Philippi Republican Philippi; Barbour Co., WV Thur 5 Oct 1922 p2 c4-5
JAMES W. WENTZ
James W. Wentz was born March 29, 1838 and departed this life on September 29, 1922, being 84 years, 5 months and 29 days old. The deceased was a son of John and Margaret Wentz and was born in Rockbridge Co., Va. His parents died some 30 years ago in Kansas.
He had four brothers and three sisters as follows: William Wentz who was a Union soldier and gave his life in suuport of the flag he so much loved.
John Wentz, who died 20 years ago, Lewis Henry Wentz who survives him and resides at Buckhannon, W.Va.
David Wentz who survives him and who for sixty four years resided on an adjoining farm.
His oldest sister Margaret Duke died somewhere on the broad plains of Missouri forty years ago.
Mary Jane Lanham who survives him resides in Hutchinson, Kansas, and his youngest sister, Julia Ann Marteney also survives him and resides in Haven, Kansas.
He was married to Miss Lucy Catherine Harris on May 6, 1858 who was his loving and faithful companion from the date of their marriage until his death and during the 10 years of his invalid life preceeding his death he was the object of her loving and tender care, and is now left to mour her loss.
Ten children were born to them as follows:
Virginia Crites, now the wife of Rev. James D. Crites, Buckhannon, West Virginia.
John D. Wentz, Hall, W. Va., Wm. H. Wentz, Hall, W.Va., Ellen Booth, wife of George B. Booth, Hall, W. Va., Martha Anglin, wife of Samuel Anglin, Hall, W.Va., James Abner Wentz, Philippi, W. Va., Charles C. Wentz, Mercedes, Texas, Dr. Geo. W. Wentz, Brownsville, Texas, Emma Shockey, wife of Jacob B. Shockey, Buckhannon and Alma Shannabarger, wife of Columbus C. Shannabarger, Indiana, Pa.
All of said ten children are still living. In the more than 64 years since his marriage this was the first time death ever entered the home.
James W. Wentz was a Methodist and a member of Asbury Chapel near his home, having been converted when in middle life. A few months before his death he had a vision or dream that was to him a reality and gave to him a strong faith the his dear Lord would go with him through the cold waters and he left evidence that his faith did not fail him as he neared the cold river.
All of his children were at his funeral except Charles C., and Dr. George Wentz who were far away on the banks of the Rio Grande.
The funeral services were conducted by Rev. John D. Vannoy, pastor of the Baptist Church at Buckhannon,West Virginia.
The services were held and a most beautiful and touching funeral oration was delivered in the Bethany Baptist church. The body was prepared for burial by the Smallridge Brothers of Buckhannon and under a bank of beautiful flowers, brought by loving hands, he was tenderly laid to rest in the Bethany cemetery. So ended the long life of a good citizen, a strong friend and good neighbor, a dutiful husband and a tender and loving father. (Contributed).