The colored American., 1903-08-01

dearh roll in Memphis for June among
our people will perhaps exceed that of
guy June for the past several years
No death that has occurred has been
any greater loss to the community as
was the death of Mr.. John Tillman.
Mr. Tillman was born June 4th, 1888
and died June 9th, 1903, making his
age at the time of his death 20 years
and % days. There was no more eX-
emplary character in the entire South
than he. After giving years of his la
Dor to his master as slave, immedi-
atey after his emancipation he en-
gagged in honest toll, and notWithstand-
ing the many disadvantages under
which he was forced to labor, he
amassed a fortune which would have
reflected credit on any citizen irrespec-
tive Of race. He made his money in
manner that he could always feel that
he was living a good Christian life.
Mr. Tlllman was a carpenter by trade.
After working at his trade for years
he engaged in truck farming, buying
real estate whenever he saw a bargain.
One of the prettiest suburban settle
ments in the vicinity of Memphis is
where his property is located. Unlike
most wealthy Negroes, Mr.. Tillman
was exceedingly religious in deeds as
well as talks. Brother Tillman (as he
was familiarity called) left a wife,
eight children and a host of friends to
mourn his loss. His vast estate was
equally divided between his family,
among other things each received a
separate and distinct home In the
life and character of this grand old
man We are truly taught How to
reach and save the unsaved Negro"
Several Sundays before his death your
correspondent had the honor of speak
ing in the First Baptist Church, of
winch he was deVOut member. He
spoke on the Importance of the race
living his religion and not do so much
IN talking. Special efforts were made
to convince the audience of the neces-
slty OF the church separating itself
from the world. At the conclusion of
this humble effort this true man of
God was the first and last one to shake
the speakers hand. He hated sham
and pretension and was in every sense
a true christian gentleman. He was
loved and respected the most those
who knew him best
Mr.. John White, jr., one of our most
popular letter carriers, a graduate of
kOrtchut High School and in every
sense one of the most representative
young men of the city, who was born
Al1N loISCu up III CnuTCn ana SUNDAY
school work, in speaking of this loss
thusly expressed himself: Death has
robbed our church and Sunday school
or one OF their most worthy christian
gentlemen, father and deacon in the
person or our beloved Brother Tillman
He was esteemed and loved by all who
knew him. He was an ideal character
having been q loyal citizen. a consci-
entlous christian, a Trustworthy dea-
con and a devoted father. He was in
telligent, industrious and prosperous
HIS place can never be filled by anoth-
er. He had been a christian for "a
years and was ever faithful to his
trust. Although he is gone from ms
his work will live after him and we
shall always cherish his memory. >,
This was the largest funeral witnessed
in Memphis for many years. The
church was crowded to it's utmost ca
paclty and as many were outside The
services were exceedingly impressive
The funeral dirge, which was PLAYED
by Prof w. J. Harvey, was followed
by the choir. Rev. p. o. Fuller. pastor
OF the church, and the same preacher
whose prayer at Church's auditorium
during President Roosevelt's visit last
November caused so much favorable
comment in the dailies of Memphis.
preached one of the grandest sermons
ever heard here. At some future day
ur Iohn White. jr., with the assist