The Tupelo journal., 1918-04-05
MRS. ADA MITCHELL ToPP
81 hear a wind of memory murmur-
ing the past"

LIE 1Tlclu VI yUui yONeA
dead" l made answer, lit cannot
be; it was but yesterday that clasp
ed her hand in her own home as she
graciously welcomed her co-workers
of the church she loved SO we'll" So |
went in sorrow to that bereaved
home, through whose portals she new
er more would go into the glad
bright world.
l looked into that marvellous face,
so sweet, so peaceful and serene. And
while the minister intoned those won
derful words, "Lord Thou hast been
our dwelling place in generations"
my soul, led by memory's gentle
touch, took the backward trail.
l saw a tiny girl of seven summers,
a newcomer to the little village, she
was sent to the old house on the hill,
a pupil-to-be in the school of one
whom the older people remember
as "Miss Mary Jane" A stranger,
the little maid shy and almost IN
tears. when a dear brown-eyed, sweet
faced lassie slipped up and said,
Come with me and I'll show you
where to go and what to do" Thus
began a friendship, which grew and
strengthened with the passing of the
years.
Ada Mitchell was born in Chester
Vile. coming to Tupelo at the age OF
seven made this her home with the
exception of a brief stay in Texas IN
the year 1898. Her father was born
in Perth, Scotland, but came to this
country at the age of six years. Her
mother was a Miss DoXey of Pontotoc
county; both her grandfather and
great grandfather on the maternal
side were patriots, the former serv-
ing in the Revolution, the latter in
the wal of 1912.
Early in life she united with the
Presbyterian church and was ever a
devoted and loyal member thereof.
One of six children, three sons and
three daughters, she saw these dear
ones gradually fade from earth leav-
ing her the sole survivor of a once
happy band. Yet never one time did
she murmur; it was always, Though
He STAY me, yet will l trust in Him."
She was married Jan. 8, 1878 to
Mr.. Shelby Topp. This was indeed an
ideal union; an old-fashioned, Cod
patterned one, where the man was the
head and the woman the willing help
meet, but "each, in honor, preferring
the other"
AS the years went by sons and
daughters came to the household, then
more and more the mother studied,
worked and prayed that she might be
to her family an influence breathing
of that in One whose steps she SO de-
voutly followed.
Ever gentle, patient, untiring IN
her ministrations to her own loved
ones. she always needed the call OF the
moor and distressed. 1t was a COM
forting thought to her that hers was
an unbroken band, all spared to man
hood and womanhood, all worthy OF
her love and devotion.
One great sorrow had come to her
as it has to thousands of mothers all
over the land, giving up her son at his
country's call. Only a mothers
heart can measure the depth of that
agonv-life's Gethsemane.
But her dear ones told me that she
sought Gods word daily for comfort
and help to bear this cross.
After a brief illness the end came
quite Unexpectedly to all.
AS the day was waning they saw
she was slowly drifting out on the
tide of that river which ever-fowing,
never-ceasing, sweeps all into the
ocean of eternity.
Sadly we followed her to that home
whose door never swings outWafo'
there on that old hillside, where sleep
so many Of her loved ones, we lad
her to rest and covered her grave with
beautiful flowers sent by hosts OF
Borrowing friends.
at seemeth such a little way to me,
Across to that strange country
the Beyond;
And yet, not strange, for it has grown
to be
The home of those of whom | am
so fond,
They make it seem familiar and most
dear,
AS journeying friends bring dis
tant regions near"
A Friend.
Wv. S.
Barnes Bros, Of Mooreville, shipp-