Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1919-01-09
WALTER McGARRY DUKE.

After an illness of about two weeks,
in which he steadily grew worse despite
the utmost effort of his physicians, Prof.
Walter McGarry Duke, assistant prin-
cipal of Shepherd College State Normal
School, died at his home in Shepherds
town about six o'clock Wednesday
morning of last week. His death was
caused blythe influenza, which brought
on a complication of the kidneys. AL
though he was very sick from the time
he took to his bed, and the symptoms
steadily grew more unfavorable, his
friends continued to hope and pray that
there might be turn for the better
Wednesday morning when the sad news
that he had passed away became known.
our entire community was grieved, and
universal expressions OF sorrow were
uttered. Prof. Duke was thorough
ly good man, filling a useful and honor
able place in the school and in our COM
munity life, and he will be sadly missed
AS assistant principal and teacher of
modern languages in Shepherd College
be was earnest and conscientious in his
work, and his faithfulness to his duties
his undivided interest in the welfare
of the school and his solicitude for the
highest good of the students gave him
an influence that will long be felt.
Gentle of manner and speech, kind
hearted and conSiderate always, he was
incapable Of injustice or harshness, AMI
the pupils who came under his authority
can cherish only the most pleasant
remembrance of him. His life work
as a teacher has been cut short, but
the good influence he exerted remains.
AS citizen of our town Prof. Duke
was genuinely respected, for his ex-
emplary Christian life was known Of all
men. He never shirked any publ,
duty, and in the various community ac-
tivities he did his full share faithfully
and efficiently In his home he was g
model husband and father, and his de-
votion to his family was noble al
tribute of his character. He was an
elder of the Presbyterian Church and
superintendent of the Sunday school,
and his life was in all respects consist
ent with the religion he protested.
Mr.. Duke was born on the old Duke
home farm near Bakerton, this county
on October %, 1875, and he was in H.
45th year when he died. lie was edu-
caed at Shepherd College and the
West Virginia University, graduain
from Shepherd College in 1896 q
from the University in 1901, having
taught for one year in the meantime.
He also took considerable work at Gu
lumbia University later, pursuing his
chosen studies, the modern languages
He was principal of the high school AZ
Hedgesvile for some years, and while
living there married Miss Florence
Jacques, of that place. He was ap-
pointed a teacher in Shepherd College
later on, and moved to this place, where
he resided until his death. During
his residence in Shephefdstown ouI
people grew to love and esteem him toi
his sterling worth and his genuinely
good character, and he will long be re-
membered with respect and affection
He was a member of Mt. Nebo Lodge CT
MasonS of this place, AMI the night he
was taken sick he was elected Worship
full Master of the Lodge. He did noi
live to take the chair in the East, Prof
Duke is survived by HIS wife and three
young children: Evelyn, Robert and
Julia, the two latter being i'll with the
influenza the past week; also his
mother, Mrs. Mary H. Duke, and three
brothers: J. William Duke, Of Musko-
gee, Oklahoma; Robert N. Duke, of
Philadelphia; and Leslie Duke, of Har-
per's. Ferry.
A brief but impressive funeral SER
vice was held at his late home last Fri
day by his pastor, Rev. Dr.. Charles
Chiselin, assisted by Rev. J. Z. Sjler.
Escorted by the members of Mt. Nebo
Lodge, the body was then taken to
Hedgesville, where it was buried with
full Masonic honors.