MARION COUNTY, GA - NEWSPAPERS  - Misc obits, marriages, etc.

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From Marion County Patriot dated July 23, 1886

Death of Dr. Baker

Dr. James Lawrence Baker breathed his last at his
home in Buena Vista yesterday morning at 7:30
o'clock.  He was about seventy-three years of age,
and for the last six or seven years has been a
sufferer with cancer of the face, which gradually
fed upon his physical system until he succumbed to
its ravages.  He bore this affliction with great
patience and was cheerful to the last.  He leaves a
wife and four children and a large circle of friends
to mourn his loss.

Dr. Baker was one of the oldest settlers now living
in this county.   He first settled at Tazewell and
from there he moved to Pineville.  He came to Buena
Vista about thirty-five years ago where he has
resided until his death.

His remains were laid to rest in the Baptist
cemetery in Buena Vista yesterday afternoon at 6
o'clock, surrounded by his relatives and friends who
deeply mourn his loss: Col. E. M. Butt, who has been
a great friend of Dr. Baker, officiated at his
funeral, it having been a dying request of the
doctor that he should do so.


From the Marion County Patriot dated June 22, 1888


Death of Mrs. Baker

Mrs. Mary Baker, consort of the late Dr. J. L.
Baker, died last Friday afternoon at 1 o'clock of
paralysis.  Although she was old, being sixty-six
years of age, and not in very good health this
sudden death was unexpected by her relatives and
friends.  She was visiting the family of Mr. Ch. H.
McCall on Wednesday afternoon last week, was taken
sick the following Thursday afternoon and died on
Friday afternoon before any of her absent children
could reach her.  She was buried at the Baptist
cemetery Saturday morning surrounded by a large
number of friends and relatives.  Rev. B. S. Sentell
performed the burial services.

Mrs. Baker had been a resident of Buena Vista for
many years and was loved and respected by all who
knew her, she leaves four children to mourn her loss
and they are Dr. Edwin Baker of Texas, Dr. J. L.
Baker, of Seale, Ala., Mrs. Hamp Stevens of
Columbus, and Mrs. J. W. Roberts of this place, who
have the sympathies of a large circle of friends in
their sad bereavement.

Marion County Patriot dated 9-23-1887

Died in Texas wife of Edwin Baker at Bremond, Texas
on Monday.

From the Marion County Patriot dated 10-9-1903

In Memory of Harvey

Baby boy of Dr. and Mrs. R. L. McMichael, of Buena
Vista, Ga.

Oh! a precious, blue eyed baby With a constant and
gladsome smile A for-get-me-not of heaven Dear
Harvey brightened earth awhile.

Earth's flow'rs with fragrance and beauty Charmed
this darling baby always An annual flower was
Harvey, Scarce a year were his life's few days.

The body, its calix, wished to hold Ths floweret, so
sweet and so fair And tossed and trembled with
striving; But t'was plucked for Jesus to wear.

But death was not the grim monster That men, sin-
polutted behold; To him t'was the tender
transplanter Placing him mid beauties untold.

We know, the flowers should perish But does the
short life of a child Give glory (for which it was
made) To Jesus, the blessed Christ child.

The blossom must fall; but the seed, Left behind,
takes roo in the sod Of hearts to whome it was given
Live again as bright goldenrod.

The pangs that tossed him when falling Will not, for
a moment, compare With glories revealed in Harvey,
With the joys he forever will share.

Take comfort, dear parents, bereaved, Your little
one o'er sees the face Of his loving Father in
heav'n Nestles close to his fond embrace

E. Alice Webb

From the Marion County Patriot dated July 30, 1900

Hammer - McMichael

That was a pretty church wedding at the Baptist
church last Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock, in which
Mr. Homer Hill Hamner of Childersburg, and Miss
Lillian Corrinne McMichael were made man and wife.
There ceremony was performed in a beautiful and
impressive manner by Rev. R. L. Wiggins.

The church altar was beautifully and tastily
decorated with rare flowers which formed an
appropriate scene of loveliness.

