Lincoln Parish Louisiana Archives Miscellaneous Obituaries ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Lora Peppers loradpeppers@hotmail.com April 25, 2007 Obituaries from the Scrapbook of Belle Mills This scrapbook is now in possession of Mrs. Frankie Mills, the widow of Mr. George Mills, who was the nephew of Belle Mills. It is to Mrs. Frankie that I owe thanks for these treasures! Most of these obituaries (which are clippings) have no dates on them. They were probably taken from the Monroe News, one of the parent newspapers of the modern News-Star or the Progressive Age, a Ruston paper. Most date from the 1890-1910 years, which are now lost to time. These newspapers were never preserved. That makes these obituaries even more valuable to researchers. Whenever possible, dates and information clarifying the obituaries have been taken from cemetery indexes at the Ouachita Parish Public Library. Died - On Wednesday morning at 3:30, little Alline, the good, the sweet, sixteen month old baby of Dr. and Mrs. W.H. Cook of Choudrant. This precious jewel had been a patient sufferer for the last several weeks and while so young and so tender and maintaining consciousness up almost to the last breath she was never heard to cry aloud although it could be seen she was suffering at times intensely. To the bereaved parents, (our relations) and the little brother and sisters we tender you our deepest sympathies. The remains will be interred in the Cook Cemetery two miles west of town Thursday morning. There is a date penciled in that reads 5-9-1900. Cook Cemetery is in Lincoln Parish. Alline Cook's dates are listed as January 4, 1899 - February 13, 1900. Nearby are buried her parents: Jessie Rinehart and William H. Cook. The date of death seems to be in conflict with the newspaper's date and her age listed in the article. James B. Colvin, Jr., Died Last Night, Age Twenty-One. Some day I, too, shall close my eyes, And drift into that last, long sleep, And journey to that strange unknown Where silences their secrets keep. My soul shall take eternal flight Into the distance faint and far, Through sunlit worlds and starlit nights To where the courts of heaven are. And if the years which lie asleep Within that past we both have known Deem me as pure as you who rest Beneath Youth's final miling [sic] stone ; Some day - some time, I'll greet you there Beyond the future's shoreless rim - For all God's promises are sure - And you'll be waiting for me, Jim. - Fred N. Currie. The same poem is again included in the scrapbook (perhaps from another newspaper) and the author's name is spelled Fred N. Crurie. IN MEMORIAM James Bennet Colvin, Died April 26th, 1905, Aged 22 Years. O Glorious youth, how sad it is to see you with a form stilled in death, and only a few hours ago, in the bright fullness of your young vigor, you were the pride of your loved ones. Scarcely had you reached even the brink of life, or tasted joy or sorrow ere you were transplanted to a higher plane made a son of God, and yet your mortal parts remain to teach us how transitory mortal life is. We can only weep, even as we rejoice, in the Divine mind which calls you to a higher life. It may be that a loving, merciful God foresaw the future, and in the dreary years of old age, or even in the prime of your life, you might have slipped an[d] lost the proud heritage of the true Christian; or prehaps [sic], God, in His Divine mercy, needed you in that beautiful world as a messenger of good, where every service is love, and every mission good. What mortal sight can pierce the mighty veil, Which hides the higher realms of eternity? Into which our beloved ones' spirits sail, Transfigured and glorified in their new-born purity; As sons of God, through Him Jesus the Divine, In a glorious beauty, which none can conceive, Into a boundless grandeur no mortal can define. Where the Prince of Love does ever receive The adoration and worship of His chosen ones, Who came at His call to receive their crowns, Promised to each and all of His faithful ones. Where the glad anthems of countless angels sound, His unceasing praise, and saints and martyrs stand About His throne resplendent in His celestial light, Which enfolds all, Angels and His chosen band, Who proclaim ever His Love, His Truth, His Might. James B. Colvin is buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Lincoln Parish. His dates read: October 19, 1883 - April 26, 1905. His parents, Jeptha B. and Caroline M. Colvin are buried next to him. Mr. C.W. Mills of West Monroe died this morning shortly after twelve o'clock after a lingering illness. He was about sixty years of age and the father of three sons and two daughters, G.L., C.E. and W.J. and Mrs. Tom Cook and Miss Belle Mills. His wife has been dead a number of years. He was a brother of Mr. J.C. Mills of Logtown. the remains were shipped