Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1926-02-03
CHARLES e. WILLIAMS DIES IN
MARTiNSBURG.


Friends were deeply shocked early
Monday evening to learn that Attor-
ney Charles + Williams had been
found dead in the bath room at his
apartments on the second floor Of
the Wiltshire Building. in Martins
burg. He succumbed TO a stroke of
apoplexy. Although he had been in
disposed for week or more, Il was
not thought by friends and associates
that Mr.. Williams physical condi-
ton was such as to indicate so sud-
den and unexpected termination.
Mr.. Williams was born about 43
years ago in the vicinity of Shenan-
doah junction, this county, the son
of Mrs. Emma Williams, now Of
! Washington, and the late S. l. Will
liams, a former prominent business
man of Charles Town, and for years
the first president of Farmers and
Merchants Deposit Company, at this
place. MIR. Williams secured his de-
gree Of Master of Arts from RAN
dolph-Macon College. afterwards be
ing made Bachelor Of Laws at the
University of virginia, being gradu-
ated from the law school of that in
stitution in. 1905. He went to Mar
tinsburg about the same time and
entered upon the practice of his pro-
fession there. During the first years
of his life there. Mr.. Williams and
Attorney G M. Seibert occupied the
same law Offices. At times he was
similarly associated with Assist.
Prosecuting Attorney C N. Camp
bell, Judge ID. II Rodgers and others.
Some years ago he was made divorce
commissioner of the Berkeley Cir
cult Court. but of late years his at
tention had been almost exclusively
demanded by his large orchard and
property inteests. He has been in
strumental in opening up consid-
cradle portion Of the newer sections
Of Martinsburg. organizing and
developing the Swastika, Tetine, Hill
Crest. Airley Heights, Windewald
and other additions. being very sue
cessful in these undertakings The
deceased had keen business mind
and was Of a jovial nature. with
hearty, enveloping laugh; man of
handsome and striking physique.
GRANGE MEETING AT SHENAN-
DOAH JUNCTION FEB.
Woodlawn Grange will hold an
open meeting Saturday, February 6.
at the school house at Shenandoah
Junction TO which all interested far
mers are invited. From IL a. m to
p. m. Bring your dinner and enjoy
a day with us.
OVERCOME BY GAS.
Mr.. and Mrs. j. William Russell,
the latter the son Of Mrs. Maggie
RUSSELL Of East Libety street, were
made almost fatally i'll at their home
at Point Comfort, near Clarksburg,
Tuesday morning, January 26, when
gas from house he alter escaped into
their bedroom while they were
asleep. They were unconscious when
another member of the household
went to their room to awake them.
A physician labored with them near
ly an hour to restore them to con-
seriousness. Both are now greatly
improved, and it is believed will en-
tirely recover.
MRS. HARRIoT B. SIMMONS DIES
Mrs. Harriet Simmons, widow of
the late DR.. j. w. Simmons, died at
her home in Charles Town early
Thursday morning, after long ill
ness, at the age Of Sc years. Mrs.
Simmons was daughter Of the late
Alexander Neil, in ante-bellum days.
a widely known lawyer Of Hagers-
town, Md. and was the oldest sister
of the late DR.. William Neill, Of
Charles Town. She was the last Of
her generation of the family. One
daughter, Mrs. Charles e. Baylor, of
Charles Town, and one son, Mr. YER
non N. Simmons, Of Hagerstown,
Funeral services were held
On Saturday afternoon in Zion Epis-
copal Church. conducted by the Rec
,or. Rev. Conrad H Goodwin and
Rev. A B Mitchell. Interment be-
tide her husband in Zion graveyard.
ROLFE GERHARDT DIES SUD-
DENLY.
The sudden death of Mr.. Rofe
5erhardt at his home. Vinton Manor,
wo miles south Of Charles Town, at
room on Thursday, caused profound
sorrow among his friends, many of
whom did not know Of his Illness.
Although in frail health for several
months. Mr.. Gerhardt was uncom-
and few realized how SER
Gus was the malady that afflicted
lin. Heart trouble was the direct
ause of his death. Twenty-four
tours before the end, Mr.. Gerhardt
conscious that his condition was pre-
arious. adjusted his business affairs
n preparation for the final sum-
mons Mr. Gerhardt was native Of
and was SO years Of
ge. In the early years of his busi-
Tess career. he was interested in the
lumber development of southern
Vest Virginia, where he attained
uccess. Coming to Jefferson coun-
v soon after his marriage to Miss
Della Manning. daughter of Mrs.
aura and the late Francis J. Man
ing. of near Charles Town. he came
ere to make his home. All through
he twenty or more years of his resi-
ence here Mr. Gerhardt was closely
Identified with the community. and
ecame greatly esteemed by our
eople. He was Mason of high
landing. being Knight -Templar