Fayetteville observer. [volume] (Fayetteville, Tenn.) 1850-1966, 1858-10-07
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Tor tie Fauet.sv!Ne OJserrer.
DIED.

In this county. Saturday, 2nd inst, at past
IL O'Clock. at tho residence of her father, Of
paralysis. Mrs. MARTHA BEARDEN, wife Of Mr..
L. j. E. Bearden and daughter OF Peyton and
Mary B. Wells aged q years and days,
leaving an infant of months old q bereaved
companion, aged and afflicted parents, brothers
and sisters and numerous train Of relatives
to mourn her untimely death. Dark and
gloomy is the night of sorrow with which the
wing of death overshadows the hearts and
homes of those who we're once made bright by
the joyous presence Of this lovely and gentle
lady. OveTy hard and fearful is the struggle
for reconciliation to this sad blow which sew
ers the silken chords Of life, that bound the
dear departed ore TO large and devoted circle
of friends. Bat thanks to the name of God
the cloud which shadows their mourning
hearts, is not rayless and inpeGetTable; the
smile of Gods love comes be aiming down,
speaking peace and comfort to their troubled
souls and bids them lift the eve Of faith to
that bright home where dwells the ssintsd
spirit of her they love so well. We know and
feel that their 10. is her eternal gain. Mar
tina was a subject of converting grace at a
protracted meeting held by the writer of this
humble notice and Bro. VIM. Beard in
1854, at the place known as OposSum Hollow.
1t was the privilege of the writer to be talking
with her. trying to point her mind to the sin
ner's friend, when she obtained an evidence of
sins forgiven which vas clear and satisfactory.
She had never connected herself with any
branch of the church, and though rot casting
in her lot with Gods PEOPLE, and thus throw
ing the full influence of example in favor Of
the church, yet when the hour of trial came,
and she brought to examine her foundation,
she found her hope was well founded and that
that religion she obtained years ago now Sup
ported and comforted her in the last conflict.
We learn from those WHO were with her and
waited on her IN her last NOM ents, her dear
mother and sister, that her death was a tri-
umphant one. She had been afflicted for the
last twelve months, and during that time had
often said to her mother and sister she was
not long fox this world, but was cheerful ali
the time, and able to be mp and attend TO her
necessary household affairs until 4 days before
her DEATH She told her friends not to weep
for her, that she had 70 fears Of death, that
she was perfectly happy, and was going to
heaven warned her husband to prepare TO
meet her in heaven, gave directions concern
ing her shroud, requested that the writer
should preach her funersl at her fathers
residence before she was buried which was
done on Sabbath at 10 O'Clock from Acts xxvi:6,
to large concourse of relations and friends,
who by their presence and tears gave evidence
of the strong hold she had on their affections.
She then in turn babe farewell to companion,
parents, relatives and servants, then peace
fully and calmly passed away like one going
to Sleep without any apparent pain, and with
ont struggle or grCan.
SO tranquil and easy were her expiring mo-
merits that her countenance after the spirit
had fled had lost bat little if any of that ex-
preston of triumphant JOY which had so
strongly marked it during the last hours of
her life. And while with mingled emotions
of grief and solemn delight we surveyed the
pleasing countsnance, We could not but reflect
With the poet
"Ah lovely appearance Of death,