The Raleigh Herald, Beckley, West Virginia
Friday, September 3, 1915, page 7
Another of the giant oaks of the early days, one which had withstood the storms of life for more than four score years, has fallen. Another of those hardy pioneers who so nobly assisted in the development of the county's resources, one who had striven from the time when this section was believed to be almost worthless up to the present period of development and prosperity to elevate the affairs and conditions of the community and surrounding section, has passed away in the person of Hon Henderson M Shumate, age 81 years, of Marshes, who died Monday morning at five o'clock.
Mr Shumate had been in declining health for some time past and his death, while a shock to his many relatives and friends, was nevertheless not unexpected. Infirmities incident to old age at last claimed him and he was removed from the land where he had spent a life of usefulness. He had served the people in various capacities of trust and was for years a careful and painstaking member of the county court of this county - serving for a time as president of that body.
He was born in Giles county, Virginia, removing to this county therefrom. He was a member of the Christian church, with which organization he had been affiliated for 49 years.
He leaves a large number of relatives among whom are his devoted wife, three sons and three daughters. The children are: Milton, J C and W P Shumate, the latter being a member of the present county court; and Mrs Harriett Surratt, Mrs George W Thompson and Mrs W W Watts, Mrs Virginia Wiley, Mrs Julia Jewell, Mrs Oliver Stover and Mrs Allie Shumate.
Funeral services were conducted Tuesday from the home by Rev Terry, following which interment was made in the family cemetery on the old home place in the presence of large assemblage of sorrowing friends and relatives. Burial obsequies were conducted by Rose & Turner, undertakers.

[ Mrs Harriett Surratt, Mrs George W Thompson and Mrs W W Watts are daughters. Mrs Virginia Wiley, Mrs Julia Jewell, Mrs Oliver Stover and Mrs Allie Shumate are sisters.]