Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1913-07-24

w. N. LEMEN.
Mr.. Lemen was a member OF one OF
the old families Of this section, his an
cestors having come into the Shenandoah
Valley as early as 1854. They were
merchants, millers, farmers and fruit
growers. Mr.. Lemen was son OF Will
loughby N. Lemen and his wife, Esther
Billmyer. He was born 6S years ago in
the dwelling on the Stone House farm at
Bilmyer's Mill, which farl he owned at
the time of his death OF the family OF
six children he was the last survivor.
His wife was Sallie Billmyer, daughter
| of the late David Billmyer, to whom he
was married in 1878 and who died in 1882.
Surviving him is one son, David Lemen.
Mr.. Lemen entered the service OF the
Confederate army at the breaking out of
the Civil War in 1861, enliSting as amem-
Der OF Company F, First Virginia Cavalry,
the late Captain M. J. Billmyer command
ing the company and the late Colonel
VIM. A. Morgan commanding the regi-
ment Although but boy OF sixteen, ne
was brave and cool-headed soldier, and
was later promoted TO be lieutenant his
company. His courage and fidelity TO
duty gained for him the respect and ad-
miration of his comrades, and throughout
the long struggle he was an inspiration to
his fellow soldiers. AS member OF the
famous cavalry of the Army OF Northern
Virginia commanded by Gen. ]. E. B..
Stuart he saw severe service, and was in
the thick of the fight from First Manassas
| to Appomattox. Among the daring ex-
PLOTS in which he participated was Stu
arts raid on ChamberSburg and the ia
nous raid around McClellan's army on
the peninsula below Richmond, when
Stuart and his men were in the saddle
for five days and nights. One OF his
comrades in speaking OF him as caval-
ryman said that Lieutenant Lemen some
how always managed to have a good
horse. Mr.. Lemen participated in the
first battle of Manassas, and it is a COIN
cidence that he was laid in his final rest
| iag-place on the fifty-second anniversary
of that engagement.
After the war Mr.. Lemen went TO
school at Berryville, Va, where he pre-
pared himself for college. He entered
Hampden- Sidney University, from which
he graduated after completing the course
| in civil engineering. He was for several
years engaged with the Baltimore & Ohio
Railroad, and he assisted in the con-
struction of its lines through Ohio and
Indiana. Although he was rapidly adj
vancing in his profession, he gave up
railroad work and returned TO his home
here at the solicitation of his aged father.
He engaged in farming for number OF
wears, and then came to Shepherdstown,
where he engaged in the grain and coal
business. He built an elevator along the
tracks of the Shenandoah Valley Rail-
road, and for many years proSpered in
this business, having the fullest conf
dence OF the people of the community.
| Of late years his son, David Lemen, has
been associated with him in this business.
| Mr.. Lemen was publicspirited man
| and most useful citizen OF The commu-
nity. Always interested in town affairs,
he never shirked his part, but was ready
and willing TO do what was required OF
him, and his ability was such as to enable
him to be OF great service. For twenty
wears he has been president OF the Jef-
ferson Security Bank, which owes much
OF its present prosperity TO his wise ad-
ministration. For long time he was
secretary treasurer OF Elmwood Gene
terry Association; he had been treasurer
of the Rumseyan Society since IFS organ
| ization; for number OF years he was
connected in an official capacity with
Shepherd College, and had also served
as a member of the town council. In
deed, few men have been as generally
useful and helpful as he, and his wisdom
and integrity and generosity have meant
much to our community.
Mr.. Lemen was consistent member
of the Presbyterian Church for many
years. He united with the church while
student at Hampden-Sidney University,
and when he made his home ip Shep-
herdstown he transferred his membership
to. the church here. For thirty-seven
wears he was an official member OF the
church, and was superintendent OF the
Sunday school for sixteen years. He
was consistent Christian man, devoted
to his church, and was always liberal asd
generous in his support CT all its enter
prises. He will be greatly missed from
the church. Mr.. Lemen's life in the COM
munity was more than ordinarily useful
and exemplary one. In his business he
has exerted a remarkable influence upon
our people. He was enterprising but
conservative; and the fact that he set
honor above gain, and valued his integri-
nv more than increase, gave tone to the