The Tennessean, Sunday, November 20, 2022, p. 38A
Showing posts with label Obituary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Obituary. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 22, 2022
Sunday, August 08, 2021
O, what is life? ’Tis like a flower
I became aware of the following hymn while doing genealogical research through obituaries in The Christian Index. The following obituary of Frances E. Wilson (a first cousin 4 times removed), was printed in the Index, September 9, 1847. She was only 17 years old, and died at the home of her sister and brother-in-law.
That blossoms and is gone;
It flourishes its little hour,
With all its beauty on:
Death comes, and, like a wintry day,
It cuts the lovely flower away.
OBITUARY.
Died, at the house Joseph R. Parker, in Taliaferro county on the 15th of last month, Frances E. Wilson, daughter of Mrs. Bethena Wilson, aged 17 years and 5 months. This young lady was not a member of any church, but was for some time previous to her death penitent, and gave such evidence of a change of heart, that, while her friends are left to mourn her departure, they feel assured she has gone to rest.
O, what is life?—’tis like a flowerThat blossoms and is gone;
It flourishes its little hour,
With all its beauty on:
Death comes, and, like a wintry day,
It cuts the lovely flower away.
I looked up the hymn and found it is by Jane Taylor. It has at least two other stanzas, dealing with the brevity and instability of life – and the hope of eternal life.
1. O, what is life?—’tis like a flower
That blossoms and is gone;
It flourishes its little hour,
With all its beauty on:
Death comes, and, like a wintry day,
It cuts the lovely flower away.
2. O, what is life?—’tis like the bow
That glistens in the sky:
We love to see its colors glow,
But while we look they die:
Life fails as soon: to-day ’tis here;
To-morrow it may disappear.
3. Lord, what is life? If spent with thee,
In humble praise and prayer,
How long or short our life may be
We feel no anxious care;
Though life depart, our joys shall last
When life and all its joys are past.
That blossoms and is gone;
It flourishes its little hour,
With all its beauty on:
Death comes, and, like a wintry day,
It cuts the lovely flower away.
2. O, what is life?—’tis like the bow
That glistens in the sky:
We love to see its colors glow,
But while we look they die:
Life fails as soon: to-day ’tis here;
To-morrow it may disappear.
3. Lord, what is life? If spent with thee,
In humble praise and prayer,
How long or short our life may be
We feel no anxious care;
Though life depart, our joys shall last
When life and all its joys are past.
In his bio on Ann Taylor Gilbert and Jane Taylor, John Julian writes:
Taylor, Jane, the younger of the two sisters, was b. at London, Sept. 23, 1783. Her gift in writing verse displayed itself at an early age. Her first piece was printed in the Minor’s Pocket Book for 1804. Her publications included Display, a tale, 1815; Essays in Rhymes, 1816; and the posthumous work edited by her brother, entitled The Contributions of Q. Q., 1824, being pieces in prose and verse from the Youth’s Magazine, to which she had contributed under the signature of “Q. Q.” She d. at Ongar, Essex, April 13, 1824. Her Memoir and Poetical Remains, were pub. by her father in 1825.
The joint productions of the two sisters, Ann Taylor Gilbert & Jane Taylor, were:—
(1) Original Poems, 1805; (2) Hymns for the Nursery, 1806; (3) Hymns for Infant Minds, 1809; 2nd ed. 1810; 52nd ed. 1877. To the 35th ed., 1844, Mrs. Gilbert interspersed 23 additional hymns by herself, thereby raising the total to 93. In 1886 Josiah Gilbert revised these hymns, added thereto from the works named above, supplied the initials “A.” and “J.”, respectively, and published the same under the original title as the “Authorized Edition.” (4) Original Hymns for Sunday Schools, 1812.
[After this, Julian lists 24 hymns by Ann and 14 by Jane.]
Julian further writes, giving his opinion
of Jane Taylor’s hymns:
Miss Taylor’s hymns are marked by great simplicity and directness. The most popular and one of the best is, “There is a path that leads to God.” Taken as a whole, her hymns are somewhat depressing in tone. They lack brightness and warmth.” (A Dictionary of Hymnology, Volume II, P-Z, page 1117)
Monday, February 25, 2019
A. J. and A. D. Whitten
Last Thursday I wrote about A. N. Whitten and the Harp of Ages. As I have continued my research on him, I found the following obituary for his father and brother in The Gospel Messenger.
The author of the obituaries, James Monroe Warren, married Amanda Marvia Whitten, daughter of A. J. and sister of A. D.