Just previous to the ceremony, while the audience
were waiting, Mrs. S. N. Rushin rendered a pretty
vocal solo, and when this song was finished, Miss
Lucille Lowe began the wedding march.  The ushers,
Messrs. Will Wooten and Jack McMichael, entered the
right and left aisles, crossed in front of the altar
and took their places, and they were followed in the
same manner by the flower girls, little Misses Ella
Bess McMichael and Minnie McMichael.  Then the bride
entered on the arm of her sister, Miss Lois
McMichael, and the groom entered on the arm of his
best man, Mr. Louis Webb, and the bride and groom
met in front of the minister at the altar where the
ceremony was performed.  After the ceremony the
bride and groom made exit by the middle aisle,
followed by the groomsman and bride's maid, then the
flower girls and the ushers.

The bride was exceedingly pretty dressed in a
handsome traveling suit.  The groom is to be
congratulated on winning such a prize for a life
partner.  Mr. Hamner was depot agent here several
years and made many friends during his stay, who
rejoice with him in his good fortune.  

The happy couple left on the 10 o'clock train for
Tybee where they will spend the honey moon amid the
gayeties of that popular resort.  

A large number of their relatives and friends were
at the train to offer congratulations and bid them
bon voyage, and the Patriot joins them in these good
wishes.


From the Marion County Patriot dated 10/27/1899

Lanier - Wooten

That was a happy wedding at the home of Mrs. A. P.
Wooten, Thursday afternoon, Oct. 26th, at one
o'clock, that united the hearts and lives of Miss
Anna Howard Wooten and Mr. Phillip Lanier, of West
Point, Ga.

As the sweet strains of  the Bridal Chorus, rendered
by Miss Lucille Lowe, floated across the company,
Misses Mina Wooten and Bennie Fontaine, entered the
parlor, carrying ribbons that extended from the door
to a handsome bank of green on the opposite side of
the room. Following Misses Wooten and Fontaine, came
Misses Lanier and Alexander, the four forming an
archway through which the remainder of the bridal
party passed.  The handsome groom entered with his
brother, Mr. Horace Lanier.  The maid of honor, Miss
Lizzie May Wooten, preceded the lovely bride, who
leaned upon the arm of her brother, Mr. William C.
Wooten.  Rev. Geo. S. Johnston immpressively
pronounced them husband and wife with the ring
ceremony.  Immediately the company repaired to the
dining room where an elaborate breakfast was served
by Misses Lillian and Lois McMichael, Minnie Lowe,
Annie Tharpe and Willie Bell Watthews.

The rays of sunlight were shut out, and the home
within, was brilliantly illuminated.  In the parlor,
smilax crept above the mantel, whose mirrors
reflected the cut glass bowls filled with fragrant
white flowers.  Dainty bamboo, graceful, feathery
ferns, and majestic palms were additional ornaments
to ths already beautiful apartment.  In the sitting
room, quantities of Golden Rod and rich, bright-
colored autumn leaves with red berries, suggested
the season.  The dining room was a scene of rare
radiance.  Here, the color scheme of green and white
prevailed.  Vine draperies were used in profusion.
The snowy beauty of the large round table, upon
which the bridal breakfast was served, was rendered
peculiarly striking by the antique candelabra.

The fair, happy, young bride was becomingly robed in
a pale grey costume of cripe de chine, trimmed in
real lace.  Her bouquet was of Bride's Roses,
emblematic of happy love.  The bridesmaids wore
elegant day toilets, and carried LaFrance roses.

Mrs. Lanier is a young women of many admirable
traits.  Combined with her beauty and
intellectuality, she possesses amialbility, a bright
sunny disposition and the rare virtue of simplicity.
Those who know her best, can most heartily
congratulate the fortunate groom upon winning her
for his life-long companion.

Mr. Lanier is a young man of sterling qualities,
wide-spread popularity and prominence in business
circles.

Rarely is there ever seen such an array of handsome
wedding gifts  as this couple recieved.  Six large
tables were ladened with presents of gold, silver,
china and cut glass.  Perhaps the most valuable
gifts were a set of china of white and gold
presented by the bride's family, and a complete
chest of silver, a gift of the groom's family.

The hosts of friends of Mr. and Mrs. Lanier, all
over the state extend their best wishes to them in
this new step that they have taken in life's
journey.  May the future hold for them nought but
peace, happiness  and prosperity.

