Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1903-12-05
HIS LIFE WORK Is ENDED.
John Howard Gettinger Succumbs
After a lingering Illness.
LIVED NEARLY FoUR-sCORE
And Passed Away at Ripe Age TO That
Bourn From Which No Traveller
Rslufns.

Returns.
Mr.. John Howard Gettinger. an aged
resident of this city and for many
years prominent figure in political
and business circles here. died at his
home, No. SOB West Burke street, yes
terday afternoon, after an illness that
has covered period of about a year.
Although Mr.. GettinQer had been in
extremely critical condition for ssveal
DAYS, with absolutely no hope OF his
rallying for even brief period, yet
his death was not expected outside OF
the immediate circle of his family.
and came as surprise Go his many
friends and &C luaintances throughout
the city and county.
Mr.. Gettinger was aged n wears,
lacking one week. The cause OF his
death was rheumatic govt, coupled
with troubles of the stomach. He
had been a great ssufferer for years,
although his malsdy did not reach an
acute stage until a few months ago.
He is survived by his wife and three
brothers aud two sister. Mr.. q. james
Gettinger, Mr.. Edward A. Gettinger.
MISS Annie Gettinger, aud Miss
Nellie Gettinger. all of Frederick. Nd.
The funeral services occurred on
Wednesday morning at s. 30, mass being
said at st. .Taseph's Catholic church,
o. which ne was. member. In the
absence Of Rev. Father Donohoe the
services was conducted By Father
McKeefry, of Winchester. The re-
mains was taken TO Frederick
county. Md, and ioterred in st Jo-
seph's cemetery, at Carroll manor.
SKETCH OF HIS LIFE.
John Howard Gettinger was ma
tive of Frederick, Md, having been
born there in 1926. He was educated
at Sc. Johns Catholic school,. in that
place. He eutered business in that
town in la48, andsin 1857 came to Mar
tinsburg TO open branch of his Fred
erick establishment. Since that time
he HIS been resident of this eitT.
He conducted boot and shoe store
here until after the outbreak of the
Civil war. During that struggle he
served the Confederacy in the treas
ury department at Richmond, and at
the close of hostilities returned to Mar
IL.
partnership with Mr.. Il. Nj. Hoke,
under the firm name of Gattinger d
Hoke After several wears of success
the firm was dissolved. and Mr.. Get
finger then entered partnership with
Mr.. f. w. Doll, the firm being f. w.
Doll g. 90.
He had been director of the Mer-
chants 81 Farmers bank iof this city
since its organization and during his
business life amassed competency
Mr.. Gettinger had been active in
political life for some years. being a
staunch democrat. In 1884 his party
honored him by electing hima mem
Der of tire West Virginia house of re-
representatives., and in 1886 he was
nominated and elected a state senator
from this district. He served with
distinction during both terms, and
Was ons of the democrats who elected
Mr.. Charles j. Faulkner, of this city,
to his first term in tine United State s
senate.
About ~ wears ago Mr.. Gettinger
retired from active business pursuits,
after successful career, and has
since lived quietly at his home. He
was twice married. his first wife be-
ing Miss Hattis Jarboe. of Frederick.
One child was born but died some
wears ago. After the death of his
first wife, ne married Miss Maria l..
Jarboe. of Frederick. who survives
him.
He was widely known throughout
this and neighboring counties. and
had host of friends who admired
him for his Sterling qualities as cit
izen and a man. His death has oc-
casioned widespread regret.