1880 :: CALVIN W. PRICE :: 1957

Calvin Wells Price died from an unexpected heart attack on Friday, June 14, 1957. He was born in Rockingham County, Virginia, on November 22, 1880, the son of the Reverend William T. and Anna L. Price. He was united in marriage with Mabel E. Milligan on May 22, 1906.

Cal Price, as he was universally known, began working as an apprentice of The Pocahontas Times, a family paper, at fifteen years of age. He later became a partner in the business and finally sole owner and publisher. During his lifetime he received many honors, not the least of which were an honorary Doctorate from West Virginia University in 1942, and in 1955 the 10,000 acre State Forest in Pocahontas County was named the “Calvin W. Price State Forest.” He was an active Church man and for many years has taught a Sunday School class of young boys. He was a Ruling Elder in the Marlinton Presbyterian Church for thirty-five years. Interested in politics he was active in both State and National political circles throughout his life.

A son, Calvin Thomas Price, predeceased him, on December 18, 1919, at the age of eight years. He is survived by his wife, Mabel Milligan Price, and his daughters, Mrs. John Branch Green, of Richmond, Virginia; Mrs. Isaac McNeel, of Charleston: Mrs. J.D. Hubard of Virginia Beach, and Mrs. Jane Price of Marlinton; and ten grandchildren.

He was one of seven children: William Randolph Price, who died at four years of age; Dr. James Ward Price; Andrew Gatewood Pinkerton Price; Dr. Susan Alexander Price; Dr. Norman Randolph Price, and Anna Virginia Hunter. Mrs. Hunter and Dr. Norman R. Price survive.

The foregoing vital statistics and some the high points and interests little indicate the man he was. Cal Price had three chief interests in his life - his God, his Family and his Pocahontas Times. He was a sincere Christian gentleman, who has loved the Lord and without exception treated his fellowman with kindness and respect. Mr. Price was a naturalist of the first order. His observations, experiences, the customs and traditions of his people - (the residents of the endless mountains) - were often the subject of his writings which were avidly read by his subscribers and regularly reprinted in the large daily newspapers and other weeklies. He was a most interesting speaker and as such was always in much demand. His advice was equally sought and freely given, not only to the Councils of the Mighty but to generations of little children. Without exception he never printed or published anything which would remotely inconvenience, embarrass or hurt any person. He was always genuinely interested in the affairs and happiness of every person with whom he came in contact and was never one to ask, “Who is my neighbor? Mr. Price was always ready to lend a hand to the faltering, to dry a tear of the unhappy, to cause a smile for the sorrowful and to utter a word of encouragement to everyone. He was honored and respected by all who heard or read him and loved by all who knew him. If he were vain about anything it was his children and his grandchildren, of whom any parent could be justly proud.

His life had many facets and every one reflected his faith in God and his constant observation of the Golden Rule. A quotation from the Bible, which he used as an accolade to some and which is most fitting for him, “Know ye not that a great man has this day fallen in Israel.”

Written by R. F. Currence