LUNENBURG COUNTY, VIRGINIA - R. M. GARLAND - 1880 OBIT Contributed by JoLee Gregory Spears 1997 spearsj@bellsouth.net ____________________ OBITUARY OF R. M. GARLAND OF LUNENBURG COUNTY VIRGINIA From The Religious Herald, July 1, 1880 Died, May 24, 1880, at Yatesville, Lunenburg Co., Mr. R. M. Garland, in the sixty-second year of his age. Bro. Garland was for several years a useful member of the Methodist church, but was baptised by Rev. T. W. Greer two years ago into the fellowship of Concord church. He was married in 1844 to Mrs. [illegible on copy] Middleton, by whom he had three children, two of whom are still living, and, with their mother are members of Mt. Zion church. Bro. Garland was sick eight months, five of which he was confined to the house. During his long illness, his patience, resignation and fortitude won the admiration of his friends. Just before he died, he said: "All is well; I have left all in the hands of God." Few men were more popular as the many visits made to Bro. Garland during his sickness abundantly testify. May his bereaved family imitate his virtues, and walk in his footsteps, as he walked in the footsteps of Christ! E. S. T. ********************************** Contributed by JoLee Gregory Spears 1997 spearsj@bellsouth.net __________________________________ OBITUARY OF JOSEPHUS GREGORY OF LUNENBURG COUNTY VIRGINIA From The Religious Herald, July 1, 1880 Died, Sunday morning, June 6th 1880, at his residence, in Lunenburg County, Mr. Josephus Gregory, at the advanced age of seventy years. Bro. Gregory was converted under the labors of Dr. Daniel Baker, and was baptized by Rev. John Kerr in 1834. About that time, the teaching of Alexander Campbell had produced violent dissension in old Meherrin church, and Bro. Gregory and seventeen others, for the sake of peace, organized Mt. Zion Baptist church, which now numbers 167 members. This church has had as pastors, Gilbert and Samuel Mason, Burnley, Burton, Dupree, Greer, and E. S. Taylor, who is the present incumbent. Only four of the original number who constituted the church now survive. Bro. Gregory was elected deacon in 1847, and held that office with fidelity and zeal until his death. Few deacons have better illustrated Paul's requirements for this office, "Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre, holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience." The church unanimously adopted resolutions, presented by deacon Edwin Griffin, expressive of his high Christian character and useful life. Senior deacon Thompson feelingly spoke of him as the most useful member of the church, and this opinion was supported by Rev. W. T. Gilliam and the pastor. Bro. Gregory was ever ready to give of his means to the support of the church, and earnestly labored for its prosperity. He was the warm friend of his pastor, cheering him in his labors, and comforting him in his trials. His mind was well stored with information, and his kindness and prudence made him an invaluable counsellor. He was emphatically a lover of good men, and it was his delight to have them share his hospitality. He was married to Miss Mary E. Lee, with whom he lived nearly fifty years in conjugal fidelity. He had ten children, of whom only four survive. His son William, a gallant soldier, was killed in the battle of McDowell; Stokes, a lovely Christian, died in 1864; and his only remaining daughter, Laura, in 1877, leaving two interesting children. These repeated afflictions were sanctified to his good. He evinced during his long illness, patience, resignation and Christian cheerfulness. He was a ear of corn fully ripe for the heavenly garner. What a precious legacy was his long life to the church and the neighborhood! How blessed as a peacemaker! How well informed in Scripture doctrines! How faithful in the discharge of duty! How attractive in the social circle. How devoted and loving to his friends! How kind to the poor! How consecrated to the cause of Christ! How modest and unassuming in deportment. How unshrinking to duty and truth! No self denial too hard; no sacrifice too great for his loved Zion. May his mantle of piety fall on the young members of the church! E. S. Taylor ========== Contributed by JoLee Gregory Spears 1997 spearsj@bellsouth.net _____________________ OBITUARY OF ELIZABETH GREGORY LUNENBURG COUNTY VIRGINIA From The Religious Herald, Mar. 17, 1837 Of St. Anthony's fire, on the 26 Feb, at her residence in Lunenburg co, Mrs Elizabeth Gregory, relict of John Gregory, in the 66th year of her age--It is due to departed worth to add, that she was amiable in all the relations of life. She was an affectionate wife anticipating the wants and comforts of her husband, a tender mother, a kind neighbor, a sincere and faithful friend. She has left a numerous and respectable connexion to mourn her loss--but they should not morn as those who have no hope. It is believed by those best acquainted with the deceased, that she was a devoted Christian. At the same time she expressed many doubts of herself, and manifested in her life and conversation, that humility, meekness, patience, and affection which constitute the excellency of the Christian character. In her last illness her sufferings were great, but she bore them with becoming patience and resignation to the divine will. At one time she expressed a wish to depart without so much suffering but instantly checked the rising murmer by saying it was best that the will of the Lord should be done. She delighted in reading the most approved works on experimental religion but the Bible was her constant companion. She declared in her life, and in her death, that the merits of Christ were the only foundation of her hope. Let those who mourn her loss look to this source for consolation in their bereavement, and for that grace that will make them meet to join her in that heaven where sorrow and parting are no more. ___________ USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or other presentation.