Obituary: Dr. J. W. Shuford, 11 jun 1897 - Smith County, TX Contributed by Vicki Betts 12 January 2003 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************************************** TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, July 15, 1897, p. 15, c. 1-2 SHUFORD.—Dr. J. W. Shuford was born in Catawba County, N. C., June 8, 1847, and departed this life June 11, 1897, at his home two miles south of Tyler, Smith County, Texas. He graduated in medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1868, and came to Smith County, Texas. He was married to Miss M. J. Smith on June 15, 1869. He professed religion in North Carolina and united with the M. E. Church, South. He united with the same Church by letter, soon after coming to Texas, under the ministry of Rev. J. S. Mathis. It may be truthfully said that in all the relations of life, Dr. Shuford was true, noble and generous. He ranked among the very best citizens of his community and county. He was a man of honor and integrity, and enjoyed the esteem and confidence of a large circle of friends. I have known him intimately for twenty-eight years and never knew him to condescend to an ungentlemanly or to an un-Christian act. He was the very embodiment of honor and veracity under all existing conditions. Dr. Shuford was a provident man and always provided well for his family. He loved them with a perfect devotion and endeavored to provide for all of their necessities. He leaves a devoted wife, six children and a large number of relatives and friends to mourn his departure. He said during his last illness, which continued for over two months, that his peace was made with God and that he believed the Lord would take care of his family. He suffered a great deal during his sickness and yet endured it all without a murmur. He had filled continuously the offices of steward and recording steward for more than eighteen years with great efficiency and acceptability. He was held in high esteem by his brethren and was repeatedly elected a delegate to our Annual Conference. He was a man of earnest piety and thorough consecration, without ostentatious parade and self- pronounced encomiums. His life was a constant declaration of his devotion and love to God. He loved the Lord, he loved and honored the Church. He was the friend of his pastor—always advocated liberal provision for his support and was willing to pay his part. A noble Christian man has fallen and passed into the beyond to meet two of his little boys and other loved ones who preceded him to heaven. He heard the call of the Master and we believe was ready to go; his house was in order. His wife and children will sadly miss him. The Church and Quarterly Conference of which he was a member for years will miss him, but we feel that our loss is his gain, and while we are made poorer, heaven is richer. May the Lord bless his sorrowing wife and children, sustain them by his grace and bring them all into that state of reunion with husband and father in heaven. Farewell, husband, father, friend and brother, but not forever. We hope to meet thee again. T. P. SMITH. Pittsburg, Texas.