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Christian Doss, one of the most prominent and honored citizens of Palacios, passed away at this home here at 8:40 A. M. last Tuesday week, March 2nd. His age was 73 years and 22 days. Death came not unexpected, but for the past four weeks he had suffered a great deal and all that medical science could do was done for Father Doss, but it seemed God knew best and when his time came to depart from this earth, he was ready to go.
Bro. Doss was born in Germany, Feb. 9, 1847, and came to this country at the age of 12 with his parents, who settled at Jefferson Ohio. On Feb. 20, 1868, at the age of 21, he was married to Sarah Ann Dietz and to this union four children were born, as follows: Samuel who died in 1897 at the age of 21; George, who lived with his family in Palacios for several years, but on account of ill health moved to west Texas, where he later died, John who now lives in Arizona and Mrs. Emiline Pasal of this place. He leaves to mourn his untimely death his good wife, who sat almost continuously by his bedside watching his every movement both day and night; also two children, nine grandchildren, two great grandchildren, three living brothers and sisters, together with their families. His brothers and sisters were: Eli, of Rockwell City, Iowa; Lijah, of Philo, Ill., William, of St. Paul, Minn.; Mrs. Minnie Trost, Urbana, Ill.; and Mrs. Mary Woolenzine, of Philo, Ill. Eli and Lijah were here to attend the funeral. A nephew also came with the brothers.
In the spring of 1904 Pa Doss came to Palacios, which place then only consisted of about a half dozen houses; he built him a good home and at once began with an untiring spirit of doing everything he could to assist in boosting and building Palacios and her surrounding country. He was postmaster here for nine and a half years under the Roosevelt administration.
In January the people of Palacios were straining every effort to secure funds for a sewer system for our little town, and it was then that our good friend, Pa Doss buckled in the harness again.
Father Doss joined the Evangelical Church Sept. 21, 1862, and lived a christian life from that time up to his death. It is said he never missed church services until he came to Palacios, except when he was sick or when they failed to hold services. He was one of the foremost parties to build the first church in Palacios. His wife being a strong Methodist, when they moved here he at once began to gather funds and in a little while they erected the Methodist church at this place.
Bro. Doss’ death was caused from asthma and heart trouble, and while he never had the two together before, he realized the seriousness of the combination, yet he felt for several days that he would get over it, but a few days before he passed away he saw there was no hopes of his getting well and often remarked to his family and friends he was ready to go. He said he wanted the people to know how he stood religiously and during the middle of the night before he died, with friends and loved ones gathered around the bedside, he remarked, “I have no pain at all. I never felt better in my life. My grandfather died when he was 73, my father when he was 73, and I am 73.” A few minutes before the writer had said, “Mr. Doss, you are pretty weak and can’t talk much but you can do a lot of thinking can’t you?” His answer was, “You bet I can, and my wife knows what I am thinking.” Then speaking religiously he raised his left hand as high as he could and said, “The Lord is my shepherd.”
The funeral services were held Saturday morning at 10:30 at the Methodist Church, conducted by Rev. Goodenough. His last words to his wife were to bury him in the Palacios cemetery.
To the good wife, children and relatives let me commend to you the sure mercies of God and when death comes to you, as it will, it will find you as it did our loved one and friend, ready to go.
A noble citizen, a loyal follower of Christ, a good neighbor and a most lovable father, husband and brother has gone from us, but we weep not with those without hope, but as those we know that while he cannot come to us we may go to him and that will mean Heaven.
The writer being a very close friend of Mr. Doss’ was summoned by him to his bedside a few days before his death that he might dictate his obituary, but being too weak to talk for any length of time was unable to do so. So I have tried to write this in such a way as I believe would be pleasing to him. A Friend
Palacios Beacon, March 12, 1920
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Palacios loses another pioneer citizen this week in the passing of Mrs. Doss, at her home Tuesday evening, March 4, 1924, after an illness of several weeks.
Sarah Ann Dietz was born July 22, 1846, at Cannal, Winchester, Ohio. On Feb. 20, 1868 she was united in marriage to Christian Doss and they made their home in the town of her birth until 1872, when they moved to Champaign county, Ill., where they spent five years, and then went back to their Ohio home. In 1889 they again moved to Illinois and lived there 18 years, moving to Palacios, Texas, in 1904, this change being made for the benefit of Mr. Doss’s health, and who passed away March 2, 1920.
Mrs. Doss joined the Reformed church at the age of 14 years. When she moved to her Illinois home there being no church of her faith she united with the Methodist church to which she remained a faithful and consecrated member. She was ever ready to help in every christian work as long as health and strength permitted, serving her Master by her daily life, and those left behind will find strength and comfort in the legacy of sweet memories she left, of christian faith and fortitude.
She was the mother of four children, three sons and one daughter, two sons, Samuel and George, have preceded her. The other son, John Edward, and the daughter, Mrs. E. C. Pasal, nine grandchildren, two brothers and one sister survive. The sister, Mrs. Dunlap, has been here the past winter and helped to care for and minister to her during her last illness. To the devoted daughter with whom she has made her home the past four years and other bereaved ones join the host of friends in extending heartfelt sympathy.
Funeral services were held at the home Wednesday afternoon at 4 o’clock, conducted by Rev. Gillespie and Rev. Echols. The remains, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Pasal, were taken to Philo, Ill., for interment.
Palacios Beacon, March 6, 1924 |
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