Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1902-01-16
Death of MIR. John W. McCleary.

died last Friday evening of apople1y
at his home, 1909 Linden avenue,
Baltimore, Md. His death was the
result of an Hines. extending over a
period of more than two years, though
he had been confined to his room for
only few months past. He was %
years Of age.
Mr.. McCleary was native Of Berke-
ley county, and came of the we'll
known family whose name be bore
His youth was spent in Jefferson coun-
ty. When the civil war broke out,
although he was only about seventeen
years Of age, he enlisted in Company
D, Twelfth Virginia Cavity, and was
orderly sergeant for time, serving
with honor until the long contest was
over. He was a gallant soldier, cool
in danger, brave in battle, steady and
Trustworthy always. Part of the time
be was detached from his company
and served as scout for General Jeb
Stuart, whose full confidence he en-
loved, and for whom he executed many
important and dangerous missions with
success. He was noted for his readl-
ness to undertake any duty, and
served with men who became proml-
nent in civil life after the war, He
was imprisoned for a time IN Fort
McHenry, at Baltimore.
After the war Mr.. McCleary went
to Baltimore, where he became trav-
cling salesman for James Carey & Co. S
wholesale boot and shoe house. Later
he was a member Of the firm Of Bangs,
Bard & Co., in the same business, and
after that firm retired he became man
ager of the Maryland Shoe Company,
About two years ago he was obliged
to give up active business on account
Of falling health. As travelling sales.
man and as a business man he formed
a wide acquaintance in this State and
in Virginia. His name was the syn
onym of honesty and integrity, and
few men had more friends in the Val
ley of Virginia than be had. Wher-
ever he was known he was admired
and respected for his high personal
character and his friendly disposition.
There will be great regret In the two
Virginias at the news of his death.
The deceased was man of the most
exemplary character-a christian gen.
tleman who was the soul of honor
and whose life was blameless. He
was for many years a member Of the
First English Lutheran Church in
Baltimore, part of the time filing the
office of deacon. His charity an / his
generosity were great, and ne LAID up
for himself a great treasure in Heaven
by his many acts of kindness. No ap-
peal was ever made to him in vain,
and many persons have blessed HIM
for his bounty. A husband faithful
and true, father loving and kind,
friend loyal and sincere, christian
whose life exempli6ed the religion ne
protested, it may be truly said OF him
that good man has gone.
Mr.. McCleary was for many years
member of Mt. Nebo Lodge OF Ma
sons of Shepherdstown. He was also
instrumental in forming the assocla-
ton of Confederate Veterans among
his fellow soldiers which annually has
held reunions in this county since Its
organization. AS the years rolled
on his interest in his old comrades
increased, and nothing gave him great
er pleasure than the hearty greetings
when they met from time to time.
During the past few months as his Ill,
ness progressed he thought more and
more of the old soldiers, and spoke OF
them constantly until the summons
came when he should answer the last
roll-call and "cross over the river to
rest under the shade of the trees with
the comrades gone before. A patriot
when his country called, a soldier OF
the Cross until the end, he has gained
the victory and now stands with hon
or in the presence of his great Com
mander.
On Sunday afternoon funeral SER
vice wa. held at his late home in Bal
timore, Rev. DR.. Ezra K. Bell, pastor
of the First English Lutheran Church,
officiating. Monday morning his
BODY was brought to Shepherdstown,
accompanied by members of his family
and his pastor. In the afternoon the
final service was held at the home Of
his brother-in-law, H. L. Snyder. Rev.
H. Max Lentz was in charge, and was
assisted by Rev. DR.. Charles Ghisehn
and Rev. DR.. Bell. The latter made
a very impressive and touching ad-
dress, and the service was solemn
one. The funeral was attended by
many persons, including the Conted-
crate Veterans with whom he had been
associated and his brethren OF Mt.
Nebo Lodge. Both organizations es-
corted the body to Elmwood Cemetery,
the pall-bearers being E. Rush Tur-
ner and H. G. Marten, of the Masonic
Lodge, ]. NJ. Hendricks and W. n.
Lemen, representing the Veterans,
and G. T. Hodges and NJ. B. Baker
bushes. men with whom he had been
associated in this town for many years
The impressive burial ritual of the
Masons was conducted at his grave,
and after the grand honors had been
paid him as last tribute by those
who had known him and loved him,
his body was laid to rest in the bosom
of the dear old Valley that he loved
so well. The floral tributes that COW
cred his coffin and grave were superb