Person:Walter Jackson (23)

WALTER BEATTIE JACKSON - obituary, 1912 Marion was plunged into a state of almost tragic gloom on Friday afternoon when the news of the death of Mr. Walter Beattie Jackson flashed over the telegraphic wire. For some time Mr. Jackson's health has not been all that could be desired, but be attended to his duties so faithfully that few people knew he was ill, and even his most intimate friends failed to realize the seriousness of his condition. About ten days ago he developed symptoms of acute indigestion and was so weakened by the inability to take nourishment that he was compelled to remain at home, though he still refused to go to bed or acknowledge himself a real invalid. On Thursday evening he left for the hospital at Baltimore, hoping to be relieved by a special course of treatment. He had been at the hospital only a few hours when his death occurred, the telegram announcing it being the first news received from him after he left Marion.

On Sunday afternoon a large crowd gathered at the Norfolk and Western station to meet the train bearing Mr. Jackson's body, which was accompanied from Roanoke by Mr. B. F. Buchanan. Mr. Jackson was taken first to the family home, and laid to rest among the blossoms which had been given by loving friends and relatives. During the short time that be lay there in the home he had so dearly . . . (missing) men heart whispered, "He was my friend, faithful and just to me."

One of the largest gatherings that has ever assembled in Marion attended the funeral services at the Presbyterian church at four o'clock on Sunday afternoon. Not only the towns people, but a large company from the surrounding country, from neighboring towns and distant cities, came to do honor to this just man. The services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Pettus, of the Episcopal church. The active pall-bearers were as follows: H, L. Morgan, E, H. Copenhaver, of Seven Mile Ford, C. L. Clark, of Rich Valley, C. P, Greer, of Troutdale, B. F. Buchanan, H. P. Copenhaver, W. M. Hull, J. W. Sheffey, W. W. Hurt, and H. B, Jeffrey. The honorary pall-bearers were Capt. D. D. Hull, Capt. John M. Preston, J. E. Hester, W. C. Sexton, J. C. Campbell, Dr. S. W. Dickinson, Dr. P.W. Atkins, J.S. Copenhaver, T. E. King, J. A. Groseclose, J. M. Briscoe. The flowers were borne by 0. C. Sprinkle, S. L. Alexander, A. T. Short, W. W. Scott, G. F. Browskie, T. H. Rider, Albert Brockman, J. B. Richardson, A. C. Hankla, J. T. Brosius,

A little while before sunset Walter Beattie Jackson was laid to rest in a beautiful spot only a short distance from the home in which be took such keen delight. In the shadow of the great monument he himself designed and erected to the memory of his father, he lies asleep.

Walter Beattie Jackson was born at Chilhowie, Virginia, on the thirteenth day of June, eighteen hundred and sixty-five. He was educated at Emory & Henry College, the University of Virginia and Johns Hopkins University. He was an extensive reader and kept himself thoroughly informed on all topics of the day. Since his boyhood ho has been closely identified with the Bank of Marion, of which his father, the late Minter Jackson, was founder, and president for a number of years. Five years ago Mr. Jackson was promoted to the position of cashier, a place which he filled with complete satisfaction to every one connected with the institution. He was one of the wealthiest and most prominent business men in the State, and was well known in banking circles throughout the country as a financier who combined the shrewdest business instincts with absolute and unswerving honesty. He was a devoted husband and father, a loyal friend, a courteous gentleman, a scholar of wide information and unusual attainments, a business man of keen ability and the highest intergrity, and last but by no means least, . . . (missing)

WALTER BEATTIE JACKSON

The Bank of Marion, to the service to which he gave the best years of his life, is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the State and is recognized as one of the safest. Through every financial crises, when banking institutions all over the country crashed, the Bank of Marion with Walter B. Jackson behind it, has stood like a rock. There ha never been even a tremor within it walls. In losing him our entire section has lost a much loved, much- needed, much honored citizen.

A few months ago Mr. Jackson established his family in the marvelous concrete mansion which be himself arranged and built without the aid of architects or contractors. The making of this mansion is professionally acknowledged to be one of the most remarkable architectural feats in building annals. To the perfecting of the details of this home, which he was destined to enjoy for just a little while, Mr. Jackson gave a large portion of his time during his latter years.

This wonderful home, upon its lofty Southern hill, will stand through the centuries, a lasting monument to his memory. Not more imperishable however, than the lesson of his good deeds, his gracious smile, his unfailing courtesy, his loyal friendship, his ability and integrity.

Mr. Jackson is survived by his widow, [nee Josephine Lillian Belden], one little son [Walter Beattie Jackson, Jr.], and one sister, Mrs. Phipps Miller [nee Hannabelle Jackson], of Memphis, Tennessee.

Contributed by Patricia Hickin

1.   Jackson, P. A. Jackson Ledger. (1887)
   52, 57, 58.