Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1878-12-04


munity are sincere IN extending their sympa-
thy and coincidence to Mrs. Mahaffy in the
loss of her dear mother and precious bate.
The Lord comfort those who mourn. MIR. ii.
Witherington, the poor, unfortunate mar,
whom many of you will remember, passed
away to better world during the dark night
that overspread our fair city. He was an
eastern man. having been born and reared IN
New York State. He was poor and without
relatives to care for him. He was afflicted
with mental alterations, or was monoma-
MAC on the subject of religion. He was firm
persuaded that he was inspired by the Holy
Spirit, and would obey what he thought the
teachings of that Spirit though it cost HIM
his life. Many times have we thought
Of him and sighed: Poor old MANI But
we need never say such again. He
has exchanged his tatters aud rags
for robes of white and his battered hat for a
fadeless crown. 1t gives me pain to chrooi-
Gle In this connection the name OF }. h. Waf-
eener, sr Dear man he was to me. He W;
living some distance down on Shelby street,
and In common with many others, was per-
suaded that the yellow-fever would not visit
his community. Too soon, however, young
man was taken sick not far from him. for
whom a nurse could not be secured. John
ME Wsggener, his son, true to that which Is
noblest in human nature, was thinking Of
visiting and caring for the young man, for he
was suffering and dying alone. But Brother
Waggener, the father, iuterposed, al with
true magnanimlty said: 1.-The young man
must be cared for, to be sure; but my son
must rot go, will go; if either of US must
sicken and die, 1 rather it would be myself.
It is better for me to die than for you" So
he went and nursed the young man at the
tremendous expense of his life. His son
Willie soon followed. Alasi alas! Noble
soul! How | miss that comely form, that
"a ,,oHr laoft Il, tFa
down that aisle, as he promptly and regu-
larly did, occupying that seat Brother
Waggener was friendly, social. | think he
never LETT the church without coming forward
as far as the front pew, and often to the pull
pit, always bringing his devoted wife with
him, Just to give me his hand and tell me
how he enjoyed the sermon, just to encour
age me and make me feel l had his SYM
pathy and prayers. If [ was engaged speak
ing to others, as ! often was, they would pa
tiently wait till they had an opportunity to
greet me with a smile and a warm grasp of
the hand He wonld see l was In hurry,
and would say, 1--WE have no business with
which to detaln you, but we wanted to give
YOU our hand and assure you of our sympathy
and prayers" Such cheer and encouragement
that was to me every Sunday morning, none
know but those who bear the pastor burden.
It was so delightful. Tears would instantly
food my eyes, and gratitude swell my very
soul. | would thank him in word and
quietly turn away, saying in my soul: God
bless that man and his wife; they make me SO
happy" Oh, my brother, how | miss thee;
how l loved thy encouragement! Farewell
we are compelled to say farewell, dear
brother. He made two fortunes, and lost
them both on earth; but in heaven he has an
Inheritance that is incorruptible, undefled
and that fades not away. There, thank God,
he wears an immortal crown. Thou borest
&lrra,. NJ ' ONT
and his wife, Mrs. Margaret Grant, with SIX
of their children and grandchildren, making
eight in all, fell, Mrs. lrby. sweet and
beautiful young wife, and Mrs. Griswold,
daughters of Mr.. and Mrs. Grant, were mem
bers of the church. WhaG harvest was this
from one family, gathered by the messenger
of death. Mr.. Grant met yeilow-fever like a
philosopher like christian. He was old,
quite active, and was always in good spirits.
His son begged him to retire from the city
during the epidemic, but he declined, saying
that he would never be better prepared for
death, and if he were to die, he would not
lose many years. at the most, his time could
not be far off; that he knew he must go soon.
Our brother Irby and his wife lived in the
same house with her parents, and the whole
family of four were usually seen here IN their
pew Sunday morning. The father and
mother had lived to Il good old age, having
reared large family, and at last were gath
cred together in perfect peace to their
fathers, have entered into the joys Cf
their Lord and sat down on His throne.
The Lord bless the living, the surviving
husband, Brother Irby, with the sweet conso-
lations of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Sacred be the memory of their dead. DR.. J.
L. Verser, many years deacon in this
church, has gone to his long home. lie was
not IN the city, nor did he die with yellow
fever. He was at Fort Smith, Arkansas, and
died with heart disease. He was universally
respected and esteemed by his brethren as a
good man, of sterling worth and of deep
piety toward God. Els christian character
was simply unimpeachable, He died the
death of the righteous. We mourn our loss.
Mrs. Mary III 'Clure, lone widow, with her
single unmarried sister, Miss Lizzie Lyons,
who was an efficient teacher in the public
schools, were preparing to leave their home,
on Madison street, when they were seized
with fever. They boJh died together, with
little boy they were rearing. Thus the whole
not member of the church, but had long
been intimately connected with the Sabbath
school and the young ladies society, ''The
Helping Hand" and was as dear to US as if
she mad been a member of the church. Peace
be to their ashes. w. G. Drury, not long
before the fever was declared epidemic, sud-
denly lost his wife. He could not get his
OOAcCnO ~ HtEC tICt uDs Uut PUG SOifiN us-b &c
recalled. lie frequently expressed himself as
longing to go. 1t was not long till he did
go. Brother Drury is at rest. He died at
NJ 'Kenzie with yellow-fever. All of US re-
member his beautiful daughter, Miss Matte
Drury. She was beautiful; she was smart;
she was noble; she was true; she was pure.
IL at ie not all, she had fine mind. but a
sweet flower, Just opening into full life and
glory, she fell a victim and faded away to
bloom In eternal beauty and youth In the
paradise OF God. l say this because | had
good reasons to believe she was truly con-
yertoo and precared to die. No death have
yet mentioned 9rieved me more then this. l
did want to see her take her place in life as
useful, intelligent woman, of far more than
usual power and force Of character. But she
is gone. Miss Annie Stalcup mad Just be-
come member of this church. She had a
bright mind; was quick, active, energetic
and tesoiute in her DETERMINATION TO live a
pure christian life. She really promised
much, and l was anxious to see her go forth
a strong christian woman. God took her for
reason only known to Him. 1 wish that it
were possible TO dwell in these remarks loag-
er. And now, my brethren, would that | did
not have another name to mention. Oh that
| had been spared this task 1t 10 my duty;
| must put down il this list the name of w.
G. Coate. All, my brother, alas! not for
thee, but alas! alas! for US, for me! He was
my IIIeuus my SOul lOVeU MIN well. NO
pu-er, happier, rnore a..ectionato and devoted
pair never lived in wedlock's holy union than
were Brother Coate and his wife He was
determined to preserve her life. She left the
city for Bristol a month before the epidemic;
and the very moment he found fever was
here in epidemic form, he left. He did not
intend to return until it was perfectly safe.
Accordingly he did not return until some
time after the board of health had declared
it safe. lie diad believing, as lis sylfe now
believes, that some person sick with the fever
had used their house and bedding during
their absence. Indeed, party confessed to
it after brother Uoaie nad SUFFERED and died.
Just nine days after his first night in his own
house he was taken sick. Brother Coate did
not want to die. He loved his darling Mite
too we'll. He was not afraid TO die. No,
he went away peacefully and calm
~ as the light Of day, and
was perfectly conscious, talking with his
wife to the last moment. The care CT her
was upon his mind ali The time He feared
she would not be taken care Of He was one OF
OF tie best husba ads in the world. He has often
said to me, when leave my office leave
my business there, and never revive it till l
return next morning. go home to enjoy