Decatur County Journal
September l9, l90l

WILLIAM BYRON ADAMS, son of J.E. and M. ADAMS, was born April 2l, l876,
in Richland Township, and died September 8, l90l, of heart disease, at
the home of his parents northwest of Decatur. He was laid to rest in
the brick cemetery beside his brother, near the place where he was born,
on Monday, September 9. Rev. Joseph Edwards conducted the funeral
services at the church near the cemetery. In the winter of l894 he
united with the Camden Baptist Church, was baptized by Rev. J.G. Eaton
and ever after lived as an earnest Christian.

Prior to his death, after rallying from a bad spell, he called for
pencil and paper. Then he wrote a communication, put it in an envelope,
sealed it and addressed it as follows: "Don't open this until I am
gone." The words he wrote are as follows:

"I now realize my time on earth is limited. These words may be sad to
you but grieve not for me for I am going home to rest. My desire is to
meet you all at God's right hand. If possible I wand Bro. Joe Edwards
to preach my funeral and lay me at rest beside WESLEY in the brick
cemetery. I am prepared to go. I fear no evil at crossing the river of
death. My hopes are bright and fair. I know I shall soon be with Jesus
to reign forever in that land prepared for his children. All meet me
there and tell my friends to do the same. My choice of songs is:
l. "I Shall Know Him by the Prints of the Nails in His Hands." 2. "We'll
Never Say Good-bye in Heaven." 3. "I Hope to Meet You All in Glory."

He had been sick all summer and realized that his time on earth was
short. He was fully prepared to meet his God and therefore wanted to
leave this testimony to his friends. He wanted them to be prepared as
he was. He never murmured or complained a word through all his
sufferings.
Some day in that bright home above,
Around His Blessed throne
We'll sing with Him forever there
In our immortal home.

JENNIE MCCALLA ADAMS.
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Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert
July l5, 200l
 

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