Miscellaneous obituaries - Rockingham Co., VA ------------------------------------------------------------------- File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Harriet Welch hwelch@rica.net USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material AND permission is obtained from the CONTRIBUTOR of the file. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or other presentation. -------------------------------------------------------------------- These obituaries were newspaper clippings found in the back of a very old bible. ************************************************************** DEATH OF CHARLES W. MICHAEL A correspondent at Good's Mill furnishes us an account of the death this young man, which occured at Basic City on the 11th last. the deceased was the son of Wm. H. Michael, of Good's Mill, and was in his twentieth year. He had been ill only ten days. The young man was extremely popular in the community in which he lived, and his death has cast a veil of sorrow over the entire community. He was intellectually bright, and faithful in the discharge of every business or social obligation that devolved upon him. Few die so young and leave behind them the memory of a life so useful and so adorned with noble traits. ------------------------------------------------------------- CHAS. H. SPADER SUCCUMBS AT 82 Charles Home Spader, 82, a native of Mt. Crawford, a former resident of the Pleasant Valley community, and a beloved resident of Bridgewater, died Thursday morning at four-thirty at the West View Nursing Home at Dayton. Mr. Spader, who had been in declining health for the past then years, had been bedfast and a patient at the nursing home for two years. News of his death brought sorrow wo this many friends and acquaintances, who knew him as a kind, friendly and humble person. A son of the late John and Mrs. Sarah Pence Spader, he was born at Mt. Crawford on January 12, 1874. Spending the majority of his life int he community of his birth and in the Pleasant Valley section, Mr. Spader had resided in Bridgewater since 1947. Mr. Spader who was engaged in farming until his retirement in 1947, had taken much pride in the raising of beautiful horses and cattle Surviving are, a sister-in-law, Mrs. J.H. Spader, of Penn Laird, a brother-in-law, Clifford W. Young, of Mt. Sidney; four neices, Mrs. Boyd (Katherine) Glick, Penn Laird; Mrs. Him (Lois) Ashby, Ft. Defiance; Mrs. Ernest (Pauline) Emmer, Baltimore, and Mrs. Francis (Eloise) Hogge, Washington, and a number of great neices and great nephews. Three sisters, Miss Annie Spader, Mrs. Bertie Young and Miss Ollie Spader preceded him in death, as well as a brother, Jacob Howard Spader. Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at two o'clock from the St. Jacobs (Spaders) Lutheran Church, of which he was a member. The Rev. Hensil B. Arehart will have charge of the services assisted by the Rev. W. H. Ramkey. Burial will bein the adjacent cemetery. Active pallbearers will be: Marion I. Eberly, John L. Kaylor, Bill Sandy, Roger Lam, Walter J. Early, and Harry F. Keller. Honorary pallbearers will be: R.D. Rhomes, Sr., T.G. Sandy, Fred R. Shank, George T. Kiser, Frank B. Wise. The body is now at the Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburt where relatives and active pallbearers will meet, Saturday afternoon at one-twenty-five. A brief service will be held at the funeral chapel prior to leaving for the ......(remainder of article missing) ------------------------------------------------------------- MRS. JAOCOB SPADER Mrs. Josephine Rogers Spader, 80, widow of Jacob Howard Spader and a former resident of Bridgewater and Centerville died Wednesday afternoon at Rockingham Memorial Hospital. Mr.s Spader, who made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Boyd H. Glick at Penn Laird, had been in failing health for several years and was admitted to the hospital Tuesday morning. She was born March 2, 1885 near Front Royal and was the daughter of the late Grannison and Elizabeth Mazingo Rogers. She was reared at Mr. Crawford by the late Dr. and Mrs. Harry Lee Rogers. On Jan. 14, 1909 she married Jacob Howard Spader, who died Oct. 10, 1928. Besides her daughter, Mrs. Glick of Penn Laird, she is survived by a sister, Mrs. Nick Wheitfer of Milwaukee, Wis. She was a member of Massanutten Cross Roads Presbyterian Church. