The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1891-04-09
South River Items.

Mr.. John Fl. WIitcsel, of whose Illness we
gave you an account in tie items or two weeks
ago and OF whose slow though apparent recov
cry was looked for, died on Tuesday morning,
March 81. at a. H., surrounded by those whom
he loved and who so dearly loved him. John
II. Whitesell was direct descendant of the
German family of Wetzeis, who. in the latter
part of the last and the early part of this cen
tury, contributed so much toward blazing the
way for the advance of civilization i'll this Valley
aud in West Virginia. No reader of the history
of our Indian troubles will fail to recall the
brave deeds of John Lewis and William Wet
eel, who were in the forefront of nearly all the
important fights that occurred until peace was
declared and the red men driven from this side
of the Ohio. From this stock sprang the ances-
tors of this notice and those who knew him best
could easily discern in him the same patriotic
devotion to his Countrywide same brave fear
less indomitable spirit.
Mr.. Whitesell was nearly rs years of age, but
up to short time ago was considered wonder
fully strong-even robust, but a year ago he be-
gan to fail and with short intervals of compare
tive health, his decline was sure until within
two weeks ago it was to be plainly seen that the
end was nearing.
While we mourn his loss, we feel and know
that in his Illness there was nothing he lacked
with him, and loving hands performed every
act that could be thought of to relieve him
He was laid to rest on Wednesday 1st, at 3 p
M, and Notwithstanding the fearful condition
Of the roads and threatening aspect Of the
weather. there was large turn out of the peo-
pie at the funeral, which was preached by Rev.
Mr.. Ferguson, of the Baptist church, in the NJ.
E. church at Fishersville.
The surviving members of Mr. Whitesell's
family requests your correspondent to express
to those neighbors (and they were not few
who so kindly rallied round them in their great
distress, their profound thanks.
Mr.. Whitesell leaves widow and seven cl il
dren-four daughters and three sons-all grown
From the age of Is up to II years ago Mr.
Whitesell was an active, earnest worker in the
NJ. E. church. He then left that church and
united with the Baptist, is which connection he
was member in good standing at the time of
his death. His home FROM the Gay he claimed
a home, was always favprite stopping place
for the ministers, and for them there was al
ways a hearty welcome. No one knew Mr..
Whitesell better than did Your correspondent,
and no feels safe in saying that more gener-
Gus, noble honest and upright man rarely ever
lived.
Among his children is Mrs. A. A. Arnold, who,
with all his other children, was at his bedside
through all his affection.
We failed at the time to note the death of
Josie Lee, youngest child of Sylvester Reed.
Josie died from measles, on the 9Th of February
She was but year and six days of age, and filled
large space i'll the hearts of the household.
Her loss lacerates the hearts of her father and
mother, but they do not mourn without hope.
for Josie has merely been tfanspantad from
earth to blpom in the garden of her Heavenly
Father, where in good time. her friends, if faith
full, will Join her and be with her for ever
The roads are i'll terrible plight. In MANY
places it can scarcely be passed over,
AS yet no oats have been cast. A large acre
age for corn renlains unturned.
When the weather Goes clear away, the farm
Ell will be compelled to put in double time or
they will be left.
Forage is scarce. Corn, soc; oats. rs hay, $40
per ton loose; potatoes have sold at $l.i5
ROVER.