NC, Lenoir, Obit, Noah Rouse
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This file was contributed by S. Corneliussen, January 2001.

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(Note from Sarah, This is the obituary of my great-great-grandfather Noah 
Rouse of Lenoir Co. who died on January 25, 1897.)


Noah Rouse

The subject of this notice died at his home near LaGrange, N. C., on the 25 of January. 
He had been in declining health several months, but was not considered seriously ill until 
a few weeks before his death, when his symptoms became more pronounced, after which 
he was confined to his room most of the time. He suffered almost constantly, but bore it 
patiently and without murmuring. He had nearly completed his sixty-seventh year when 
the end came. He was a successful farmer, active and enterprising, and took a lively 
interest in industrial pursuits, and in public affairs. He was a man of good judgment, 
decision of character, and strong convictions, and had the courage to assert his 
convictions. The writer had known him more than 30 years, and during all that period the 
beautiful light of his Christian character shown out clear and strong upon the world.

He was one of the charter members of the Christian church in LaGrange, having moved 
his membership from Wheat Swamp, and was a deacon from the time of its organization 
until his death. During eight and a half years I was minister of that congregation, and I 
gladly dear (sic) testimony that he was a Disciple of Christ in deed and in truth.

During all my ministerial life he has been my personal friend and one of my strongest 
supporters in church work, and to me his death is a personal loss. He was liberal with his 
means in whatever commended itself to his judgment as a worthy cause; and it may be 
truly said of him that his life was "full of good works and alms deeds which he did." And 
to this statement many, both white and colored, could bear testimony. Most of our church 
buildings, in this State, erected in recent years, have been generously aided by his 
contributions. He was indeed "zealous of good works," and though dead, his influence 
lives and his works follow on.

Bro. Rouse was an ideal husband and father, and was the honored head of a happy 
family. He leaves a wife, two sons, and five daughters, who deeply mourn their loss. His 
faith in Christ was intelligent and strong, and he seemed willing to die, and several times 
in the midst of tender ministrations of loved ones he said, "Let me go, let me go." If 
skillful medical treatment and the tenderest care of those dearest to him could have 
availed, he would have lived. But his dear Saviour had something better for him than 
earth affords and so he took him to himself. His last moments were painless, and the end 
was peaceful and came as an infant falling asleep on its mother's bosom. We believe that 
he was ripe for the harvest and ready for the change, and that he now enjoys the rest for 
which he labored and hoped and prayed.

The writer was summoned by telegram to conduct the funeral services, and at the setting 
of the sun we laid him to rest in the cemetery at LaGrange, and in the hope of a blessed 
immortality, and a happy reunion in heaven we turned away from the "silent city of the 
dead." J. J. Harper