The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1891-12-03
DR.. WILLIAM 3. MGrLvRAY
DEAD.
This Distinguished Divine and Edu-
Gator Passes Away.

| the worse during the past week, his condition
did not become alarming until Tuesday. H
fell into q stupor that evening, and SIS life
hold on him grew lighter gradually and quiet
he sank to rest
William Bumgardener McGilyray was a son O
Colonel Alexander McGilvray and Sarah Anr
Bu,ngardener. He was born at Harrsonburg
Rockingham county, Va, March n, 1897. Rear
ed under the influences of a Christian home, ear
ly in life he committed himself to the guidance
OF his Maker and Joined the Methodist Church
He was educated at Dickinson College, Car
Iisle Pa, at which Institution he graduated
with the degree of A. NJ. His classmates re-
member him as class-orator and poet, always in
the front rank OF his classes, and as a steadfast
loyal friend and earnest Christian. In 1852 he
was united in marriage with Priscilla NJ! Carmo
ny, daughter of John Carnony. Esq, of Carlisle
Pa.
For the first year after his graduation he was
principal of the High School at Carlisle Pa. The
next year he returned to his native State, and
was successfully president of Patrick Springs
Female Institute, Chatham Female Seminary
and Danville Female College, Virginia. From
the last named Institution he was called to the
position OF principal of one Of the public schools
in Richmond city, on the organization of the
school system here. He was principal of Leigh
School from it's organization until failing health
necessitated his retirement
1t was not alone as principal of one of the
largest groups of schools in this city that he
served the cause Of public education. When the
State school system was organized under DR.
William II. Rufrner that distinguished gentle
man called Professor McGilvray's services into
rcquisiticn in conducting teachers institutes,
making public addresses, and otherwise exciting
an interest i'll the cause of public education. 1t
is, perhaps, not too much to say that he is enti-
tied to no mean share Of credit for the success
of our present efficient school system. His re-
putation as an institute instructor and lecturer
extended beyond the borders of Virginia, and
in North and South Carolina and other States
he was frequently associated i'll this line Of
work.
In 1885 while addressing the conference Of SUI
perintendents OF school Of Virginia in session in
the hall of the House Of Delegates he had a mild
attack Of apoplexy. From that time his health
was such that he would not engage in regular
work, end he devoted Himself TO such literary
pursuits as his he nth permitted.
DR.. McGilyray was duly licensed to preach by
Bishop Early, but never entered upon the regu-
lar work of the ministry From time to time he
has filed the puipits of the leading churches Of
his own ana of other den oninations
He leave a widow and five children William
P. McGilvray, Of Kansas: John a NfcGilvray
secretary State Board Of Education; George C.
McGilvray. special agent New York Under wri
tiers; Mrs. N. H. Forbes, Rockin CHAM county,
and Mrs. ladies Stuart, widow of john T. Stu
art, OF Rockbridge.
Possessed of a clear and vigorous intellect, of
varied and finished culture, with a wide range
of reading concerning almost every domain of
panion. and in the social circle. as in every. 9TH
err sphere i'll which he moved. was deeply be-
loved. After an honored and we.lspent life he
passed quietly into that realm where sorrow
and pain enter not
The above notice of the death of an
old and valued friend and playmate we
take from the Richmond Dispatch of
the 25th. 1t is not an exaggerated eulo-
gy of the deceased christian and educa-
impartial statement of his many ac-
quirements and accomplishments and
useful career. When a mere boy Mr..
McGilyray was noted for his gentleness,
his integrity and universal popularity
He had wonderful mechanical mind,
and could make almost anything he de-
sired. At one time he worked on a theo-
~ he had of practically applying per-
petual motion. His inventions and dis
coveries were numerous and various, in
the progress of his investigation. When
not over sixteen years of age, while
studying anatomy under Dr.. Hunter Of
Harrisonburg, he put together a human
skeleton by means of small wires, and
the human body accurately adjusted
Whom completed he constructed case
and placed the skeleton in it, which was
controlled by spring inside Of the case,
so when the door of the case was touch
ed the skeleton would spring out, MAX
ing a hideous appearance, and frightening
visitors upon whom the scene was sud-
denly thrust. There was nothingin the
line of mechanics that he could not dupli-
cate, land in this respect his talent was re
markable. Indeed, we expected that his
life would be dedicated to this line Of
usefulness, but it was ordered otherwise,
and he became as distinguished in his
chosen line Of labor, as he might have
been in the line OF the early bent of his
mind
He was cousin of J. Alex. Bumgard-
ner of Augusta county, and OF Capt. Jas.
Bumgardner of Staunton as his mother
was a sister of their fathers. He was a
good man, sincere in everything he
extensive with his opportunities.