Freestone County, Texas
Obituaries


Obituaries of William Bonner, Jr.
      (5 Jul 1820-10 Oct 1909)


      
Fairfield Recorder - 15 Oct 1909 issue
      
      An Old Landmark Gone

   Last Sunday night, Wm. Bonner, aged 89, died at his home of his son, Tom 
Bonner, near Birdston.  Deceased located in this county in 1852, and was probably 
the oldest resident at the time of his death. He leaves four sons, Charley and 
Tom Bonner, of this county; J. E. Bonner of Tehuacana, and Irvan Bonner, of 
Tyler.

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Fairfield Recorder - 12 Nov 1909 issue
  
           In Memory of Grandpa
  Truly it seems "Death rides on every passing breeze and lurks on every flower."
  He has passed through our home and taken our dear father and grandfather, 
whose spirit was wafted home where there is no pain and suffering. "The city not
made with hands," at 9:45, Sabbath night, Oct. 10, 1909.
  Grandpa bore his suffering patiently; even before being confined to the bed,
we would often hear him praying to God, who was his staff and comfort, and
would often say "Lord have mercy upon me, a poor, sinful creature."  Although
nearing the peaceful end, we caught the faint words of that prayer. It showed he
was leaning on the strong hand of the Almighty. We sorrow not for the dead but 
for the living; nor for dear Grandpa, for he is at rest. The sunset of his life
was a bright, peaceful one. He lived to the ripe old age of 89 years, three 
months and five days. His children and grandchildren were at his beside and did 
everything loving hands could do, but God knew best, and we, as Christians, say
"Thy will be done."
   William Bonner was born in Monroe county, Ala., July 5th, 1820, was baptized
by Rev. Jas. Lowery. When only a small boy he lived with his grandmother for
company and protection.
   On May 4th, 1842, he was married to Miss Mary Catherine McArthur, who was his
junior by four years. Unto them was born ten children-three died in infancy, and 
two in manhood, and only one daughter and four sons survive him - Thomas, John,
Charley, and Irwin. His loving wife died Oct. 16th, 1875, thirty-four years ago.
He was sad and lonely without her many years. He lived with his only daughter,
Mrs. T. H. Robinson, until her death 13 years ago, since then he has made his 
home with his son, Tom. Uncle Charley also lived with us, and was always 
thoughtful of the comfort of his aged father, and we all tried to make his last
days happy. Life is uncertain, and very few will live to be as old as he-four
score and nine.
   His grandparents came from Ireland and he inherited from them the strong
principles of the Presbyterian faith, and united with the Associate Reformed
Presbyterian church early in life and has ever been a true and faithful member,
serving as elder for years until his death.
   He came from Alabama to Texas in the early days of 1854, and settled in 
Freestone county, and was living at his old home at the time of his death.
Grandpa was confined to the bed eleven days and on Sabbath night the ripened 
grain was garnered.
   Grandpa, you have gone to that home above
      Where all is joy, peace and love.
      Why should we weep, when you from pain are free?
      But we are so lonely without thee.
      Around our fireside will be a vacant chair;
      Dear Grandpa, may we live to meet you, is my prayer.
      
                                           E. B. 

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