The Hamilton Free Press, Obituaries, 1894
Hamilton, Marion County Alabama

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1894 Obituaries from the Hamilton Free Press, in Hamilton, Marion County Alabama.

ATKINS, Spenser, Obituary

Lamar County Jail - Now Guarded By Military To Protect Prisoners
Vernon, May 15 - (Special) - When Rube Burrow, the famous outlaw, started out with his band of desperadoes and train robbers, it was in Lamar County. This same county has given birth to another band which is equally as lawless as the famous Burrow gang. At Vernon, a few nights ago, a band of white caps went to the house of Spenser Atkins, bound his hands, gagged him and marched him about 300 yards from his house and riddled his body with bullets. It is said that Atkins was an upholder of law and order and that this band would be safer if the county were rid of him. So on this account, according to the story, Atkins was finally murdered in cold blood. On Sunday night Drew Nealands was arrested by Sheriff Pennington upon suspicion of being implicated in the murder of Atkins. It seems that there had been an ironclad oath of allegiance to each other sworn by the band that attempted this outrage, and that if any member was caught the others were to rescue him. Nealands spent Sunday and Monday nights in jail, and yesterday morning gave the whole methods of the band away and implicated Alex and Allen Jordan, nephews of Atkins, and another young man. The sheriff went at once and arrested these alleged outlaws and placed them in jail. Owing to the alleged oath of the band and the fears that an attempt to release the prisoners would be made Sheriff Pennington ordered out Company M of the Alabama state troops, which are now guarding Lamar county jail. An attack was feared, but so far as is known nothing has transpired. - [Hamilton Free Press, (Hamilton, Ala.), May 17, 1894]

BALLARD, Mrs. Adney, Obituary

We regret to chronicle the death of Mrs. Adney Ballard which occurred at her home near Bexar on last week. The grief-stricken husband and motherless children have our sincere sympathy. - [Hamilton Free Press, (Hamilton, Ala.), July 12, 1894]

BALLARD, Mrs. Sadie (nee Byrd), Obituary

OBITUARY - These lines are written to perpetuate the memory of a good woman. Mrs. Sadie Ballard (Nee Byrd), wife of W. A. Ballard was born July 7th, 1854 and "fell asleep" July 5th, 1894. Thus it was that she lacked but two days of having completed a pilgrimage of forty years. No written sketch can do justice to the spotless life and precious memory of this noble Christian woman. Of her it may be truly said, None knew her but to love her, None named her but to praise Sister Ballard professed faith in Christ at the age of seventeen years and when twenty-two years old, she joined the M. E. Church, South. In the church of her choice, she lived a consistent and devoted member until God said, "it is enough' come up higher." Sister Ballard was no ordinary woman. After serving as her pastor for nearly eight months, this writer learned to regard her as one of the best women he ever knew. She was loyal to the church and her partner. Her house was the preacher's home, and how pleasant it was to go there, this writer will never forget. Being of a modest and retiring disposition, hers was a quiet, unassuming life, yet it was a life fraught with power for good. A very worthy and important part of her life work is exemplified in the womanly character of her two surviving daughter, whose lives were so skillfully trained by her motherly influence. Surely in after years her children will "rise up and call her blessed." She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a constant friend, a neighbor obliging and true -indeed in every relation of life, she acted well her part. Sister BALLARD seemed to have had a presentment of her approaching dissolution, even before she was taken sick. Sometime in the spring or early summer she told her husband that she would not live to see the present crop completed. So it was; her words came true. She suffered long and severely, too, but like the Christian woman that she was, she murmured not. Often and freely did she talk of death, never expressing a desire to get well, but ever declaring her readiness and willingness to depart. And as the final hour drew nigh, she entered the "valley of the shadow of death" without a fear, even "as one who wraps the drapery of his couch about him, and lies down to pleasant dreams." Sister Ballard has passed through the pearly gates into the eternal city. Earth is poorer and Heaven is richer now that she is gone. Her sufferage are ended. She has entered into the joys of the Lord. Today she bathes her weary soul In seas of heavenly rest, And not a wave of trouble rolls Across her peaceful breast. Today she feasts upon ambrosial fruits that grow in richest clusters hard by the limpid waters of the river of life. Her pastor being absent, the funeral services were conducted by Bro. John Arnold, who preached the funeral sermon from Job 14th chap. and 14th v. After which a large concourse of sorrowing relatives and friends followed her remains to their last resting place in the cemetery at Smyrna Church. May the God of all grace, comfort, and sustain the lonely husband, the motherless daughters, the brothers and sister, and all that inner circle of stricken hearts. May they all meet Sister Ballard "in the Sweet By-and By" And to those who may read this humble sketch, let me say, "Be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." - by Her pastor, W. L. Hendricks, Hamilton, la. July 24th, 1894 - [Hamilton Free Press, (Hamilton, Ala.), August 2, 1894]