to Choudrant this morning for burial. Penciled in at the top of the clipping is the date Thursday, September 28, 1905. C.W. Mills is buried in the Alabama Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Sibley, LA, Lincoln Parish. The dates on his headstone read: March 26, 1844 - September 28, 1905. He is buried near his wife Caladonia A. Kelly Mills, who died in 1881. Mrs. S.B. McClendon Dead. As we go to press we learn of the death of Mrs. Sarah B. McLendon, relict of R.W. McClendon, Sr., last night, at her residence in West Monroe. She was 71 years old. Services will be held at her residence this evening and the body sent to Calhoun for interment in the Forksville graveyard tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock. Penciled in at the top of the clipping is the date September 24, 1902. Sarah Newcomb McClendon is buried at Mt. Zion Cemetery near Calhoun, LA in Ouachita Parish. The dates on her headstone are: March 2, 1831 - September 24, 1902. Her husband R.C. is buried nearby. Miss Mollie Mills, daughter of Mr. C.W. Mills, of West Monroe, died at the home of her father in that place Wednesday of typhoid fever. She was in the 31st year of her age. The burial took place at Sibley, where the family formerly lived. Penciled in at the top of the clipping is the date September 16, 1903. In the Alabama Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Sibley, LA, Lincoln Parish is buried a Mary Eliza Mills. She has the correct date of death, parents, and the age corresponds to the above Mollie Mills. She was the daughter of C.W. and Caladonia A. Kelly Mills. Her dates of birth and death are: December 10, 1871 - September 16, 1903. Leo Cunningham Vincent. Born November 4, 1889, and died July 14th 1890, aged eight months and ten days. Little Leo was the only child of Leo and Annie Vincent, and his passing away leaves that terrible heart-vacancy which only a parent can understand and appreciate. The little spirit came like a glint of sunshine and threw the brightness of his baby smiles into the loving hearts of his mother and father, and his dear old grandmother, in whose arms he died, and who lovingly prepared the little form for the long last sleep. He was a brave little fellow, and for six long weeks he struggled against the relentless foe that, one by one, captured the trenches of life and at last drove the little sufferer through the dark portals into the silent mysteries of the spirit land. The shadow falls across the threshold and over the hearthstone, and into loving hearts. White crape is on the door. The quiet footfalls come and go, and words of tender sympathy are spoken. Hushed are the baby lips; the blue eyes are dimmed by the mist of death, and the fragile human flower lies white and silent, awaiting the loving rites that consign it to the breast of the loving mother of us all. It was in the "wee small hours" of morning [W]hen the little soul took its flight. The night shadows over the land, but just a glimpse of light in the east, prophetic of the coming dawn. In the closing hours of that little life-dream, I witnessed the manifestation of that sublime mother-love that clings to time with one hand and clasps eternity with the other. The brave young mother trying to hold her baby back from the silvery sands, and away from the dark waters that rushed, and murmured, and kissed the shores of life, and at last bore the little one away on its tide. And then the heart-piercing sorrow of father and mother and grandmother, awakened to the consciousness that there was but little left now, but a memory of baby smiles and prattle. The funeral took place at 6 p.m. The bearers were our own office boys, Amos Weston, Ed Sheldon, Frank McAllister and Ernest Mann. Prof. Bayes, of Springfield, Mo., and Miss Ruth Sheldon, of Winfield, furnished beautiful vocal music. A little before the twilight hour, the little white coffin was lowered to its last resting place in the beautiful Union cemetery. No burial citation could be found for this infant. There are several Union Cemeteries in this area as well as the state. Sacred to the memory of little Wilbur Tanner who departed this life the 2nd day of Dec. 1891. "Death rarely visits a spot on earth To carry hence a prize of little worth." Little Wilbur was a bright boy, the idol of his parents. Oh! how hard it is to part with a sweet flower like little Wilbur, but God doeth all things well, and he thought it best to call little Wilbur home. And would say to the bereaved parents to grieve not. Although the trial seems a hard one. Remember that Jesus blessed little children when on earth and said; suffer little children to come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Little Wilbur is not dead but sleepeth "Thou has gone before us. We miss thee now, sweet one, Thy presence was ever dear. But we are comforted to know Thou art