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December 22, 1898 Last of His Name.
A telegram received here last week announced the death of Capt. J. Frank McElhenney at Spencer, this State, Nov. 16th, '98, where he had been resident for the past two years. If he had lived until the 24th of this month the old gentleman would have reached his 84th year. He was the youngest son of the Rev. John McElhenney, D.D., so long the beloved and honored pastor of the Presbyterian church here, the last member of his father's family, and the last one of his name. He never married. More than fifty years of his life were passed at Lebanon, Va., where he had a lucrative law practice, and rose to distinction in his chosen profession.
He was a man of great popularity in his district, as was shown by his being twice elected to the Legislature, his appointment on the Board of Public Works at Richmond, and in many other ways. He served two years as Captain in the 37th Va. Infantry, C. S. A., and bravely discharged his duties as a soldier. Capt. McElhenney was a man of strict integrity in his dealings with others, somewhat brusk in manner, and indifferent to dress. He despised hypocrisy and pretense, appreciated a good joke, and was kindhearted to an unusual degree. He venerated the memory of his honored father, often recalled the instructions and advice of his mother given in youth, and would repeat with tender emotion the little prayers learned at her knee. He enjoyed the full confidence of a wide circle of friends, and his influence was potent in his community until he was overtaken by misfortunes and the infirmities of age. His remains were brought here and laid to rest, in the old churchyard beside his kindred, after appropriate services by Rev. R. L. Telford.
"And died and was gather unto his people, being old and full of days."
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