M. HITCHENS, Obituary, 15 Jun 1912, Smith County, TX

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Submitted by Mary Love Berryman - marylove@tyler.net
14 April 2001
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Tyler Weekly Courier-Times - Friday, June 21, 1912

M. Hitchens Died at Age of 88

The death of M. Hitchens which occurred at the home of Mrs. Jeff D. 
Burns Saturday, June the 15th, 1912, at 1:10 p.m., removes from our 
midst an old settler and worthy citizen.  He came to Texas from London,
England, when he was fourteen years old.  He engaged in the saddle and
harness business in Troupe soon after the war.  At one time he had a
business in Tyler.  He had a store also at Rusk and Naples, Texas.  He
was married to Miss Atkinson, sister of Eli Atkinson, a well known 
farmer living near Starrville.

To them were born five children, a son Lee M. Hitchens, and daughter 
Emma, Minnie, Ida, Delia and Bettie.

Miss Emma Hitchens, the oldest daughter, was married to Jeff D. Burns 
aboout 38 years ago.  At the time, Mr. Burns was a deputy county clerk.
He and his wife settled down in Tyler.  About one year ago Mr. Hitchens
and wife moved to Tyler from Naples, Texas, where they had resided for
several years.  While here their home was with their daughter, Mrs. 
Jeff D. Burns.  Mrs. Hitchens followed the remains of her husband to
Hearne, Texas, for interment where a daughter resides.  Deceased was 
88 years of age, and Mrs. Hitchens is 81 years of age.  The deceased
was well and favorably known to many people in Tyler, Troupe, Rusk,
Alto and Naples; and he was held in high esteem by all who knew him.
He lived a temperate life.

It is said of him that he never tasted whiskey or used tobacco in any
form and was never sick a day until about four months ago or about the
time of the death of his son-in-law, Jeff D. Burns.  Following that 
occurence failing health overtook Mr. Hitchens and the last three
weeks he was confined to his bed.

The citizens deeply sympathize with the widow and the children in the 
loss of husband and father.