Crain, Melissa J. (Hoyt) 1837 - 1927

CRAIN, HOYT, WHITE, MOATS, PHILLIPS, HAYES

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 9/5/2019 at 09:47:04

Clayton County Register, Thur., 30 Jun. 1927. Volga column.

Mrs. James Crain, whose maiden name was Melissa J. Hoyt, was born in South Hero, Vermont, Aug. 4, 1837, and died at the home of her son-in-law, Abe Moats, June 24, 1927. She grew to womanhood in the town of her birth. On April 25, 1858, she was united in marriage to Sidney White of the same place. To them were given five children, Edwin W., Hardy H., Homer, Ena Maud and Grace Pearl, all of whom preceded her to the better land, except Grace Pearl Phillips who was permitted to be at her bedside and assist in the care of her mother during her last illness. Beside the five children there are 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Also a number of nephews and nieces who will miss aunt Liss. After the death of her husband Sidney White, which occurred on May 23, 1888, at their home in Volga, she remained a widow for several years. Then she was again married to James Crain, an old resident of Volga. A number of pleasant and happy years followed this union. On Dec. 20, 1913, he too, was called to the Great Beyond. Since that time she has lived mostly alone, and up to the time of her last illness enjoyed unusual health for one of her advanced age. When she realized her condition her great desire was to be in the home of her eldest daughter's family, Ena Moats, and remarked to a friend "I wish Edna would come down and get me.", although everything was being done for her by Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Hayes, her niece and nephew, assisted by kind friends and neighbors. Edna came for her and her desire was realized. She was taken to the Moats' home where she ________ on the border land for about a week, when she quietly passed away. She had set her house in order and, after turning the key in the lock to go to the home of her niece, she never again re-entered its doors. The deceased has been a resident of Volga for over 60 years. She was of a genial nature and thus gained many life long friends by whom she will be missed. Although not a member of any church, she mostly attended the Presbyterian church and was a loyal member of their Ladies Auxiliary. Her home was freely opened for prayer meetings which she seemed to enjoy and enjoyed reading her bible in which are many markings of favorite chapters and verses. "There is no death, what seems so is transition. This life of mortal breath is but the suburb of the life elysian whose portal we call death." The funeral was held Sunday from the Methodist church, Rev. Davies, the pastor, officiating. Interment was made in Hill Crest cemetery. The high esteem in which Mrs. Crain was held was manifested by the beautiful array of flowers and the great number who attended, the church not being large enough to hold them.