I also found that A. J. Whitten and son A. N. wrote an obituary for Jacob Joshua Cleveland of Fellowship Church in Tallapoosa County, Alabama, which is found in The Gospel Messenger (Vol. 13, No. 5, May 1891, p. 208, Butler, Georgia; J. R. Respess, W. M. Mitchell, J. E. W. Henderson, editors).
A. J. and A. D. WHITTEN.
Eld. A. J. Whitten was born April 14, 1820, married first wife, Miss Anna Head, January 10, 1841, and were born to them five children. She died September, 1848. He was married again, to Miss Mary Ann Davis, October 17, 1850; to them were born twelve children. Eld. Whitten died April 8, 1892. He was baptized by Eld. W. M. Hubbard, 1852.
Also, his son, A. D. Whitten. died June 27, 1892, who was born January 5, 1855; was baptized 1883. These two worthy brethren were shining lights in the Primitive Baptist church Indeed, I could not mention a father and son who lived more spotless lives and adorned the profession more than they. They were separated but a short while. May their lives and examples be cherished and emulated by all who knew them, that their works may follow them. JAS. M. WARREN.The Gospel Messenger, (Volume 16, No. 8, August 1894, p. 331 (Editors, J. R. Respess, W. M. Mitchell, J. E. W. Henderson, Sylvester Hassell)
The author of the obituaries, James Monroe Warren, married Amanda Marvia Whitten, daughter of A. J. and sister of A. D.
I also found that A. J. Whitten and son A. N. wrote an obituary for Jacob Joshua Cleveland of Fellowship Church in Tallapoosa County, Alabama, which is found in The Gospel Messenger (Vol. 13, No. 5, May 1891, p. 208, Butler, Georgia; J. R. Respess, W. M. Mitchell, J. E. W. Henderson, editors).
Thursday, November 16, 2017
Mrs. Elizabeth C. Nash, obituary
Mrs. Elizabeth C. Nash, relict of the late Rev. B. W. Nash, died at her home in this city Wednesday night, aged 75 years. For more than 30 years Mrs. Nash had been a resident of Goldsboro. Some three years ago her husband preceded her to the grave, and from that time she had been in slow decline. She is survived by four children—Messrs. L. M., J. W. and B. W. Nash and Mrs. W. D. Morris. She was a member for many years of the Free Will Baptist church.“Goldsboro News Items,” Greensboro Daily News, Sunday, November 15, 1914, p. 11
Bushrod W. Nash, obituary
Well Known
Baptist Minister Died at Goldsboro Yesterday
(Special Star Correspondence)
(Special Star Correspondence)
Goldsboro, N. C., Jan. 26.—Rev. B. W. Nash died at his home here this morning, after an illness of several weeks, having lived to the advanced age of 86 before his death. He was a follower of Spurgeon’s faith, known as the Union Baptists,[i] and for several years was editor of the official organ of that church in the State. He is survived by a wife, two daughters and three sons, the latter being the well known printers, Nash Brothers, of this city. The funeral will be held from the family residence tomorrow morning at 10 o’clock.
“Rev. W. B. Nash,”
(sic) The Wilmington Morning Star,
Friday, January 27, 1911, p. 7
[i] The reference to “a
follower of Spurgeon’s faith” is obscure. The most common Spurgeon was Charles
Haddon Spurgeon of London, England. Both Spurgeon and Nash were Baptists, and
perhaps that is the only meaning intended. But Spurgeon was a Calvinist
soteriologically and Nash was an Arminian. The “Union Baptists” in North
Carolina have no known connection to Spurgeon. Other possible explanations
include that Nash converted to “Spurgeon’s faith” sometime at the end of his
long ministry and before his death – or that the editor made a false assumption
about “Nash’s faith.”
Thursday, June 01, 2017
Worshipping God Together, and other music links
The posting of links does not constitute an endorsement of the sites linked, and not necessarily even agreement with the specific posts linked.
- Worshipping God Together Through Song -- "One of the greatest privileges we have as a congregation is to praise God together in song."
- “There Are More Singings Now Than Ever Before”: Hugh McGraw Addresses the Harpeth Valley Singers -- "However, the old tradition is still carried on just like our grandfathers carried it on before us, and I don’t think that will ever change."
- The Story of the Speer Ladies -- "Lena Brock Speer was never known as anything less than the foremost matron of gospel music. To all of her fans and peers, she was simply “Mom”."
