Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1898-04-14
JOSEPH WELsHANS DEAD,
The Oldest Resident of Shepherdstown Passes
kway-Other Deaths.

Mr.. Joseph Welshans, the Oldest
resident of Shepherdstown, has an
swered the final summons, and his long
life ended about half past ten o'clock
last Sunday night. Several weeks ago
Mr.. Welshans received stroke OF
paralysis that confined him to his bed
and rendered him helpless. His ad-
vanced age made his recovery hope
less, and his loved ones could only
await the inevitable termination. The
end came Saturday night, when he
quietly and peacefully passed away.
Mr.. Welshans was 90 yeaIs,2 months
and 6 days old. His family was an
old one in this section, and came here
early in the last century. He was
born in Shepherdstown, in house
that was on the site of his late home,
and in that one spot he spent nearly
a century. He never lived anywhere
else than in Shepherdstown. He was
a blacksmith by occupation, and the
sturdy frame that nature endowed
him with was made stronger by the
exercise his calling gave him and by
the temnerate life he led. He gave
up active work many years ago, having
been appointed postmaster at Shep-
herdstown during Grants adminlstra-
ton. He was postmaster for twelve
years, conducting the Office with fdell-
ty and ability.
Mr.. Welshans was as strong mental
ly as he was physically. He was very
observant, and his memory was re-
markable. He remembered occur
rences of seventy-fve years ago with
clearness, and there were few events
of importance during the past fifty or
sixty years that he could not relate
accurately and intelhgently. 1t was
always a pleasure to him to go over
the events Of the early part Of the
century, and it was extremely inter
e8ting to hear him talk Of local or
general affairs. He retained good
health up until within a short time OF
his death, and though he had been
deaf for number of years, this was
the only one of his faculties that was
seriously impaired. He was fond OF
reading, and his excellent eyesight
was great comfort to him.
For over three-quarters Of CEN
fury the deceased was member Of
the Reformed Church, to which he
was always warmly devoted. He was
an official member for many years,
and for long time superintendent OF
the Sunday school. He was a great
Bible student, and few persons had
greater familiarity with the Scriptures
than he. He led an exemplary life
in every respect, and he will be missed
in the church as well as in the COM
munity generally,
The deceased is survived by four
children Mr.. J. F. Welshans, of Chi
cago Mrs. Emma Port, Of Belolt,
Kansas Mrs. T. H. Davis and Miss
Ellen Welshans, Of this place. All Of
his children were with him when he
died. His wife died about ten years
ago. One sister, Mrs. Emma Hill,
wife of DR.. James Hill, Of Springfield,
H., is now the only survivor of twelve
children.
The funeral was held in the Re-
formed Church Wednesday afternoon.
The service was conducted by Rev.
Geo. G. Everbart, the pastor, assisted
by Rev. DR.. J. a. Hohheins, Of Mar
tinsburg. Both ministers made adj
dresses, in which they spoke feelingly
of the servant OF God whose life had
been so exemplary and consistent.
The remains were then carried to the
cemetery adjoining the church, where
they were laid to rest beside those Of
his family who had preceded him.
The pall-bearers were Messrs. D. S.
Rentch, Daniel Getzendanner, Henry
Reynolds, John H. Show, Jos L. Cook
us and NJ. S. Hiteshew.
Mr.. Jacob Martin Stipp, who has
been sick for several months at his
home near this place with the inhrmi-
ties incident to old age, died last Sat