Russell County AlArchives Obituaries.....Porter, Lynch Brown July 4, 1897
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Russell Register, July 9,1897


"HE HAS GONE HOME
To That House Not Made With Hands Eternal In The Heavens.
ELDER L. B. PORTER
Where The Wicked Cease From Trembling And The Weary Are At Rest – Sweet Rest,

     Once again we are called upon to chronicle the sad news of the depart[ed] 
from earth to heaven of one of our best and most highly respected and esteemed 
citizens, one who was dear to us. But the news of such a departure should not be 
sad unto vain regrets; such a happy transition should be looked upon with 
feelings of thanksgiving and praise to God, that He has ended the suffering and 
pain of the departed ones, and permitted them to quietly fold their hands across 
their breast and lie down in eternal, everlasting rest and peace. But human 
nature cannot help feeling sad when it looks upon and beholds for the last time 
forever the forms of dear ones. It is natural for us to weep, and it is good 
that we should, because in tears  thus softly shed the grief felt gives place to 
quieter and more resigned feelings of peace and submission to the will of God – 
Who doeth all things well.
      On last Sunday night, July 4, 1897, at about 18 minutes past 11 o'clock, 
Elder L. B. Porter, of Girard, after many long months of suffering and pain, was 
permitted to lay down the burden of life, and his weary spirit winged its flight 
to that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. "For I reckon that 
the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory 
which shall be revealed in us." Then what a glorious awakening will this 
departed sufferer have at the last trump; "for the trump shall sound, and the 
dead shall be raised incorruptible. * * For this corruptible must put on 
incorruption and this mortal must put on immortality. * * Then shall be brought 
to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. * * Thanks 
be to God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
     Elder Lynch Brown Porter was born in Wilkerson[sic] county, Georgia, on the 
4th day of March, in the year of our Lord, 1818, being 79 years and 4 months old 
at the time of his death. He grew to manhood in his native and adjoining 
counties. He was twice married – one child, a daughter, Mrs. Mary J. Kent, of 
near Hatchechubbee, being born unto the first union, and ten children, five sons 
and five daughters, being born unto the second. Two of these, a son and 
daughter, died in childhood, the others are still living. They are: Messrs. John 
T. and R. C. Porter, of Texas, Elder David L. Porter, of Mississippi, Mr. G. B. 
Porter, of Sand Fort, Mrs. W. N. Ashley, Mrs. Kate Porter[sic], Miss Lizzie 
Porter, of Girard, and Mrs. W. A. L. Tucker, of Seale.
     Elder Porter was permitted to join the Primitive Baptist church about 53 
years ago , and has lived the life of a consistent, God-fearing, God-loving 
Christian since that time. He began to preach about 50 years ago , which he 
continued to do whenever opportunity offered, until he became too feeble to go 
to the house of worship. Even then his brethren and sisters would gather around 
his bedside and hold religious services, in which he would join and endeavor to 
declare unto them all the counsel  of God as he saw it and understood it. During 
all his church membership with church never saw cause to deal with him other 
than as an orderly, upright follower of the meek and lowly Jesus, and in his 
death the church has lost an able and wise counselor.
      Elder Porter moved from Georgia to Russell county, Alabama, about 1853, in 
which county he has since lived, with the exception of two years --- 1888 and 
1889 – when he lived in Texas . From the time he came to Alabama from Georgia, 
he lived north of Seale about four mile, since 1890 he has lived in Girard. He 
was a loving husband, a kind and affectionate father, and a good neighbor. All 
who knew him, and he was widely known, speak well of him in all the relations of 
life, and such testimony of one who so long dwelt among us is not to be 
impeached or denied.
     During his last days he bore his suffering with that patience, submission 
and fortitude becoming one of his profession. Without a murmur and without a 
complaint he went through it all, praying that God might be glorified in his 
afflictions. In his last moments he was fully aware of the fact that the time 
for his departure was near, and he told those around him not to grieve for him. 
"I am going home, I am going home," he said almost with his last breath. And we 
do believe that his spirit is at sweet and everlasting rest with the Master. For 
his was the most beautiful and unmistakable Christian experience we ever heard . 
It does seem to us that all he had to do was to close his eyes in death and open 
them in glory.
     The burial took place at the family grave yard four miles north of Seale 
last Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock. Elder J. T. Clayton, of Phenix, conducted the 
service, and many people gathered to witness the last sad rites administered to 
their old friend and neighbor.
     And now, that we might, in this feeble tribute, say some little word of 
comfort to those children he has left behind, but this we are powerless to do. 
There is only One who can comfort the bereaved ones and bind up broken hearts – 
the God of heaven, of earth – of the universe—He is able, and He only. Our words 
would be in effect like unto the words of Job's comforters, but He, even though 
they walk through the valley of the shadow of death His rod and His staff it 
comforteth them. May He in His infinite mercy and wisdom stretch forth His 
everlasting arm and bear them up in their deep affliction and sorrow.--W. H. T."

Additional Comments:
From the Russell Register, 07-9-1897, Seale, Alabama, page 3, published weekly 
by Benton & Tucker.

The signature, "W.H.T.," is William Henry Tucker, Elder Porter's grandson and 
co-owner and editor of the Russell Register.

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