Confederatevets.com

After a few days' illness and severe suffering, Capt. Joseph B. VanMetre died on September 19, 1919, at his home, near Shepherdstown, W. Va. Another loyal and devoted Southern veteran has passed away. He was born Februrary 8, 1840, near Martinsburg, W. Va. In 1861 he enlisted in the Confederate army and served in Company F, 1st Virginia Cavalry, under Capt. M. J. Billmyer, until the close of the war. He then returned to his home and for many years devoted himself entirely to his large land interests. Later he removed to Shepherdstown, in Jefferson County, and resided there until his death.

Although retiring from the farm, he was active in other business enterprises. He was a charter member and director of the Citizens' Bank of Martinsburg, also a charter member and President of the Shepherdstown Farmers' Bank, in which capacity he served to the end. His integrity, genial manner, and uprightness won the respect and confidence of all with whom he came in contact. He was and examplary and public-spirited man, ever ready with heart and hand to help his fellow men. All who knew him were his friends. No veteran ever enjoyed the Confederate Reunions more than he, attending regularly each year until he became to feeble. Captain VanMetre dearly loved the Confederate cause and all the traditions of the Old South. In 1909 he was appointed as Aide-de-Camp with the rank of captain on the staff of R. D. Funkhouser, who was then Commander of the Third Brigade of Virginia Confederate Veterans.

Captain VanMetre was married in March, 1869, to Miss Mary Ann Buckles, of Jefferson County, near Harper's Ferry. She survives him, with two children and several grandchildren.