Talbot-Taylor County GaArchives Obituaries.....Nathan C. Underwood July 1 1909 ************************************************ 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: Carla Miles cmhistory@mchsi.com September 24, 2003, 10:46 pm The Talbotton New Era, July 1, 1909 The Talbotton New Era Thursday, July 1, 1909 Page 6 An Appreciation I am now off to the Springs for my health on a vacation of a month. This having been made possible by the kindness of my churches, viz, Talbotton, Ga., Butler, Ga. and Oswitchee, Ala. Each of which has not only voted me this vacation, but has put into my hands a purse as a gift covering all my expenses. This has brought to me a realization of the dreams of my life, when I would get to be a preacher of “sufficient importance” to take a vacation. For this I am profoundly grateful, and to each contributor, I offer my heartfelt thanks. I shall strive, the Lord helping me, to make this a profitable investment by earnest effort expressing my gratitude in substantial deeds. I will take occasion, right here, to say that churches never lost anything by these deeds of kindness to an appreciative pastor. The Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent from one another. N.C. Underwood. The Talbotton New Era Thursday, July 8, 1909 Page 2 Rev. N.C. Underwood “I am now off to the Springs” were the opening words of Rev. N.C. Underwood’s last public message, and ere they appeared in print, his life journey was o’er and he remains were enroute to Alabama, loved Alabama, “his own native heath.” Alabama, whose beautiful motto is “Here we rest” and with the Psalmist he could exclaim “All my Springs are in Thee!” Death came swiftly, suddenly. He had mingled with his friends downtown, had spoken brightly hopefully to all, whom he met on Thursday morning, July 1st. While sitting quietly in gentle converse with his wife, the summons came, a half hour later. For several years Rev. Underwood had been in failing health, and he foresaw the end, but much was expected from this “trip to the Springs for his health, on a vacation, made possible by his three churches, Talbotton, Butler and Oswitchee.” The long weeks and months of pain and weakness never quelled the genial spirit, the timely jests and the rare sweet humor of his mellow disposition. He was warmhearted, open-handed, kindly and sympathetic. His charities ever liberal and without ostentation. Since coming to Talbotton, the influence of Rev. Underwood and his family has been felt in the hearts and homes of many. To the sick and suffering, they have ministered with self-sacrificing tenderness. His manner was quiet, reserved, and modest, and yet all who came in contact with him realized the greatness and purity of his noble nature. Goodness was interwoven with every fiber of his being. His congregations loved him with an unspeakable love, his friends came from far and near to prove their devotion, little children looked up to him with confiding faith, old, middle aged and young felt the strength and grandeur of his consecrated life. Fifty years ago he was born at Dadeville, Ala. Some years afterward, he moved to Brundidge, where he wooed and won the fair Miss Sallie Huey, later, they moved to Ozark, and he there received ministerial orders. Three times he was called to “Salem” Church at Brundidge, and three times he moved away to return again, rendering loyal service for his Master. Every Church and charge that he had served throughout Alabama, longed for his return. All along the line friends joined the funeral party, many going all the way, while others went as far as circumstances would allow. Brundidge was reached late Thursday night where a large party of friends met them, and where too, every arrangement had been made for his last resting place. Dr. J.A. McEachern had not left undone one thing that would pay tribute to the honored dead or contribute to the comfort of the bereaved ones. Friday morning the sad rites were conducted at the First Baptist Church, formerly (Old Salem) of which he was pastor for so many years. Rev. J.L. Thompson the present pastor, Rev. J.G. Harrison, and the venerable Dr. J.C. Sturgeon, of Troy, pronounced eloquent eulogies to the sacred memory of the deceased. Those who attended from Talbotton were impressed with the widespread respect and love in which he was held. People were there from all over southwest Ala., to mingle their tears and render heartfelt praise. No success in life is like unto that which brings the universal friendship and approval of homefolks. To Rev. Underwood it was given in full measure. The Talbotton Lodge of Masons of which he was Senior Warden, accompanied the remains to the station, and to the Brundidge Lodge whose Worshipful Master he had been; the casket was consigned after the church ceremonies were concluded. In the Brundidge cemetery, the impressive burial service was observed by the order. Their beautiful custom of casting a sprig of evergreen as an unfading remembrance was timely and appropriate. He lives forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Brundidge paid loving, loyal tribute, barring all expense, and pledging a