From the Marion County Patriot dated  2/26/1897

Death of Mr. R. C. Wooten	

One of the saddest deaths which has ever occurred in
Buena Vista was that of Mr. Richard C. Wooten which
took place rather suddenly last Tuesday morning
about 4 o'clock.  The immediate cause of his death
was the rupture of a blood vessle on the brain.  

The funeral services were held at the residence of
Mrs. Wooten at 8 o'clock Wednesday morning,
conducted by Rev. H. C. Brewton.

The remains were carried to Dawson for burial
Wednesday, and a large number of the friends of the
family were at the depot to do honor to the dead and
offer whatever assistance was necessary.  The ladies
were there in large numbers with their offerings of
flowers and sympathy.

The remains were accompanied to Dawson by the family
of the deceased, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Lowe, Mrs.
Clifford Lowe, Miss Ida Merritt, Hon. G. P. Munro,
R. L. McMichael and the following pall bearers:
Judge J. J. Dunham, J. O. Smith, W. L. Guy, L. H.
Webb, Clark Duncan and E. M. Tharpe, Jr.


The PATRIOT joins the many friends of the family in
expressions of sympathy in the untimely loss of
their loved one.

From the Marion County Patriot dated October 20,
1905

W. C. Munro Dead

Mr. Geo. W. C. Monroe, an old respected citizen of
this county, died at his residence at Putnam, on
Thursday, October 13, at 11 a. m., after a lingering
illness of two years duration.  He was 81 years of
age and had resided in the home where he died for
more than 50 years.  His funeral was conducted at
the home, in the presence of a large number of
relatives, friends and neighbors, at 2:30 on Friday,
and his remains were interred in the family cemetery
near the home.  Mr. Monro was the father of Hon.
Geo. P. Monro, our fellow townsman; Mrs. Ola Evans,
of Plains; Mrs. Simpson, of Waverly Hall; Miss Ida
Monro, of Putman; Dr. Henry Monro of Ellaville, and
Lieut. Horace Monro, of the United States Army.



From The Marion County Argus dated September 16,
1887

(The following little poem was written by Mr. G. W.
C. Munro in his courting days  -- ED)

Stay thou gentle, tender, budding, blushing rose.
And let not winning, wooing, sighing, cooing love
yet disturb thy sweet repose. Rosy cheeks and bright
bewitching, kindly, sparkling, celestial beaming
eyes. Adorn thy cheeks as stars the overhanging
sable mantling skies. Heaven's only worthy prize,
tis but for thee thy lover sighs.







From the Marion County Argus dated December 3, 1881

An Aged Lady Dead

Mrs. M. A. Slappy sister of Mr. G. W. C. Munro died
Thursday night of last week and was buried at the
Peach Orchard Cemetery.  She was 74 years old and
her death had been expected for a long while.  Mrs.
Slappy was the mother of eleven children, neither of
whom was present to weep over the grave.  Her
husband and all her children had proceeded her on
that bourne from which no travelor returns.


From the Marion County Patriot dated 12-23-1878

By Rev. J. P. Wardlow on December 23rd Mr. Robert
Simpson of Harris County and Miss Mattie Munro of
Marion County.

From the Marion County Patriot dated September 15, 1899
Death of Mrs. H. Stevens
Mrs. H. Stevens died last Sunday morning about 1
o'clock at Dr. Stewart's sanitarium in Columbus,
where she had been two weeks previous to her death
under treatment.

Our people were shocked beyond measure when the news
of her death was received here about 9 o'clock
Sunday morning because it was unexpected.  The last
news of her condition was to the effect that she was
getting along finely, but she suddenly grew worse
Saturday afternoon at 4 o'clock and for some reason
a telegram could not be gotten through to her family
here announcing the sudden change for the worse.

The remains arrived in Buena Vista Sunday morning at
half past 11 o'clock and were taken to the residence
of Mr. J. W. Roberts, from which place the funeral
took place at 4 o'clock Sunday afternoon.  The
funeral sermon was preached by Rev. N. R. Sanborn at
the Baptist church, after which the remains were
laid to rest in the Baptist cemetery, followed by a
large concourse of the people of Buena Vista who
were deeply moved with reverence for the dead and
sympathy for the loved ones whom she left behind.

Mrs. Stevens, was the daughter of the late Dr. J. L.
Baker and sister of Mrs. J. W. Roberts of Buena
Vista and Dr. W. E. Baker of Portageville, Mo.  She
leaves a husband and six children to mourn her
death.

