Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1901-06-27
Death o. James Withrow, Esq.

/ DEdsH q SS!4Sa NtL21SHl s4SS'
The subject of this sketch, one of the
oldest and best known citizens Of ou-
county. passed from this life about on"
O'Clock yesterday morning.
Mr.. WithrOw WAS born ut LewisburE
| October 223rd, 1878. and hal passed his
four score wears. We look back sixty
years and more. and we see him lraye
boy, determined to prepare himself to!
Iife's struggle. working with his father
at the Old lanyard only for few years,
for uIs mobile character, high Sense Q!
integrity, proud spirit and splendid
judgment placed him in early manhood
among the best and most highly eS.
tee,ned men of our county. and lie was
called to identify himself with the pub
lie interests and affairs Of the county
Prior to the var between the States.
when the office sought the man, he wal
made member Of our "Old County
Court. Upon that Court he was associ;
atcrl with such men as VIM. Cary, Wmj
Ecamster, Moses Dwycr, Mathew An
buckle, VIM. and Franklin Renick.
VIM. Johnston, Andrew Hamilton, til >
lmnemted David ). Creigh and ma
others of like character, and anon
them he was recognized lis one WI
never Swerved from right and duty.
For nearly half a century he was on
of the Master Commissioners of TT;
Circuit Court of this County, and his rs
ports show high order Of intellect, a!2,
his jUd :, .nents. rs Il rule, sustained anR
often favorably commented on by both
Circuit and Supreme Court OF Appea'5
Of our State. Although not Il licensed
attorney his knowledge Of the law WIS
extensive and his opinions were often
sought on legal questions.
MIR. Withrow WIS more than once
chosen by the people to represent the
county in the State Legislature. lie
WAS once denied his seat III that body
10y a Republican majority. He was re-
turned to the Legislature in 49,. and
there his ability and fitness for the
work was soon recognized and acknOWl-
edged hy placing. him upon the judiciary
Committee, the most important COM
mite" of the Legislature.
He waS kind and courteous 10 all
/ /. n nnntuf Y nj hR
| w;S Il !n:;r ur strong convictions, and at
ter due consideration, was always ready
10 take the offensive in support of JUS
. tir", right and truth, and eT':al!, -.
ready 30 place the stamp of diSapproval
on wrong, injustice and OPPRESSION
lie had mind well stored with good
counsel for the erring and i heart ever
open and full of sympathy and love -
4 colnrcd man WAS heard to say L few
DAYS ago. :" muSi 20 to see Mr.. With
row. worked fnrhim i long timc-hc
is :; good man. When | wanted any
thing he gave ii to me. This humble
testimony paints the true character OF
the man better than the writer CALL
Mr.. Withrows motto WAS justice and
equal rights to all men and spcCial priyi.
cgcs TO none. Thus. in civil life we
find him standing in the front rank
with the hest and foremost men OF
county and State.
Bu, he knew Il higher and noh!er life.
| When Il BOY in his teens he identified
! himself with the worShipers OF his God
al the Old Stone Church, and took part
in song and praise, and for fifty years
WAS leader of bSFhoir. 1t was under
pr. NcEIhenncy's paetorate that he
united with the church. AID on May
4th. 1850, was ordained Ruling Elder.
together with Ezra Walker, Samuel
Dickson and James y. Montgomery.
and from that date till death be WI
hpnorcd Ruling Elder, and his opin
and judgments on church matters CAT:
ricd great weight. He was chose.
Commissioner several times to the Gen
cral Assembly Of the Church, and took
an active part III al he councils ~ his
church. III either the Session. Prcsby
! terry. synod, or General Assembly. lie
WAS listened to with respect for his
Judgment. He WAS lust Commissioner
10 the synod of Virginia that met III
LcwiSburg in October. ls"5. when we
held the centennial celebration Of the
church. Mr.. Withruw was the Inst ni
,icrr of the Old Stone Church ordained
under the paStOrlte IF DR.. McEihcn
ney. and we believe wHs the last male
member u the church If those who
were members when he united with II III
! 1910. ami his widow and Mrs. Wo0dson
we believe are the only female members
living who were members IL that time.
But there are members living who can
recall the voluntary offerings III the
choir under Mr.. Withrow' 5 leadership,
aud With what JOY he would sing such
anthems as l will arise and GO 10 my
Father" who is the King of GLORY:
the Lord. the Lord. He is the King Of
Glory" He was strong PteSayte'
ran. but other denominations Will ieS'
tifv to his liberaitv and his prayers fol
the prosperity Of their churches,
Mr.. Withrow had not been considered
strong. physically, for many wears and
was Il great sufferer during his last Ill
ness.
God S plans. like lilies pure and white
unfold.
We must not tear the close-shut leaves
apart. e.
Time will reveal the calyNes OF gold.
His wife who before marriage was
Miss Mary Jane Kincaid. two sons
Capt. Edgar D. Withrow, of Pulaski
county. Va, and Heber K. "ithro"'
&c o,,, tou.n ,,d three iauphterS Mrs.