Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1890-02-05
Deaths In Rockbridge.

The death of Mr.. John Gibson, of Timber
Ridge. Rockbridge county, removes from the
scenes of life an aged and widely-known citi
zen of that county. He died at his residence
on the first instant, and was buried in the
Old Colonial Cemetery, short distance there.
from, Sunday, the End, Rev. W. NJ. McElwee
pastor of Bethesda Presbyterian) Church
conducting the services. He was "a years OF
age.
Mr.. Gibson was among the largest land
owners in the South River district. and not
until a few years since, when his enfeebled
age would not admit of his usual activity in
personal attention to his Estates, and the
prosecution of his varied industries, was his
familiar form absent from the gatherings G
the people on Court-days or when public
questions were to be discussed. Possessed of a
strong. vigorous mind, his movements and
action were of the same order. He made no
pretensions to the arts or the manner of a
popular leader, and yet he was very popular
and highly esteemed. His hold upon men
was of the strongest character. for they fol-
lowed his advice and counsel through every
phase of public sentiment in which he mapp-
ed the way for action. He was not ambitious
for office, but served the people of his district
as member of the County Board of SUPER
vIsors COZ secutively for a number of years =
He. married Miss Grace Taylor, an accom-
plished young lady of the vicinity,-the only
sister of the late Mr.. Alexander ii. Taylor.
long merchant in this city, who died some
years since. and of DIR. Samuel Taylor. Of
Rockbridge. The large brick mansion just
south of Timber Ridge Church, which Mr..
Gibson erected in the prime of life. was the
home for hundreds of weary strangers under
the old system OF travelling in the Valley who
were participants of that generous hospitality.
that his neighbors and countymen daily en-
joyed to his qualification. Mr.. Gibson reared a
family of sons and daughters. all OF whom
married, and some of them preceded him to
the grave. OF his abundance, he gave freely
to the poor and needy, and it is doubtful If
ever any one asked kindly assistance of him
as neighbor or friend that failed to have his
request promptly granted. His home was in
the immediate vicinity of his birth, and where
he resided during his long life- In addition to
sons and daughters and descendants, he leaves
many relations in Rockbridge and Augusta.
and friends wherever known who feel keenly
his loss. Especially is there now cause for
sadness, for at the time his death occurred, in
the same mansion, his son, Colonel John A.
Gibson, was PROSTATE with pneumonia. with
his life, as 1t were, in the balance, but is now.
all are thankful to know, recovering. There
is still another deep affection in the same
family, notice Of which will follow.
Mr.. James w. Alexander, aged about 81
years, was the grandson of Mr.. John Gibson,
the father of his mother. He was the son of
the late DIR. John W. Alexander who resided
on the cid Valley road few miles below
Timber Ridge Church. The DR.. died in 1867,
and his wife recently.
The fl rst named. Mr.. James W. Alexander,
whose home is few miles east Of his grand
fathers, had an attack of influenza recently,
but had. he thought, sufficiently recovered to
enable him to visit his grandfather and uncle
who were lying extremely Ill, as stated, in the
same mansion. 1t is presumed that his
physical effort in W alking to the pl ace and the
sorrow which overcame him when at the old
mansion, caused the fatal relapse, that took
The form of pneumonia-death Ell suing in
few days, occurring on the Sd instant. Mr..
Alexander leaves widow and small chill
1reu.
The death OF this Dung man is incxpressibly
sad. The death of his grandfather, and the
serious illness of his uncle, fall heavily upon
hose he leaves that are nearest 10 him, for
lis loss to them is greater than all. In the
he was most highly esteemed for
lis modesty of manner and his upright con
luct. He was, when youth. a student at
ard Lee University and, on
mans estate, engaged actively in
business. Some years ago, he filled o term as
he County Steward and Superb tendent OF
he Poor with entire satisfaction to the public
The whole commu nifty feel most deeply the
fiiction which so many bereaved of this
household have had to pass through, and offer
IL the consolation that can spring from the
uman heart.