Fulton-Troup-Clarke County GaArchives Obituaries.....Thompson, M. Augusta "Gussie" Hill March 17, 1878 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Vicki Bannister vickiban@bellsouth.net February 20, 2005, 10:03 pm The Daily Constitution (Atlanta, GA), Tuesday morning, March 19, 1878 The Daily Constitution (Atlanta, GA), Tuesday morning, March 19, 1878 Death and Funeral of Mrs. Joseph Thompson, Jr. It is with feelings of sincere regret that we announce this morning in the Constitution the death of Mrs. Joseph Thompson, the devoted wife of Mr. Joseph Thompson, Jr., of the firm of Cox, Hill & Thompson, which occurred at the residence of Governor A. H. Colquitt, at Kirkwood, about four miles from this city, on Sunday morning last, at an early hour. It is well known that for many years past Mrs. Thompson has been afflicted with that most awful of all diseases, consumption. For some months past this slow but certain disease has grown in strength and this lady has been confined to her room, frequently being very ill. On Saturday last she seemed to be much better than usual, and although she fully realized the fact that she would never get well, felt as though she would enjoy the pleasures of her household for some time to come. But those best acquainted with the nature of the disease knew that this seeming improvement of health was only the prelude to the final sickness of the patient. On the above evening, she slept easily and pleasantly until an early hour next morning when she awoke with a choking sensation, after which she passed away from life calmly and peacefully. Yesterday morning the remains of Mrs. Thompson were brought to this city in a special car of the Georgia railroad from Kirkwood. The body was met at the depot by the numerous relatives and friends of the deceased, and the funeral cortege moved to Wesley Chapel, on Peachtree, where the services were held. When the funeral procession arrived at the church, the building was found to contain a very large assembly. Noticeable among the audience, were about fifty colored persons, former slaves and house servants of the family. The choir consisted of many of the principal members of the Beethoven society, of which the deceased was one of the leading members, also the regular voices of the church choir. The cortege moved into the church with Governor Colquitt, a near relative, and Mr. Joseph Thompson, husband of the deceased coming first, followed by Messrs. W. E. Reagan, Robert R. Richards, J. A. Fitten, Joseph Godfrey, R. J. Lowry, Alton Angier, and Dr. Ridley bearing the casket, which was carried to the pulpit and placed in front. Rev. H. H. parks officiated and conducted the beautiful and impressive services. Appropriate hymns were sung by the choir, and an impressive prayer offered by the pastor. After which Gov. Alfred H. Colquitt arose and delivered one of the finest and most beautiful eulogies on the life of the deceased we have ever had the pleasure of listening to. From the words of our good governor, we learned that Mrs. Thompson, formerly Miss Gussie Hill, was the youngest daughter of Dr. Hampton Hill, of LaGrange, at which place she was born and lived until she was thirteen years of age, when she connected herself with the church and removed to Atlanta to live. In this city she became wedded to Mr. Joseph Thompson, and has been living here ever since. When it was discovered that she was affected with this terrible disease, every effort was made to restore her health. She was sent to various watering places for recreation, and the best of medical advice procured, all of which proved of no avail. He also spoke of her fine character, nobleness of heart, and her beautiful Christianly devotion to all who were brought in contact with her. During the time that he held the attention of his hearers, many of the audience were sobbing bitterly, and the entire attendance was deeply impressed with the words which fell from his mouth. Upon his conclusion, the choir sang another selection, after which the attendance left the church, and the funeral procession commenced its march to Oakland cemetery, where the remains were interred. As the procession filed down the streets, “Gussie,” the new bell of Tallulah fire engine company, presented to the organization by the late Mrs. Thompson some months ago was tolled, this being done in honor to the deceased after whom the bell was named. The final services were held at the cemetery, where the grave was surrounded by a large concourse of people. The deceased was a sister of Mrs. Brown Morgan, of Kirkwood. Additional Comments: Gussie was (1) the daughter of Hampton W. Hill and Eudocia Lane, (2) the grandaughter of Joseph Lane and Elizabeth Hill, (3) the great-grandaughter of Isaac and Nancy Crane Hill of Clarke County, GA, and (4) a first cousin of Gov. Colquitt. Gussie was also one of the "Nancy Harts" of LaGrange, Troop Co., GA. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/fulton/obits/t/ob6482thompson.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.poppet.org/gafiles/ File size: 5.3 Kb