Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1894-08-15
Mrs. Mary Earnest Drowned.

On Saturday, August II, 1894, Mrs.
Mary Earnest left her elegant home at
Fullens, Tennessee, in company with
her sister, Miss Ellen Rhea, of Knox
vile, for Greeneville.
They enjoyed the day together Mrs.
Earnest beng very cheerful and lively
with Mrs. Earnest's son, Rhea, who is
in the bank there, Miss Ellen Rhea
took No. 3, about 8 Pm. for her home
in Knoxville; Mrs. Earnest and her son,
Rhea, started from Greeneville about
D Am. for GAINESVILLE to have a pleas
ant drive and talk in the cool of the
evening.
When they came to the first ford of
Sinking Creek near Alton, found it
very much swollen from a recent hard
rain, but thought they could cross,
and when they went in, the water
rushed over the horse, then into the
buggy, washing them out; in trying to
keep above the water by clinging to
the buggy it was turned over and Mrs.
Earnest went under; Rhea was washed
down a few feet where he got hold Of
a limb and was finally rescued by a
mar on the bank. The horse was
drowned and buggy broken up. Mrs.
Earnest's body was found about one
fourth of a mile down the stream at
10 A.M.-four hours after going under,
lodged in some drift.
Quite a number came from Greene
vile and all neighbors turned out to
assist in any way possible for which
the relatives are very grateful and
thankful. The remains were taken
to her home at GAINESVILLE, where the
funeral was preached by Rev. Bigler,
of Jonesboro, Sunday, August 12, 1894,
at4P.M. Text: James4:14 IA; "For what
is your life. 1t is even a vapor, that
appeareath for a little time, and then
it vanisheth." After the services the
interment took place at Ebenezer Gene
terry in the presence of q large con-
course of friends.
Mrs. Earnest was born at Blountville,
August IA, 1886; she was the daughter
of Samuel Rhea, one of B%lountville's
best merchants and citizens. She
joined the Presbyterian church at
B%lountville when fourteen years old.
and not only protested but lived an &C.
tive, progressive, Christian life for
forty four years, being fifty eight at
her death. She was united in marriage
to B. F. Earnest December 20, 1868, and
survived him seven years, living at
GAINESVILLE from her marriage to her
death. She leaves two sons-Rhea and
Nick, and one daughter, Elenor four
living brothers John L., Robert NJ,
and w. L., in Knoxville, and j. b., in
Marion, Va; also, three sisters-Mrs.
F. A. Fain, Jonesboro, Miss Ellen. in
Knoxville, and Mrs. p. d. Cowan, Can
astota, New York. Mrs. Earnest a q
most noble, esteemed woman {: meth
odical and practical in her household
affairs, a loving, devoted, wife, and an
ever gentle, kind and patient mother.
She was a friend indeed to the needy
and friendlesS, ever ready to admins
ter to the poor, or attend willingly and
cheerfully at the bedside of the sick.
Indeed her character was we'll round
ed up and one worthy of emulation.
None knew her but to love her ''her
presence was a benediction to ALL"
Her very sudden and mysterious death
seems a strange providence to US, but
her mission on earth was finished. May
the many sorrowing friends take com
fort from her life, and not mourn for
her as those without hope.