- Sisters In Song; Women Hymn Writers by Leslie Clay -- Google Book online
- Rosa Nell Speer Powell Passes Away -- "Rosa Nell was known for her excellence in convention-style piano playing, and played weekly at the First Church of the Nazarene in Decherd, Tennessee, until shortly before her death."
- Praise in the Congregation -- "True praise can only and ever be found as it is first given to men as a token of the presence of HIS SPIRIT. Only the SPIRIT of GOD can cause men to render true praise."
- Obituary for Hugh Winfred McGraw -- "There wasn't a Sacred Harp singing he didn't enjoy traveling to and made it a priority to always be attending one!"
- In the Footsteps of Lee Andrew McGraw -- "Lee was an active singer and leader by the early 1900s."
- How Should We Sing -- "In my own opinion, a strong case can indeed be built for not using musical instruments in the assembly of the saints...Yet..."
- Gospel Gothic radio show -- "Gospel Gothic explores faith through the themes of Americana music. Listen is as we talk about sin, grace, and redemption as we intertwine religion and Americana."
- Cana’s Voice Takes Center Stage at National Day of Prayer Dinner -- "StowTown Records’ fast-rising powerhouse group was honored to sing during a special performance May 2, as the featured musical act for The National Day of Prayer Dinner at the Reagan Building in Washington D.C."
- An American in Paris: Sacred Harp France 2017 -- "When counting on fingers, French and Americans differ. Where an American would hold up index-middle-ring fingers for 1-2-3, the French extend thumb-index-middle fingers."
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
3 tributes for 3 historians
Romans 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due...honour to whom honour.
Two important mentors of mine were Louis F. Asher and J. W. Griffith, both of whom were once my pastors. Brother Asher baptized me and Brother Griffith was my pastor when I surrendered to preach, was licensed and ordained. They were both historians and seminary professors who did much to nurture my predisposition toward things historical.
Three men that did not know me were also extremely gracious and helpful to me when I reached out to them. Their helping me was of no personal benefit to them. Much of this occurred prior to the days of easy internet communication and contact. I want to pay tribute to them here.
Claude Howard Dorgan:
Howard Dorgan worked for many years at Appalachian State University. High Country Press called him "an all-around gentleman and scholar". His specialty was communications, but he is probably best remembered for his research and books on religion in Appalachia. He advised me on what he knew and put me in contact with a variety of Baptist associations in Appalachia, as well as giving me info about earlier religious research he had done. Some of his books include Giving Glory to God in Appalachia: Worship Practices of Six Baptist Subdenominations, In the Hands of a Happy God: The "No-Hellers" of Central Appalachia and The Old Regular Baptists of Central Appalachia: Brothers and Sisters in Hope.
Robert Granville Gardner:
I believe when I first contacted Dr. Gardner he was at Shorter College, but more people may associate him with Mercer University and the Georgia Baptist Historical Society. He helped me in more ways that I can mention here. One of the most significant was helping with my understanding of black Primitive Baptist associations. Some of the books by Robert G. Gardner are A Decade of Debate and Division: Georgia Baptists and the Formation of the Southern Baptist Convention, A History of the Georgia Baptist Association, 1784-1984, Baptists of Early America: a Statistical History, 1639-1790, Cherokees and Baptists in Georgia, and On the Hill: the Story of Shorter College.
Albert W. Wardin, Jr.:
Dr. Wardin served many years as Professor of History at Belmont University. In my opinion his greatest contribution is in the field of Baptist taxonomy, issuing three books on the topic, Baptist Atlas, Baptists Around the World and The Twelve Tribes of Baptists in the USA: a Historical and Statistical Analysis. I began to understand the Baptist diversity and grouping in America through reading Baptist Atlas and corresponding with Dr. Wardin. Other of his books include Baptists in Oregon, Gottfried F. Alf: Pioneer of the Baptist Movement in Poland and Tennessee Baptists: a Comprehensive History.
One thing all three of them had in common was also helping me collect Baptist minute books -- either sending me books or putting me in contact with local Baptist association officers. Chester Raymond Young of Cumberland College was also extremely helpful in this endeavor, as we swapped our duplicate copies of minute books.
T. J. Denson’s Sacred Harp song Odem urges us to give the roses while a person is alive to appreciate them. Drs. Dorgan and Gardner have already passed to their reward. I hope they understood how much I appreciated their help. Dr. Wardin still lives to hear my words of praise, which are many.
Wonderful things of men are said,
When they have passed away;
Flowers adorn the narrow bed
Over the lifeless clay.
