The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1868-03-04
For The tfnderson M!elligencer.
A FAMILY MEETING.


innoccncy 1t is the germ Of society, and the
source of domestic cnjoyments; and when sancti-
fed by the blessed influences Of the Gospel, it is
the source of vitality, strength and enlargement
to the Church and to the State.
On the l4lh inst, we were present at Family
Meeting" at the residence of Mr.. Andrew Nc
Lees. venerable citizen of this District who on
that day attained to eighty years of age. His
children, and some of his grandchildren and great
grandchildren, with the heads Of several neigh
boring families, among whom was included the
aged Pastor of the family and his wife, met at the
family homestead, and spent the day in pleasant
social intercourse, and partook of sumptuous
dinner prepared for the occasion. The ancestors
of Mr.. McLees immigraed to this country FROM
Antrim County, Ireland in 1856. He was born in
Newbcrry District, S. c., on the l4th of February,
17SS lie removed to his present location-then
in Pendlcton, now Anderson District-in the year
1905. He was married 10 Miss B. Bennett in 1909.
They had twelve chldren-sS sons and six daugh
ters The eldest son has been Ruling Elder in
Roberts Church for more than thirty years; the
second son has been Pastor of Rock Church. in
Abbeville District, over twenty years; the third
son removed to Alabama, where he died IN le44,
leaving small family; the fourth son still re-
sides with his parents, whom he now watches over
with almost that solicitudc with which they watch
ed over him in his infantie days; the fifth son is
now the Stated Supply of Hopcwell Church, Pen
dlcton the sixth son read medicine with Doctor
Evins, and SOON after he commenced practice he
was taken with typhoid fever, and died in lS6O.
OF the daughters, one died in infancy, three are
murred-Alrs D. Sadler. who lives in the lower
part of This District; Mrs. james Senwright, and
| Mrs. j. W. Black who live in Abbcvlle District
all are heads of families. The Two remaining
daughters still reside with the aged parents, and
conspire with the sou 10 relieve their fnther and
mother of every care, and render their declining
days peaceful and happy.
This aged couple united with Roberts Church
about 1914. They are the most aged members IN
this church, and perhaps, with ono exception are
the only persons living who were members Of it
when the present aged Pastor took chnrge of in
1921. Their children were all Dedicated to Cod
by baptism in infancy, and were brought up in the
! nurture and admoniun Of The Lord. Tney all,
|
excepting the Que who died i'll inlnncy, united with
the church by IL profession OF faith in Christ.
Mr. McLces has been worthy citizen of this
District for sixty three years He and his aged
consort have been married htty-nine years They
were Industrious and economical, and hence were
in comfortable circumstances although they owned
10 slaves. They brought up their children 10 the
| H. I;,r
benefit in these days of adversely and want. Mr..
McLecs has ever led quiet and orderly life. He
never had any 1uarrcs with his ncighbors, nor
any lawsuits in Court. lie says that he has now
the same stock of horses that he had when he
moved into the District and plants the same kind
OF corn that he first planted, which, however, has
been much i,nrl ovcd,by his care in selecting seed.
Many persons in this, and even in neghborng
Districts, have sent TO him for some of his choice
corn for seed
Mr.. McLecs is now eighty and his wife seventy
FIVE years of age Nine of their twelve children
arc still living. They have now twenty
grandchildren they lost four grandsons i'll the
war; and several others died in infancy. They
have also several great grandchildren. The whole
family would number about forty persons. Before
the cheerful company who was present on this fes-
tive occasion dispersed, the Pastor read the lob
ps, and sung the hymn. 20, God OF Bethel, BY
whose hand" &C.. and offered up special prayer
for this assembled family, and for all who were
present.
May the various branches of this family.
they enlurgc and spread abrund. ever show the
same habits Of industry, the same honesty and up
rightness of character and the same consistency
of Christian department which have marked the
lives OF these aged parents, now go near The end
OF their pilgrimage on earth md may they. with
their children and chidrcn's children, for success
sive generations, bc all gathered into the lone
Family in Heaven, where separations are uu-
known, and where love and friendship shall reign
al. eternity.
1t is little remarkable that the sons.in-l law are
all members Of the Presbyterian Church. Two of
them Ruling Elders, who adorn the office. Their
daughters-in-law also members Of the Presby
criau Church. Some of their grandchildren have
taken The vows of COG upon them, and one in
course of preparation for the Gospel ministry
Perhaps one cause under God, of this singular
success, is owing 10 the manner of training, cspc-
cially By tho mother. When she retired 10 some
solitary place for making known her requests
to God, she took one OF the children AT time with
her, and before knecling down to prny, talked with
it, aud cndcavvred to impress the young mind with
the importance of an early conservation 10 God
and to his service, the necessity of change Of
heart, the precious promises TO the young; and
while dwelling on the love of Il Saviour she has
seen the tears trickling down their cheeks. and
says she never asked of God to give them shining
honors, great wealth earthly distinctions, but
grant them pardoning mercy and sauclifying grace.