[Cole, Charles]
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday September 10, 1942 p. 3
CONWAY
Former Resident Dies
Charles
Cole, a former resident of this
community, died recently at his home in Cheyenne, Wyo.
[Dotts, Archie C.]
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday February 16, 1939 p. 7
CONWAY
Dies In California
Archie
[C.] Dotts, a former resident of
Conway, died of a heart attack at his home in Los Angeles Calif., Wednesday,
Feb. 8. He was a brother of Mrs. Frank Robinson [Edith] of Conway.
[Dotts, Archie C.]
Taylor County
Herald
Thursday February 16,
1939 [p. 1]
Former Conway Resident
Dies
Archie
Dotts, former Conway resident,
died Friday evening at 6 p. m. friends here learned late last week.
A
resident of Los Angeles Calif, for several years, Mr. Dotts will be remembered by many Conway residents.
A
heart attack was the contributing factor in his death, it was reported. Rites
were held Monday at Los Angeles.
[Dotts, Eva Maude
Ross]
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday September 10, 1942 p. 3
CONWAY
Mrs. Dotts Succumbs
Word
has been received here that Mrs. [Eva] Maude [Ross] Dotts of California died of pneumonia at her home
Sunday, August 30.
[Dotts, Eva Maude
Ross]
Taylor County
Herald
Thursday September 10, 1942 p. 7
Conway
Mrs.
Homer Dotts [Eva Maude Ross], a
former resident of Conway, died in her home in San Diego, Calif.
[Dotts, Homer]
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday June 15, 1950 p. 6
CoNWAy
Former Resident Dies
Homer
Dotts, a former resident of
Conway, passed away May 30 at San Diego, Calif., where he had lived for a
number of years.
He
was born on a farm near Conway [October 3, 1893], spent some time farming in
Minnesota, then moved to Chicago and later to San Diego.
Burial was in San Diego
Saturday, June 3. He was preceded in death by his wife, [Eva] Maude [Ross] and a son, Donald
Joe.
[Note: Source of birth date: California Death Records]
[Dotts, John Henry]
Bedford Times-Press
Thursday August 7, 1941 [p. 1]
John Dotts Dies In California
John [Henry] Dotts, a former resident for many years of the Conway
community died at his home in Santa Rosa, Calif., last week [July 29, 1941]. Mr.
Dotts is the father of Mrs.
Frank Robinson [Edith] of Conway.
[Note: Source of death
date: California Death Records]
[DOTTS, JOHN HENRY]
Press Democrat (Santa Rosa, California), Friday, August 1, 1941, p. 3
Dotts Rites Held
Final rites for John Henry Dotts, retired hardware dealer, who was found dead in Santa Rosa creek early Tuesday morning, were held yesterday from the chapel at the Welti funeral parlors, with the Rev. O. V. Wilkison officiating. Inurnment followed at the Chapel of the Chimes.
[Dotts, Nettie May
Baker Ross]
Bedford Free Press
Thursday March 18, 1926 p. 6
CONWAY
Mrs
J. [ohn] H. [enry] Dotts [Nettie
May Baker Ross] who had been in
ill health for sometime, passed away Tuesday of this week.
[Dotts, Sarah Plummer]
Bedford Free Press
Thursday September 8, 1921 [p.1]
[Word was received here
telling of the death of Mrs. Sarah] M. Dotts of Conway, which occurred yesterday, September 7,
1921, at 7 p. m. She was 59 years, 7 months and 27 days of age at the time of
her death, and had been ailing for some time with organic heart trouble. The
funeral will be held Friday, September 9, at 2 p. m. from the M. E. church in
Conway.
[Dotts, Sarah Plummer]
Bedford
Times-Republican
Thursday September 8,
1921 p. 4
Mrs. Dotts Dies
Mrs.
J. [ohn] H. [enry] Dotts, who has
been quite poorly for some time past, passed away at her home in Conway on
Wednesday evening, Sept. 7, at the age of 59 years, 7 months and 27 days.
