Greer, William Thomas

Passed: 1924-09-28

Age: 89

Source: Mountaineer

Death Notice:

Obituary Date: 1924-10-03

Information: William Thomas Greer was born March 4th, 1835 and died Sept. 28th, 1924, aged 89 years, 6 months and 24 days.  He was married to Mary........, March 9th, 1869.  Helped to build the Episcopal church here and was confirmed in it as soon as completed.  He was first Church Warden and continued Senior Warden till date of his death.  Always vestryman.  Organized Sunday school and was superintendent until defective hearing.  Was a frequent delegate to Diocesan Council, never missing a business meeting nor a service for any reason that would call for an apology.  The oldest communicant in diocese.  If any man could honestly say, ""Lord I love the habitation of thy house and the place where therein honour dwelleth"" that man was W. T. Greer.  Was a charter member of Masonic Lodge here.        Mr. Greer was prominent and very successful in local politics though his party affections place him in what seemed like a hopeless minority.  He was elected sheriff in war times and intercepted by the opposition while on his way to Richmond with public's money.  The Governor promptly released him and sent him on with safe conduct.  When sworn in as sheriff, his opponents, thinking to thwart his ambitions, demanded a bond or $90,000 which was raised in twenty-four hours.  From time to time he filled practically all county and town offices and discharged all public trusts with fidelity and zeal.     Organized local railroad company and was President from 1888 until B. & O. bought.  He also organized the Ripley B. & L. Assn. and was president from its inception until he moved to Huntington six years ago.  In short the deceased has been a factor of immeasurable influence in the political and civic life, the moral and religious life, the financial and industrial life of the community.      Mr. Greer is survived by the following children, his wife and one son, Homer, having preceded him in death, H. G. of Fairmont; G. B. of Huntington; W. C. of Hinton; and Miss Anna of Huntington, who so tenderly cared for her father in his declining years.  The remains, accompanied by his children and friends, were brought to Ripley Wednesday and taken to the Greer home.  Funeral services were held Thursday at 10 o'clock from St. John's Episcopal church conducted by Rev. Guy H. Crook of Williamstown.,