Give me the roses while I live,
Something to cheer me on,
Useless the flowers you may give,
After the soul is gone.
Life is the time for words of praise
Hands clasp with friendly smile,
Blessings to cheer a pilgrim’s days,
Are always well worthwhile.
Two important mentors of mine were Louis F. Asher and J. W. Griffith, both of whom were once my pastors. Brother Asher baptized me and Brother Griffith was my pastor when I surrendered to preach, was licensed and ordained. They were both historians and seminary professors who did much to nurture my predisposition toward things historical.
Three men that did not know me were also extremely gracious and helpful to me when I reached out to them. Their helping me was of no personal benefit to them. Much of this occurred prior to the days of easy internet communication and contact. I want to pay tribute to them here.
Claude Howard Dorgan:
Howard Dorgan worked for many years at Appalachian State University. High Country Press called him "an all-around gentleman and scholar". His specialty was communications, but he is probably best remembered for his research and books on religion in Appalachia. He advised me on what he knew and put me in contact with a variety of Baptist associations in Appalachia, as well as giving me info about earlier religious research he had done. Some of his books include Giving Glory to God in Appalachia: Worship Practices of Six Baptist Subdenominations, In the Hands of a Happy God: The "No-Hellers" of Central Appalachia and The Old Regular Baptists of Central Appalachia: Brothers and Sisters in Hope.
Robert Granville Gardner:
I believe when I first contacted Dr. Gardner he was at Shorter College, but more people may associate him with Mercer University and the Georgia Baptist Historical Society. He helped me in more ways that I can mention here. One of the most significant was helping with my understanding of black Primitive Baptist associations. Some of the books by Robert G. Gardner are A Decade of Debate and Division: Georgia Baptists and the Formation of the Southern Baptist Convention, A History of the Georgia Baptist Association, 1784-1984, Baptists of Early America: a Statistical History, 1639-1790, Cherokees and Baptists in Georgia, and On the Hill: the Story of Shorter College.
Albert W. Wardin, Jr.:
Dr. Wardin served many years as Professor of History at Belmont University. In my opinion his greatest contribution is in the field of Baptist taxonomy, issuing three books on the topic, Baptist Atlas, Baptists Around the World and The Twelve Tribes of Baptists in the USA: a Historical and Statistical Analysis. I began to understand the Baptist diversity and grouping in America through reading Baptist Atlas and corresponding with Dr. Wardin. Other of his books include Baptists in Oregon, Gottfried F. Alf: Pioneer of the Baptist Movement in Poland and Tennessee Baptists: a Comprehensive History.
One thing all three of them had in common was also helping me collect Baptist minute books -- either sending me books or putting me in contact with local Baptist association officers. Chester Raymond Young of Cumberland College was also extremely helpful in this endeavor, as we swapped our duplicate copies of minute books.
T. J. Denson’s Sacred Harp song Odem urges us to give the roses while a person is alive to appreciate them. Drs. Dorgan and Gardner have already passed to their reward. I hope they understood how much I appreciated their help. Dr. Wardin still lives to hear my words of praise, which are many.
Wonderful things of men are said,
When they have passed away;
Flowers adorn the narrow bed
Over the lifeless clay.
Give me the roses while I live,
Something to cheer me on,
Useless the flowers you may give,
After the soul is gone.
Life is the time for words of praise
Hands clasp with friendly smile,
Blessings to cheer a pilgrim’s days,
Are always well worthwhile.
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
A Voice We Loved is Stilled
Mr. Raymond Cooper Hamrick died Monday, November 24, 2014 in the 99th year of his life. He was born on June 14, 1915 in Macon, Georgia. He was a master jeweler and watchmaker. He was "a voice we loved" in the Sacred Harp community. He was a singer and composer, served the Sacred Harp Publishing Company on the board of directors, as president for four terms, and on the 1991 Revision Committee. His was a unique and compelling personality that endeared him to singers of all ages, places and backgrounds. Though this voice we love "is stilled" his music that fills every heart and tongue, overflows our lips, and unveils the beauties of God's face, lives on in The 1991 Edition of The Sacred Harp and The Georgian Harmony.
Mr. Hamrick's services and burial will be Wednesday, December 3 at Evergreen Cemetery, Macon, Bibb County, Georgia. Singers will, Lord willing, sing his tunes Lloyd and Christian's Farewell.
Brethren, farewell, I do you tell,
I’m sorry to leave, I love you so well.
Now I must go, where I don’t know,
Wherever Christ leads me the trumpet to blow.