Funeral services will be held at the M. E. church tomorrow, Friday afternoon,
at 2:00 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Bundy. Interment will be made in the Conway
cemetery. Mrs. Dotts [Sarah
Plummer] was one of those few
women whom everyone called a friend. Her long residence in this city and
vicinity made for her many strong friends and associates who will greatly miss
her departure from their midst. The sympathy of all go out to the family in
their hour of bereavement. An obituary will appear in these columns next week.
[Dotts, Sarah Plummer]
Bedford
Times-Republican
Thursday September 15, 1921 p. 3
Obituary
Sarah
M. Plummer, daughter of John
and Susie [Susan Ross] Plummer,
was born near Kirkville, Iowa, January 10, 1862, and after more than a year and
a half of illness, died at her home in Conway, September 7th, 1921, at 7:00 p.
m., at the age of 59 years, 7 months and 27 days.
On
March 2nd, 1884, she was united in marriage to John H. [enry] Dotts, and in 1885 moved with him to Conway, where
since that time she made her home. Eight children were given to her, three of
which, May, Dulcie and Russell, died in infancy.
She
is survived by her husband John H. [enry] Dotts, and five children, Archie and Homer of Breckenridge, Minn., Glen Dotts and Mrs. Edith Robinson of Conway, Iowa, and Mrs. Margaret Abel of Monroe, Iowa; also two brothers, Sanford
Plummer of Cameron, Kans., and Jack
Plummer of Eddyville, Ia.; and
two sisters, Mrs. Anna McCaffrey and Mrs. Ella Newell of
Eddyville, Iowa, besides there are fourteen grandchildren living.
She
united with the Presbyterian Church in Conway in 1905, and remained a
consistent member until her death. She was also a faithful member of the
Rebekah lodge, the members of which conducted the last sad rites at the grave
as she was laid to rest in the Conway cemetery.
Her
days on earth are ended, and she is gone to her reward, but our loss is her
eternal gain. The host of friends and neighbors will not cease to miss her.
The
funeral services of Mrs. J. [ohn] H. [enry] Dotts were held at the M. E. church Friday afternoon at
2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Bundy. With the exception of one son, Homer, who had returned to his home only a few days
previous to the death of his mother, the children were all present. All of the
brothers and sisters of Mr. and Mrs. Dotts were present at the services. They
were: Mr. and Mrs. Gib Dotts; Mrs. Henry Chapman; Mrs. Etha Funk, all of
Eddyville, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. John Curtis of Fort Dodge; T. B. Dotts, of Albia,
and Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Trotter of Washington, Kans. Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Trotter,
(nephew and wife) of Hiawatha, Kans.; Sanford Plummer, of Cameron, Kans.; Mrs.
Ella Newell, Mrs. Anna McCaffrey and Jack Plummer, all of Eddyville, Iowa,
and Mr. and Mrs. O. F. Abel of
Shannon City, were also present.
[Dotts, Sarah Plummer]
Bedford Free Press
Thursday September 22, 1921 p. 6
Obituary—Mrs.
J. H. Dotts
Sarah
M. Plummer, daughter of John
and Susie [Ross] Plummer, was
born near Kirkville, Iowa, January 10, 1862, and after more than a year and a
half of illness, died at her home in Conway, Iowa, Sept. 7, 1921, at 7 o'clock
p. m., at the age of 59 years, 7 months and 27 days.
On
March 2, 1884, she was united in marriage to John H. [enry] Dotts, and in 1885 moved with him to Conway where since
that time she made her home. Eight children were given to her, three of whom, May,
Dulcie and Russell, died in infancy.
