Obit:John Jackson Roberson, Bossier Parish Louisiana Submitted by G. T. Kellogg, Jr. ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** John Jackson Roberson, Maternal Great Grandfather, Bossier Parish Reproduced from The Bossier Banner, March 22, 1934, As received from Clifton D. Cardin - Bossier Parish Historian J. J. ROBERSON On Wednesday morning, March 14th at about 7:30 o'clock, the many friends of Brother J. J. Roberson, bowed their heads in sorrow and grief in submission to Almighty God, because the news quickly spread over the countryside that God had sent to earth His angels, to waft the soul of Brother Roberson into the paradise of God. Some of us had known for some time that Brother Roberson could not stay with us much longer, but could not realize the time of departure was so near at hand. He was born August 19, 1852, on White River, Jackson County, Arkansas, and was 81 years, 6 months and 25 days old at the time of his death. He moved to Louisiana, when 14 years old, where he has lived at Carterville since - except three years spent in Texas. He was married to Miss Francis Spurlin, December 21, 1877. To this union were born seven children, two boys and five girls, Jack Roberson, of Edinburg, Texas; Gid Roberson of San Juan, Texas; Mrs. Gena Dodson, Mrs. Nodie Farrington, Mrs. Lillie Matlock and Mrs. Pearlie Blanton, all of Plain Dealing, and Mrs. Addie Adams, of Calvert, Texas. Mr. Roberson moved to Willborger County, Texas, near Vernon, during 1889, where his wife died June 14, 1890. He came back to Louisiana - not moving, but to be married to Miss Helen May, November 18, 1890. Both times he was married by the same minister, Elder Jim Maddering. To this union were born four children, two boys and two girls. The oldest son Jimme Lee, died when an infant one month old. Others still living are Mrs. Viola Hoss Adams (sic; Holmes), of Hosston; Mrs. Ola Holland, of Harlinger, Texas, and Paul Roberson, of Plain Dealing. In addition to his wife, Mrs. Helen Roberson, and these ten children, he is survived by 49 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and a sister, Mrs. Mattie Watkins, of Bradley, Ark. He moved back to Louisiana from Texas during 1892 (sic), and has since that time lived at Carterville - in fact, except the three years spent in Texas, lived there since 1877. He was converted and joined the Baptist Church when 14 years old - living a consistent and devoted Christian life ever since. In all he has raised nine sets of children - those of his own and others. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and a good neighbor. Though old and unable to work much, having had the misfortune of getting his hip broken three or four years ago, he fed the poor and hungry, without even advertising what he had done. As his pastor for about twenty years, I can truly say that few men have done mere than he for suffering humanity, and he has left an (sic) heritage to the comfort of his family and friends more precious than gold or earthly treasurers, and a life worth of our emulation. Never has it been our privilege to attend the burial of a man more honored by friends that Brother J. J. Roberson. They came from surrounding towns, communities and states to say, "He was a good man." The floral offerings were beautiful. Friends came from Shreveport, Benton, Plain Dealing, Minden, Hosston, Ida, Spring Hill, Sarepta, Cotton Valley, Bradley and other places, to honor the memory of a good man, and yet he didn't claim to be good. He isn't dead, except his body, which reposes yonder in the silent city of the dead. Brother Roberson is still living with God. (John, 11:25-26). He has not left us without hope, dear loved ones and friends. (Thess, 4:13). He is just absent from the body, to be present with the Lord. (Phil., 1:21-23, II Cor. 5:1-8). He now dwells with Jesus in a better home than this earth could give. (John, 14:1-6). The funeral was set for Thursday afternoon, but because of the delayed arrival of some of the children from Texas, a short service will be held in the home that day by the writer, assisted by Rev. j. P. Olive, of Ida, admist (Sic) a large crowd of friends and neighbors. The body was carried to the church, Friday morning, where he had worshiped God for nearly three-score years and ten, where another short service was held. Interment in Salem Cemetery followed. Thus in his going Salem Church truly lost one of its best members, Louisiana of her best citizens, his community one of its best neighbors, his family a loving father and companion and humanity a good friend. Our loss is his gain, yet we haven't lost him - only separated from him a few short days. Then we'll meet again in a home where no good-byes are to e said and no tears to by shed. By his pastor and friend, N. L. Eddy. Buckner, Ark.