Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1896-01-02
The OLDEST MASON DEAD.
Mr.. Joseph RandalTs Long Life Ended-Other
Deaths of Former Residents.

morning about half-past seven o'clock
at his home on Rocky Marsh, about
three miles west of Shepherdstown.
His death was the result of the gradual
failing of his vital forces on account Of
old age. Mr.. Randall was born in the
vicinity where he lived on March l,
1906, and was, therefore, almost ninety
years Ofage In his earlier life he was
an active business man, his occupation
being that of contractor and stone
mason. He was an expert in stone
work, and did a great deal of excellent
work. He built several of the cut
stone locks on the Chesapeake & Ohio
canal, and also did some important
work in the construction of the Balti-
more & Ohio Railroad, including the
massive stone retaining walls near
Harper's Ferry. He also built the
turnpike between Jefferson and Fred
erick, Nd. Some of his work in this
vicinity still stands as monuments to
his skill. He did all the fine cut-stone
work about the Shepherd College prop
erty-the handsome pOrtico and its
approaches, the foundation of the
building and the massive stone wall
enclosing the grounds. He also did
the splendid stonework on the Wild
Goose farm of Mr.. R. D. Shepherd.
He made great deal of money on
many of his contracts, and was
shrewd and energetic business man.
Mr.. Randall was probably the oldest
Free Mason in West Virginia. He
had been member of Mt. Nebo Lodge,
No. 81, of Shepherdstown, for sixty
years, and was always an enthusiastic
member of the order
The deceased is survived by four
daughters, all of them residents Of this
vicinity, as follows Mrs D. Frank
Billmyer, Mrs. J Thornburg Kearney,
Mrs. H. H. Lemen, and Mrs. Susie
Billmyer. His wife died many years
ago. Mr.. Randall was a genial, kind
hearted man, who had good word for
every one, and he was liked by all who
knew him. He was unusually active
until within the past few years, when
old age began to tell upon him. He
was in fairly good possession Of his
faculties until the last, and recognized
and spoke to those around him until
an hour before his death.
His funeral is announced for the
Presbyterian church in Shepherds
town today at noon. Hewill be buried
in EImwood Cemetery by Mt. NebO
Lodge of Masons, of which he was so
long useful and honored member.
Mrs. Laura Van Swearinger died on
Tuesday at the residence OF her SON.
in-law, DR.. Alexander Tinsley, in Bal
timore. She was formerly a resident
of Shepherdstown, and was a popular
member of one of the best known fam
lies Of this place. Her death will be
regretted by her old friends here, who
loved her for her many charming traits
of character. She is survived by four
daughters Mrs. Tinsley, at whose
home she died Mrs. Lille Lee, Of Fort
Adams, R. l.; Mrs. Louisa Lewis, of
Washington City and Miss Annie Par
ran, of Baltimore. The remains Of Mrs
Van Swearingen, who was so years of
age in December, will be brought to
Sbephe slq4awp tomorrow friday
los VI sW~-I - p
morning and inferred in the iamily loo
in Elmwood Cemetery. Funeral ser
vices in the Episcopal church at $50
o'clock.
We regret to learn of the death of
Anna Richmond Bush, the only child