She
is survived by her husband, John H. [enry] Dotts, and five children, Archie and Homer of Breckenridge, Minn., Glenn Dotts and Mrs Edith Robinson of Conway, Iowa, and Mrs. Margaret Abel of Monroe, Iowa. Also two brothers, Sanford
Plummer of Cimarron, Kans., and Jack
Plummer of Eddyville, Iowa; and
two sisters, Mrs. Anna McCaffrey and Mrs. Ella Newell of
Eddyville, Iowa. Besides there are fourteen grandchildren living.
She
united with the Presbyterian Church in Conway in 1905, and remained a
consistent member until her death. She was also a faithful member of the
Rebecca Lodge, the members of which conducted the last sad rites at the grave
as she was laid to rest in the Conway cemetery.
Her
days on earth are ended, and she has gone to her reward, but our loss is her
eternal gain and the best of friends and neighbors will not cease to miss her.
[Plummer, Emily
Roberts]
Clearfield
Enterprise
Thursday April 1, 1915 [p. 1]
Obituary- Emily
Plummer
Emily
Roberts was born in Groton,
Caledonia County, Vermont, October 5th, 1829. She married John W. [eston]
Plummer, January 3, 1847. To this
union twelve children were born, seven of whom preceded her to the other world.
In 1869 the family moved to Washington county, Iowa, and later to Taylor county.
In
about 1900, they moved to Lenox, and resided there until failing health caused
them to move to Clearfield that they might be near their son in their declining
years.
Early
in life she united with the M. E. church and lived a consistent member until
her death. During all her life she never complained of her lot, always
cheerful, and appreciated the attention and assistance given her in her
helplessness.
She
departed this life on March 24, 1915, aged 85 years, 5 months, and 19 days.
Funeral
services were conducted at the home at 10 o'clock Thursday morning, March 25th,
by Rev. D. B. S. Prather; interment in the Lenox Cemetery.
[Plummer, Jackson
Roberts]
Bedford
Times-Republican
Thursday November 30, 1922 [p. 1]
Prominent Citizen Dies
Attorney J. [ackson] R. [oberts] Plummer died at the home of his son in Clearfield, Saturday evening in his 72nd year.
He was one of Clearfield's honored citizens and had many friends throughout the
county who will extend their sympathy to the bereaved family in this the hour
of their great sorrow. The funeral was held Monday at the M. E. church where
all the pastors of the city were present. The address was made by Rev. Johnson.
His text was, "I will not leave you comfortless". The funeral was
largely attended, the church being packed to its capacity. The Times extends its deepest sympathy.
[Plummer, Jackson
Roberts]
Clearfield
Enterprise
Thursday November 30,
1922 [p. 1]
J. R. Plummer—Obituary
Jackson
Roberts Plummer, who died at his
home in Clearfield last Saturday evening, was born at Groton, Vermont, Nov. 28,
1850, and so lacked but three days of being 72 years of age. He was a son of John
W. [eston] and Emily [Roberts] Plummer,
both of whom lived their last years in Clearfield and died full of years at the
home of their son.
He
was one of twelve children, three boys and nine girls. Of that family only
three sisters are now alive, but owing to health and distance none could attend
the funeral. They reside in Colorado, Texas, and Joplin, Missouri.
Jackson
Plummer came with his parents to
Washington, Iowa, in 1869. He came to Taylor County in 1875, buying a farm from
the government located midway between Clearfield and Lenox. He never sold this
place. He was married to Miss Ella
M. Gibson at Washington in 1876,
and they made their home for many years on the farm in Platte Township. Here
were born to them six daughters, one dying in infancy. The others were able to
be with their father in his last illness. They are Mrs. Edith Bone of South Ryegate, Vt; Mrs. Mabel Berkey of Humeston, Iowa; Mrs. Fred Moore [Alice] of Pella, Sask. Canada; Mrs. Clara Snyder of Alva, Wyoming; and Mrs. Mary B. [ernice]
Taggart of Clarinda.
The
family came to Clearfield from the farm in 1892, at about which time Mr.
Plummer studied law, and was
admitted to the bar for practice. He continued his legal work to the very end
but also had varied and important business interests.