free from every fear. Sleep on dear child Till God shall bid thee rise, For when Jesus the harvester, [C]omes, we'll meet thee in the skies, [Thou]gh shrined in death little Wilbur lies. [The] memory of his deeds will ever [ ] Twined with proud laurels [ ] rise and wave unfading o'er [ ]mb. AN AUNT No burial citation could be found for this child. Obituary. Once more a budding flower has been plucked while in the bud to bloom in that land of everlasting felicity, Lena Mary Colvin, little daughter of L.P. and Mattie Colvin, aged two years, one month and fifteen days. At half eight in the evening, on the 29th of September, her spirit winged its flight from this rough clime to the giver of all good from whence it came. Parents faint not, though your lie be filled with affliction and sore bereavements, the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh, blessed be the name of the Lord. Remember he has said: Suffer little children to come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven. We can say farewell little Lena, until father, mother, brothers and sisters shall meet again where sickness, sorrow and pains, are to be felt no more. It was the privilege of the writer to see the last breath of the little sufferer. She bore her suffering with the fortitude of one far beyond her years. May the Lord bless the sorrowing father, mother, brothers and sisters, in this sad hour of sore bereavement and help them to prepare to meet with their precious little darling in that land of everlasting bliss. DORA C. Lena’s parents were L.P. (Leonard Pratt) Colvin and Martha A. Ball. They married in Lincoln Parish, August 23, 1883. L.P. is buried in Christie Chapel Cemetery, Magnolia, Arkansas, Columbia County. No headstone could be found for Lena. Obituary. DIED. – Lina, daughter of Mr. Newton Edwards, of Ward 4, died at his residence at 12 p.m., April 12th. She was on the threshold of womanhood, healthy in mind and body. And life held for her many bright hopes, but God in His wisdom, which passes our infinite understanding, saw that it was best to take her to His home above. She was most terribly burned on the 23rd of March, and from the first, said she had no hope or expectation of recovery. She bore her intense suffering with remarkable heroism; her patience and fortitude were wonderful, lasting though the three weeks which she lingered. She said she was not afraid to die, for she knew that the would go to heaven and be with the loved ones, one of whom, little Annie, had so recently gone before her to that land where suffering and death are not known. Her suffering was a sermon to all who visited her, teaching a sweet and beautiful lesson; one of courage, humility, patience and submission. And if we who survive, will only be profited thereby, her life though short, will have been crowned with the grandest results. We, who mourn her early death, take comfort in the firm belief that she is now “Safe in the arms of Jesus.” W.S.K. April 13th, 1887 No Information could be found for Lena Edwards or her family. Condolence. Lula McElroy, daughter of R.J. McElroy and wife, died near Longstraw, La., on the 17th inst., after a short illness. As the morning sun was turning the eastern horizon into crimson and gold, and the birds were singing their morning song of praise and gladness, little Lula's spirit returned to the God who gave it. Although not quite four years old, little Lula was wise far beyond her years and often astonished her hearers by the wisdom of her questions and the accuteness [sic] of her answers. Many times previous and during her illness, she expressed a wish to die and go to her little infant brother who proceeded her to the spirit land only a few months. It was strange and instructive, to hear such language from one so young. With what faith and simplicity she surrendered herself to the dark waters. We should not mourn for her as those who have no hope, for we remember the beautiful words of the blessed Master as he gathered the little ones around him and said: "Suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven." While the loss of our little ones are heart-rendering and hard to bear, yet we should be thankful that the glory and everlasting happiness is sure, and let it be one more golden link in the chain, that binds us to heaven. Let us think of our little ones as fairy spirits that have crossed the dark waters and stand on that beautiful shore waiting and watching with eager eyes the coming of Papa and Mama; ever ready to welcome us to that Paradise above, and thus 'a little child shall lead them.' S.T.W. Longstraw, LA is in Lincoln Parish, but no information could be found for this family. IN MEMORIAM. DIED. - At the home of his parents, in Ruston, La., August 26, 1891, Augustus B. Mason, eldest son of J.H. and L.C. Mason, aged 16 years and 4 months. My bright young