The Monett times., 1918-04-05
IN MEMORY

N"y, MaiCH 20, dltcI SullctlHS ilOiC
than ten years with paralysis. But
all during his illness he was cheerful
and happy, took lively interest in
all things, loved company, and one of
his especial delights was in having
his house and yard filed with friends,
and one always went away cheered
and encouraged from a visit to his
home.
He started building his 8Christian
monument when q. young man, 18
years of age, and ihe builded it upon
the Solid Rock, Christ Jesus, for he
entered the Civil War as a nurse
about the time of his conversion, and
he has often said he lived more de-
voted Christian then than at any
other time in life. He administered
to the sick and wounded, both friend
and foe alike, not only with food and
drink, but cheering, encouraging, or
possibly it was prayer for one who
was going to his reward. And Christ
says, "As often as we have done it
unto the least of these We have done
it unto me-" AS he started his monu-
ment, so he continued to build on to
the end of his life, for he was true
Christian man in every way.
He loved his neighbor, not alone in
word, but in deed and in truth, and
was always ready to help any one in
any way he could, and never let an
opportunity pass to do good.
He would encourage the discour-
aged, telling them to press on, do
their best, for the reward was to the
faithful.
He loved the church, not only the
church Of his choice, but all churches,
and no one ever asked him for help
for any denomination in vain.
He was a friend to Gods ministers
and was ever ready to help them with
wise counsel and his means.
He was devoted husband and
father, for he loved his family and
his home next to God. To these loved
ones, if he could speak, he would say:
'"Do not grieve for me; you did all
you could. Pm at rest in my Fathers
home, where I told you was going
the day before I left you, and it's so
pleasant here-all happiness, joy and
=
loved it so on earth, but it's much
sweeter here. Live faithfully to the
end. Tell all my friends this is such
a happy place and worth striving for,
and I'm expecting them, to meet me
here"
Robert Layton Matthews was born
in Obion county, Tenn, May 25, 1843,
and departed this life Saturday,,
March %, 1918, age "a years and 10
months.
He was married January Z, 1868,
to Sarah ]. Bynum. To this union
were born three children-Mrs. ]. D.
Thomas and Mrs. Leila Costley, north
of -Lone.t, and o. D. Matthews, of
Web City. Death claimed his first
cc,..r,anion.
On November "a, 1880, he was
married to Miss Bette jenkins. To
this union were born ten children
Mrs. J. H. Peddy, of Muskogee, Ok;
DIR. Arnett, of Hawaiian Islands;
Roger, of Monett; Mrs. Orval Hemp
hill, north of Peirce City; Archie,
Beulah, Radah, Lloyd and Floyd, who
make up the home circle, and Robert
Loren, who died in infancy.
Mr.. Matthews moved to Lawrence
county in 1881 and bought a farm five
miles northeast of Monett, where he
lived until year ago, when that
farm was traded for another. He
was successful farmer and accumu-
lated much of this worlds goods.
He was elected to the office of judge
of the county court and in this, as in
other things in life, was a success,
for he served his county honestly and
impartially.
Funeral services were held at Lib
erty church Monday, March rs, con-
Quoted by Rev. L. A. Smith and Pas
tor E. r. Stribbling, to the largest
crowd that ever assembled at that
place.
Besides his companion and children
he leaves fifteen grandchildren, five
great grandchildren, a number OF rel
atives and host Of friends to cher
ish the memory of noble and Just
man. A FKlEND'