Jefferson jimplecute. (Jefferson, Tex.) 1907-1926, 1913-05-22
IN MEMoRlAM

linois, May 81, 1924. His pa.
rents were natives of Virginia,
but moved to Ill. where his faith
or opened the first nursery in
the nothern part OF the state IN
1878.
John NJ" IA he was familiar
ly called, was educated at Leba-
non College Illinois. He was a
young man of much ability, a
pleasing personality and high
moral character, endowed with
talents of an order that amount
ed to positive genius. Music,
languages, literature, the arts
and crafts knowledge, hOrticul-
ture in fact complete diyersi-
ty Of information upon nearly
every known subject, was easily
grasped and retained by bril-
liant and receptive mind, while
trained and skillful fingers per-
formed it's services.
He was among the first to res
pond to a call for volunteers in
the war between the United
States and Mexico, distinguish
ing himself during his service,
not alone by acts of valor, but
more particularly by the fact
that he passed unscathed throu
the trying ordeal of army life
generally so deterreating to the
Young soldier. The swapping of
his musket saved him from the
honor(?) of ending the existence
of Gen. Santa Anna, and when
he retreated from the field, leav.
ing behind his wooden leg, the
intrepid young soldier carried it
away as one of the "spoils of
war" But to his deep regret, it
and a large collection of trophies
was stolen from him by some
unknown miscreant.
Some of the esteem Of his fell
low creatures and the imperish
BILE wealth accruing from chris
tan influence, he died compare
lively poor man, owing to bus
mess reverses, and a nature too
upright and honorable to take
any dubious financial advantage
that might tempt him.
He was at all times a loyal citi-
zen, even when not approving of
existing administrations. But it
was one of his prondest boasts
that ever since his majority he
had voted straight democrtic
ticket.
| But the noblest part Of his
earthly career was his spiritual
life. He was converted early in
life, and ever took the deepest
interest in the Sabbath School
system. During his long and
useful life he had lived in many
places; sometimes in newly set.
tied regions where religious SER
vices were rarely held; there he
would organize Sunday School,
which under his exertions soon
} fourished; or perhaps he would
join one that had become lax and
! lukewarm; such he would reha-
bilitate and re-enthuse the mem
bers into joyous activity. His
intimate knowledge of scripture,
pleasing manner of teaching,
splendid voice and delight in
teaching children to sing; and
most especially, the influence
for good that he welded over
little ones, and adults too caused
for him the title of the Sunday
School Father"
He had been a great sufferer
for a long time; but through il
all he never lost his hold upon
the Rock of Ages" Even to
ward the end. when not able tC
converse with his loved ones, he
would raise his trembling hands
and pray to the Master in whose
steps he had always tried tC
walk.
Although he suffered terribly,
at the last he became easy, ant
as his loved ones sat beside him
praying that he might pass away
easily, all pain fell from him as
a discarded garment as he pass
ed throu' thelValley of the Shad
ow with his spirit hand clasped
in that of the Master, whose viii
| he ever StrOve to fulfill, while
around his bed lowered the min.
! istering spirits waiting to bear
aloft the freed spirit as it pass
. ed into eternal Rest.
He has gone from Us, but has
left behind him an influence thai
surely will descend until eternity
for good unto all with whom he
came in contact.
His Devoted Wife and
Children.