BROWN, Buckahanan, Obituary

Detroit Locals - Oct 1 - We deeply regret to learn of the death of our old friends and school mates Dick Hamilton and Buckahanan Brown of Texas and Florida respectively. - [Hamilton Free Press, (Hamilton, Ala.), October 4, 1894]

BYRD, Child, Obituary

From Detroit - Lucien Byrd's youngest child died Saturday night at Sulligent and is to be buried today at Mrs. Franklin's near town. - [Hamilton Free Press, (Hamilton, Ala.), March 15, 1894]

CAMP, Claud, Obituary

From Detroit: Claud Camp, the twelve or thirteen year-old son of C. C. Camp died at his home in Amory Miss. Saturday night; the corpse passed through town yesterday evening and will be buried today at Smyrna Church. - [Hamilton Free Press, (Hamilton, Ala.), March 15, 1894]

CLARK, Mrs. Tama, Obituary

Another Good Woman Gone: Died - On July 4th, at Guin, Mrs. Tama Clark, after an illness of several weeks. Mrs. Clark was a good woman and had many friends in the different communities in which she has lived. She leaves an aged husband, several children and many grandchildren to mourn her departure. But these bereaved ones have the satisfactory testimony that she is indeed a "Mother in Israel" and may this comfort them in their hour of sadness. - [Hamilton Free Press, (Hamilton, Ala.), July 12, 1894]

COWLEY, Child, Obituary

From Detroit- Jan. 20, 1894 - We are reliably informed of a sad accident at Smithville, Miss, last Monday night - Young Kirkpatrick while at a party and somewhat under the influence of whiskey accidentally shot and killed young Cowley. Mr. Doll Cowley, the young man's father, is crazed with grief. - [Hamilton Free Press, (Hamilton, Ala.), Feb. 1, 1894]

CRENSHAW, Billie Man, Obituary

From Detroit: Jan. 20, 1894 - Billie Man Crenshaw, one of Mississippi's best citizens, was killed on his farm near Quincy last Monday by a flying limb from a failing rail-tree. - [Hamilton Free Press, (Hamilton, Ala.), Feb. 1, 1894]

DUNHAM, Infant, Obituary

From Pikeville: Aug. 29 - We regret to announce the death of the infant of Mr. Polk Dunham which occurred on last Sunday. - [Hamilton Free Press, (Hamilton, Ala.), August 30, 1894]

FINLEY, Mrs. Dixie (nee Key), Obituary

A Good Woman Passes Away - It is with sincere regret that we chronicle the death of Mrs. Dixie Finley (nee Key), which sad event occurred last week at her home in Ben Wheeler, Van Zandt County, Texas. While it was known that she had been in low health for several months, yet the telegram to her father, Dr. M. H. Key, announcing her death was a severe shock to her relatives and friends; of the latter she had many, and all who knew her loved her. She was a true, loving daughter, and affectionate wife and mother. To the grief-stricken relatives, husband and mother-less little one we tender condolence. - [Hamilton Free Press, (Hamilton, Ala.), Jan. 18, 1894]

FORD, Mr. E. B., Obituary

From Hackleburgh, March 20, 1894 - Mr. E. B. Ford died on last Thursday of la grippe. The bereaved have our sympathy. - [Hamilton Free Press, (Hamilton, Ala.), March 22, 1894]

GASKINS, Matt, Obituary

We regret to chronicle the death of Matt Gaskin which occurred at his home near Camps Mill on last Friday, after a short illness. - [Hamilton Free Press, (Hamilton, Ala.), Jan. 10, 1894]

HALL, W. M., Obituary

Hackleburg Items: A sad accident occurred near this place about 4 o'clock last Thursday evening, which resulted in the death of Mr. W. M. Hall. The unfortunate man was cutting down a tree to make rails when a flying limb struck him on the head, crushing his skull. He lived about twelve hours but never spoke but once and that was a cry to the Lord for mercy. He leaves a wife and six little children to mourn his untimely death. - [Hamilton Free Press, (Hamilton, Ala.), April 12, 1894]

