Obituary for Martin P. Pittman, Randolph, Alabama http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/randolph/obits/martpittman.txt ============================================= USGENWEB PROJECT NOTICE: In keeping with the USGenWeb 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 for presentation by other persons or organizations. 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 Project Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file is copyrighted and contributed by: William Fischer, Jr. ============================================= January 2002 Demise Of An Honored Citizen and Confederate ---------------------------- Last Friday midnight the illness which had held Hon. Martin P. PITTMAN for three weeks ended in the release of the soul from the body, where it had tabernacled so long. And in this decease Randolph county sustained the loss of one of her most beloved and useful citizens. The remains were interred Sunday afternoon at Lebanon, the funeral being conducted by the pastor, Mr. O. A. MOORE, in the presence of a congregation that overflowed the church. After the usual services an opportunity was given any present to say a word of appreciation, and short but sincere tributes were haid the memory of the deceased by Olin H. STEVENSON and Judge John T. HEFLIN. After the most of the congregation had viewed the remains and passed from the house the colored people present were invited to come forward. The last one that stood before the casket was Lon MOOTY, an old grayhaired negro [sic] that had known Mr. PITTMAN through all the years and had worked for him much of the time. This old servant paused to deliver a feeling eulogy to his long-time white friend. His words revealed the grief of a devoted heart and a high appreciation of the noble character of the one gone before. Every heart was stirred by this unusual incident. Borne by the grandsons and a nephew of the venerable citizen and soldier, encased in a gray casket and wearing the uniform that the old hero loved, sleeping beneath the Stars and Bars that he so bravely defended, his body was tenderly lowered to its final rest. The last view of the familiar face, wearing the scar of an honorable wound in battle, revealed the peace which possessed his soul as he met his last enemy, for whom he had declared himself ready. Mr. PITTMAN was born and reared in Randolph county, and would have been eighty years of age had he lived till next July. As a youth of seventeen he was one of the first to leave Randolph to join the Confederate army, to which he gave four years of faithful service, in which he was twice wounded. He was as chivalric and true in peace as in war. His life was such that his fellow-citizens delighted to honor him. He served seventeen years as tax assessor and one term as representative in the legislature. He was careful and conscientious in the discharge of his official duties. In private life the character of our friend shone with the lustre of unfailing beauty. He was by nature and experience a gentleman. Pure in heart, chaste in language, upright in life, honest in his dealings with his fellowmen, walking humbly before his God, this modest, patient pilgrim came to the end of the way, full of labors and honors, and entered into the richer rewards that await the children of God. [From The Roanoke Leader (Randolph County, Alabama), 2 Apr 1924, p.1] ---------------------------- FROM GRATEFUL HEARTS ---------------------------- We wish so much we could express to each one personally our gratitude and deep appreciation of the many favors shown our departed loved one by physicians and friends during his last days, and the sympathy extended to us in our sorrow and loss. We have never seen this kindness excelled. God bless you every one. Mrs. M. P. PITTMAN, Mrs. Lura STEPHENS. ---------------------------- LOCAL NEWS ---------------------------- Those from a distance who were called to Roanoke last week by the illness and death of Mr. M. P. PITTMAN were Dr. F. R. WOOD and son, Escar, of Heflin [Cleburne Co., AL]; Pittman WOOD and wife, of East Point, Ga.; Bryan STEPHENS and Miss Christine and Helen STEPHENS of Atlanta. Mrs. Lura STEPHENS, who was with her parents during her father’s illness, remained over for several days this weeks. [Both from The Roanoke Leader (Randolph County, Alabama), 2 Apr 1924, p.5] ------- Was known as “Whispering Mart.” Served as Tax Asssessor 1888--1892, 1896--1904, 1908--1912. Martin P. PITTMAN, 18 Jul 1844--28 Mar 1924, Eliza Ellen TAYLOR PITTMAN, 12 May 1844--30 Apr 1925, his wife, Escar A. PITTMAN, 1 Dec 1874--9 Aug 1899, their son, Lola Emilia PITTMAN WOOD, 24 Dec 1878--27 May 1913, their daughter, Dr. Frank R. WOOD, 6 Apr 1874--21 Apr 1965, her husband, All interred in Lebanon Christian Church Cemetery, Randolph Co., Alabama.