He
united with the Methodist church at the age of twelve, and continued in its
membership till death, nearly sixty years. He was regular in attendance, held
official positions much of the time, and faithful in the duties devolving upon
him. Possessing a wonderful voice, he loved music, and gladly helped in song
when called upon.
The
funeral service was held on Monday afternoon at the Methodist church, all the
pastors being present. The address by Rev. Johnson was on the text, "I
will not leave you comfortless".
Interment
was in Clearfield Cemetery. The deceased will be missed in the home, the
church, and business circles of the town.
[Plummer, Jackson
Roberts]
Clearfield
Enterprise
Thursday November 30,
1922 p. 2
Mrs.
Bell McCulla, Miss Miller, and Mr. and Mrs. Edward Dunn of Clarinda attended
the funeral of J. [ackson] R. [oberts] Plummer on Monday.
[Plummer, Jackson
Roberts]
Clearfield
Enterprise
Thursday November 30,
1922 p. 6
J. R. Plummer Dead
After
a gradual decline in health covering several years, Attorney J. [ackson]
R.[oberts] Plummer died at his
residence in Clearfield last Saturday evening at about 5:30. His death was
expected, as he has been very low for some days. He was an early settler in
Platte Township, and many years ago came from the farm there to Clearfield,
where he practiced law, was active in the coal business, and once mayor of the
town for four years. His obituary appears elsewhere.
[Plummer, John]
Bedford Free Press
Thursday March 25, 1913 p. 5
Mr.
and Mrs. J. [ohn] H. [enry] Dotts [Sarah Plummer] left Friday
for Eddyville, where they were called by the death of Mrs. Dotts' father [John Plummer].
[PLUMMER, JOHN]
Bedford Free Press (Bedford, Iowa), Tuesday, March 25, 1913
GRAVITY – Mr. and Mrs. T. [homas] T. [hornton] Newell went to Ottumwa Friday, called by a message announcing the death of Mrs. Newell's father, which occurred Thursday. Mr. Newell returned Monday morning, but Mrs. Newell will remain for a few days.
[Plummer, John Weston]
Bedford Free Press
Thursday October 12, 1911 p. 3
The
oldest resident of Clearfield died Sunday morning, in the person of John
W.[eston] Plummer, father of Mayor
[Jackson Roberts] Plummer. Though Mr. Plummer had lived with his
son here more than four years, his infirmity of body has been such that he did
not go abroad, and was not generally known to our people. He was nearly ninety
years of age at his death, and he and his wife [Emily Roberts], who survives him, had been married nearly
sixty-five years. The funeral services were conducted at the home Monday
afternoon by Rev. Menoher assisted by Revs. Irwin and Wright. Interment was in
the Lenox Cemetery, with brief service by Revs. Goodsell and Menoher. —Clearfield
Enterprise.
[Smith, James M.]
Bedford Free Press
Thursday January 2, 1908 [p. 1]
Pioneer PASTOR GONE
FouNDER BEDFORD BAPTIST CHURCH
Passed Away at Home in
Carthage, Mo., at the Ripe Old
Age of 88 Years.
Word
was received here of the death of Rev. J. [ames] M. Smith, which occurred on Dec. 19 at his home in
Carthage, Mo. He was the founder and organizer of the Baptist church in Bedford
and for years the pastor of that congregation. There is probably no one better
known nor with more friends in Bedford than Rev. Smith. He left here several years ago but has always
kept in touch with Bedford and his old friends here. The following from the Carthage,
Mo., Democrat, will give an
account of his life and death:
James
M. Smith died at his residence,
corner of Central Avenue and McGregor Street, at 7:46 Thursday (Dec. 19)
evening.
The end came peacefully
after a long illness of a complication of diseases. He was eighty-eight years
of age and has been a citizen of Jasper County since 1877 with the exception of
short trips to other states to hold revival meetings.