HAMILTON, Dick, Obituary

Detroit Locals: Oct 1 - We deeply regret to learn of the death of our old friends and schoolmates Dick Hamilton and Buckahanan Brown of Texas and Florida respectively. - [Hamilton Free Press, (Hamilton, Ala.), October 4, 1894]

HARDEN, Mrs. Adeline, Obituary

A Good Woman Gone - Pikeville, Ala. Dec. 30, '93 - Mrs. Adeline Harden, widow of the late Samuel H. Harden, died on Wednesday, the 27th inst. She had been an invalid for several years, during which time she was a constant sufferer from rheumatism, and the immediate cause of death was an attack by this disease on the heart. She was a good woman - one who will be missed by a large number of friends. She was buried on Thursday afternoon at Liberty Church, two miles east of here. - [Hamilton Free Press, (Hamilton, Ala.), Jan. 3, 1894]

HARDIN, Mr. & Mrs., Obituary

Joseph Hardin and wife, formerly residents of Marion County, died near Sulligent on last Sunday of slow fever and were buried at the old family burying ground near this place on Monday evening. Both died the same day and were buried in the same coffin. A large crowd attended the funeral and services conducted by R. W. Clark of Guin. The entire family, and relatives have our heartfelt sympathy. - [Hamilton Free Press, (Hamilton, Ala.), Jan. 18, 1894]

KENNEDY, Mrs. Eliza, Obituary

From Hackleburgh - March 20, 1894 - Mrs. Eliza Kennedy died on the 14th instant of consumption. - [Hamilton Free Press, (Hamilton, Ala.), March 22, 1894]

LAGRONE, Callie, Obituary

Callie Lagrone, a highly respected citizen of the southeast portion of this county, was shot and instantly killed on the 4th inst, by a neighbor named John White, who mistook him for a turkey. - [Hamilton Free Press, (Hamilton, Ala.), July 12, 1894]

LANGSTON, S. A., Obituary

Died - four miles east of Hamilton, on last Tuesday night - Mr. S. A. Langston. - [Hamilton Free Press, (Hamilton, Ala.), November 1, 1894]

MARKHAM, Mrs. Burt, Obituary

From Guin: March 19, 1894 - Mrs. Burt Markham died at her home two miles north of town on the night of the 13th inst. The bereaved children have the heartfelt sympathy of this entire community. - [Hamilton Free Press, (Hamilton, Ala.), March 22, 1894]

McGUE, George, Obituary

Killed by His Father: Mr. Rich McGue, a well-to-do and highly respected farmer, living two miles north of this place, and his son George were out turkey hunting on the 12th inst, and when they reached the hunting ground before daylight they separated. Mr. McGue was calling a turkey and his son in trying to get a shot was discovered by his father who mistaking him for a turkey fired and killed him, eight or ten buckshot entering his breast and neck. The entire community is in deep sympathy with the father who is almost crazed with grief. - J. G. Pearce, Texas, Ala. April 16. - [Hamilton Free Press, (Hamilton, Ala.), April 19, 1894]

PEARCE, Mrs., Obituary

George W. Pearce of Aberdeen paid this county a visit on a sad mission last week. His mother had been seriously sick for some time and he came to attend her, but she died before he reached home. - [Hamilton Free Press, (Hamilton, Ala.), Feb. 15, 1894]

RAY, James M., Obituary

Detroit Items Clip: Aug 13th, 1894 - Mr. James M. Ray died last Friday night at this place. Mr. Ray was practically the founder of our town but moved in 1878 to Johnson County, Texas, where he has lived until a few weeks ago when he was stricken with dropsy and realizing his condition eh came, with his wife, at once to his old home, where his death bed might be made as easy and comfortable as possible by his two devoted sons at this place. - [Hamilton Free Press, (Hamilton, Ala.), August 16, 1894]

RIGGAN, Mrs. Clabe, Obituary

From Detroit April 8: We deeply sympathize with Uncle Clabe Riggan in the loss of his good wife, whose death occurred on Sunday the 1st inst., at their home a few miles west of this place. - [Hamilton Free Press, (Hamilton, Ala.), April 12, 1894]