Mrs. Stevens had been a member of the Baptist church
since her girlhood, and was a consecrated Christian
woman, whose influence for good will live long after
her.  

The Patriot deeply sympathizes with the bereaved
ones in this hour of their sore distress.


From Marion County Patriot dated January 6, 1905

Nicholson-Stevens

At the residence of the bride, at Pineville, on
Sunday afternoon last Mrs. Ella E. Nicholson and Mr.
Hampton Stevens were united in the sacred bonds of
marriage.  The ceremony was performed in the parlor
by Rev. W. W. Riner, in the presence of a few
friends of the happy couple.  

After the ceremony the bridal party entered
carriages and come to Buena Vista, where they will
reside at Mr. Steven's residence.  

Tuesday evening a formal reception was given by Mr.
Stevens to his bride, followed by an elegant supper.
Quite a number of invited guests were present.

Mr. Stevens is one of the best known citizens of
this county, a cotton dealer of long experience, and
is a man who numbers his friends by the hundred.
His bride is a woman of many sterling qualities, and
is well suited to make a splendid wife for the man
who won her.


From the Buena Vista Argus, dated July 28, 1876

Mr. Hampton Stevens, Sr. one of the oldest and best
citizens of Marion County, died suddenly in Harris
county, at the residence of his son-in-law, Mr.
Roberts, on Tuesday last, 25th inst. of congestion
of the lungs.  A more extended notice will be given
next week.

The next weeks issue of the Argus was a missing copy
and could not be filmed.

From the Buena Vista Argus dated Friday, October 6,
1876

The Funeral Sermon of Hampton Stevens Sr., deceased,
will be preached in Buena Vista, the 5th Sunday in
October by Rev. W. W. Stewart of Talbotton. All are
invited to attend.

From the Marion County Patriot dated January 28,
1898

Death of Mr. J. H. Stevens

Mr. J. H. Stevens, living near Putnam in this
county, died last Friday morning after an illness of
some length.  Mr. Stevens was advanced in years and
was highly esteemed for his integrity and moral
worth.  He was the father of Mr. Morgan Stevens, of
Americus, and brother of Mr. P. S. Stevens and Mrs.
G. W. C. Munro, of Putnam, Mr. Monroe Stevens, of
Shellman, Mr. H. Stevens, Mrs. A. P. Wooten and Mrs.
E. A McMichael of Buena Vista.


From the Americus Weekly Times - Recorder dated June
5, 1913 (Thursday)

Ellaville was saddened last Saturday by the
announcement of the death of Mr. P. H. Stevens of
Putnam.  Mr. Stevens was more than eighty years old,
and was well and favorably known to all of our
citizens.  He had always taken an active interest in
religious matters and stood for all that helped to
make the world better.  He is survived by his aged
wife and a large number of children and
grandchildren.  His remains were interred at Putnam
Sunday afternoon, Rev. R. M. Rustin officiating.  

From the Marion County News dated 11-8-1889

Mr. N. C. Stevens of Darrow La, is here visiting
relatives.  He is the brother of Hamp Stevens and
Messrs. Stevens of Putnam.  He left Marion County 15
years ago.

From the Marion County Patriot dated 11-3-1882

Hymenial

Monday morning at the residence of the brides
parents in Buena Vista, Mr. J. W. Roberts and Miss
Neppie Baker were united in the holy bond of
wedlock, Rev. Mr. Stevens officiating.

The groom is one of our most enterprising young
merchants and the bride one of Buena Vista's
loveliest young ladies.  Gentle and lovely, she
possesses all of those graceful accomplishments that
conspire to make a true woman, and eminently fit her
to grace the home of the man to whom she has
entrusted her happiness.

Immediately after the ceremony the happy pair left
to visit the groom's parents in Harris county.

Numerous friends join in wishing them a long and
happy life.

From the Marion County Patriot da ted 7-28-1899


McMichael - Weaver

Dr. J. A. Weaver and Miss Minnie Sheppard McMichael
were married at the home of the bride parents, Capt.
and Mrs. J. W. Sheppard, Wednesday evening, July
26th.