Here I have worked, labored awhile,
But labor is sweet if Jesus doth smile.
When I am done, I will go home
Where Jesus is smiling and bids me to come.
From Benjamin Lloyd's Primitive Hymns, No. 621
Mr. Hamrick's services and burial will be Wednesday, December 3 at Evergreen Cemetery, Macon, Bibb County, Georgia. Singers will, Lord willing, sing his tunes Lloyd and Christian's Farewell.
Brethren, farewell, I do you tell,
I’m sorry to leave, I love you so well.
Now I must go, where I don’t know,
Wherever Christ leads me the trumpet to blow.
Here I have worked, labored awhile,
But labor is sweet if Jesus doth smile.
When I am done, I will go home
Where Jesus is smiling and bids me to come.
From Benjamin Lloyd's Primitive Hymns, No. 621
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Obituary of Mary Etta Sasnett Pruitt
I searched some newspapers for the possibility of finding the death and burial location of Elder William Moses Pruitt. I haven't found it yet, but I did find an obituary of his wife, Mary Etta Sasnett Pruitt. I am transcribing it here.
Obituary.
Died, at the home in Smith county, Texas, on Jan. 26, 1899, Sister Mary E. Pruitt, wife of Elder Wm. M. Pruit. Sister Pruitt was born in Talbot county, Ga. Professed faith in Christ and united with the church in early life; was married to W. M. Pruitt July 31, 1850. Eleven children were born unto them, nine of whom are living, M. B. Pruitt being clerk of Rusk county, which office he has filled with satisfaction to the people for nine years. She came to Rusk county, Texas, in 1871 and moved to Smith county in 1896; she leaves a husband, five sons and four daughters. Sister Pruitt was a noble woman, of strong christian character; devoted to the church, zealous in good works and beloved by all who knew her; a devoted wife and loving mother. She died as she had lived, strong in the faith, and fell asleep in Jesus, and was enabled to mark the wonderful change with her last words, "What a change." We would say to the sorrowing ones, weep not; thy wife, thy mother, is not dead but sleepeth. For beyond the misty river of death, in the sweet paradise of God, "where the wicked cease troubling and the weary are at rest," she awaits thy coming and the glorious resurrection of the body. Yes the evening shadows gathered and the long days work was done; and she has reached the sweet rest beyond the setting sun. Let us look by faith and press on to that sweet rest where there is no anguish or parting. W. H. H. H.
Minden, Texas
This was found in The Henderson Times (Henderson, Tex.), Vol. 40, No. 10, Ed. 1 Thursday, March 9, 1899, page 2. Mary E. Pruitt is buried in the Old City Cemetery in Henderson. W.H.H.H. is William Henry Harrison Hays, a Baptist preacher in Rusk County. If anyone knows where W. M. Pruitt is buried, I would like to know.
Obituary.
Died, at the home in Smith county, Texas, on Jan. 26, 1899, Sister Mary E. Pruitt, wife of Elder Wm. M. Pruit. Sister Pruitt was born in Talbot county, Ga. Professed faith in Christ and united with the church in early life; was married to W. M. Pruitt July 31, 1850. Eleven children were born unto them, nine of whom are living, M. B. Pruitt being clerk of Rusk county, which office he has filled with satisfaction to the people for nine years. She came to Rusk county, Texas, in 1871 and moved to Smith county in 1896; she leaves a husband, five sons and four daughters. Sister Pruitt was a noble woman, of strong christian character; devoted to the church, zealous in good works and beloved by all who knew her; a devoted wife and loving mother. She died as she had lived, strong in the faith, and fell asleep in Jesus, and was enabled to mark the wonderful change with her last words, "What a change." We would say to the sorrowing ones, weep not; thy wife, thy mother, is not dead but sleepeth. For beyond the misty river of death, in the sweet paradise of God, "where the wicked cease troubling and the weary are at rest," she awaits thy coming and the glorious resurrection of the body. Yes the evening shadows gathered and the long days work was done; and she has reached the sweet rest beyond the setting sun. Let us look by faith and press on to that sweet rest where there is no anguish or parting. W. H. H. H.
Minden, Texas
This was found in The Henderson Times (Henderson, Tex.), Vol. 40, No. 10, Ed. 1 Thursday, March 9, 1899, page 2. Mary E. Pruitt is buried in the Old City Cemetery in Henderson. W.H.H.H. is William Henry Harrison Hays, a Baptist preacher in Rusk County. If anyone knows where W. M. Pruitt is buried, I would like to know.
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