Obituary of Major John T. Coleman, Randolph, Alabama http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/randolph/obits/jtcoleman.txt ----------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB PROJECT NOTICE: In keeping with the USGenWeb Project policy of providing free information on the Internet, this data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or other gain. Copying of the files within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. ALGenWeb Archives File Manager Carolyn Golowka, -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Submitted by William Fischer, Jr., February 2001 MAJ. J. T. COLEMAN IS LAID TO REST ----------------------- Last Thursday night came to the close, in Roanoke, a long and eventful career when Major John T. COLEMAN [26 Mar 1839--09 Jan 1919] ceased to live. The following day his worn and maimed body was laid to rest in the [Cedarwood] cemetery in Roanoke, after services conducted by Rev. Mr. BROCK. Mr. Jim BROWN, Mr. Lee BRUMBELOE [probably Robert Lee, 11 Oct 1866--29 Oct 1949] and other neighbors and friends interested themselves in seeing that nothing was left undone to pay final tribute to this old hero of the Civil War, and for the comfort of his aged wife [probably C. V. COLEMAN, 13 Dec 1845--14 Nov 1920], his daughter, Mrs. J. R. NOLES, and his son, Douglas COLEMAN [28 Oct 1878--21 Jul 1919]. In the passing of Major COLEMAN one of the most picturesque characters of the city is removed. He came to this town many years ago from Dallas county. After working in various capacities he became city clerk and held that position for several terms until the infirmities of age, added to his handicap of having lost a leg, compelled him to retire. Had he lived two months longer he would have become eighty years of age. Major COLEMAN was a man of fine sentiment and unusual information. He had a tender heart and was intensely loyal to those he loved -- to his party and his country. He probably did not have an enemy during all the years he resided in Roanoke. The writer recalls a characteristic incident in his career at the time he was serving as city clerk under the administration of Hon. John T. HEFLIN [2 Oct 1865--12 Jul 1948] as mayor [1905-09]. Mr. HEFLIN went to Washington upon the occasion of the inauguration of a president on March fourth [1909]. Before his leaving the Major requested the Mayor to visit Arlington Cemetery while in Washington and lay for him a flower upon the grave of General Joe WHEELER, the famous Confederate and Spanish-American war veteran. Mr. HEFLIN reported later that he had made the journey through the snow to carry out his friend's affectionate wish. May the Major sleep sweetly in the soil he loved so well, while his friends through the years recall with pleasant memories their associations with him -- the honored citizen, soldier, patriot. [From The Roanoke Leader (Randolph County, Alabama), 15 Jan 1919, p.1]