Putnam-Butts County GaArchives Obituaries.....Maddos, Ira H. April 17, 1884
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Rhonda Flynn rhondaflynn2@adelphia.net October 2, 2006, 11:53 pm

"The Newnan Herald"
Newnan, Coweta Co., Georgia

May 6, 1884

MADDOX. - Died at his home in Heard county, Ga., April 17th, 1884, Mr. Ira H. 
Maddox, aged 77 years, 1 month and 24 days.  

The subject of this notice was born in Putnam County, Ga, in 1807.  In 1828 he 
was married to Miss Elizabeth J. Brannon, of Butts county.  In February, 1839, 
he moved to Heard county where he lived until he was called hence by death.  
Uncle Ira as he was familiarly called, never attached himself to any church, 
but was a strong believer in the Bible.

In the community in which he lived ‘tis useless to comment on his virtues, for 
all knew him as a neighbor, kind and obliging; as a friend, firm and steadfast; 
as a citizen, law-abiding and upright; no higher mark of respect can be paid to 
his memory than to say he was “an honest man, the noblest work of God.” 

For several years his health had been feeble; age and disease gradually brought 
him to the tomb, where he has laid aside the pains and toils of earth. For 
several weeks before he died his sufferings were very great.  Imagination 
cannot conceive, nor tongue express the untold agony that racked his aged 
frame; yet he bore it all with patience and fortitude scarcely equalled.  He 
leaves an aged wife and three children to mourn his loss; to these with other 
sorrowing friends, we extend our heartfelt sympathy, and mingled tears for the 
death of “uncle Ira.”  His life of labor is o’er; his hands folded in peaceful 
rest; his body free from pain; and may his upright walk in life be a way-mark 
left us to follow his footsteps, leading us safely on the journey of life, and 
ending at the throne of God.  

His aged companion who survives him was born in Johnson county, N.C., in 1798, 
being now 86 years of age.  For 54 years they traveled together on life’s 
journey; a helpmeet indeed was she, beloved by all who know her.  With 
unfaltering trust in the promises of God, she is leaning upon her staff, only 
waiting till the shadows are a little longer grown.  

Silently came a black boat o’er the billows,
Stealthily grate the keel on the sand;
Rustling footsteps were heard through the willows, 
There the dark boatman stood waving his hand,
Whispering, “I com o’er the shadowy river;
He who is dearest must leave thee forever.”
Lonely and old in the dusk I am waiting 
Till the dark boatman with the soft muffled oar, 
Glides o’er the wave and I hear the keel grating,
See the dim beckoning hand on the shore,
Wafting me over the welcoming river to gardens and homes that are shining 
forever

“Aunt Betsy” and her three children desire to return their sincere and heart-
felt thanks to the neighbors and friends for their faithful and untiring care 
and attention to “uncle Ira” during his entire illness.  With full hearts, 
gratefully appreciating such favors, they will ever cherish the highest esteem 
for those who so devotedly and unhesitatingly rendered their assistance through 
so many weary days and nights, by the bedside of one they devotedly loved and 
whose memory they so fondly cherish.            J.A.F.  

Additional Comments:

I recently had the good fortune of finding my third great grandfather's obit.  
It was published in the Newnan Herald on 05/06/1884.  I have transcribed it and 
wanted to share it in case anyone was interested.  

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/putnam/obits/m/maddos5460gob.txt

This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/gafiles/

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