
“The community was shocked last Tuesday afternoon at a report that Colonel Sampson E. Varner had died suddenly at a few minutes past noon. The report was not believed to have any foundation in fact, as he had been met in market in the morning and seen driving through the city as late as 9 o’clock in the forenoon apparently as well as usual. But his death was confirmed later.”

“Colonel Varner had been out to his brickyard superintending it, and returned in his buggy shortly after nine o’clock by appointment to drive his wife and daughter Bessie to SJ Huston‘s to spend the day. He went into the house, telling them to get ready and go out to the buggy and he would join them. They did so. After waiting some time for him Mrs. Varner sent her daughter into the house to see what detained him. She found her father in the rear of the house vomiting violently, and ran out, reporting his illness to her mother. She hastened to his assistance and soon got him in bed. Dr. Finch1 was immediately summoned. When he arrived the Colonel was suffering great agony from a severe attack of cholera morbus. He promptly gave him a hypodermic injection of one sixth of a grain of morphia over the region of his stomach, followed by applications of mustard.”

“This relieved the afflicted man for a time, when the doctor took his leave, stating that he would return in two hours. Shortly after the departure of the physician he had another attack of violet retching, became easier thereafter and sunk into slumber, Mrs. Varner having her husband’s hand in her own. Hearing someone at the gate, and fearing that an intrusion would disturb him, she withdrew her hand from his to go and take the company into another room. This awakened the sleeper, who asked where she was going, requesting her to admit no one, as he desired to sleep. The visitor proved to be a sister of Mrs. Varner, Miss Margaret Huston, who, learning of the illness of her brother-in-law, had hurried to the city. Mrs. Varner accompanied her to an adjoining room, and the two sat down and conversed about the condition of the sick man for about five minutes, when Mrs. Varner said she would slip in the room and see how he was resting, as she heard him breathing heavily.”

“She found him in a changed position, lying on his back, unconscious, a pallor overspreading his face, and a moment later he breathed his last.”
“Dr. Finch states that the violent retching must have undoubtedly ruptured a blood vessel, depositing blood upon the brain or heart, he thinks the former. This free flow of the blood he states occasioned his sinking to rest, and when it coagulated in the brain or heart, death necessarily ensued.”
“Colonel Varner was a native of Staunton, Virginia, and was born August 14, 1824. He removed to this city with his parents when in his thirteenth year.”

“Christian M. Varner, father of the deceased, died September 18, 1843, before the latter had obtained his majority, and the principal care of the family devolved upon him. He was then working with the late William Newman, learning his trade as bricklayer and receiving wages. A few years after, he embarked in business for himself as bricklayer and contractor. The Agricultural Works, the Fourth street school building, Richardson’s, Baron’s, and many other imposing edifices in the city were built by him, affording evidence of his skill and reputation as a builder.”
“The deceased was one of the volunteer officers of the late war, having entered as major of the 56th Ohio Regiment in 1861, serving gallantly in the Mississippi and Red river valleys, and was promoted to a colonelcy before the close of the war. He was honorably mustered out of the service in 1864.”

“Few men had the indomitable will, energy and public spirit which were characteristic of the deceased. His name was prominently associated with almost every enterprise that looked to the advancement of the city. The Agricultural Works, Ohio Stove Foundry, the Street railroad and the two projected railroads, and other enterprises, found in him an active and monied supporter. He was one of the leading members of the Board of Trade, President of the Kinney National Bank, a director of several corporations, served several terms in Council as the representative of a ward politically opposed to him, and was restless and indefatigable in the prosecution of any enterprise with which he connected himself.”
“The city has lost, in the death of Colonel Varner, one of its most valuable and enterprising citizens.”


“The deceased was married to Miss Maria Huston, November 26, 1846, who survives him. To them were born six children, all of whom are living in this city. Ella, wife of Frank Brown; Anna, wife of Angus L. Sanford; Bessie, the youngest, in her seventh year; Frank and William, both of age, and Huston, aged sixteen, messenger in the Kinney National Bank.”
“The bereaved are called to mourn the loss of an affectionate husband and father, one who laid great store by his children and took a deep interest in their welfare. By his industrious and frugal habits he acquired considerable real estate and other property.”
“The funeral services were conducted at Christ Church, at half past 9 o’clock yesterday forenoon, and the remains were followed to the grave by a large concourse of citizens, the City Council and other municipal officers being in the procession. Appropriate action was taken by the Board of Trade and for three days the street cars were draped in mourning as a mark of respect to one who was a charter member of the company.”2
Resolutions of the Board of Trade

“‘The undersigned committee, appointed at a special meeting of the Board of Trade, held on the 8th inst., at 9 o’clock AM, to report resolutions expressive of the sense of its members in relation to the death of Colonel SE Varner, respectfully report the following:'”
“‘Whereas, Colonel SE Varner departed this life on Tuesday, the 5th inst., at 11 1/2 o’clock AM, after a short and severe illness,'”
“‘Resolved, That we deeply regret the melancholy event which has deprived us of one of our best members, and the community one of its most active, useful, liberal and public spirited citizens.'”
“‘Resolved, That his integrity, ability, faithfulness and zeal in the discharge of any duty he undertook, whether of a public or private nature, made him most valuable as a member of society.'”
“‘Resolved, That the military services of Colonel Varner rendered in behalf of his country in the war to defend and preserve the Union, 1861-1865, as well as his excellent qualities as a citizen, should render his memory always dear to all who knew him.'”
“‘Resolved, That we tender to the bereaved wife and family our sincere sympathy and condolence in this, their great affliction.'”
“‘Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be presented to the family of the deceased, and to the press for publication; also that the same be entered upon the records of the Board of Trade. –DN Murray3, JF Towell4, HA Towne5, Committee. Portsmouth, June 8th, 1877.'”6
Resolutions of the Portsmouth B & L Association

“At a meeting of the Portsmouth B & L Association, the following action was taken in regard to the death of Colonel SE Varner.”
“‘Whereas, We have learned with deep regret of the sudden death of Colonel SE Varner, one of the charter members of this Association, and one of the most punctual attendants of the Board of Directors, of which he was an energetic and useful member, therefore be it”
“‘Resolved, That in the loss of Colonel Varner this Association has lost one of its most earnest members, always watchful of the best interests of the corporation, yet lenient and forbearing with those whose adverse circumstances compelled them to ask on many occasions that the strict letter of the rules be varied to aid them in their settlement with the Association.'”
“‘Resolved, That it is with sad hearts that we recognize the fact that we shall see him no more in his accustomed seat taking part in the deliberations of our counsels.'”
“‘Resolved, That the Secretary be directed to furnish a copy of the foregoing resolutions to the bereaved family, and also to the Tribune and Times, with a request that it be published in their columns, and that they be spread upon the minutes as an expression of the Association.'”7
- Dr. Cyrus Myron Finch
- Sudden death of Col. S. E. Varner. (1877, June 9). Portsmouth Times, p. 3.
- David Nevin Murray, Sr.
- James Fitzmaurice Towell
- Henry Abner Towne
- Resolutions of the Board of Trade (1877, June 9). Portsmouth Times, p. 3.
- Resolutions of the Portsmouth B & L Association(1877, June 9). Portsmouth Times, p. 3.