Death of Hon. James R. Massey, Jr - Prominent Citizen

Lancaster Ledger, 8 Sep 1900

Hon. Jas. R. Massey, Jr., who critical illness of fever was chronicled in our last issue, passed quietly away at his home, at this place, early Thursday morning. He had been confined to his bed just three weeks, and though everything was done that could be, even to the employing of a skilled trained nurse to attend him, yet the relentless hand of death could not be stayed. Mr. Massey was a man of cordial manners and possessed of a kind heart. He enjoyed the unbounded confidence of his friends and was held in the highest esteem for his many noble qualities and his high Christian character. He was well known in the county and had a large circle of friends throughout the State, who will feel his death deeply. In his death Lancaster county loses one of her most prominent and influential citizens.

Jas. R. Massey, Jr. was born in the Waxhaw secion of this county Sep. 24 1850 and had he lived to the 24th of this month would have been 50 years of age. He was the only son of the late Thos. M, and Jane Massey, his birth occuring on the same night that his grandfather died (sic). He received a fair education which with his natural ability and fine qualities made him a successful business man. In 1888 he was elected to represent Lancaster county in the house of Representatives which he did ably for one term but declined re-election. In 1892 he was elected county school commissioner but declined to offer for a second term. He took a deep interest in educational matters and was chairman of the board of Trustrees of the ?Balitown school district. His public life as his private life was without blemish.

In the fall of 1890 he was married to Miss Mamie Matheson, dau of Alex Matheson, of Liberty Hill, who lived only a few years. In March 1897 he married Miss Nannie Reed, dau of the late Capt. J.L. Reed. Her sad death was chronicled in these columns less than three months ago. One child was born to them but died in infancy. His nearest kin surviving are: a sister, Mrs. J.M. Perry of this place and Mr. H.J. Beckham and Mrs. W.M. Gooch, a nephew and niece of this county.

He was a consistent member of Camp Creek Methodist Church and had long been one of its officials. The funeral services which were very impressive were conducted from the church by his pastor, Rev. B.D. Lucas, assisted by Rev. A.N. Brunson, after which the remains were interred in the family plot at Old Camp Creek cemetery. The congregation was very large and sad were the hearts of the many sorrowing friends and relatives as the remains of this good man were lowered into mother earth.

NOTE: Nannie C. (Reed) Massey, daughter of Capt. James L. Reed was half sister to Mrs. William Clyburn (Capt. CSA).

Submitted by Barbara Roesch, bjresh@worldnet.att.net