handsome monument. All honor to Brundidge in her appreciation of “God’s anointed.” His last hours were filled with grateful emotion, which he embodied in “An Appreciation”, that was as tender as a Psalm and as pure as a prayer. His concluding benediction is a glorious Mizpah to be cherished in the hearts of those who brightened his way to the Heavenly Springs. “May the Lord indeed watch between – while we are absent from one another.” To the query, “When are you going away?” he replied, “Tomorrow”, with that calm and blessed assurance, which feels: “I know not where His islands left Their fronded palms in air I only know I cannot drift Beyond His loving care” As husband, father, brother, friend, he wore the white flower of a blameless life, and in that inner circle of his home of which he was the light, the center, he left the priceless heritage of a life of love and happiness. He leaves a wife, Mrs. Sallie Underwood, four daughters; Mrs. B.S. Warren of St. Louis, Mrs. B.W. Woods of Geneva, Ala., Mrs. Cora Ellis and Miss Will Underwood. His sisters are: Mrs. Wheeler of Talladega, Mrs. Leach of Hackneyville, Ala., Mrs. Templeton of Talladega, Springs and another in Birmingham. The Talbotton New Era Thursday, July 8, 1909 Page 3 Personal Items Mrs. Benj. Warren is very ill at the home of her mother, Mrs. N.C. Underwood. Dr. Warren arrived last night from St. Louis in response to a telegram. Those who accompanied Mrs. Underwood and family to Alabama were Mesdames P.R. Kittles, Lula Simpson, Messrs. R.A. Mizell, C.C. Grant and Rev. J.G. Harrison. Rev. Harrison’s beautiful talk at the bier of his beloved friends won the hearts of all Brundidge. The Talbotton New Era Thursday, July 8, 1909 Page 4 An Appreciation The family of the late Rev. N.C. Underwood desire to express their grateful acknowledgement to each and everyone, for courtesies extended during the recent illness and death of their loved one. To the neighbors, for timely assistance in hours of sore trial. To the gentle physician in his untiring ministries. To the friends, who came with loving sympathy and aid, they were indeed friends in need. To the Masons, for their fraternal devotion, both at home and at Brundidge. To the dear ones, whose sustaining presence comforted the long and sorrowful journey. To the thoughtful friends everywhere, who sent flowers, fair flowers. “Though they smile in vain for what was once ours, They are loves last gift.” To the beloved citizens of Brundidge, who were all things in all ways. To friends, beneficent and kind, at Oswitchee, Troy, Midway and Ozark. To those members of his churches, who cheered his last hours by gracious remembrances. May the Heavenly Father abundantly bless you. Mrs. Sallie Underwood Mrs. Benj. S. Warren Mrs. B.W. Woods Mrs. Cora Underwood Ellis Miss Will Underwood The Talbotton New Era Thursday, July 15, 1909 Page 2 Memorial Service The public are respectfully invited to attend the memorial service of our deceased pastor, Rev. N.C. Underwood, at the Baptist Church next Sunday 8:00 p.m. Signed J.W. Jordan C.C. Grant Committee The Talbotton New Era Thursday, July 15, 1909 Page 2 The Underwood Memorial As this service will be held at the Baptist Church Sunday night, we accept the invitation to unite with them. A good man has gone to Heaven, leaving us an example we should follow. The only service at the Methodist Church will be Sunday School at 10 a.m., Sermon 11 a.m. The public cordially invited. J.B. McGehee, Pastor The Talbotton New Era Thursday, July 15, 1909 Page 3 Personal Items Dr. and Mrs. Benj. Warren have returned to their home in St. Louis. Many good wishes went with them for the speedy recovery of Mrs. Warren. Telegrams and letters report an easy journey and improved condition. The Talbotton New Era Thursday, July 22, 1909 Page 2 A Memorial Meeting Loving tribute was paid to the sainted memory of Rev. N.C. Underwood at the Baptist Church on last Sunday evening. The services were under the direction of Rev. Davis. The exquisite music was contributed by Mesdames Edna Smith Grey, W.K. Kimbrough, G.S. Maxwell, and Mrs. H.F. Wilkerson. Heart touching talks, thrilled with love and emotion, were made by Hon. A.P. Persons, Col. J.H. McGehee, Dr. J.B. McGehee, Capt. N.P. Carreker, J.W. Jordan, J.M. Robertson, and Miss Alice Grant. Resolutions were presented by Mrs. S.A. Carter. The Talbotton New Era Thursday, July 22, 1909 Page 6 Personal Items Mrs. N.C. Underwood has arranged to locate at Columbus. This brings great disappointment to the friends of this much beloved family. Many good wishes will go with them, when they leave September 1st. The Talbotton New Era Thursday, July 29, 1909 Page 1 In Memoriam Talbotton, Ga., July 18, 1909 At a meeting of the Baptist Church, the following committee was appointed to draw up resolutions on the death of brother Underwood – Nathan C., late pastor of this church. He was born in Dadeville, Ala., Nov. 1849, died at his home in Talbotton, Ga., July 1, 1909. His life was almost entirely spent in Alabama. At the early age of nine, he was left an orphan, his great uncle who lived in Alabama reared him. At the age of eighteen, he was converted