other country. Descended
from long line of iron makers, his father
and grandfather having been noted fur
mace men of England, to Inherited talent
he added an enthusiasm in his work-a
genius in planning and skill and energy
in executing-that OVERRIDE all obstacles
and was satisfied with nothing short OF
the highest success.
He was an Englishman by birth and
commenced his career as worker IN the
foundry at II cents per day. Step by step
he advanced. working by day aud studying
by night, until at the age OF % he was pre-
pared to take full charge OF furnace
Then it was he turned his eyes to the new
world, and in short while found hlmself
at the head of the then largest furnace IN
America-located at North Chicago. I'm
der his management commenced the zeal
revolution in iron making in this furnace
fnt yEnny This
was in 1871, the hey day OF American iron
making. when the whole tide Of enterprise
seemed to have turned in the one direction
| and millions of dollars were expended IN
perfectiDg new processes for the CONVEX
sion of the ole. In the midst of this
| almost wild competition, Mr.. Shedding
stood at the head of his profession.
A record up to that time, unparalleled
in the Union. But even this did net
satisfy him. A larger furnace was built
the famous Lucy furnace at Pittsburg-
and to the superintendency of this, MIR.
SHIELDING was called. Here all previous
records were broken, an output of goo tons
per week having been reached.
After remaining in Pittsburg four or five
years he went to Ohio where he was sue
| cessfully engaged until 1881, when he was
elected superintendent of Lowmoor. Up
| to that time the property had not been a
profitable investment. In short CHILE
the new superintendent had not only got
| ten it on a paying -basis, but III three years
had made it a reputation that placed it,,
| quality considered, in the first rank of
Southern furnaces. To-day Lowmoor is
famed for it's foundry Iron: it's output
ranking in New York at the top OF the
| market.
Mr.. Shedding believed in the future of
the South as an iron making centre. He
had carefully studied its varied resources
| and natural advantages, and in them had
full faith. Although born in foreign
land, he was thorough American, loving
| the institutions of his adopted country,
and identifying his every interest with its
upbuilding. He was one of those men of
| whom we have far too few-big Drained.
big hearted, fpll of energy, with genius
| for his calling, and unbQunded confidence
| in the South and her resources.
| May the sod of rest lightly above
! him, for the heart now stilled was
loyal to the core and held Virginia as
close as the truest son she ever had.
Everybody wishing fresh rolls, buns or
| bread for breakfast leave your orders the
evening before at j. Z. Taylor & Sons