friend, Augustus B. Mason, is no more. Several years ago I saw a manly little boy, when the Messenger office was established at Arcadia, La.; I formed his acquaintance as the little son of James H. Mason and Mrs. L.C. Mason, attaches of that paper. From that day to this I have felt great endearment to the family, especially for my then, little friend Gus. He was an exception. Always manly, intelligent and genial, he was remarkably industrious. He grew rapidly, and though only a lad, at his decease, he had the bearing of mature age. Gus was always independent, and had fought the battle of life against the busy currents until his intellect was keen and his wits a match for all. He was so self-reliant as a boy, all felt his decided character. And as he grew older, I could but predict for him a career of great success and usefulnness [sic]. I have seen Gus, when affliction was against the family; I have seen him when the clouds were rendering gloom for his home, as they do for us all, betimes. It was then his intelligence, his constancy, his industry, shown all the more brightly. He loved his mother, he was devoted to his dear ones of home, and Gus was always in the forefront with his parents in all that was for their welfare. But the fatal shaft has borne him hence. Home shall see his manly form and hear his voice of affection no more. His loved ones are bereaved, and I come to share a word of hope and cheer with them. Dear ones, God doeth all things well. He knows. He took your boy. And let us bow with grace and submission. Weep not brothers and sisters, for he is only in advance of you. We too, you and I, and all on the earth, shall soon pass into that waiting beyond. Let us turn to our Father's word and learn: Rev. 21c-4v. "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying; neither shall there be any more pain, for the former thing[s] are passed away." "So fades a summer cloud away; So sinks the gale when storms are o'er, So gently shuts the eye of day; So dies a wave along the shore. Life's labor done, as sinks the clay, Light from its load the spirit flies, While heaven and earth combine to say, 'How blest the righteous when he dies.'" And may the God of all grace help us to trust in Jesus that we may awake in His likeness on the resurrection morning. Fraternally, D.F. HEAD. Forksville, La. Gus' parents, James H. and Lucy C. Betterton Mason, were married in Union Parish, Louisiana. No gravestone could be found for Gus or his parents. [Af]ter five weeks suffering with that dread disease typhoid fever, on Tuesday morning last, Miss Viola Patterson, daughter of the late Matt Patterson, who was well known in this parish. To the bereaved family the Age extends sympathies. Viola Patterson is buried in New Hope Cemetery, Lincoln Parish. The data on her tombstone reads: Died: October 4, 1898, age 22 years, 8 months, 26 days. Her father Matthew Patterson is buried nearby. He died July 16, 1893. OBITUARY. Little EVA GILL, eldest daughter of N.B. and Elizabeth Gill, departed this life at the home of her parents in Lincoln Parish, on the 15th day of August A.D., 1887, aged seven years, seven months and three days. She was taken ill at Culbertson church, where she was in attendance at school, on Wednesday before her death on Monday following. The attack at first, was pronounced to be of a bilious nature, but no serious results feared until the fourth day of her illness, when an alarming change took place and dessolution [sic] occurred about 1 P.M. next day. It was indeed a sad blow to the grief-stricken parents. It is sad, "death loves a shining mark." It has proven so in this instance. Truly, it has been said of her, that hers was an old head on young shoulders. She has been attending her first school, but had made rapid progress in her studies for one of her tender age and limited opportunities. She was a close student, and obedient and respectful to her preceptor. Her affection for her parents and little sisters, was of the tenderest nature. Just before her spirit took its flight, seeing the grief of her mother, the tears gushed from her eyes. Her sainted young spirit has taken its flight over the river to the great beyond, before sin could blight or sorrow fade, and is now in the arms of her Savior, safely housed in the haven of eternal rest and happiness. Parents, grieve not, your loss is her eternal gain. God doeth all things well. His will, not ours, be done. Remember you can meet her on the other shore, where pain, sorrow and death, will never come, and parting never more. Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven. Eva E. Gill is buried in Culbertson Cemetery, just over the Lincoln Parish line in Union Parish. Her dates read: January 12, 1880 - August 15, 1887, aged 7 years, 7 months and 8 days. Her parents Napoleon B. and Lizzie J. Betterton Gill are buried nearby. DIED. The citizens of Ruston were shocked on the evening of November 4th, 1895, when the sad news of the sudden demise of Capt. E.E. Kidd, of this town, was made known. The Captain was in his usual health up to the night of the 3rd, when he was attacked with general collapse, and at 4:45 p.m. passed away. He was so well known, not only in this section, but in this and adjoining states for his brilliancy as a lawyer, as and orator and as a statesman, that the news of his death will carry sorrow to many hearts, for every true American admires a true Southern American, that has the unusual amount of ability that this man possessed. To his devoted wife and children, to his many relatives and friends the AGE extends its deepest sympathies in this their sad affliction. Captain Edwin E. Kidd, of Company G, 28th Louisiana Confederate Infantry, is buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Ruston, LA, Lincoln Parish. Died – At Choudrant, La., on Sunday, Sept. 18, 1898, after a short illness, Mr. A.R. Blair. He leaves a wife and two small children to mourn his death and the Age extends sympathies to them and the relatives and friends. Alphonza R. Blair is buried in Longstraw Cemetery, south of Choudrant, LA in Lincoln Parish. His headstone information reads: Son of James D. & Parthenia Blair, Born February 2, 1867 at 231 Annuciation [sic] Street, New Orleans, La., died September 18, 1898. Died – Sheriff Eugene Howard, at his residence in Ruston on Saturday night, Sept. 3rd, after a short illness. Funeral services conducted by Rev. J.A. McLees, was held at the family residence on Sunday evening, after which the remains were laid to rest by the order of Knights of Pithias [sic] in the Ruston Cemetery. A large host of relatives and friends being present. This mans long and faithful public life, his many virtues, good deeds of kindness and charity are so well known that words of eulogy from us is unnecessary; we feel that we could not do justice to his memory. For 25 years he served his people faithful in a public capacity, and was always kind, sociable and obliging. His acquaintance was extensive and his friends they were many and everywhere that he was known. Many are the men who have by his death lost a useful friend. To his bereaved wife, three children, other relatives and friends, we extend our condolence. The year 1898 is written in pencil below this obituary. No tombstone information could be found. Sheriff Howard has an entry in volume 1 of the book: “Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Louisiana”. The entry states that he was born in Leake County, MS, September 16, 1845. He served in the Fifth Louisiana Cavalry, Company D. during the Civil War. Sheriff Howard married Sallie Mayfield in 1870, Lincoln Parish. Obituary. Thomas Ptoleny, son of J.S. and the late S.E. Ford, was born April [15]th, 1856, and died at Downsville, Union Parish, La., August 26th, 1887. Deceased was happily converted and joined the Methodist church at the Downsville camp-meeting in 1886, remaining a consistant [sic] member till death. His sainted mother had preceded him to the happy spirit land, about five years and as death’s cold embrace was rapidly closing his earthly existence and shutting out all material objects from his natural vision, his loving mother appeared to him and with emotions of delight, he said to his father: “I SEE MA!” and motioned to his sorrowing friends to [clear?] the window that she might enter and accompany his spirit home. He was a good and useful citizen, obliging and indulgent – strictly honest and upright in all his dealings with his fellow man – ever exemplifying in all his business and social transactions and relations, those high principles of justice and equity inculcated by the Golden rule. He was an obedient son, an affectionate husband and faithful friend. He leaves a sorrowing wife, father, six brothers and one sister, to mourn their loss. He sleeps in the arms of Jesus awaiting his crown at the last day. “Soldier of Christ, well done, Praise be thy new employ, And while eternal ages run, Rest in thy sorrow’s joy.” FRIEND. Thomas is buried in the Alabama Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Sibley, LA, Lincoln Parish. His dates read: April 15, 1856 – August 26, 1887. Nearby are buried his parents, J.S. and Susan Elvira Ford. OBITUARY. Louana Pipes, the daughter of J.L. McCalla and wife of David P. Pipes, was born March 8th, 1862 and departed this life August 16th, 1888. She was taken sick July 14th, being confined to her bed thirty-four days and at times during her lingering sickness her sufferings were intense, but in all of her sickness her patience and fortitude were remarkable, which indicates her submission to the divine will. All was done by a good and kind physician and the willing hands of loving friends to alleviate pain and sooth her