Obituaries: George B. Dalton, 1927, Winn Parish, LA
Submitted by Greggory E. Davies, 120 Ted Price Lane, Winnfield, LA 71483
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From: July 14, 1927 Winn Parish Enterprise

George B. Dalton

Born at Huntingdon, Tennessee, August 27, 1855.

Died at Alexandria, Louisiana, July 8, 1927.

The people of Winnfield, although it was generally known that he had been in
failing health for the past several months, were greatly surprised to learn of
the sudden passing of their friend and fellow townsman, Mr. George B. Dalton,
at Alexandria, where he had gone for a minor surgery.

Mr. Dalton was a familiar figure on the streets of Winnfield where he has
resided for the past 24 years, and where he was affectionately known as
"Brother Dalton" by his many friends.  On Sunday morning he would be seen with
his Bible under his arm winding his way towards the Methodist Church, where,
for the past 16 years, he has been teacher of the Men's Bible Class.  Those
who were fortunate enough to be members of that class will never forget with
what zeal, devotion and deep spiritual learning he expounded the lesson Sunday
after Sunday.

No pastor ever appeared before his congregation with deeper reverence, piety,
more profound humility or a more studious preparation than he appeared before
his class.  He always talked as if that would be his last appearance.  The
Bible was his text book and constant companion.  He delved deeply into its
sacred pages and brought forth its hidden beauties.  He often reached heights
in his learned discourses seldom heard even from the great pulpits of the
land.

Mr. Dalton came to Winnfield from Tennessee in 1903 with the Dalton-Clark
Stave Company in which he was the moving spirit until he sold his interests
some years later.

He belonged to the old school, a typical southern gentleman.  If he had chosen
the ministry after he had graduated from Bethel College, he would have been a
profound and eloquent preacher of the gospel and a flaming evangel for his
Master whom he delighted to serve.  He spoke in an oratorical tone and when he
offered a prayer it seemed as if he was talking face to face with God.

His face was a classic, fit to adorn the body of a philosopher, or statesman. 
So profound, logical, zealous and eloquent in expounding the scriptures before
his class, that some of the members nicknamed him "Paul," and like the great
Apostle, he ran with patience the race set before him, fought a good fight and
has gone to that eternal reward promised to the faithful.

He was quiet and unobtrusive.  Although intensely religious and a profound
student of the Bible, he never foisted his doctrinal beliefs on others, but
stood flatfooted on the cardinal doctrines of salvation.  He was such a
regular attendant of the Methodist Church, it was not generally known that he
was not a member.  For some reason known only to himself, he kept his
membership in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  A short time before his
death, he told a friend that he wanted to be buried in Winnfield and that
desire was respected by his daughter and his remains were brought back to
Winnfield and laid beside two of his friends who had come with him from
Tennessee.

His body lay in state at the Methodist Church form 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 on
Saturday and was viewed by many of his friends.  Rev. P. M. Caraway conducted
the funeral which was attended by his daughter and family and many of his
Winnfield friends.  The pallbearers were selected from his Bible class and the
floral offerings attested with what affection and esteem his friends regarded
him.

He leaves a son, G. H. Dalton, of Chicago, a daughter, Mrs. W. B. Safford,
Jr., of Shreveport and a brother, Joseph Dalton of Huntington, Tennessee.

Last October at a revival conducted by Rev. J. O. Hanes of Birmingham,
brothers Dalton and A. J. Gwin were asked by the evangelist to stand before
the altar so that the audience might shake hands with them.  It was an
inspiring and touching sight not often witnessed, and was almost like bidding
them goodbye as they both passed away since then.

A memorial service was conducted by the class last Sunday at which several of
the members made feeling talks on his life and character, and the undersigned
committee was appointed by the president of the class to write this sketch
requesting that a copy be spread on the minutes of the Sunday school, copies
be sent to his relatives, and copies be published in the Winnfield and
Huntingdon papers and in the Louisiana Sunday School Times.

Respectfully,

R. W. Oglesby
P. K. Abel
J. R. Heard