Person:James Van Lear (1)

Watchers
James Pinkney VanLear
m. 27 Jan 1814
  1. John Addison Tate VanLearEst 1814 - 1850
  2. Jacob VanLearEst 1816 -
  3. William L. VanLear1819 - 1891
  4. Caulina C. VanLearEst 1821 - Abt 1822
  5. Samuel F. VanLear1823 - 1845
  6. James Pinkney VanLear1824 - 1901
  7. Mary Finley VanLear1828 - 1856
  8. Evaline Elizabeth VanLear1830 - 1853
Facts and Events
Name James Pinkney VanLear
Gender Male
Birth[1] 24 Dec 1824 Augusta, Virginia, United States
Death[1] 15 Jun 1901 Barterbrook, Augusta, Virginia, United States

Obituary

"Crossed Over." James Pinkney Van Lear, a son of Jacob Van Lear and Jane Tate, born Dec. 24th, 1824, died June 16th, 1901. He was born and lived at the old Homestead of the Van Lears, on Christian's Creek above Barterbrook. He was a "49 er." In 1848 he visited his relations in Missouri and was there when the rush for California commensed. He crossed the plains with a train of emigrants and gold hunters under command of his uncle, James Tate. He returned to Virginia in 1851.

At the beginning of the war between the States he joined the Lee rifles-afterwards Co. D. 25, Va. infantry. Soon after 2nd Manassas wanting more active service and being over age 35, he got a discharge and joined a cavalry Co operating in the Valley, which was afterwards Co. B. of the 23d, under Col. Chas. T. O'Ferrall.

He was made a sergeant and at the battle of New Market, 1864, his horse being broken down, he in command of five other dismounted men of his Co. fought in that battle with the 62, Va. infantry, three of the six were wounded, he being shot through the groin and disabled for life. James Van Lear was noted for his coolness and bravery in battle, and his old comrades yet speak with pride of his courage and marksmanship and recall several instances when with his trusty rifle he would bring down his man. He did his full duty as he saw it and expected every one else to do the same. When so terribly wounded, his commrads wishing to take him off the held, he made them lay him by a rock place his gun by him and then go back into the fight. Saying: "If you whip them and get through safe-you can then come back for me." Thus he lived and died, ever true to friends and duty.

References
  1. 1.0 1.1 Crossed Over, in Staunton Spectator and Vindicator
    v80, p3, col 3, 21 Jun 1901.

    Library of Virginia website