The Tupelo journal., 1912-03-08
Mrs. Harriet Bacon Dickson.


D .claration of independence, her
grandfather was an officer in the Col
onial army, also her father was an of
ficer in the war of 1912, and her hus-
band, j. r. Dickson, was soldier
throughout the civil war. So closely
connected was she with the history of
her country, she was eligible to every
historical organization for ladies in the
United States.
She received a collegiate education
IN Tuscaloosa, Ala. was an accomplish
ed musician and lady of culture and
refinement, and in every respect
typical ante bellum dame.
She, with her mother and brothers,
emigrated from Alabama to Mississippi
in 1912, and settled on Town Creek.
The country at that time was virgin
forest and settlers were very scattered
Indians had left the country but few
years previous, wolves and herds of
deer roamed the forests at will. The
country was new and settlers in great
numbers were rapinly moving in from
the older states to claim the fertile
lands and natures rich gifts.
In lS49 she was married to ]. R.
Dickson and moved to Pontotoc where
they lived happily until the civil war
broke out, and in her young happy life
the carnage of war and bloodshed cast
shadow of sorrow and disappointment
which long life could not efface.
After the war, when property and
slaves were all gone, and every
hope blighted, a new life of poverty
and trial confronted them. Tupelo was
selected as their future home, at that
time with few shanties for stores, a
box car for a depot. and about four
residences and the old Baptist church
constituted the town. Being the oldest
citizen of Tupelo she lived to see won-
derful changes, and it was here the
b ast days of her life were spent, where
her family was reared and the happy
associations of long life were formed
and enjoyed. She was the only re-
naming charter member of the first
Presbyterian church built in Tupelo.
Early in life she connected herself
with the Presbyterian church and her
christian character stands out as a
shining light and an inspii alton to all
who came within the radius of her love-
ly personality. Verify, she walked In
His steps. Her charity knew no bounds;
to the poor and needy she ever admin
istered to their wants, to the sinful,
: erring ones. and the faults and defects
of those she came inccntact. she threw
the mantle OF charity around all. Her
special christian grace was giving
words of comfort to sorrowlng ones
all classes, old and young, came to her
and sweet words of comfort fell from
her lips like precious jewels. She took
, special interest in colcred people; not
one came around her but she would ask
them about their SOULS salvation anC
tell them of Jesus dying love.
Her declining years were as beauti
full and peaceful as her Young life was
turbulent and sorrowfui She lived ir
the secret of His presence, the bible
was her constant companion and hel
thoughts and conversation were most
frequently upon spiritual affairs.
At her advanced age she retained he,
faculties perfectly and spent most OF
her time reading, and was thoroughly
in touch with all advanced religious
movements, current events, scenes and
inventions.
The hold chat she retained upon her
friends, neighbors and the young peo-
pie. was out of the ordinary. and at the
Christmas-tide and on her birthdays all
of them materially expressed their
love and admiration by bringing gifts
to Grandma Dickson.
! Her health had been on the decline
for several months. but she was able to
be up until few days before her death.
Her preparations were completed, and
she anticipated and spoke of her de-
parture as though she was soon to
make pleasant visit. The day before
her death she realized that she was
soon to be with her Savior she loved
so we'll.
She called her children and grand
children around her and spoke beauti-
fully and touchingly to them. and left
message to friends. neighbors and
servants, and expressed desire to
meet them all in heaven. The end
came quietly and peacefully, her lovely
spirit took its fliget to realms on high,
there to dwell with her Savior forever
more. A loving tribute from daugh-
/ - olo nickcop