fevered brow that could be, and when she was thought to be convalescent our anxiety abateing [sic] and our hopes for her final recovery were buoyant. But she was taken away from us. Up to within a few minutes of death she was cheerful, laughing and talking, suddenly she remarked to her husband and friends that she was dieing, and when they tried to do something for her, she told them that they could not help her, “for I am dying.” In ten minutes she breathed her last. She is gone, by her departure we sustain a great loss, but our loss is her eternal gain. The cord that bound two loving hearts has been severed and produce a void which the sympathy and condolence of friends and relatives cannot fill. That strong mother affection which was concentrated on two loving children, will never be exemplied [sic] again in deeds of love in this world. Oh! How hard to give up a dear wife and an affectionate mother, who can fill their places? Will not He who has said come up higher, and severed the ties of a loving family sanctify this affliction to the good of husband and relatives? Will not He who watches over the children and guides their feet in the right way? “Lo! I am with you always I will never leave or forsake thee,” and other precious promises should inspire us with implicit trust in our heavenly Father and cause us to bow in submission to his will who doeth all things well, who is too wise to err and too good to do wrong. May his richest blessings rest upon the bereaved husband and children. T.W.P. No burial information could be found for Louana. DIED. Near Sibley, Lincoln Parish, La., November 2nd, 1887, Lillie Ollie, age four months. This precious jewel was the only child of J. Ausie and Mrs. Addie Robison [sic Robinson]. And oh! How hard it must seem to them to have to part with their darling babe so soon. But dear friends, grieve not as those who have no hope, we have the assurance that she is only asleep on the heavenly Fathers breast. God hath taken her away from your bosom to his own and he doeth all things well. We must all bow with humble submission to his holy will. Be faithful only a little while and say: “She to early rest is gone,” She to paradise has fled, I shall go to her but she, Never shall come back to me, Take the child no longer mine, Thine she is for ever thine. FARMERS UNION BROTHER. Sibley, La., November 14th, 1887. Lilla Olive Robinson is buried in the Alabama Presbyterian Church Cemetery, in Sibley, LA, Lincoln Parish. The dates on the headstone read: July 2, 1887 – November 2, 1887. Nearby are buried her parents J.A. and Addie E. Robinson. Died – On Sunday Sept. 21st, 1896, Mrs. J.W. Wade, wife of our esteemed and worthy friend, Jas. W. Wade, near Choudrant. We deeply sympathize with our friend in this deep affliction, for this is twice he has had to give up his companion. Ella Gray Wade is buried in the Alabama Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Sibley, LA, Lincoln Parish. The dates on her headstone read: July 18, 1859 – September 20, 1896. Her husband, James W. and their two young daughters are buried nearby. James’s first wife, Mary Emma is also buried there. Died – On Sept. 25, 1896, Mrs. W.S. Norris, of Sibley. Mrs. Norris has been in ill health for several years, and her death was not unexpected. She leaves a devoted husband, three loving sons and a daughter to mourn her departure. We extend to them our sympathies. Rebecca F. Norris is buried in the Alabama Presbyterian Church Cemetery, in Sibley, LA, Lincoln Parish. The dates on her headstone read: April 1, 1828 – September 25, 1896. Her husband is buried next to her. Died – At Sibley, La., on Friday, Nov. 4th, 1898, Ellie, twin daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D.G. Calhoun. Ellie was in her 17th year of age, and she and her twin sister were very much devoted. She was a lovely, sweet girl, and loved by all who knew her. To the bereaved family, the Age extends its deepest sympathies. Ellie T. Calhoun is buried in the Alabama Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Sibley, LA, Lincoln Parish. The dates on the headstone read: February 12, 1882 – November 2, 1896. The dates of the obituary and on the headstone conflict. Nearby are buried her father, Daniel G. and brother Robert D. Calhoun. TRIBUTE OF RESPECT. The following resolutions on the death of Mr. John D. Davis, who died August 31st, 1896, at his home near Sibley in this Parish, were adopted by the Sabbath School at Alabama church, Sabbath morning September 6th, 1896. And a request was also made that the Parish papers publish the same.Whereas, since our last meeting, our beloved brother, friend and coworker in the Sabbath School, John D. Davis has been taken from our number by the hand of death. Therefore, Be it Resolved, 1st. That, we bow in humble submission to the will of God in his removal. 