Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1897-01-21
DEATH OF DAVID BILLMYER.
One Of Shsphs rdstown's Most Prominent Citi-
zsns Passes A~ay-Other Deaths

Mr.. David Billmyer, one of the most
prominent citizens Of Shepherdstown,
died at his home in this place Wednes-
day morning at quarter past four
o'clock. He was surrounded by his
family when he died. Mr.. Billmyer
had been in feeble health for couple
of years past, and has been unable to
leave the house. About six weeks ago
he became much worse, and it was
thought then he would not survive.
He rallied, however, and the Crisis
passed. He had taken no food since
that time except liquid nourishment'
and it was knownsthat he was rapidly
failing. Tuesday night it was seen
that the end was near, and early
yesterday morning he quietly breathsd
his last. His death was caused by the
accumulated infrmities Of old age.
David Billmyer was the son of Mar
tin Billmyer, and came Of family
prominent in this section for many
years. He was born at the family
homestead, the old stone house on the
farm of Mr.. W. n. Lemen at Billmyer 8
Mill, three miles west Of town, on No
vember l6, 1911, and was, therefore,
in the Seth year Of his age He is the
last survivor of thirteen brothers and
sisters. For many years Mr.. Bill
myer was one Of the most active bust
ness men in this section. He was in
the grain business here for nearly a
half century, and before the days of
the railroad controlled the wheat and
corn trade here almost entirely. He
shipped by the Chesapeake & Ohio ca
nal to Georgetown, and made a great
deal of money in this business. He
also conducted large store here for
many years, and was the principal
owner Of the bridge across the Poto-
mac river here and Of the warehouse
and wharf adjoining. When the JEFF
ferson Savings Bank was organized IN
1869 Mr.. Billmyer was chosen as its
president, and he held that position
until few years ago, when failing
health compelled him to give up ac-
tive business. AS mark Of courtesy
he was annually elected director of
the bank until his death. Mr., Bill
myer represented Jefferson county in
the West Virginia Legislature for sew
eral terms in the early history Of our
State. He was Republican in poll
tics, but was not strong partisan.
Mr.. Billmyer was a man of most ex-
emplary character, and he always
welded strong influence in this COM
munity. His business Judgment was
regarded as thoroughly good, and he
was possessed of cool, unruftied dis
position that seldom led him into er,
ror. His advice was largely sought
and his counsel usually followed. His
name will always stand here as a syn
onym of integrity and ability
The deceased was one Of the wealth
lest of our citizens, and one Of the
largest landowners in the county. lie
held between !, 200 and l 400 acres o.
land in this vicinity, including several
Of the most desirable farms here. He
also owned some Of the most valuable
town property.
Mr.. Billmyer was twice married
His first wife was Miss Eliza Shepherd
One son, David, was born to them, who
was drowned in the Potomac river
His second wife was Miss Ellen Spong
of Maryland, who survives him, to-
gether with SIX sons and one daughter
Vim. H., Edward E., Frank L., George
W., ]. Davis and John R. Blllmyer
and Miss Ellen Billmyer-all Of whom
reside here
The funeral service will be held Fri
day morning in the Episcopal Church
in this place at II o'clock, and thu
body will be buried in Elmwood Gem
etery.