Carroll County, Missouri Obituary - Repps Bedford Hudson d. December 13, 1901 Source: From a Carrollton Weekly newspaper Carrollton, Missouri December 13, 1901 ANOTHER PROMINENT CITIZEN PASSES AWAY R. B. Hudson Died Very Suddenly this Morning Death Entirely Unexpected R. B. Hudson, for years one of our most prominent citizens, died very suddenly this morning at his home in the north part of the city. The summons came without a moment's warning and was entirely unexpected by his own family. Although he suffered a severe attack with his heart ten days ago, he was feeling almost as well as ever and perhaps would have been in town had he not been fearful of taking cold. He was up at his usual hour this morning, built the fires and had eaten a hearty breakfast. He had been walking about the house, and stepped into the bedroom. .The house-girl was in the room and saw him stoop forward slightly, clasp his hand to his breast and stagger as though he would fall. She stepped quickly to his side, and helped him to a chair only a step away. He sank into the chair, his head fell forward on his breast. Assistance was summoned, a physician was called, but it was of no avail. The spirit had left it's earthly habitation almost the instant he sank into the chair, without having spoken a word. Repps Bedford Hudson, son of David and Matilda Hudson, was born in Patrick county, Va. , April 9, 1827. The family left Virginia in 1838, and came Clinton County, Illinois. Five years later in 1843 -- the family came to Carrollton, settling in what is now Moss Creek township. At this time the subject of this sketch was only 16 years of age. After working on his father's farm for a year or two, Mr. Hudson began life for himself. Though he had no capital, he had willing hands, an immense amount of energy and grit, and he soon began to prosper. Here, by hard work, he laid the foundation for the immense fortune he afterward amassed. June 5, 1849, Mr. Hudson was united in marriage to Miss Catherine 0'Rear of this county. Of this union seven children were born, five of whom, with the beloved\wife survive him -- Mrs. Mary E. Goodson, R. B. Hudson, Jr., of Carrollton, Mrs. Dora Cooper, of Ft. Smith, Ark., W. E. Hudson, of this city, Mrs. Laura Guitar, of Abilene, Texas. Mr. Hudson lived on his farm until 1877. He was one of the most extensive farmers and stock raisers in Carroll County. For years his herd of black cattle was one of the finest in the United States. Having accumulated a competence in farming and stock raising, Mr. Hudson erected a handsome residence in the north suburb of the city and moved his family to town, to spend the later years of his life more comfortably and to be nearer to his children. In 1880 he organized the Farmer's bank of Norborne, was elected president, and continued at it's head until his death. He was also one of the original stockholders and organizers of the First National Bank of this city in 1889. Thirty years ago Mr. Hudson united with the Christian Church, and he was the prime mover and contributed liberally toward the construction of the Christian Church in Norborne, where he always held his membership, even since coming to Carrollton. He also aided very materially in building the Christian Church in this city. Because the Christian Church was his choice, however, did not prevent him from being liberal to the other churches. Scarcely a house of worship has been erected in this county for years that he did not contribute. Mr. Hudson was a self made man. He early learned to do for himself, and he was eminently successful. From a hard-working, steady boy, he grew into a rugged, substantial man. From a poor, penniless youth, beginning at the very bottom rung of the ladder, he climbed steadily until he reached the top. He was always a man of strictest integrity, and accumulated his wealth by strictly business methods. Of his honesty and kindness all his tenants testify of his honor the business world would agree as a unit. As a citizen he was one of our best and was always in favor of any move that was for the best interest of the people. For several years Mr. Hudson was troubled more or less with his heart. On Sunday morning, Dec. 1, while dressing for church, he had an unusually severe attack. Within 24 hours, however, he was much better, and gradually he was recovering his wonted vigor. This morning he was feeling unusually well and had discussed business affairs with his son. His son came to town on an errand, intending to go back in a few moments, but he had scarcely reached the square before the message came of his father's sudden illness, and 'ere he could get to his father's side, the end had come as stated above. The funeral services will be held at the Christian Church, Friday morning at 10 o'clock, conducted by Elder E. H. Kellar. Burial at Oak Hill ------------------------------------------------------------------------ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Leslie Kohler USGENWEB NOTICE All documents placed in the USGenWeb Archives remain the property of the contributors, who retain publication rights in accordance with US Copyright Laws and Regulations. In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, these documents may be used by anyone for their personal research. They may be used by non-commercial entities, when written permission is obtained from the contributor, so long as all notices and submitter information are included. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit. Any other use, including copying files to other sites, requires permission from the contributors PRIOR to uploading to the other sites. 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