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Old Choc The Bonham News Friday, August 14, 1903 pg.4 TRENTON I intended to attend the Old Settlers' picnic at Sherman on the 5th, and from there to go to the Reporters' picnic, north of Bonham on the 8th. But early on the morning of the 5th two young men called on me and wanted me to officiate at their marriage. One said he and his girl would be at my house at 3 o'clock that evening; the other said it would be some time in the night before he could come, as he would have to get his girl by stealth. Mr. Albert Watts and Miss May Hopson were on time and were made one; the other did not put in an appearance. I have since learned that he succeeded in getting his girl, but fearing that the old man would get to my house first and disappoint his expectation, he turned aside and was married by another preacher. On Thursday I was called to Whitewright to preach the funeral of Mrs. Annie Wallace. She was formerly a Miss Kemp and was raised near Whitewright. On December 20, 1885 she was united in marriage by me to Mr. Jas. Wallace, a young man every way worthy of her hand and heart. Six bright children blessed the happy union, all of whom are living but the oldest, w ho died in 1888 . Mrs. Wallace was a dutiful daughter, a devoted wife, a tender mother and an exemplary member of the Christian church. I fondly hoped that she would live to see her children grown and useful men and women. Then, in a good old age, sink to rest amid the embrace of her family and the blessing of all who knew her. But God, who knows best, took her away in the prime of her life and in the midst of her usefulness. On Friday two other young men called and said they wished me to unite them in marriage to their chosen ones at 3:30 Sunday evening. Accordingly Mr. Lusian Jones and Miss Mertie Harris were promptly at the altar and were bound by the golden chain of affection. But the other did not come, I heard that the heavy rain that fell Sunday evening thwarted his plans and blasted his expectation. No, Wanderer, I did not recognize you in the company that assembled at my delightful solitude on the 26th. In fact, I did not recognize any one in the company, for my eyes were steadfastly fixed on the bride, daughter of my dearest one of other years. My heart was made sad when I read in the NEWS that Mrs. Zac Smith was no more. "Her sun went down while it was yet day." I shall attempt no eulogy upon her life and character. Some kind friend has performed that last sad duty. I sympathize with her only sister, whose lonely sorrow must be such as words are inadequate to portray; with her two sons, who have witnesses the removal of their dearest earthly friend in whose bosom they hoped tor repose their griefs and fine a peaceful have from the storms of life; with her husband, whose pathway she strewed the flowers of sweetest happiness. And now, as far as memory may be supposed to contribute to her happiness by associating the present with the past, it is not the recollection of her beautiful home, wealth and splendid circumstances, but that she learned to weep with those that weep; that surrounded with the fascination of pleasure she was not allured by its charms; that she resisted the strongest temptations to pride; kept her ears open to truth, cherished the inspirations of piety and walked humbly with her God. And when time shall be no more, I hope that this once happy family will be united in the presence of Him who will wipe the tears from every eye, - - - - Old Choc  Grayson County "Firsts" Biography Index Susan Hawkins © 2024 If you find any of Grayson CountyTXGenWeb links inoperable, please send me a message. |