R.K. Dunlap Dead, A Prominent Citizen and Veteran Dead, Again we are called upon to announce the death of one of our best known citizens. All that was mortal of Robert Kerr Dunlap, was tenderly, and lovingly, laid to rest this afternoon (the 8th instant) in New Monmouth Cemetery.
Mr. Dunlap had died the Saturday evening before at his residence some five miles west of Lexington.
In the presence of one of the largest assemblages of people that ever was convened in Rockbridge county, for a like purpose, comprised of relations, friends and acquaintances, a burial service, in honor of Robert Kerr Du(n)lap was rendered this evening, which told in a way that words cannot tell, how highly this good man was esteemed by all who knew him.
As the father of a large family of grown children he was affectionately loved and respected; as a brother, the eldest of six brothers and one sister, all the affection of his father's family centered; as a friend and neighbor, he was man without reproach; as a Christian gentlemen his life had been a power for good in his community, and judged by his daily life, of him it could be truthfully said, "behold an Iseralite (sic) indeed, in whom there is no guile."
Robert Kerr Dunlap was born at the Kerr's Creek home of his parents on the 23rd day of December 1834.
His parents were Madison Dunlap and Martha Hannah McKee.
When a well grown youth he attended school one year in the State of Connecticut, the balance of his education was acquired in Rockbridge county, and although not a college man still he was liberally educated. Like many other young Virginians of his day, he had gone West prior to the Civil War to see his fortune, and was in the State of Misouri (sic) when the war between the States began. As a volunteer he begame (sic) a member of Gen. Stirling Price's famous Legion of Missourians.
Procuring a discharge at the beginning of the year 1862, he returned to his native State, and became a member of the Liberty Hall Volunteers, Co., I, 4th Va. Regiment, Stonewall Brigade. At the second battle of Manassas in August, 1862, his right arm at the elbow was badly broken and shattered by a rifle ball. The arm was saved and sufficiently well for him to return to camp the following spring.
Mr. Du(n)lap was so badly wounded at the battle of Chancellorsville in the leg, that amputation was necessary.
Notwithstanding his crippled condition, Robert Dunlap, for years was the foremost business man of all the country. As merchant, farmer, and stock grazier, he carried on successfully an immense business in Virginia and West Virginia. In the year of 1867 Mr. Dunlap married Miss Sarah Elizabeth Moore, the eldest daughter of the late Dr. Thomas S. Moore of this county.
To their marriage were born seven children, all of whom are living, viz.: Mrs. Mattie Moore, Misses Addie Moore and Mary Okella Dunlap, Messrs. Thomas M and Harry A. Dunlap, all of Rockbridge county, and John McKee and Robert K. Dunlap, of Linnwood, W. Va., all of whom were present at the funeral. Of his father's family of one daughter and seven sons all are now living except John M. Dunlap, who was slain in the battle of Gettysburg; and of these Mrs. Margaret Jane Strain, Messrs. Samuel M., M.P. and O.B. Dunlap of Rockbridge county, and Wm. M. Dunlap of Johnston City, Tenn. Were present at the funeral, and W.W. Dunlap, Fairfax county, who was unable to be present.
The Rev. Alfred T. Graham, D.D., assisted by the Rev. D. A. Penick, D.D., conducted the funeral services.
Capt. J. Preston Moore, the commander of the Lee-Jackson Camp, Gen. Scott Shipp and Comrades of town and county Thomas S. White, P.I. Huffman, A. S. Montgomery, John Sheridan, A.S. Waddell, A.M. Monroe, John H. Whitmore, David E. Moore, R.E. McCown, W.C. Stuart, H.E. Moore, S.R. Moore, Major Elhart, G.G. Tribbett, J. M. Hayslett, Wm. H. Hamilton and John A. McNeel were in attendance. Prof. A. L. Nelson and many other leading citizens of the county were also present.
Robert Dunlap was for 48 years an honored elder of the church from which his remains were borne to their last resting place.
No one ever went to Robert Dunlap for help, if it was in his power to render the service, that came away empty. It has been the privilege of the writer of this sketch to known Robert Dunlap for nearly 40 years. Among strangers of another State, who only knew him as a business man, years ago, his word and character was preeminent.
In the year of 1883 his wife died leaving a large family of young children.
As a ruling elder in his church he was the man in whom all relied for advice and directions; so fixed became this habit in the neighborhood, that no matter of importance was transacted by the church officials without first consulting Mr. Dunlap.
He was once elected to the Legislature of Virginia, and for a long time served on the local school board of his county. For many years Mr. Dunlap was superintendent of New Monmouth Sabbath school.
His second wife was Miss Elizabeth Bear of Churchville, Augusta county. No children were born to this marriage.
For a number of years, Mr. Dunlap was practically an invalid due to an organic trouble, which finally resulted in his death.
In the death of Robert Dunlap, his community has lost its foremost citizen, his county and State, one of its safest advisors; his family, an affectionate and kind parent; his church, an irreparable loss. Who shall take his place? M.
