Casto, Absolom Harpold (Dr.)

Passed: 1913-07-31

Age: 70

Source: Mountaineer

Death Notice:

Obituary Date: 1913-08-13

Information: Doctor Absolom Harpold Casto died at his home at Sandyville at 6 o'clock Thursday evening, 31 July, aged 70 years.  Funeral services were held at 10 o'clock Saturday morning, Rev. C. C. Perkins of Ravenswood Methodist Episcopal Church, South, officiating.  The remains were interred in the Independence Cemetery.  Dr. Casto, the son of Levi Casto, was born on the homestead on the Charleston Pike.  He volunteered in the Confederate Army in 1861 and was a Sergeant in Co. G, 17th Virginia Cavalry, commanded by Judge V. S. Armstrong.  He was wounded while in camp near Winchester, Virginia, losing one of his limbs.  Upon recovery from the wound, he entered Roanoke College, Salem, Virgnia, and by the assistance of his brothers and comrades, was in school until the close of the war.  Returning to West Virginia, he studied medicine with the late Dr. Hoyt of Ravenswood, and later entered Maimi Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating in 1870.  He then located at Sandyville and practiced medicine for forty years.  His death was due to Bright's disease and came after many months of suffering.  Dr. Casto was married twice, his first wife being Miss Frances P. Dawkins, three children survive this marriage:  Mrs. Estella Willia Fontaine, who resides in Charleston, Mrs. Frances F. Burdett and Mrs. Gertrude Thornburg of Huntington.  Dr. Casto's second wife was Miss Gertrude McGee of Wood County, who survives him.  Four brothers, George Casto of Ravenswood, D. C. Casto of Parkersburg, and F. A. and C. C. Casto of Ripley, also survive.  Dr. Casto was a great soldier, a useful citizen and a devoted father and husband.  He was held in the highest esteem by the medical profession and was loved by the people with whom he lived and for whom he labored for so many years.  (from the Betty Kessel McIntyre collection)