Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1904-02-27

Esr. William I. Stewart, for many
wars one of the most prominent ana
widely-known residents of Berkeley
county. and q wealthy and influential
banker and farmer, died at his home IN
shis CITY Monday about o'clock D. M
after an illness which has extended
over period of about two years.
Mr.. Stewart has been confined TO ms
home for almost the entire PERIOD OF
his last illness. and for several months
has been in helpless and serious con-
dition. But with a splendid consti-
tuition and courage he has tonight on
death. surviving when it appeared
that the spark of life had been COM
pletely qnenched, and rallying 10 q
point where it seemed that there vet
remained hope of his living for years
A few days ago, however, his III
ness reached an acute stage, and when
he suffered q stroke OF paralysis it
was apparent that the end was very
near. Monday he grew gradually
weaker, and the end came peacefully
after the long struggle. Mr.. Stewart
sinking into his last sleep during the
early hours of the night.
Mr.. Stewart was aged 63 years and
10 days. He is survived by his wife
aud three children--J. William Stew
art. Robert II. Stewart and Miss
Belle Stewart-and sisters, Mrs. James
Strong, of Inwood, aud Mrs. John E.
Bovd, of Martinsburg. The funeral
was held Thursday afternoon at 3
o'clock, the services was conducted
at his late residence by DR.. e. M.
Woods, pastor of the PRESBYTERIAN
church. The remains was inferred in
Green Hill cemetery.
SKETCH OF HIS LIFE.
Mr. Stewart was born near Gerards'
town, this county. being son Of the
late Col. John William Stewart and a
member of one of the Oldest families
in this section of West Virginia. At
the age of years he removed to Mar
tinsbnrg with his parents and has re-
sided continuously at Aspen Hall I'M
til few months ago when the family
moved to their present home on
North King street. Mr., Stewards
education was obtained at private
schools here and at Romney, w. Va.
After attaining TO mans estate he was
active in the management of his faith
er's large property. and later in life
became a stockholder and director in
the Cumberland Valley railroad and
the Old National rank. He also re-
tanned the active management of his
farming lands, keeping in close touch
with his rural interests until his III
health compelled him to abandon all
aotive life.
About 1887 Mr.. Stewart succeeded
the late John M. Abel as president OF
the Old National bank, a position he
held until a little more than a year
ago, and which he was compelled to
relinqnish because Of bis failing
health, his nephew, Mr.. II. II. EN-
inert, succeeding him. He was re-
sarded as progressive banker and
nam of affairs, and aided materially
in the progress OF both city and
county.
Mr.. Stewart married Miss Amelia
Emmert, daughter OF the late Samuel
Emmert, of Washington county, Md. /,
and sister of Mr. Frank S. Emmert,
of this city.
He was lifelong democrat, but al
though prominent in his party in the
county, never sought Office The last
years of his life have been spent
quietly at his home, his i'll health
rendering seclusion and abandonment
OF all business pursuits necessary.
JOHN W. CHRISWELL DEAD.
Mr.. John W. Chriswell. for nearly
40 years past travelling salesman for
various Baltimore wholesale houses.
and perhaps one of the most widely
known commercial travellers in this
section OF the country, died very sud-
denlv Monday evening in his apart
mcnts at the Valley hoSel. after an ILL.,
ness of only few DAYS.
Mr.. Chriswell had made his home
at the VALLEY house since his retire
ment from active business life the first
of this year, and until few DAYS ago
was apparently in his usual good
health, which seemed better than that
enjoyed by most men Of his advanced
years Several days ago he commenced
to suffer with pains in his lower
limbs, which confined him to the
house under the care of his physician.
He was also cared for by membe of