The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1885-07-16
Il. ID. HOsS.
Nashville Christian Advocate.

Nashville Christian Advocated
4. d, HOss was born in Washington county,
Tenn, Aug. TO- 1SO7,and died at his residence
IN Johnson City March 9, 1885, almost living
out his fourscore years, by reason of strength
as declared by the Psalmist am not posted in
regard to the early life OF the deceased as that
dates back before my day. Ny first acQuaint
ance with him began Sept 7, 1856, at Morganton
camp-meeting, Blount county, Tenn. During
that camp-meeting his wife was greatly blessed,
and he asked me in a very earnest manner to
pray for him. and urged r. NJ. Stevens, my pre-.
siding elder 70 have me sent the following year
to Louden, Tenn, where he was then LIVING, as
thor pastor, promising him that he would fur
nish me with rooms In his house free of rent.
This item is mentioned to honor him. At that
day he had fine physique, and seemed to be
the embodiment OF mature manhood In health
and strength. He was above the average both
IN height and weight. He was twice married
during his eventful life-the FIRST time to Miss
Penelope Massengill, In 1888 The fruit OF this
marriage was two promising daughters one of
whom, Miss Alice Hoss, Of Johnsn Cits, Is still
living, the other one has gone to her mother be.
yond the river His second marriage was in
1880 to Miss Lucinda 8, Smith, with whom he
livedin conjugal peace and happiness till the
day Of his death, leayeng four interesting daugh.
ters from this marriage union, who with their
mother now feel most keenly the loss of hus-
band and father. The writer next met Mr..
Hoss at his hotel IN Jonesboro, in 1867, where
he had the courage and kindness to give
Southern Methodist preacher room and board
in his house free while that minister conducted
religious service in the basement of the court.
house for nearly whole week. Again In 1873
l was at the Hoss House in Johnson City, and
while there Brother Hoss had me to baptize
three OF his daughters, i had already baptized
his daughter Mollie, at center church, in Mon
roe county, Tenn, in the fell Of 1856 In 1877
Rev. I. X. Handy, of our Conference, and the
writer, conducted meeting OF great interest in
| the NJ Z. Church south, at johnson City, in
which quite number of the citizens made
profession of saving faith In Christ. Brother
L. D. Hoss was one OF the number remem-
Der him distinctly how he wept and prayed for
pardon when penitent at the alter, and his
manly form, open, frank countenance, and steel
gray hair, as he stood at the head of the long
line who took the VOWS Of our Church and were
received into full membership. Since my &C.
quaintance with him he has lived at Loudon,
Knoxville, Jonesboro, and Johnson City. In
all these places he was valuable and law-abid.
ing citizen. As proprietor of his public.house
he was courteous and attentive to all and un.
tiring In his efforts to please his guests. As
rule, all he charged regular ministers Of the
gospel fer their fare was to "call again." As
neighbor he was peaceable and obliging He
was charitable to the poor. He did not cherish
resentment even toward those who had wrong
ed him. He had many friends among the best
class OF people, whose friendship was highly
priced, both by him and his family. OF his
marriage relation his wife writes there never
was more kind, tender and loving husband
AS a father he was very indulgent to his chill
dren crafty ing all their wishes as far as possi
BILE. Those fond daughters will miss him much
in that home circle. As friend OF the Church
and believer in Christianity, he gave of his
means when able to helprear her temple OF wor-
| ship, support her ministers, and build up her
| Institutions. He was always pleased to have
his pastors call TO see him, eat at his table and
pray with his family. He loved to read the Bi-
BILE and Moody'S sermons He often talked TO
his wife upon the subject OF religion and his al.
| flictiens. Doubtless he had his faults. Who
has not? Severe Affections, during the last few
years of his life, had so affected his body and
impaired his mind that at times, to use the lan-
g0age OF his devoted wife, "his brain seemed to
be on fire." And during these paroxysms of
excitement he would say and do things very
unlike himself. His family observed these pc
culiarities in his bearing but did not know
what was the matter till informed by physi.
clan that he had been suffercng from softening
of the brain. This afiiotion, together with
apoplexy took him from those who knew him
best aud loved him most; But will they not
meet again in the better life above? Let us
cherish kind memories for his name, and pray
heavens richest blessings upon his loved ones
whom he left behind. Several of the johnson
City pastors took part in the funeral and burial.
services. Then on an elevation that overlooks
the home OF his wife and childrin, all that was
Ole. D. Hoss was put down quietly to sleep in
the house appointed for all the living, where
the wicked cease to trouble and the weary are
arrest tta JOHN BORING.