2nd. That, in the death of Bro. Davis Alabama Sabbath School loses an earnest and devoted teacher, and may his memory abide with us, and inspire us to greater zeal and consecration in the work of the Master. 3rd. That, we tender to his family our sincere sympathy in this sad bereavement, and commend them to the God of all grace. B.M. KENDALL, D.G. CALHOUN, Committee. John Daniel Davis is buried in the Alabama Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Sibley, LA, Lincoln Parish. The dates on the headstone read: June 8, 1858 – August 3, 1896. The date of death conflicts with the above date of death. Nearby are buried his wife Mary A. McClendon Davis and other children. DEAD! Mr. W.S. Davis, of Douglas, after a lingering illness of six weeks died at his late home of consumption, brought on by La grippe as stated in these columns last week, on the morning of 30th, ult., at 6 o’clock. He leaves a wife and four little children, a host of relatives and wide circle of friends to mourn his loss. He was not a member of any church, but it is thought by those who were with him in his last illness, that he became prepared to meet his Maker before he died. It is to be hoped he did. This untimely taking away is a sad blow to his widowed wife and orphaned children, which cannot in any way be counterbalanced by worldly goods. He leaves his family well provided for in this world’s goods which is greatly reinforced by a $2,000 life insurance policy. He was a man high in esteem by a very large proportion of the people of Lincoln Parish where he was born and reared. The bereft ones have the sympathy of all who know them. Dead! What an awe-inspiring word! At the utterance of this word, what sadness flows through the aching heart of the bereft! What painful memories pass before the vision of those who have dear ones that have passed over that darksome river where no one e’er returns to tell the tale of joy or of woe! How forcibly are we reminded that this earth’s joys are but fleeting bubbles on the surface of time. How like the tender blades of grass that peep forth in the early spring only to be cut low by wintry blasts, is the human race! One day we flourish and bloom only to blast and wither the next. There are none that have not mourned for the dear departed, so let us be comforted, though our minds revert to the days that can never return, when hand in hand we glided over time’s tide all oblivious of the time when ruthlessly death would stalk into our household and pluck our brightest gems and claim them as his own. We cannot say “weep not”, for in the falling of a tear, the rustle of angel’s wings passes the ear and visions of angelic forms floating across the horizon of our thoughts impel us to feel the presence of the sublime; in the falling of a tear, is heard the silvery chime of celestial bells whose soft intonations sink deeply into every Christian heart, there to radiate in all of its splendor, knocking gently at the sinner’s heart and admonishing him to look to God and be saved. It is hard to say farewell to those we love, but this must come, so let us accept God’s works with perfect resignation, for He has a right to do as he chooses with his own, and will do everything for the best. And when that noble spirit passes through the portals of the grave, let us hope that it will receive the welcome plaudits – “Enter thou into the Kingdom of thy God.” Winfield Scott Davis is buried in the Douglas Cemetery, Lincoln Parish. The dates on his headstone read: September 24, 1850 – March 30, 1894. Nearby are buried two children. A SAD CHRISTMAS, To the family of the late W.J. Kelly of Longstraw. He had been almost at deaths door for some time and at 3 o'clock a.m. Dec. 25, 1896, he breathed his last. W.J. Kelly was one of the oldest land marks in this section of country, and for the last several years had been attacked with very severer sickness at time, [ ] proving to have a constitution superior to almost any one, he would revive. He was a second cousin to [ ] and the oldest relative that we [ ]. Now to the bereaved family [and] friends, while we join in [ ] sorrows, we say that he was [allowed] to remain with us a long [time] and we must bow to the will [of him] who doeth all things well. NOTE: Clipping is badly faded. William J. Kelly is buried in Longstraw Cemetery, South of Choudrant, LA in Lincoln Parish. His headstone data is: February 27, 1826 – December 25, 1896. It also states that he was the husband of Melinda J. McAdams who is buried nearby. Died – It is with sorrow that we chronicle the death of one of Sibley's oldest and most highly esteemed citizens, Mr. W.S. Norris. He had been permitted to live over his four score years, and for the last few years has been in quite feeble health. On Wednesday of last week, with but little warning to his devoted children, who watched closely after his