STANFORD, A. J., Obituary

In Memorium: It becomes our sad duty to announce the death of our friend and townsman, A. J. Stanford. He died about 9:30 p.m. Sunday Nov. 18, 1894, at his residence in Hamilton after an illness of sixteen days. From the first his disease, erysipelas, took an alarming turn, and was soon followed by blood-poisoning. Everything possible was done to arrest the progress of the disease, but to no avail, and finally the attending physician announced that there was no hope. His aged mother, brothers and sisters were summoned to his bedside where they remained until death came. He suffered the most excruciating pain all through his illness but bore it all with much patience and was resigned to death. The deceased was born in Lamar county January 8, 1858 and came to Hamilton in 1886 to practice his profession, the law. During the eight years he lived with us he made many friends by his close attention to business and his honesty and integrity in all business relations. He leaves a wife and six little children to struggle with life's battles and mourn their sad loss, but they grieve not as those who have no hope for when death came he was ready. He was buried last Tuesday morning in the cemetery at this place with the honors of masonry, the funeral service being conducted by Rev. J. W. White, of Hackleburgh. A large concourse of sorrowing friends followed the remains to their last resting place where they will repose until the morn of the resurrection. In his death, a kind husband and loving father has been removed, and our town loses one of its best and most highly respected citizens, but his bereaved family and friends are left with the sweet hope that they can see him again in the home of the saints, for he left evidence that he was at peace with God. When asked as to how he felt concerning the future, he replied that he was not afraid to die; that he was trusting in god and would die with faith. At the trying moment no cloud hovered over his couch between him and his Savior. He suffered untold misery in the flesh, but freed from its tenement of clay his spirit winged its way to the beautiful home beyond, where sickness, and death are unknown . Peace to his memory and may the Ruler of Heaven who knows and directs all things for the best, look down and guard and protect his wife and fatherless children.

Tribute of Respect: To the Worshipful Master Wardens and Brethern of Hamilton Lodge No. 344: - Whereas it has pleased an all-wise God to call from labor to refreshments in the Celestial Lodge above, our brother, Andrew J. Stanford, who was born in Lamar county, Ala, Jan 8 1858. He professed religion when a boy, and later on in life he attached himself to the M. E. Church South, of which he remained a member until the time of his death. He was married to Miss Victoria Lacy Nov. 2nd, 1882. He was raised to the sublime degree of Master mason of Hamilton Lodge No. 344. In the year 1892 he served as Junior Warden and Worshipful Master in the year 1893. He remained a true and faithful brother until the Tyler Death severed the ties which bound him to the craft. Whereas, by the death of brother Andrew J. Stanford, on the 18th day of November 1894, this Lodge and the Masonic Fraternity have lost one of its most consistent and honorable members, his wife a loving husband, his children a kind and affectionate father, and the community a good and useful man. Whereas, there are no further designs on his trestle board the mallet of death having called him from labor to refreshments above. Resolved, 2nd. That we extend to his heart-stricken wife and six little children our sincere and affectionate sympathy in this their bereavement. Resolved 3rd. That we earnestly commend them to the care and protection of the Masonic Fraternity. Resolved 4th. That we mourn the loss of our brother and will ever cherish his memory in our hearts. Resolved 5th. That those resolutions be spread upon the minutes of Hamilton Lodge and a copy be sent to the Masonic Guide, the Marion County News, and the Hamilton Free Press for publication. Resolved 6th. That a copy of each paper containing these resolutions be sent to his wife, mother, brother and sister. Albert J. Hamilton, Robert W. Cashion, Jason P. Ford, Committee. - [Hamilton Free Press, (Hamilton, Ala.), Nov. 22 & Dec. 13, 1894]

STONE, Judge George W., Obituary

JUDGE STONE DEAD – Alabama’s Chief Justice Passes Quietly Away - Montgomery, March 12 - Judge GEORGE W. STONE, Chief Justice of the state supreme court, died yesterday about 11 o’clock at his residence in this city. He had been able to attend to his duties until two days ago, when he was compelled to keep himself at home. Old age was the primary trouble, but the immediate cause of his death was heart failure. Judge Stone was a native of Virginia, having been born in Bedford County, that state on October 24, 1811. His parents removed to Lincoln County, Tenn. in 1817. He read law at Fayetteville and was admitted to the bar in 1834. He located in Talladega in 1840. In 1843, on the death of Judge SHORTRIDGE he was appointed to fill the vacancy on the circuit court bench. In 1856 he was elected to a seat on the supreme bench, serving until 1865. In 1876 he was appointed associate justice by Hourton, and in 1884 was elected chief justice, serving up to his death. [Hamilton Free Press, Marion County AL, March 15, 1894

WILSON, Infant, Obituary

Pikeville Items Feb. 28, 1894 : We feel it our painful duty to chronicle the death of infant of Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Wilson which died on last Saturday night. The bereaved family has our heart-felt sympathy. - [Hamilton Free Press, (Hamilton, Ala.), March 1, 1894]