Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1914-04-23
DEATHS CALL COMES TO MANY.
George Alfred Townsend, George w.
Haines and Others Answer the
Final Summons.
Our eyes have seen the steps Of age
Halt feebly 10 the tomb.

George w. Haines, for many years ed
itor and publisher OF the Spirit OF Jeffer-
son at Charles Town, died at his home
in that place on Monday last, at the age
of 70 years. He had been in gradually
declining health for some time, and
week or two ago pneumonia set in, thus
causing other complications, and he soon
passed away. Mr.. Haines was a Con-
federate veteran, having served his ma
tive State faithfully during the Civil War,
both in the field and on special duty. Al
the breaking out OF the war he enlisted
as member OF Company A. Captain
Rowan commanding, which became a
part of the Second Virginia Regiment oil
the Stonewall Brigade. Later he was
assigned TO special duty at Staunton under
Captain Avis, provost marshal at that
point. The cause Of the Confederacy
was ever dear TO his heart, and though
he accepted the arbitrament OF arms, he
never ceased TO love the South and had
! a particular affection for the comrades
with whom he served during the great
struggle. As he grew older his mind
dwelt more strongly on the experiences
and incidents OF the days from '6l to 90.
Mr.. Haines had been for many years
publisher OF the Spirit of Jefferson, which
was established in 1874 by James w.
Beller. Dalgarn & Haines took charge
of the paper in 1869 July |, 1875, Mr..
Haines bought the paper and had been
its editor and proprietor ever since, his
son Clayton OF recent years assisting in
its management Mr.. Halnes was DEM
ocrat OF the old school, and his paper
was always firm supporter OF the party
principles. He was conservative in his
expressions, however, and we think no
one can say OF him that he had been I'M
fair or unjust TO any man. He was genial
and kind hearted, and had wide circle
of friends who will sorrow al his pass
ing. The funeral service was held yes
terday in the Presbyterian Church in
Charles Town, and the body was laid TO
rest in Edge Hill Cemetery. The service
was conducted by Rev. H. M. Mofiett,
his pastor. Many persons attended the
service, including a large number OF vet
Grams from the Jefferson County Camp OF
United Confederate Veterans.
George Alfred Townsend, the distn-
guiShed journalist and author, died IN
New York City last week at the home OF
his Son-in-law, E. F. Bonaventure, in
the 74th year OF his age. He had been
in declining health for the past three or
four years from kidney trouble and hard
ening of the arteries. Mr.. Townsend,
who was best known by his pen name OF
"Gath," was Tor half century famous
newspaper correspondent, and had also
written number of historical novels and
books OF verse. He was one of the most
brilliant men OF his generation, and his
knowledge OF men and events was eX-
traordinary. His wonderful memory, his
active brain and his finely trained mind
made him veritable encyclopedia OF in
formation, and there seemed to be no
subject which he was not qualified TO
intelligently discuss. He was warm
friend of the editor OF the Register, and
frequently visited him in ShepherdStown.
He was interested in the many interest
ing historical associations OF this section,
and found much pleasure in visiting the
colonial homes and the scenes made
famous by the early settlers and men
prominent in revolutionary times in our
county. One OF his finest poems was
written about the old Packhorse ford al
ShepherdStown, and another in blank
verse was OF General Charles Lee and
his life at LeetoWn, this county. During
Mr.. Townsend'S last visit to Shepherds
town he wrote pathetic little poem in
the editors home in the early hours OF a
summer morning. He was very fond OF
the people he knew in this place, and
inquired of them affectionately until the
last. Mr.. Townsend number OF years
ago built large and costly home at Gap
land, on the South Mountain, where he
spent his summers, but he has not oc-
cupied it for some time except at rare in
| teryalS.
George F. Callahan, former resident
OF Shepherdstown and son OF the late
Mr.. and Mrs. Thomas Callahan, died last
Thursday morning in Martinsburg at the
home of his son, Ferdinand Callahan,
aged 81 years. His death followed an
illness of about two weeks from COM
plcation of diseases. He was native
of Jefferson county, but had lived in Mar
tinSburg for the past eighteen or twenty
years, where he worked at his trade. that
of carpenter. Mr.. Callahan was d
genial and kind-hearted man, full OF ma
tive wit and homely philosophy, and had
many friends who will regret his death
He is survived by two sons, George T.
Callahan, of Washington, and Ferdinand
Callahan, OF MartinSburg; also four Sis
tiers: Mrs. w. A. Carr, OF Smithsburg
Md, Mrs. Frank Stanley, Mrs. Lee Banks
and Miss Bina Callahan, all of Shep-
herdstown. The funeral was held at the
home in MartinSburg on Saturday, inter
ment being in Green Hill Cemetery a
that place.
George S. Light. a well-known resi-
dent of Berkeley county, died at hi:
home in Martinsburg Monday night, aged
81 years. He had been i'll long time
from paralysis. He is survived by hi:
wife, four sons and five daughters.
| DIR. Lumsden's Talk on Sanitation.