Obituary: Joe Ogburn, 2 May 1891 - Smith County, TX Contributed by Vicki Betts 18 January 2003 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************************************** TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 28, 1891, p. 7, c. 6 OGBURN.—Joe Ogburn, son of Rev. E. D. and Lina Ogburn, was born in Smith county, Texas, July 11, 1878, and died at home, in Lindale, Smith county, May 2, 1891. He was baptized by Rev. John Adams in innocent childhood. From the earliest dawn of intelligence he was instructed in the simple faith of Jesus, and at the early age of nine years he publicly avowed his faith in Jesus and his desire to serve him by uniting with the church. Thus the responsibility was shifted from his parents to himself. From the day of his union with the church to the day of his death he was true to his baptismal vow. His dear father, who was an honored member of the East Texas Conference, passed into his rest about four years ago and left his stricken widow with five daughters and one son to provide for. Little Joe, though not robust, yet full of manly principle, was already looked to as the one who should take his father's place. His poor mother writes me: "I had looked forward to the time when I could lean upon him, and he had already begun to help me bear the burdens of my family; but, alas, I find myself left in this world with nothing to lean on." He said he was not afraid to die, brave little fellow; but he wanted to reach the age of twenty-one years without knowing how whisky tasted, or what it was to use a profane word. What an aspiration! Let every boy in Texas emulate his example. His teacher said he was the best boy in school. His mother writes me: "This is comforting, but why was he taken?" Dear mother, it may be Jesus has taken away this last prop that you may more perfectly learn how to walk by faith, leaning only on him. At last she says: "One more tie in heaven." Yes, mother; little Joe ere this has seen Jesus and felt the embrace of his sainted father, and may be sitting at the gate when you pass in. Oh, let us cut loose our moorings from earth and anchor our every hope in heaven. Thank God, the crowning day is coming by-and-bye. W. H. CRAWFORD