Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1920-02-20

ana nlShly esteemed citizen OF
LcwisbulItstlicd suddenly at 2:15
O'Clock a. nj. on Friday, February
18th, 1920, ut his home on Main
street, L-ewisburg, aged 70 years
and II days. He had not been feel
ing we'll all winter but was on the
street the day before he died. Some
time after midnight his daughter,
Miss McNccl was called to his room
and she later calleda Mr.. Smith,
a iodgcr. Mr.. Handlcy was up sit
ting by the fire feeling badly and
complaining of indigestion. Miss
McNcel gave him something which
seemed to relieve him. He then
walked out on the porch TO sec the
falling snow, came back and, put
ting his arm on the mantcl-picce,
leaned his head against it few
seconds then resumed his seat,
leaned back resting his head against
the back of his chair and there,
Without a lnurmur, quietly and
peacefully breathed his last. What
comfort 10 his loved ones that he
passed away SO calmly and without
Il Shudder. They understood it for
they knew that he died in full hope
and belief of Il glorious immortali-
ty beyond the grave. How true
was the remark by one of our citi-
zcns who knew him when told John
E3andley was dead, "Hc is not dead,
he has gone home"
Mr.. Handley was born about q
mile North of Pickaway, in Monroe
County, on the 10th day Of January
1S41. When quite young-a boy in
his tecns-he came to Lcwisburg
and. took employment with his
brotfer-in-law, the late lamcnted
George Law, builder and contractor
who some years later took him in
as part,ner. The firm name
Law & Handley," was through
many years familiar to our people.
During the great war between
the States, 186l-'G5, Mr. Handley
served the South as a soldier in
the Greenbrier Calvary, Company
X. Of the 18th Virginia Regiment,
Jenkins, later McCausland's Brig
ade, Army of Northern Virginia.
He was with the Regiment slowly
falling back before Hunter when
moving on Lynchburg in the early
summer Of 1864 and later followed
the flag Of the Confederacy when
Gen. Early moved on Washington
in July Of the same year, continued
with Early in his Valley Campaign
of that year and went with his
regiment when transferred to
Beale's Brigade, Lees Army at
Petersburg in the winter of
1865 and continuing with il until
Gen. Lee with his army worn to
FRAGILE, yielded to the power of
overwhelming number at Apo
mattox. Returning after the sur
render, to his home in Lewisburg,
MIR. Handley took up anew the
duties and responsibilities of
citizen. Shortly after the close of
the war he married Miss Sarah
McNcel Beard, of Renick's Valley,
who proceeded him TO the world
beyond some years ago. He leaves
to mourn his death three daughters
Mrs. c. Z. Conner, Mrs. Aaron
George and Miss Mackie Handley
all of this county.
Sunday afternoon. despite the
cold weather, large crowd assem-
Died in the NJ. E. Church, South,
here. Of which he had long been
faithful member. to- pay the last
tribute of respect TO his memory.
His pastor, Iscv. Abaalom Knox,
assisted by Revs. w. II. Du Bose
and II. a. Murrill, in n few remarks,
paid appropriate tribute 10 the
character, loyalty and devotion Of
the deceased and at the conclusion
Gf the service the body was tender
~ laid 10 rest in the cemcry adj
iacent TO the Old Stone Church
here. 4 number of Mr.. Hand
lcv'S old comrades in the war
all that could be gotten in the COM
murily--sarvcd as honorary pail
bearers.
John A. Handley was a. good
man--loyal TO his friends, to the
South for which he fought, to his
country and to his Church. In his
daily walk and conversation he was.
above reproach. In his dealings
with his fellows he was frank
truthful, honest and manly. As a
citizen he discharged his duties,
respected and observed the law.
He was liberal in the support of
his Church, accepted her creed
with implicit faith and attended
her ordinances with zeal and rcau-
larity. Mr.. IIandley served many
years us steward Of his church.
was many times elected a member
Of The town council and served
three terms a Commander OF Camp
Crcigh, in which he ever main
fsincd a lively interest. In his
death Lcwisburg loses valuable
citizen whose memory will be kept
green in Tie hearts Of her people