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday at the chapel of Lindsey Harrisonburg Funeral Home by the Rev. Paul Shiflet. Burial will bein the St. Jacobs (Spaders) Lutheran Church Cemetery. The body is at Lindsey Funeral Home where the family will receive freinds from 7:30-8:30 tonight. Relatives will meet at the funeral chapel at 10:45 Friday morning. -------------------------------------------------------- Tuesday, Oct. 2. Mr. James Asher Leavel, son of Mr. James W. and Mrs. Ottie Leavel, was born November 5th, 1878; died Sept. 28th, 1900, aged 21 years, 10 months and 23 days; entered the Kingdom of Grace Sept. 14th, and was received into church felowship Sept. 16th 1899, by Rev. J. Harry Smith, of Port Republic. The above is a brief history of one of the most popular young man of the Rockland vicinity. Three weeks previous to his death Mr. Leavel took to his bed, having contracted typhoid fever. he expressed the belief that he would not get well. Hope lingered in his parents' hearts, and everything was done to comfort him; a trained nurse was employed who did her best for him, but alas, the Master wanted him for a tenant of the heavenly home. His remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at Friedens church on Sunday, the service being held at 11 o'clock, and conducted by his pastor, Reve. Mr. Smith. The Union Cornet Bank, of Mill Creek, of which the deceased was a leading emeber, escorted the remains in full uniform of blue cloth with gilt braid. Eight of them preceded the casket, bearing a pillow of white tube roses and six others carried the coffin, which contained a number of beautifuol pieces of various designs. One of the larges assemblies ever seen at the church was present to pay tribute to his memory. The minister, after a brief by expresssive introduction, used the words of Matt. x : 29,30, for his text:"Are not two sparrow sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered." Universal Divine Providence was the preacher's theme, and most tenderly did he show how God ruleth all things for our good. As the cortege marched up the aisle, the choir sang the appropriate song, "Death is only a Dream," followed by, "Asleep in Jesus," also, "Shall we meet beyond the river?" and as the grave was being filled, "Nearer my God to thee" was given, while the expression of sorrow from the large company testified to the esteem in which the departed was held. He is survived by his parents and five brothers who keenly feel his absence, as he was an affectional son and brother, and always ready to assist them when in need. ---------------------------------------------------------- DEATH OF WM. H. WINE. For the Register. Mr. Wm. H. Wine was born in Shenandoah county, Va., Jan. 21st, 1854, and died at his home at North River, Va., March 7th, 1903, aged 49 years, 1 month, and 16 days. In his death the community has sustained an irreparable loss. It has been said a number of times, that no other man of the community would have been missed as Mr. Wine will be, had he been removed. He never turned a deaf ear to an appeal for help from the poor and destitute, but was kind, and as some expressed it, "generous to a fault," if that were possible. He was also a man of large enterprise, and added largely to the prosperity of the community in which he lived. He was the very embodiment of honesty and uprightness. As one who lived by his side for many years said, "He was utterly incapable of anything that was not strictly honest and of the purest integrity." On the 28th of November 1897, he united with the Friedens Lutheran congregation, and since that time has taken an active interest in everything that pertained to the welfare of the church and her institutions. His seat was seldom vacant when at all able to attend the Courts of the Lord. He will be sadly missed by the church. But what shall we say of the void in his dear family, of four sons and two daughters, who are now bereft of both father and mother. Less than three years ago the mother died in Baltimore, whither she had gone for treatment, and since that time the devoted daughters have striven heroically to supply a mother's place in the home, and in a most praiseworthy manner have they succeeded. But now the head has been removed, and we can but hope and pray that his worthy mantle may fall upon his dear sons, and that they may heroically bear the heavy load thus imposed on them. On Monday morning his body was gently laid by the side of his wife in the Mr. Crawford cemetery to await the first resurrection at the last day. The funeral services were conducted by his pastor, Rev. W.B. Oney, in Mt. Crawford Reformed church. S.T. ----------------------------------------------- Mr. William H. Wine, the well known and popular depot agent at Mt. Crawford station, departed this life on Saturday last in the fiftieth year of his age. For a number of months he had suffered with diabetes, which was the cause of this death. He is survived by six children - Otis, Ottie, Cleveland, Nora, Mervin and Melvina - all of whom were at home with him. In addition, his mother, two brothers and a sister mourn his departure. His burial took place on Monday at noon from Trinity Reformed church. His pastor, Rev. W.B. Oney, preached an excellent funeral discourse from these words: "What is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time and then vanisheth away." - James iv:14. The pews and aisles were