Besides
his wife, who is eighty-four years old, deceased left several sons and
daughters to mourn his loss. Carey J. Smith resides in Carthage, another son, Wm. E. [bons]
Smith, lives in Carl Junction; Jos.
C. Smith, of Los Angeles, Cal.; a
daughter, Mrs. Albert Vaus,
resides in Pittsburg, Pa., and Mrs. C. [hauncey] B. Stickney [Hattie], of this city.
A
short funeral service will be held at the residence of C. [hauncey] B.
Stickney on West Central Avenue
at 9:00 o'clock Sunday forenoon, conducted by Rev. J. F. Kemper, pastor of the
Baptist church. The remains will be taken to Carl Junction for burial Sunday
afternoon. Services will be held in that city.
Elder
James M. Smith was born in
Fayette County, Kentucky, Oct. 19, 1819. When two years of age his parents
moved to Jessamine County, Ky., where they lived until he was eight years of
age then moving to Shelby County, Ind.
It
was while living there that James first
realized that he was not as good a boy as he desired. In a remarkable book
written in his maturer years, he frankly says he was a bad boy and did not
attend church until he was twelve or fifteen years of age. When about
twenty-two he attended a great revival meeting and experienced a complete
conversion. From that date began his remarkable career as a minister, for it
was not long after he was baptized until he was telling the glad tidings of
salvation to others. And for sixty –five years he worked faithfully in
his Master’s vineyard, leading thousands to become Christians.
In
the year 1841 was the turning point of his life. Hitherto he had been as other
young men, gay and careless, and withal a little wicked. The first event was
his marriage to Miss Elizabeth [J.] Cotton, on May 9, 1841, nearly sixty-seven years ago, and during all of his
subsequent years of trial and triumph, she was his helpmeet and counselor. She
was a young woman strong religious convictions and it is probable that she had
a great influence on the future work and useful career of her husband in the
ministry. It is significant that only a few months after their marriage he was
converted and joined the Baptist church.
Shortly
after joining the church James Smith began to preach the gospel and was soon
ordained. He early gave promise of great power as a preacher, and as he grew
older this latent power manifested itself in a wonderful manner.
He
at once became successful as a revivalist and was without a peer in the Baptist
church. His field broadened, Indiana, Kentucky, Iowa, and later Missouri, for
in 1877 he moved his family to Smithfield, in the west part of Jasper county,
but shortly afterward in November of that year, came to Carthage and took the
pastorate of the Baptist church and continued in that capacity until 1882, when
he returned to the Little Blue church in Indiana, where he held a great
revival.
He
held remarkable revivals in many places in the Middle West during his long
ministry. He was one of the best-known ministers in the Baptist church.
A
few years ago while on a visit to his daughter in Pittsburg, Pa., he was
introduced from the platform to the convention of ministers numbering about two
hundred and fifty, as a man who had traveled more miles, preached more sermons
and baptized more converts than any man in the house.
In the death of Elder
Smith the Baptist church has lost one of its most useful members, hundreds of
people knew him well and will learn of his death with sincere regret. He
influenced many to lead pure lives in the service of his God and these will
continue to bless his memory while they live.
_____________________________________________________
Resolutions.
Adopted
by the first Baptist Church of Bedford, Iowa, Dec. 29, 1907.
Whereas,
at the ripe old age of nearly four and one half score years, and more than
three score years hard labor for the Master, it has pleased our Heavenly Father
to gather unto himself the well ripened sheaf—our beloved brother and
former pastor, Rev. James Smith,
and
Whereas,
we remember, with feelings almost akin to reverence, this man of God, and the
wonderful results of his pioneer labors and ministrations for the Master's
Kingdom, not only in Bedford, but in all southwestern Iowa; and
Whereas,
as our beloved brother, more than one half a century ago, founded and organized
this, the First Baptist Church of Bedford, Iowa, and for many years was its
earnest, faithful, and beloved pastor; therefore,
Resolved,
That we deem it meet and proper that we, as a body, in this humble manner,
express our love for and our highest regards and appreciation of the labors of
our deceased brother and friend; and
Resolved,
That we individually and as a church extend our deepest sympathy to the aged
wife and mother, and to all the sadly bereaved ones, and with them we bow in
humble submission to the Divine will.
