Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1889-01-19


past seven days have been marked
with an unusual number of deaths.
The Reaper has singled out the rip.
ened grain, and before his keen
sickle aged parents have fallen asleep.
Wave after wave have kissed the
shores of Eternity, and there are
four freshs mounds in the cemete-
ries, that were not there last Satur-
day. Sunday afternoon the deaths
of Mr.. Geo. p. Walters, Mrs. Jacob
Bittinger and Mrs. Richard Lamar
were known, and Monday afternoon
the soul of Mr.. John Turner took
fight. These were all past middle
age and well know to our readers.
Mr.. Walters had been confined to
his home for several weeks, from a
strain sustained in unloading grain.
He was man of strong constitution
and it was believed he would ulti-
mately recover. But God works in
a mysterious manner, and last Sun
day, when everything was SO beauti-
full and serene, he passed away, while
wife and children bent over him in
sorrow and despair. He was inter-
red in Greenhill Cemetery on Tues
day morning. The deceased was one
OF our best, most intelligent and
thrifty farmers, respected by all WHO
knew him. He has reared a large
family and they have all made USE
full husbands and wives. This fall
he was nominated by the democratic
party for Sheriff, and the necessary
work connected with an arduous
campaign, also left its effect with
him, and seriously mitigated against
his recovery. We will miss his kind
face and hearty greeting. May the
faith in which he lived and died, be
as balm to the stricken and sorrow
ing family of loved ones, who mourn
his unexpected death
Mrs. Lamar was quiet, gentle,
Christian lady, living at peace with
the world and complaining not of its
vexations and reverses. She had
been confined to her room for some
time prior to death, and though she
bravely battled against the approach
of the dreaded monster, it was APP
parent to all that the battle was
against hope. Her only sorrow as
the hour of dissolution drew near,
was to leave her two deserving sons
and daughter. To them she was
dear and loving parent; to her they
were obedient and devoted children.
But these separations must come
the night must fall, the dial must
show the shadow, and while sympa-
thizing with these children, we point
them to the Father who doeth all
things we'll May He bless them and
ever cause them to remember that a
father and mother have passed be-
yond the border land into the great
"Unknown." There may there be q
happy reunion.
Mrs. Bittinger's death was unex-
pected and a sad blow to hus band
and children and host Of friends.
Her illness was not considered to be
serious. Therefore, the blow is so
much heavier. She, too, was an ex-
emplary and amiable woman, de-
voted mother, tried and true wife,
and a good, kind-hearted nelghbor.
She lived as God directed, and made
Others happy about her. The home
has been demolished its charms
have fed-and only sadness and
gloom abide therein. To those Of
the family who are in the anguish of
a heavy bereavement, we say, may
the grace Of the Father sustain
sooth and comfort you. Weep not
the spirit is past all the frets and
misery OF a cold world-far beyond
the tempest and the storm. Prepare
to meet her in brighter land, far
above the glowing stars.
Mr.. John Turner's death, while
surprise, was the result of long i'll
ness. He had been great sufferer
for months before. No man was bet
ter known in this community. His
official position as constable had
been efficiently discharged and he
was respected and esteemed general
ly. He could be trusted, too. His
death has left another void in the
business and political circles of the
town. We have only this to say in
reference to the deceased. He was
faithful friend, careful officer, a
tender parent and useful citizen.
Thus death stalks through the
town, making no distinction, consid-
ering not the sadness or ruin it
leaves in it's wake. The lesson we
should learn is, that this life is I'M
certain, and death is certain that
sooner or later the summons must