The Lubbock avalanche. (Lubbock, Tex.) 1909-1922, 1921-10-27

The funeral Of John K. Rails,
founder Of Rails, and one Of the most
influential citizens Of the Plains coun-
try was attended hy the largest num-
Der Of friends and relatives, and fra
ternal brotherhoods that has ever
been seen in Rails, and possibly of
any person on the plains
The funeral was held last Friday
afternoon, conducted by the masonic
lodge and assisted by the Odd Fel-
lows lodge Of his home town and
joined by members from all nearby
towns, where lodges are maintained.
The procession was long, and was
headed By the Masonic Order, fol-
lowed By the Odd Fellows and then
hy friends, too numerous TO count,
and an estimate Of the number would
likely not be anything ike accurate,
but running far into the thousands.
Floral offerings came from all
parts Of Texas, Oklahoma and New
Mexico, as also did admiring friends
The passing Of this good man from
the ranks Of the progressive plains
developers, town builders and people
who love 20 90 about doing good, will
long be felt by the people Of the
great South Plains
John Robinson Rails, founder Of
our town. and one among the most
enterprising and progressive citizens
Of West Texas. is dead, and for the
loss OF this good man the Banner
mourns. As stated in last week $
paper, Mr. Rails suffered a stroke Of
apoplexy Wednesday. While at the
time II appeared that the breaking
down Of his health was serious, his
host OF friends still hoped that he
might be restored TO his usual vigor-
Gus strength. But such favorable ter
mination Of his Illness was disappoint-
ing as reports from his bedside grad
ually growing worse--that the mex
orable decree of fate had willed that
his work on cath was done, and that
the great Architect, who plans and
directs the lives Of US all, had de-
creed that his activities be transfer
red to another and higher sphere,
and on Wednesday his soul, finding
the body no longer habitable, winged
its way to that borne where millions
Of Travellers along life's journey ha'e
disappeared, and we feel that he IS
enjoying that reward that is promised
all Just men.
John Robinson Rails, the eldest
son Of Mr. and Mrs. John Robinson
Rails, was born in Monroe County,
Ga, Nov. Is, 1862. There he grew
TO manhood and received practical
business education.
While a young man his father de-
parted this life, leaving him to as-
sist his mother in caring for the other
four children, namely; Mrs. Isaac
Winship, Macon, Ca, Mrs. X. J..
Blaclock. Of Columbia, S. c.. 4. NJ.
Rails. Of Comanche, Okla, and p. b.
Rails, Of Rails. Texas.
At about n years Of age he moved
10 Texas and resided at Fort Worth,
Bowie and Belcher. Later he moved
To Ryan. Okla, where he engaged In
,Se mercantile business and ranching
for many years. lie purchased hum
dreds Of acres Of Southplains land
about l6 years age. and moved TO Old
Emma. where h. engaged In ranch
ing. then came the railroad through
the center Of this land and he found
ed our beautiful little city. which
proudly hears his name.
lie with has brother. Mnton. were
converted In 1894. az Ryan. Okla,
and Joined the Cumberland Prcsby-
tsFian church.
In many ways he was a great char
aetsr and great citIssn. ronsldsfels
of others and especial, 20 of The
poor
10 ~as = member u The klkz. Odd
Fellows aud nHssals fssisFai,is.. b.