And be it further
resolved, That these resolutions be placed upon the records of this church;
that a copy of the same be tendered to the surviving wife and family, and that
the Times-Republican and Free
Press be requested to publish the
same in the columns of their respective papers.
A.
B. Vansickle
George
Larison
S.
J. Dallison
W.
F. Evans
Alex
John
Committee.
[Smith, James M.]
Bedford
Times-Republican
Thursday January 2, 1908 [p. 1]
GONE TO HIS REWARD
Rev. James M. Smith, Founder of the Bedford Baptist Church, is
Called Hence.
A LONG AND USEFUL LIFE ENDED
Minister of the Gospel
for Nearly Three Score Years and Ten
—A Noted
Revivalist.
Rev.
James M. Smith died at his
residence, corner of Central Avenue and McGregor Street, at 7:45 o'clock
Thursday evening.
The end came peacefully
after a long illness of a complication of diseases. He was eighty-eight years
of age, and has been a citizen of Jasper County since 1877 with the exception
of short trips to other states to hold revival meetings.
Besides
his wife, who is 84 years of age, deceased left several sons and daughters to
mourn his loss. Carey J. Smith resides in Carthage, another son, Wm. E.[bons] Smith,
lives in Carl Junction; Jos. C. Smith, of Los Angeles, Calif.; a daughter, Mrs. Albert Vaus, resides in Pittsburg, Pa., and Mrs. C.
[hauncey] B. Stickney [Hattie],
of this city.
A
short funeral service was held at the residence of C. [hauncey] B. Stickney on West Central Avenue at 9:00 o'clock Sunday
forenoon conducted by Rev. J. F. Kemper, pastor of the Baptist church. The
remains were taken to Carl Junction for burial Sunday afternoon. Services were
held in that city.
Elder
James M. Smith was born in
Fayette County, Kentucky, October 19, 1819. When two years of age his parents
moved to Jessamine county, Kentucky, where they lived until he was eight years
of age, then moving to Shelby county, Indiana.
It
was while living there that James first realized that he was not as good a boy as he desired. In a remarkable
book written in his maturer years, he frankly says he was a bad boy and did not
attend church until he was twelve or fifteen years of age. When about
twenty-two he attended a great revival meeting and experienced a complete
conversion. From that date began his remarkable career as a minister, for it
was not long after he was baptized until he was telling the glad tidings of
salvation to others. And for sixty-five years he worked faithfully in his
Master's vineyard, leading thousands to become Christians.
The
year 1841 was the turning point in his life. Hitherto he had been as other
young men, gay and careless; and withal a little wicked. The first event was
his marriage to Miss Elizabeth J. Cotton, on May 9, 1841, nearly sixty-seven years ago, and during all of his
subsequent years of trial and triumph, she was his helpmeet and counselor. She
was a young woman of strong religious convictions, and it is probable that she
had a great influence on the future work and useful career of her husband in
the ministry. It is significant that only a few months after their marriage he
was converted and joined the Baptist church.
Shortly
after joining the church James Smith began to preach the gospel and was soon ordained. He early gave
promise of great power as a preacher, and as he grew older this latent power
manifested itself in a wonderful manner.
He
at once became successful and as a revivalist was without a peer in the Baptist
church. His field broadened---Indiana, Kentucky, Iowa—and later,
Missouri, for in 1877 he moved his family to Southfield, in the west part of
Jasper county, but shortly afterward, in November of that year, came to
Carthage and took the pastorate of the Baptist church and continued in that
capacity until 1882, when he returned to the Little Blue church in Indiana,
where he held a great revival.
