The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1906-02-10
A MEMORIAL

The many friends oi John r Patton
Of Parker. Va. will for a long time r.
hember with mingled seuse II sorrow
and Joy the twenty-frst day of January
Sorrow. because that the one whom
they loved. who was tried aud true, who
as "A husband, father and friend had been
faithful in all, has now been called home
to enjoy the eternity prepared for him
from the foundation OF the world. Joy,
because that from the lie which be lived
his loved ones and many friends know
to which home he has gone aud know
furthermore that 10y life Of DEVOTION IN
praise and works aud faith 10 the God
whom he feared this separation will
only be for a short while and til cOmeth
the joy of the morning. for surely he has
gone To inhabit one OF the mansions oi
which Christ spoke when Tie was in this
life in Lodily form, like as we are.
The world at large owes To John Il.
Patton a great crown OF fame for the
great good he did, also for speading his
money. time and almost his lif', not m
trying TO amass great for tune, "a
some may conjecture, but in carrying
out his plans successfully 20 that the
world might BE- better on Tor lis having
lived. He did considerable operating in
the oihelds aud goldhelds respectively.
and his name is distinguished a. the dis
coverer Of the famous French Creek pool.
This discovery was his hobby, and even
though some thought he was mistaken,
still science and his own remarkable fore
sight told him that there were great
riches beneath the soil, and fCr the
worlds : good he was determined to con-
vince the public OF it. French Creek was
his constant thought. He couli always
i'm his minds ear hear its waters trick
ling by and he lOnged to realize an ] live
TO see what bis mind and fancy had sur
missed. hence his continued cry. French
Creek or die" II was this feeling Oi
surety that caused him To have n well
drilled, and according to his minds idea
and fancy the bubling waters had told
/ the truth and the we'll yielded daily
twenty barrels Of oil.
John X Patton did considerable Oper
Ating in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Vir
ginia, and also spent some time in Mex
| leo. and il is a renowned fact that where
ever he went he was beloved by all and
all who knew him could rightly say with
the writer that John X. Patton was
truly a gentleman and beneiactOr of tn,
highest type. for he was honest, whole
sonled. consistent, kindly, and truly
snch n charitable character as one likes
TO meet. for fellowship with him truly
did ones soul good
Jonn r. Patton. whose remains wer'
Inferred IN the chu. clT buryng ground a.
Parker, Va, leaves a widow and on
daughter TO mourn their loss, and io
them we would bespeak and pray TIN
richest blessing OF Almighty God, anC
even though their hearts may be bleed
ing for the spOils that death has won,w
hope that they may soon be able to loOl
mn into their Heavenly Fathers face anC
exclaim, "Thy will be donel'
Our hearts are very sad today,
So sad we cannot tell;
But we have placed our trust in Him
Who doeth all thing well.
A dear one from our home is gone,
We see the vacant chair;
Companionship with him was sweet;
We miss him everywhere.
God Giyeth his beloved sleep
After long hours OF pain,
In which his lips were never heard
To murmur or complain.
! o. grave, that closes DER our hopes
OF this vain world below;
o. death. how oft thy dreadful sting
It has been ours to know.
No human lips eau speak the grieis
That human hearts can feel;
| No earthly balm relieve the wounds
Than Heaven alone can heal.
Spirit divine, breathe in our hearts
Submission 10 Thy will;
Speak TO our overburdened souls
The message, Peace, be still
Rev. r. V. Owens.
| Dar-ar Vo