filled to the doors by an interested congregation, many of whom shed tears as the earnest and forceful words came from the lips of the man of God, as he pictured the fraility of human life and urged his hearers to prepare for the inevitable change. The casket, on which lillies shed their fragrance, was in charge of Josiah Crawn, Samuel Shank, Hiram Monger, James Orbaugh, John Filler and George Whitmore. The interment took place in the Reformed Cemetery, and he rests by the side of his companion, who preceeded him on June 12, 1900. Mr. Wine was a prominent member of North River Council NO. 80, Jr. O.U.A.M., and was it Councilor at the time of his death. Also a consistent member of the Lutheran church and a firm and steadfast friend of his pastor. "He was a good man." "Many a poor man's heart is sad today." "The best man in the country is gone. "He was my friend and advisor, how I shall miss him." Such were the expressions of his neighbors, which speak in no uncertain sound. As a citizen he was patriotic. As a Christian, calm and unobtrusive. As a father, affectionate and solicitous about the welfare of his children. As a neighbor, generous and obliging. As a friend, true and constant - were the encomiums of his friends, while the grand old hymn, "Asleep in Jesus, " expressed the repose of his soul. Mr. Wine was a merchant for a number of years. For some time his business was conducted as Wine & Johnson, after which it was in his own name. In addition he owned a fine farm, purchased from the J.J. Roller heirs. Also an interest in a cannery recently established near the station. -------------------------------------------------- From Mt. Crawford. Wednesday, Jan. 29. Mr. Peter Pence departed this life at 2 o'clock on Sunday morning, after a protracted illness, during which he visited the hospital in Baltimore on two occasions and a number of noted watering places during the summer season, but could only obtain temporary relief. In early life he gave his heart to the Lord and for many years was a member of Trinity Reformed church and a trustee of its property. Kind to his family accommodating to his friends, diligent in business and honest in his dealings: keeping a strict watch over his affairs, he prospered in life and went down to the grave in peace, expressing a desire to go as the end approached. He was born September 10th, 1837, died January 26, 1902, aged 64 years, 4 months, 16 days. He is survived by his family, consisting of his wife, son Walter and two daughters, Annie and Verdie; also by one brother, Mr. Emanuel Pence and two sisters, Mrs. John Spader, a near neighbor, and Mrs. William Michael, Basic City; and one half brother, MR. John Pence, Beaver Creek, Va. The deceased was buried from his late residence in suburbs of town, on Monday at noon, and notwithstanding the inclement weather a large congregation was present at the church to honor his memory. His pastor Rev. H.W. Wissler selected as his text Job. 30:-23, "For I know that thou will bring me to death, and to the house appointed for all living." He prefaced his sermon with the Arabian proverb. "The black Camel stops at every man's door;" and "Death is no respector of persons, he visits the rich as well as the poor." The cloth casket contained a silver name plate, engraved, "Peter Pence: Blessed Sleep." Also handsome tributes of friendship's offering in selected flowers. The pall bearers were John S. Crawn, Josiah F. Crawn, Peter Roller, William F. Meyerhoeffer, George C. Shifflett, William E. Shinnick. Wes. ------------------------------------------------------------ DR. H.M. ROGERS GOES TO HIS FINAL REWARD ------------------ Expires Saturday Morning After Prolonged Illness ------------------ FUNERAL LARGELY ATTENDED ------------------ Born on Mossy Creek in 1860. Prominent and Useful in Professional, Church and Official Life ------------------ The death of Dr. Harry Miller Rogers, one of the best known physicians of Rockingham and for three terms one of the county's representatives in the Virginia House of Delegates, occurred at an early hour Saturday morning at his home in Mr. Crawford after a lingering illness of Bright's disease. News of the fatal termination of his illness, though in no sense a surprise, was yet a source of keen regret among his large circle of friends who had watched his brave and almost pathetic struggle against odds that were recognized as hopeless from the beginning. His failure of health began about a year ago, when although renominated by the democratic party for another term of service in the legislature, he was able to take but little active part in the campaign. He was stricken in Richmond soon after the opening of the General Assembly and after spending several weeks there in one of the city hospitals came home early in February and was never able to resume his legislative duties. From that forward his strength failed steadily, though at times he displayed recuperative powers that were surprising. On Tuesday last he lost consciousness and from that time his death was only a question of hours. I came peacefully Saturday morning at a quarter past 4 o'clock. Dr. Rogers was born on Mossy Creek, near Mr. Solon, April 6, 1860. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. Andrew B. Rogers, his mother before her marriage being a Miss Criser, of Front Royal. He was educated at the University of Virginia and received his degree in medicine at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Baltimore. He began the practice of his profession at Mt. Crawford, where, in 1886 he married Miss Anna Lee Dinges, daughter of Dr. Geo.H. Dinges, himself a prominent physician in that community for many years. Mrs. Rogers survives him, with five sons - George, Harry, Hensel, Edwin, and Clarence - the eldest of whom has not yet attained his majority. A sister, Mrs. J. William Burgess, resides in Mr. Crawford, and a brother, J.F. Rogers, is living in Galesburg, Ill. Dr. Rogers' father and mother were both married twice, and he has a number of half-brothers and sisters. Among them are Samuel and Ambrose Rogers, of Colorado; Mrs. George Rogers, of Iowa, and Mrs. Capt. Simpson, of Front Royal. The funeral was held yesterday morning from the Reformed church in Mr. Crawford, and it was one of the largest gatherings of the kind ever seen in that community. The services were conducted by Rev. M.A. Kieffer assisted by Rev. B.F. Wilson, D.D., both of whom paid eloquent tribute to Dr. Rogers as a Christian and as a citizen, whose life was one of conspicuous and unselfish service to his fellow men. The eulogies thus pronounced laid stress upon the lofty qualities which he evinced in the practice of his profession in his activities as a churchman, and in the example which he set and the influence which he exerted in the various fraternal organizations of which he was a member. During the services the church was taxed beyond its capacity, and with all standing room occupied hundreds of people were still unable to gain entrance to the building. After the Reformed church ritual at the grave the burial rites were performed with Masonic honors, Mr. W.B. McChesney, of Staunton, acting as Worshipful Master, and Rev. Dr. S.K. Cox as Chaplain. Members of the Masonic order were present in large numbers from Harrisonburg, Dayton, Bridgewater, Staunton, Elkton, and lodges in Augusta and Shenandoah counties. There was a large representation of Knights Templar, together with a still larger escort of the Junior Order United American Mechanics, and an almost equal attendance of members of Harrisonburg Lodge No. 450, B.P.O.Elks. The pall bearers were C.T. Callender, Geo. N. Conrad, D.N. Washington, I.B. Kagey, Henry N. Beery, and Frank Van Pelt. Dr. Rogers was a man of varied activities, and in all his relations, whether professional, social, or official, he possessed the happy faculty of inspiring confidence and winning friends. His medical practice extended over a considerable territory both in Rockingham and Augusta counties and his participation in public affairs gave him a large acquaintance in the Valley and in the State at large. He was elected a member of the Board of Supervisors for Ashby District in the spring 1901, and tow years later became a member of the House of Delegates. To this position he was re- elected in 1905 and again in 1907. He soon became one of the most popular members of the General Assembly, and this popularity served him in good stead in advancing the interests of his constituency. He was an active and influential member of the Reformed church, serving the Mt. Crawford congregation for many years in the capacity of deacon and superintendent of the Sunday- school, and being more or less prominent in the wider activities of his church at large. Dr. Rogers was also active and prominent as a Mason. He held membership in both the Harrisonburg and Bridgewater lodges of that order, and had repeatedly held the office of District Deputy Grand master for the Valley jurisdiction, resigning only last year by reason of failing health. He had been and was at the time of his death a member of the Grand Working Committee of the Virginia Grand Lodge. In these several capacities he acquired an acquaintance in Masonic circles throughout Virginia scarcely less extensive than that derived from his repeated service in the legislature. He was also actively identified with the work of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and a member of the Harrisonburg Lodge of Elks. The esteem in which Dr. Rogers was held was demonstrated in many ways - while he was in health, during his last illness, and after his death. It is the happy lot of but few useful men to create so little antagonism, to encounter so little evidence of ill will, and to leave behind so rich a memory of work well done.