Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1920-09-23
CROSSING THE DARK RIVER.

Judge Elisha Boyd Faulkner, one of
MarfinSburg'S most distinguished
citizens during the past half century,
passed away at his home in that place
last Saturday at midnight. He had
been Ill for week, and pneumonia
having set in, the end quickly came.
He WAS in the S0th year of his age,
having been born near Martinsburg
July "a. lS4l. His parents were
Charles James and Mary w. (Boyil
Faulkner. His distinguished father
VAS noted public man, who served his
country as minister 10 France and rep
resented his district in Congress.
Young Faulkner was a student at the
old Winchester Academy, Georgetown
Oollege and the University of Virginia,
making the law his profession, and
studied also in Paris, where he was at
tached to the American legation. When
the Civil War broke out he entered the
confederate army as member Of
Wisc's Artillery, later joining the
famous Rockbridge Artillery. He was
appointed member OF the staff Of
Governor Letcher, and was made a
captain in the provisional army Of the
Confederacy. He was captured at the
battle of Piedmont in June, 1864, at
the time General w. r. Jones was
killed, and was kept prisoner for q
year on Johnson's Island. He was
slightly wounded by a bursting shell
at the first battle OF Manassas. After
the war, being unable 10 practice his
profession in West Virginia on account
of the obnoxious test oath law. he went
TO Kentucky. where he lived from 1867
TO 1872. He there married Miss Susan
Campbell, of Hopkinsville, on Febru-
ary IL, 1868. In 1872, the test oath
measure having been repealed, he re-
turned TO West Virginia, where he re-
sumed the practice of law. In r.rant-
ing him his license To practice his
profession, Judge Balch added these
words M the certificate: "He is man
of honest demeanor, unless the fact
that he has been an officcr in the Rebel
Army may be regarded as affecting his
demeanor." He was elected TO the
House of Delegates of the West Vir-
ginia Legislature in 1876, and two
years later was sent to the State SEN
ate. He was a candidate for the DEM
Gcratic nomination for Governor Of
West Virginia in 1884, and was defeat
ed at the Wheeling convention by a
very close vote. He had a large and
lucrative law practice, being counsel for
several railroads and other CORPORA
tions. Upon the death Of Judge Duck
wall he was appointed Judge Of the cir
cult composed of Jefferson, Berkeley
and Morgan counties, and was elected
for the ensuing three terms. having
served as Judge FOR Fl years in all
He retired from the bench in 1912, and
since that time had lived quietly at his
home in Martinsburg, engaging in on
ly such practice as appealed to him and
for which he had time and inclination
He had accumulated a large fortune
He is survived by daughter. Miss
Mary Buckner Faulkner; a brother
former Senator Charles James fIulk-
ner; and a sister, Mrs. May 3. Camp
bell, of Kentucky. The funeral SER
vice, which was a very simple one.
was held at his late home Tuesday af-
ternoon. and was attended by many
prominent persons, including a num-
Der from Jefferson county. The ser
vice was conducted by Rev. w. G. Tay-
lor, Of the Baptist Church, and the body
was laid to rest in old Norbourn Gem
etery.
JudgeFaulkner was a gentleman and
scholar who exemplified in his life
the finest traditions OF the South.
Courteous and gracious, yet dignihed
and always commanding respect, he
had many sincere friends all through
his life who esteemed him for his fine
qualities OF mind and heart He was
an upright Judge, an exemplary citizen
and cultured and pubic-spirited
member of the community in which he
lived. His life was long and useful
and honorable one, and his memory
will be cherished bv those who were
privileged to have him as friend.
Mrs. II. J. Benner, former resident
of Jefferson county, died last Friday at
her home near Jordan Springs She
was 63 years old. She was formerly
Miss Lucy B. Grantham, daughter OF
the late John B. Grantham, of Jeffer-
son county. Surviving, in addition to
her husband, are four sons and six
daughters.
Anthony Busey, Of Harper's Ferry.
the Oldest resident of Jefferson county,
died last week at the county infirmary.
in the 9th year of his age. He was
native OF Prussia. He came to this
country in 1853 and settled in Bolivar.
and was for number Of years en-
ployed on the b. & o. Railroad.