and baptized into the church at LaFayette, Ala. He pursued with diligence such work as he found pleasant, until a call came to him to become of fisher of men. The last thirty years of his life were spent in preaching the gospel, which he did with zeal and power. He married a Miss Huey of Alabama. To them were born four daughters and one son. His family accompanied by loving friends went with his body to Brundidge, Ala., to place it by that of his only son, who died at the age of eight. The newspapers of Brundidge and Clayton, Ala., where a good portion of his life was spent, eulogized brother Underwood, and these papers have been read with delight by his friends at Talbotton, noticing where he lived the longest, he was very highly esteemed and loved very fondly. Only four months he would have been sixty. The greater portion of his life being spent in uplifting humanity, teaching by precept and example that there is a higher and more glorious life beyond the grave. Well nigh three years since the Baptist Church at this place, being without a pastor, the communications between the deacons of this church and brother Underwood resulted in having him as our pastor and his family to live with us. During this short period, brother Underwood gained the confidence of all with whom he came in contact by his upright, consecrated life, together with his harmonious and gentle manner, all came to love him. Children, middle-aged and elderly. He had made ready for his departure. A few hours before the time for his planned trip, God, in His inscrutable wisdom, saw best to call him from this world of sorrow and pain, to his eternal home. As a tired child, he fell asleep. Then we would understand what we had often read: “Leaves have their time to fade And flowers to wither at the Northwind’s breathe; But thou – thou hath all reasons For thine own, oh death!” As quick as though a stroke of paralysis came while he and his wife sat in the room conversing. The family informed their friends by phone, hastily we went. As soon as we entered the room, the long respiration made us believe the angel of death hovered over the loved one, and ere we reached our homes, his spirit had gone to the home Christ had told his disciples he went to prepare. How beautiful and comforting to see a child of God pass from earth to his Father’s heavenly home. He had fought a good fight, he had laid up treasures in heaven where neither moth or rust can corrupt. Without warning this beautiful life was ended. God’s mysterious providences are beyond our comprehension and ‘tis well we cannot roll away the veil of futurity, but let the unfolded petals day by day bring to perfection the lovely Christian life. Be it resolved: 1. That in the death of Brother Underwood this church a lost a high-toned Christian minister, one who has led his people in wisdom’s ways, unfolding the mysteries of the gospel of Jesus Christ, with the assurances of one who walked with God. 2. That while disease preyed upon his physical nature, his lovely Christian life made us know all was well with him. 3. That we sympathize with each member of his surviving family – his wife, Mrs. Underwood, his daughters, Mrs. Dr. Warren of St. Louis, Mrs. Ellis of Talbotton, Mrs. Wood of Geneva, Ala., and Miss Will Underwood of Talbotton. We earnestly pray our Heavenly Father will strengthen them to bear this great sorrow and make stronger the tie that binds them to heaven. 4. That these resolutions be spread upon a page of our church book and a copy furnished the bereaved family. Mrs. Susie Carter Mrs. Lula Simpson Mr. W.C. Thomas Mr. John Roberton Committee The Talbotton New Era Thursday, September 9, 1909 Page 3 Mrs. Underwood Moves To Texas It is with unbounded regret that Talbotton gives up Mrs. N.C. Underwood and her lovely daughters. They had added in every way, to the pleasure and interest of our town. Mrs. Cora Underwood Ellis and Miss Will Underwood left Friday for Dallas, Texas and announce their safe arrival. Mrs. Underwood was the guest of friends here until Monday, then left for Geneva, Ala., to spend a fortnight with Mr. and Mrs. Benajah Woods. In Texas Mrs. Underwood and daughters will be with Col. Robt. Huey, Mrs. Underwood’s brother. Many loving wishes go with them, and an earnest hope that they will come to us as often as possible. Note – Here are two additional mentions of Rev. Underwood that I located in earlier issues of the New Era: The Talbotton New Era Thursday, May 27, 1909 Page 2 Personal Items Rev. N.C. Underwood filled his regular appointment at the Baptist church Sunday preaching excellent sermons both morning and evening. – Butler Herald The Talbotton New Era Thursday, June 3, 1909 Page 7 The General Meeting Box Springs was the favored spot at which the general meeting of the Second District, Columbus Association convened last Friday. Rev. N.C. Underwood was a prominent figure throughout this notable occasion. His genial wit and humor combined with his consecrated spirit make a rare and magnetic personality. (Note – this is only an excerpt from the article) This file has been created by a form at http://www.poppet.org/gafiles/ File size: 16.0 Kb