every interest, the Master called him home. Thus passes away a good man, one who had the confidence and esteem of all who knew him. To his children, relatives and friends, we can say, "weep not as those who have no hope," for he has gone to reap his reward. The AGE extends its deepest sympathies to the bereaved. The year 1897 is written in pencil at the end of the clipping. William S. Norris is buried in the Alabama Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Sibley, LA, Lincoln Parish. The dates on his headstone read: December 12, 1812 – March 17, 1897. Beside him is buried his wife Rebecca F. who died the previous year. Died – On Thursday, at 3 o'clock, Mrs. Jonie Kirkland, wife of Mr. L.T. Kirkland, of Sibley. This was a sad death indeed, while she had been sick a long time, and while it seemed impossible for her to recover yet, while she lived the family was unbroken, and now the heart rendered husband and four little children are left alone wifeless and motherless. It is with sorrow that we chronicle this death, for this was a good woman. We have known her from her childhood, and she was a good child, a good girl, a good woman. To the bereaved husband, little motherless children, relatives and friends of the deceased, the Age joins in your sorrows and extends its deepest sympathies. At the top of the clipping written in pencil is the date Sept. 16th, 1897. Eliza Jane, wife of Lee T. Kirkland, is buried in the Alabama Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Sibley, LA, in Lincoln Parish. The dates on her headstone read: November 12, 1861 – September 9, 1897. Nearby is buried her husband Lee. Died – Just as we are ready to go to press the sad intelligence reaches us that our friend B.M. Kendall, of Cedarton, is dead. He was a brother to Dr. W.S. Kendall, and lived on and managed the farm of the Dr. He was sick five or six days and died Tuesday evening at 7:30. To the bereaved wife, three little children, relatives and friends of the deceased the Age extends its deepest sympathies in this their hour of sad bereavment [sic].B.M. Kendall is buried in the Alabama Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Sibley, LA, Lincoln Parish. The dates on his headstone read: July 30, 1857 – October 5, 1897. Next to him is buried his wife, Sallie F. Kendall. Died – On Monday morning, at Douglas, La., Mr. Amos Davis, after a long and painful illness passed away. He had suffered a great deal but bore his suffering with genuine Christian fortitude. Amos, as he was so favorably known all over the parish, had many friends, who with the Age, will join the relatives in their sorrow at this their sad bereavement. Amos Davis is buried in the Douglas Cemetery in Lincoln Parish. The dates on his headstone read: May 28, 1848 – March 22, 1898. His wife Susan and two sons are buried nearby. Diek [sic Died] – At Calhoun, Saturday, June 24, at 5 p.m. Mrs. Ada Ford, wife of Mr. Henry W. Ford. For three weeks she lingered with slow or continued fever, and at 12 o'clock Saturday it was thought she was doing very well, but a change for the worse soon took her away. She was a cousin to us, and her husband a cousin to our wife. We knew her all her life and she was a christian child, a christian woman. Besides her heart broken husband, she leaves two little boys, the eldest 10 years of age and the younger six, and one little daughter 10 months old, a father three brothers and two sisters and other relatives and friends to mourn her death. The remains were enterred [sic] in the Sibley cemetery Sunday evening. To all the bereaved you know that we join you in your grief and tender you our deepest sympathies. Written in pencil at the bottom of the clipping is the year 1899. Ada B. Ford is buried in the Alabama Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Sibley, LA, Lincoln Parish. The dates on her headstone read: January 11, 1862 – June 24, 1899. Buried next to her is her husband Henry, who died in 1915. Died – At Sibley, La., on Monday morning, Aug. 14, Mr. W. Ben O'Neal. This healthy, stout, progressive young man was rebuilding his residence on the spot where he was burned out in the spring and was taken sick Wednesday, but not considered dangerous. A few days later congestion set up and soon done its fatal work. He was eldest son of W.J. O'Neal, and two years ago married Miss Docia Hurt, daughter to Dr. J.P. Hurt, of Douglas, who with a little ten month old daughter survive him. To this bereaved wife, daughter, and two families and other relatives and friends, the editor of the Age offers his tenderest sympathies. W.B. O'Neal is buried in the Alabama Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Sibley, LA, Lincoln Parish. The dates on his headstone read: December 29, 1872 – August 14, 1899. Buried nearby are his parents Wiley J. and Mary W. Kendall O'Neal and other O'Neal relatives.