He
held remarkable revivals in many places in the Middle West, during his long
ministry. He was one of the best-known ministers in the Baptist church.
A
few years ago while on a visit to his daughter in Pittsburg, Pa., he was
introduced from the platform to the convention of ministers numbering about two
hundred and fifty, as a man who had traveled more miles, preached more sermons
and baptised more converts than any man in the house.
In the death of Elder
Smith the Baptist church has lost
one of its most eminent and useful members, hundreds of people knew him and
will learn of his death with sincere regret. He influenced many to lead pure
lives in the service of his God and these will continue to bless his memory
while they live.
____________________________________________
The
above is from the Carthage (Mo.) Democrat, and it tells of the death of a man who is prominently identified
with the early history of Bedford. And when the history of the First Baptist
church is written the name of Rev. James M. Smith will stand preeminent among those who organized
the church and bore the burden of keeping intact that organization during its
embryonic stage.
The
first sermon ever preached by a Baptist minister in Bedford was preached by Rev.
Smith. Not in the noble edifice
of brick and stone—the pride of our city—in which the members of
the Baptist church now meet for worship, but it was in a little old log
blacksmith shop that "Uncle Jimmy," as we all loved to call him, preached the first
sermon to Taylor county's hardy pioneers. The room was small, the dirt floor
was covered with straw, and the seats were made of puncheons, but the preacher
was an earnest and sincere follower of the meek and lowly Nazarene, and spoke
in a language that now, mayhap, would be called bluff, but his words went
straight to the hearts of those who heard him, and who shall not say that the
prayers did not ascend as directly to the Throne of Grace as though they had
been uttered in a costly edifice?
December
2, 1854—fifty-three years ago last month—the First Baptist church
was organized in Bedford, and the next year Rev. James Smith was chosen pastor and by 1857 a church building
had been erected. For several years, with short interruptions, Rev. Smith remained as pastor, and during the later years of
his pastorate, his salary after several increases, amounted to only $100 per
year.
After
leaving here, Uncle Jimmy often returned to visit and to preach, and some of the revivals he has held in
this county will remain in the memory of those who were present as long as they
live.
No man has more friends
here than had Rev. James Smith.
All loved and admired him, and the news of his death has brought sadness to
many firesides.
[Smith, Margaret,
Mrs.]
Taylor County
Republican
Thursday November 11, 1880 p. 3
Four Score and Three
A “Mother in Israel”
Gone Over the River
The
community will be saddened to learn of the death of Mrs. Margaret Smith, which took place near this city, on Wednesday,
the 10th inst., at twelve o’clock, in the 84th year of
her age. Mrs. Smith, or
“Grandma,” as she was habitually and affectionately called, was one of the
oldest residents of the county, and was the mother of Rev. James M. Smith, a Baptist clergyman, and we believe, the first
Baptist clergyman who located in Bedford twenty-five years ago. The deceased
was greatly beloved by a large circle of friends and was highly esteemed in the
church of which she had been a devoted and consistent member for nearly
three-quarters of a century. For a
number of years her birthday—the 22nd of January—has
been regarded as an anniversary in which a large number of our citizens felt
more than ordinary interest, and it has usually been celebrated by a pleasant
mutual reunion of friends, among whom she was the honored and central figure.
Referring to the files of the Republican, we find that the 81st and 82nd anniversaries
were observed in the residence of Mr. E. [noch] B. Larison, and were attended by upwards of forty persons,
who participated in the devotional exercises and social pleasures in which it
had become the custom to spend the day. These pleasant and profitable reunions
are now gone, or if they still continue to be held, must go on without the
presence of her in whose honor they were instituted. So pass away life and its
joys.
“Grandma”
died as she had lived, in the full enjoyment of all the consolations which are
afforded by religious faith and a well-spent life. Her end is an enviable one,
yet its coming saddened many a heart in the community.
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