Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1890-05-09
The Grim Reaper, Death.

"
Florence Washington Schley, young
est daughter of Col. John E. Schley,
of this county. The announcement
of the death of this lovable girl was
an extremely sad shock to her family
and friends in this community. She
had spent the winter and spring in
Philadelphia with her sister, Mrs.
Frank w. Muzzey. A short time be-
fore her death she was afflicted with
an abscess, but no one had an idea
that it was at all serious. Even the
day before she died no fears were felt
for her safety. Within few hours,
though, the sad truth became appa-
rent to those around her, and before
her loved ones at home could be noti-
fed she had passed away, dying In
the full triumph of her Christian
faith. She was conscious to the end,
but what is called death was in her
case only a fearless passage from
earth to heaven. She sent loving
messages to all her kindred, and bid
ding farewell to her sisters and loving
friends, her gentle spirit passed away
to greet the sainted mother who she
seemed to see waiting for her on the
other shore.
The remains were brought to her
home near Shepherdstown Friday
night, and Sunday afternoon, after
solemn services in the Episcopal
Church, her body was laid to rest in
the family lot at Elmwood Cemetery
amid the tears of throng OF her
friends and kindred. Had she lived
one more day, the deceased would
have reached her twenty-third birth
day.
Before the tears of devoted fam
ily circle had been dried from the
loss of a sister, another calamity
came. The father is dead, and all
that is mortal of Colonel John Ed
ward Schley is now robed for the
grave. For over a year Col. Schley
has been visibly failing in health,
but his sturdy constitution andindom-
liable will kept him alert and active,
and he would not yield TO disease.
He also had spent the winter in
Philadelphia, but returned to Rock
land. his home near this place, some
weeks ago, apparently improved in
health. The sudden loss of his
youngest child was a great shock to
him. and at the funeral on Sunday it
was seen that the blow had left its
effect On Monday the Colonel be-
came seriously ill, but under medical
attention seemed to rally again.
Tuesday morning he arose as usual
and went down stairs apparently
much better. There was another
change-the last great chan2e-and
at 10 O'Clock the spirit returned to
the God who gave it.
John Edward Schley was born i'll
Frederick, Md, on October IL, 1918.
In 1s42 he married Anne T. Towner,
daughter of the late Benjamin L.
Towner. She lived but seven months.
He afterwards married Mary Virginia
Towner, sister Of his first wife. Al
ter a long and happy married life, she
passed away about three years ago.
Nine children were born of the second
marriage. OF these, Charles, John
Edward and Florence are dead.
Those surviving are Towner, the
only living son; Mrs. Frank w. Muz-
zey, Annie, Clara, Ida and Helen.
In 1916 Col. Schley came to Virginia,
and ever since lived on his farm
about three miles from Shepherds
town. In Maryland he was cavalry
officer in the State troops, and once
held the position of Acknowledgement.
Although he was one of the original
members OF the Republican party,
and was always a leader in politics,
Col. Schley was never candidate
for office, although appointed to sew
several honorary positions. lie was
a personal friend Of President Grant,
and was appointed by him as meln-
Der of slave commission after
the war. He was three times a
delegate-at-large from West Virginia
to national conventions. Although
all ardent and enthusiastic Republi-
can, Col. Schley was at the same time
liberal in his ideas and never ofIen-
sive even to his bitterest political en-
emies. He never allowed his politics
to interfere with his personal affairs.
Col. Schley was Of the old and dis
tinguished Maryland family of that
name. His father and the father OF
Commodore Winfield Scott Schley
were brothers. DIR. Fairfax Schley,
of Frederick, Md, and Mr.. Charles
Schley, of Milwaukee, Wis, who is u
brotherin-law of Gen. Bradley L.
johnson, are brothers ofthe deceased.
Col. Schley was gentleman of the
old school, and for his genial man
ners and unbounded hospitality was
admired by all who knew him. His
hospitable home was always open to
his friends, and his happy family
made it the abode of pleasure. lie
was an affectionate and devoted
father and a neighbor esteemed by
all around him. His list of friends
both at home and abroad was very
large, and his death will cause gen
eral regret.
To the bereaved family that is so
sorely stricken by this double Attic
ton. the community extends its sin
cerest sympathy.