Obituary of Jacob Bierly - Botetourt Co. VA


In Memoriam----Jacob Bierly

Jacob Bierly was born near Springwood, Virginia, October 16,1846.  he was the son of David and 
Mary Bierly,(nee Young}  His early life was spent on his father's farm.  When the Civil War cloud 
hung over the Southland, he answered the call of his state and entered the service of the 
Confederacy.  He was detailed to help on the coaling grounds near the iron furnace on the 
Catawba.
     On October 29,1873, he was married to Martha A. Brewbaker, a daughter of Issac and 
Elizabeth Brewbaker.  To them one son was bore, Chas. W. Bierly.  His wife died May 25,1876.
     He was married the second time to Virginia H. Linkenhoker, daughter of Samuel Linkenhoker, 
in March 1879.  His second wife died March, 1907.  He was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran 
Church, having professed faith in Jesus as his Saviour during the pastorate of Rev. Peter 
Shickle in 1864.  He was elected a member of St. Mark's Church Council in 1875 and remained an 
officer of the congregation until his death, a period of fifty-three years.  He was a trustee 
of four different churches, St. Mark's at Springwood, Mt. Moriah on Lapsley's Run, Copps, 
Springwood, and St. Jacob's Lutheran Church on the Catawba.
     He was always deeply interested in the work of his church and took and active part and was 
always found in his place until four years ago when because of failing health he could not get 
to church.  His home was always open to his pastor and friends and many can testify to his 
generosity in helping those in need in his community.  With the rugged manhood which 
characterized the men of his day he faced the problems squarely that came before him.  Living 
in the reconstruction days of the Southland he did his part to buld anew the fortunes of his 
county and community.
     After an illness of several weeks, he passed away April 6,1928, at the age of 81 years, 5 
months, and 20 days. He was buried at Wheatland Lutheran Church the following day.  Services 
were held by his pastor, Rev. E. B. Smith, and the funeral sermon was by his request, preached 
by his former pastor, Rev. J. D. Utt.---Rev. 14: 13.
     His life's work is done, he has passed into the presence of his Lord.  We shall always 
remember his kindly face and cheerful words.  He will be remembered as one of the pioneer 
spirits in the community and in the church.  Let him sleep under the blue skies of his native 
state, where the birds shall sing their sweetest songs, and flowers shall bloom and shed their 
fragrance on his grave; there let his rest to await the call or his God.

{Note---A part of the data above is taken from the History of the Lutheran church in Botetourt 
county, by Rev. E.W. Leslie)                                                   J.D. U.
     

Submitted by Roselee Proctor <rosepro@bossig.com>

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