At nine o'clock the strains of the Wedding March,
rendered by Mrs. Chas. Clements, floated across the
parlor.  Keeping in time with the music entered the
fair bride, leaning on the steady arm of the elated,
handsome groom.  They were immediately proceeded by
Alva Weaver, Jr. and fairy-like litte Minnie
McMichael, Rev. N. R. Sanborn then advanced and
eloquently and impressively pronounced the words
that made them man and wife.  Gladness then flung
her bright warm arms around the guests, and
congratulations and best wishes were showered upon
the happy couple, who were now one in heart, one in
enterest, one in destiny.

The beautiful bride was becomingly attired in an
airy chiffon, garnishes with quantities of laces,
tucks and frills.  In her brown, waving hair reposed
a Bride's rose.  The snowy whiteness of her costume
was suggestive of the truth, purity and goodness
that emauate from her soul.

The elegant home was agolwo with hospitality and
splender.  Long before the home was reached, rays of
inviting light could be seen streaming from the
delicately tinted Japanese lanterns, and fron the
doors and windows.  Taste and refinement were
displayed in every detail of the marriage and
reception.

The atmosphere was ladened with  perfume from the
bowls of roses placed here, there and everywhere in
the halls, parlor and refreshment room.  Vine
wreathings, ferns  and palms lent the charm of their
beauty to the halls and dining room.

Dr. J. A. Weaver is one of Buena Vistas most
prominent and influential citizens.  He is a man of
courage, stability and determination.  He has lots
of friends all over the state who rejoice with him
in his present happiness.

Mrs. McMichael, the daughter of our honerable mayor,
is a woman of culture, intellect and refinement.
Her friends, whom she numbers by her acquaintances,
wish her all possible happiness and prosperity.

May the new ties that bind their hearts remain as
strong as death.  May their hearts, formed to be
twins in congeniality, sympathy and love ever beat
in perfect unison, each saddened by the burdens of
the other and brightened by the others joys.
Finally may their love soar to realms Elys--- where
it may be rendered perfect.

From the Marion County Patriot dated January 5, 1894


Weaver-Dassinger

Last Wednesday morning at the home of the bride's
grandmother at Waggaman, La., Dr. J. A. Weaver of
Buena Vista, and Miss Rena Dassinger, of Waggaman,
were joined in the holy bonds of matrimony.

The happy couple arrived in Buena Vista last Friday
night and were given a hearty reception.  It was the
intention of the boys to give the doctor and his
bride a regular ovation, but the weather was too
inclement.  They are comfortably domiciled at the
Harvey residence, where they are at home to their
friends.  

Dr. Weaver is one of our most prominent young
physicians and has many friends not only in Buena
Vista but this entire section of the country who
will rejoice in his good fortune.  	

The PATRIOT extends its congratulations and wishes
them bon voyage on life's journey.


from Marion County Patriot dated 11/25/1898


Death of Mrs. Weaver

Mrs. Weaver, wife of Dr. J. A. Weaver, after a long
illness breathed her last Thursday night of last
week at about 9 o'clock, and her spirit took its
flight back to the God who gave it.  Mrs. Weaver was
formerly Miss Reina Dassinger, of Waggamon, La., and
was a very accomplished woman, both as to letters
and the musical art.  She was a good woman, good
wife and mother.  She leaves a husband and two
children one of which is an infant, to mourn her
untimely departure from earth.

The remains of Mrs. Weaver were laid to rest in the
Methodist Cemetery in Buena Vista Friday afternoon
at 3 o'clock, and a large number of people showed
their respect and appreciation of the deceased in
life by their presence in death.

Dr. Weaver has the sympathy of the people in this
hour of his sore bereavement.


Thanks

I ask the friends, who were so attentive to my wife
during recent illness and death, to accept my
sincere thanks, for their many acts of kindness.

Respectfully, J. A. WEAVER


From Marion County Patriot dated May 25, 1900

Death of Mrs. Stevens

Mrs. V. P. Stevens, an estimable lady well known in
Americus, died yesterday morning at her home in
Moultrie.  The remains accompanied by her husband,
Dr. V. P. Stevens and three little children, arrived
here yesterday by the 1:34 Central train.  The body
was carried out to Putnam Saturday for burial.  Mrs.
Stevens was only about twenty-three years of age and
her untimely death is greatly deplored.  --Americus
Recorder.

