Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1908-05-15
A Memoir

Monterey. Va. on the 2Sth day of
April, 1908, the undersigned were
appointed committee to prepare a
memorial on the death Of orr late
comrade and Camp Commander,
the lamented Capt. j. z. Matthew,
deceased, and in compliance with
the command Of the Camp, have
prepared for publication the fol-.
lowing paper:
Whereas. by the dispensation of
the All.wise and Merciful Heaven
" Father, whose inevitable sum.
mons, sooner or later comes TO us
all, and to which all should rever-
emily and submissivelY bow, a be-
loved and honored member OF this
Camp, it's worthy and esteemed
commander, since its organization,
on the Goth day Of June, 1894. has
been, regretfully to us, his surviv-
ing comrades, his loved ones, and a
wide circle Of friends and acquaint-
ances. on the 9th of April, 1908,
aged 70 years last February, was
called from time to eternitv, to en-
ter into that rest that remaineth to
the people Of God, to become an in
habitant Of the prepared mansion
for the prepared people; therefore
Resolved 1st, That while hdmbly
and with distressed, but resigned
hearts, accepting this deeply affict.
ing fiat Of the Almighty Father,
whom we recognize, whatever may
betide, "as too wise to err and too
good to be unkind." we vet feel
impelled as soyeign duty, and a
memorial of affection to give utter
ance, however feeble, to he pain
fulness of the stroke that has sey-
cred the earthly ties of the tender
friendship and brotherly love that
existed between the deceased and
ourselves, binding our hearts to-
gether in close and inseparable
union.
And further also as most emf
nently deserving tribute, to allude
to and speak with no uncertain
sound, or equivocal meaning, OF the
virtuous and honorable life OF the
departed, his quiet unobtrusive,
gentle and refined feelings and
manners, his patient and uncom-
planning endurance Of physical SUIT
fering, his kind, accommodating
and sympathetic nature, his deyo-
ton and strict attention, and per-
Torrance of duty, however and
whenever imposed. his clear con-
ception and advocacy Of the right,
at whateyer cost, his Invaluable
skill and reliability, and systematic
performance Of the duties of Clerk
of the Courts of his native county,
which Offices he has filled most ac-
ceptably to the citizens of the coun-
ty, since 1853, with but few inter-
ruptions, but the browning excel
lence, for the last thirty four years
Of his life was his unas' umlng
christian character.
Resolved I'd. That in the death
of our departed comrade and broth
er, the community has lost a loyal.
upright and useful citizen, the
church worthy and consistent
member; his family, to whom our
hearts 90 out in profound sympa-
thy, a devoted, loving, earthly stay
and guide; and Masonry member
whose untarnished life was ever a
credit to that noble and time hon
ored order, according to whose
beautiful and impressive burial ser
vice he was laid to rest.
Resolved 3rd, That our Camp
has lost, by his death, our esteemed
comrade and Commander. The
Committee can testify to his cool
ness, good judgement, bravery
and his uniform kindness, and
gentlemanly department toward
all members Of his Company, all OF
the Committee having been men,
bers of the 31st Va. Volunteer in
fantry, from the beginning to the
and Of the war of 1875.
lie was Captain of 20. E. Of
said Regiment from the spring OF
1862 to the close of the war. He
showed his good qualities as a gen
tleman soldier, then being a pri-
vate, in the Philip and Laurel
Hill retreat, the action with Gener-
al Milroy's forces at Camp Barlow;
the expedition to the top OF Cheat
Mountain, to the rear of Milroy's
fortified camp, ON the white
place." known as the "Col. Rust
Expeditions" the battle of ALLIE
ghany Mountain, on the 18th day
Of Decem Der, 1851, when the Fed
eral forces on top of Cheat Noun
tain, commanded by General Mil.
row, attempted to surround and
capture the Confederate forces
commanded by General Richard
Johnson, in which bloody action
Co. E, be being the I'd Lieutenant,
with the other companies of the
31st Va. Reg't took conspicuous
part, Lieut.. Matheny showed his
good Judgement, GOODNESS and bray-
ery. The Federal forces failed to
surprise and capture our camp and