The Lexington advertiser. [volume] (Lexington, Miss.) 1904-1985, 1905-07-06
In Honored Memory OF William Espy
Morrow.

In the recent death of w. f. Nor,
row on May 81, 1905, this communi.
ty has sustained sad and irreparable
loss. 1t mourns the death of a pro.
minent and useful citizen, whose life
is a splendid fabric Of noble and gen.
erous deeds. Sorrow has cast its
shadow upon his beauteous and state
ly home, made famous during the
last half century for its boundless
hospitality. A review of such life,
rich in wholesome lessons of profit, is
the purpose Of this communication.
William Espy Morrow was born
May lst, 1850, after finishing his col
ege course, he beca~e associated
with his honored father in business
here in Richland. Later, upon his
fathers death, he became the head of
The mercantile firm of j. Morrow K
Go. and has since continuously resided
IN this county. In business. social
and church circles he was widely
known throughout the state, was uni
versally popular, and his friends we're
legion. He was married in the little
church at Richland on June 27, 1894,
to Miss Nellie Hobson Doty, daughter
of Mr.. and Mrs, W. H. Doty. In
church and business circles he was a
leader, and his splendid social quail
ties and blameess Christian character
endeared him to every one with whom
ne came in contact. Those who felt
the pinch of poverty or distress, all
acknowledge the depth of gratitude
to this man for some generous, un-
selfish, Christian deed. His was a
lingering illness, which taxed to the
breaking point all the courage and
Christian fortitude of the human
heart, 1t was my privilege to enjoy
his friendship and confidence during
the hours Of his last illness. The
most impressive scene have ever
witnessed at the crucial moment when
his surgeons informed him that his
life hung on slender thread and the
knife offered the only slender chance.
With smile on his lips, unfaltering
faith in Providence and with cour-
age sublime, he passed to the oper-
ating table. His heroism, under the
the ordeal, challenged my unstinted
admiration. An hour later, when in
formed that the exploration had dis
closed that his malady was beyond
the reach of science, his was not a
case of blind, but most cheerful |
to the will of God. The |
ieath of an only boy hastened his re-
turn home from jackson, Miss, where
last effort was made for his relief. |
This child was the idol of his heart,
yet, with these sad atflictions multi
plying his steadfast soul met them
without complaint, as dispensations
of Heaven. What a pillar for church
and God is such a life and character
On the last day of May we laid
lim to rest in the little churchyard at
Rlchland. 1t was evening, and az the
gorgeous flame of day set in golden
'plendor, it shed no warmth into the
larkened chambers of our hearts.
Song birds warbled their carols in the
,ending boughs, but sorrow trans
'ormed them into mournful dirges.
3anks of roses crowned his grave, but
zach fragrant blossom seemed with
,red, to the crushed and broken
learts OF those who wept.
Throngs, from far and near, gath
,red to mingle their tears over his
oier and to do honor to a good mans
memory.
May this life, extinguished at the
of its usefulness be com
,ensated for in the lessons given us
~ its splendid example. May his
mantle fall on those friends and loved
ines, who earnestly desire that sweet
'hristian experience and loyalty to
Jhrist which Enthusiastically made his
after years and days those Of har-
nony and peace with his God.
A FRIEND.
l.. AuncA.n~ r..l