Mrs. Stevens was formerly Miss Nettie Dassinger a
native of Louisiana, but she had many friends in
this section who regret to learn of her death.  She
was a sister to Mrs. J. A. Weaver, who died here a
few years ago.

From the Buena Vista Argus dated 3-28-1884

Mr. Hurt Stevens has been confined to his bed the
past few days with a cold and fever, but we are glad
to see him up again.


From the Americus Time Recorder dated February 18,
1941

Hamp Stevens Ellaville, Dies

Prominent Farmer, Businessman

Ellaville, GA  Feb 18  J. H. Stevens, prominent
Ellaville banker, warehouseman, and large Schley
county landowner and farmer, died Monday night at
11:40 o'clock.  His death followed an illness of
several months.  He was 75 years old.

Mr. Stevens had served as president of the Bank of
Ellaville ever since the organization of the bank on
September 16, 1910, a period of more than 30 years.

A successful businessman and farmer, Mr. Stevens was
president of the Stevens Warehouse company, which
also sold farming equipment and bought and sold farm
produce, and was operator of a large peach orchard
in Schley County and did extensive farming.
Associated in business with Mr. Stevens was his son
T. H. Stevens.

Mr. Stevens was one of this sections leading
citizens.  He was a former mayor of Ellaville.  Mr.
Stevens was a trustee and steward in the Hopewell
Methodist church in Schley County.  He moved into
Ellaville more than 30 years ago.  Mr. Stevens was a
trustee of the Schley high school.

A native of Marion county, Mr. Stevens was the son
of the late Putnam Stevens for whom the Putnam
community between Ellaville and Buena Vista was
named, and Mrs. Josephine Hurt Stevens.  It was in
the Putnam community that Mr. Stevens was reared.

Mr. Stevens married Miss Helen Sewell of Americus in
1893, two years after he had moved from Marion to
Schley county.

Surviving Mr. Stevens are his wife: son T. H.
Stevens: Four daughters, Mrs. Albert Richardson,
Mrs. Bud Hayes, Mrs. Harold Ware, and Mrs. Clint
Johnson, all of Ellaville: and three grandchildren,
Helen, T. H. Jr., and Anne Stevens, all of
Ellaville.  One son Orbie H. Stevens died in 1931.

Funeral Wednesday

The funeral services will be held at the Stevens
home Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock.  Rev. Roy J.
Bond, pastor of the Ellaville Methodist church, and
Rev. Hugh Dozier, pastor of the Ellaville Baptist
church will officiate.  Interment will be in the
Ellaville Cemetery.

Americus Ga. "Weekly Recorder" dated June 23, 1887


FROM PUTNAM

Miss Lissa Stevens will open the second term of her
school at this place in a few days.  As a teacher
Miss Lissa won golden honors during her last term,
and we dare say she will have a full school for her
second term.

From the Marion County Patriot dated October 9, 1930

Mrs. Gresham's Injuries Fatal

Schley County Woman in Automobile Wreck Dies

Mrs. Bob Gresham, 66, who was injured in an
automobile accident on the Columbus-Americus highway
last Tuesday, died at 7 o'clock Saturday evening.

Mrs. Gresham and her husband were returning to their
home at Putnam, after visiting Ellaville when their
machine collided with a car driven by Holly Bryant
of Tampa, Fla.  Bryant and his companion Carl Hill,
were apprehended in Albany, Ga., and brought here.
Hill was later released and Bryant yesterday gave
bond in the sum of $1000.  

Mr. Gresham was also badly injured in the accident,
but is believed to be on the road to recovery.  He
is a retired maintence foreman for the Central of
Georgia railway, by which company he he had been
employed for many years.

The funeral of Mrs. Gresham was held at the
Methodist church in Ellaville on Sunday afternoon at
2:30 o'clock.

Besides her husband, Mrs. Gresham is survived by
three daughters, Mrs. David Wicker, Americus; Mrs.
Bob Thomas, Atlanta; Mrs. Howell Eason of Atlanta,
and one son Thomas Edison Gresham of Atlanta.  Three
brothers J. H. Stevens, Ellaville; W. C. Stevens of
Atlanta; and R. W. Stevens of Buena Vista, and one
sister Mrs. S. C. Collins of Ellaville also survive
her.


