The Hattiesburg news. (Hattiesburg, Miss.) 1908-1917, 1908-10-19
HAD SPENT LIFE IN
ADJOINING COUNTIES
Leaves Widow and Nine Children Five
Sons and Four Daughters Living.
Was Father of Late Judge w, r.
Stevens-FuneraI Largely Attended.

The mortal remains of Capt. Ben
Stevens, who died Saturday afternoon
at about 1 o'clock at his home in New
Augusta, were laid to rest in the old
Augusta cemetery yesterday after
noon.
The funeral was one of the largest
ever held in Perry County, hundreds
of friends coming from a distance to
pay the last sad tribute to one whom
they had known and loved through the
passing of many years.
The funeral services were conducted
by the Enon Masonic Lodge. Junior
Grand Warden w. NJ. Conner acting
for the local lodge as master of cere-
monies. OF this lodge Captain Stew
ems had served as master for fourteen
consecutive years, and had served in
the same capacity for shorter periods
of time. The funeral sermons were
preached by Rev. Mr.. Phillips, of New
Augusta and Rev. E. j. Currie. of this
city.
In addition to this appropriate re-
marks were made by Mr.. Conner. A
vast number of people took a last look
at the remains of one whom they had
after the white people had passed
around the bier, at least $50 ngroes
paid their respects by looking sadly
on the face of one who had always
been their friend in every legitimate
way. They recognized that one who
had often relieved their distress and
had befriended them in many ways,
was being seen for the last time in
life.
Capt Ben Stevens was probably the
oldest citizen of Perry County hav.
ing passed his 18th milestone in July.
He was born in Jackson County. Miss.
and at an early age his father removed
to Perry County, and here Capt. Stew
ems lived the balance of his life-his
life having been spent in two adion-
ing counties and from his early youth
in Perry County. Capt Stevens re-
sponded promptly to the call of the
Southland and he rose to the posi-
ton of captain during that trying time.
A few of his old comrades in arms
were present yesterday at his burial
Mr.. Andrew Carter being one. but
most of the old boys under his COM
mand have long ago answered the last
roll call
Capt. Stevens was married to Miss
Breland some fifty-five years ago and
together they have passed the half
century mark. His wife survives him.
To them were born ten children, all
of whom are still living. except Judge
Forrest Stevens. The children born to
the couple and now living are: Mrs
F. F. Meyers, of New Augusta; Mrs
S. T. Garroway. of Manned; Mrs. I. H.
c. Cook DR.. J. ]. Stevens, G. y. Stew
ems. II. S. Stevens and ]. NJ. Stevens,
of this city: G. H. Stevens. of Rich
ton. and Mrs j. F. Ruffin, of New Au-
gusta.
Capt. Stevens was a man of means.
but he was generous and kind-hearted
and no wayfaring man ever left his
door hungry. He was known through
out this section as a man of high
character and sound business iudg-
ment. He was a member of the Meth
odist Church and lived a good life. He
raised large family and all of them
are credit to their parents, and have
taken high rank in the business and
lines He died at ripe
old age and left behind him a charac
ter that will always be remembered by
those who knew him as worthy of
This was felt by the sor-
rowing friends as they laid the body
to rest in that last long sleep that
knows no waking till the dawning of !
that great day. when the clouds shall |
roll forever from the everlasting hills |
and the sunshine of Divine Light shall |
burst in upon the tomb.