From Marion County Patriot dated 12/10/1886

Mr. Joel Stevens

Mr. Joel Stevens, son of Mr.  P. S. Stevens of
Putnam, this county died at Dawson, Monday night of
typhoid fever, after a lingering illness of several
weeks.  Mr. Stevens had been traveling on the road
as a salesman and was taken sick at Dawson where he
remained until his death.  He was a young man man of
excellent character and will have a host of friends
in this section to mourn his death.  His remains
were brought up Tuesday and were buried at Good Hope
church Wednesday.  The Patriot sympathizes with the
bereaved family.




From Marion County Patriot dated 12/17/1886

Tribute to Joel Stephens by a friend

We would sooner have thought our deceased friend
would have been permitted to do for us what we are
about to do for him but as the invisible laws of
nature have made it different we now, while the
record of his generous life twine around our memory
and his every unselfish act is a fragrant flower,
pay this last sad tribute to his pathetic dust.

Joel died where noble youth was being tenderly
kissed by the gentle dews of dawning manhood.  The
spring time of his life had been thrilled with a
tremulous desire for all that was noble and
elevating.  Life's summer promised to make her
billowed breast for him the home and throne of
peace, happiness and love; while autumn with her
arms well filled, promised to lay at his feet the
sun-kissed fruits of a useful life, to be enjoyed in
Winter's quiet days.

But late decreed it different.

No boy had a brighter prospect than he.  The very
soul of nobility, not blinded by fancies of youth,
but realizing that life existed in being and not
seeming.  He possessed an indomitable will, a soul
of kindness, an intellect that prepared him for the
duties and business of life and made him a pride to
relatives and friends.

Of the storms and waves that dash against the frail
barks of human life, Joel met them all bravely.
Through the darkest clouds that ever rolled across
his life, Hope ever pointed to the sparkling pinacle
of Fame.  But when it seemed that only clear waters
were before him, his bark struck the hidden rock and
his manly form sank beneath the cruel waves and a
tragedy was enacted as sad as can be woven in the
warp and woof of mystery and death.

But this is only another sad picture that has been
hung in the picture gallery of the past.  There is a
precipice in the way of us all.  In our course we
find many things that please and delight; birds
sind, flowers wave along the shore, we would stop
but we cannot; time rushes us on; nearer and nearer
the brink we draw, we shudder and catch our breath,
and it is over.

So it was with our loved and loving son, brother and
friend, and we are forced to submit to the
inevitable, yet the virtues he practiced are
immortal.

		Blow soft ye winds o'er Joel's grave,
		and lightly fall ye snows,
		A fitting shroud to cover him,
		In this his last repose.

		For he on earth like Him was pure,
		He's happy now in heaven;
		Gone to receive the "promises"
		To Chistian virtue given.
 		Putnam December 10, 1886

From the Marion County Patriot dated  July 30, 1900

Melson - Stevens

There was a very quiet and unpretentious wedding at
the Baptist church last Sunday afternoon at 2:30
o'clock in which Miss Nep Stevens and Prof. J. H.
Melson of Grantville were joined in the holy estate
of matrimony.  It was known that these popular young
people were to be married some time in July, but few
knew that it was to take place last Sunday until the
day arrived.

It was intended to have a quiet home wedding at the
residence of the bride's uncle, Mr. J. W. Roberts,
but at the last moment it was decided to have the
ceremony performed in the church, as a large number
of school children expressed a desire to witness it.

A large crowd gathered in the church at the
appointed hour, and as the sweet tones of the
wedding march by Mrs. Hollis floated out upon the
air the handsome couple entered the church and
marched down the center aisle to the altar, where
the ceremony was performed by Rev. J. Howard
Carpenter, the pastor.  There ceremony was delivered
in verse, it being a poetical eulogy on love with a
final culmination in matrimony.  Messrs. H. H.
Hammer and Louis Webb acted as ushers.

Immediately after the ceremony the happy couple
boarded the west bound train for the home of the
groom's parents at Cookville.  The bride was dressed
in a handsome travelling suit and was the picture of
loveliness.

They will return to Buena Vista at an early date, as
they are the elected teachers for the Buena Vista
High School for the next school year.  

The Patriot joins a host of friends in wishing for
them a happy wedded life.