To all the Warford researchers, Ran across this while doing another look-up. Thought you might like to see it. 8 Aug 1902--SAMUEL WARFORD DEAD--"O death where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory?" Man shudders at death and has a horror of the grave; but man who has through Christ died to sin and has made the new birth unto righteousness has the sting of death removed and knows that he will triumph over the grave at the resurrection. Such were the experience and assurance of Sam Warford who died at Dr. Burkhalter' s residence in Higbee at 8:30 on Friday night, Aug 1, 1902. Sam lived with the doctor and family for 16 months, going to school during the term and working in the mines when school was closed. On Friday July 25, Sam came home from the mines complaining of illness. He was attended by the doctor who at once recognized the seriousness of the case. Appendicitis had set in and then inflammation soon developed into peritonitis when spread rapidly over the abdomen. Dr. Dinwiddie was called in for consultation and the gravity of the case was realized. He received the closest and most anxious medical care day and night, while the family and friends gave him the most careful and constant nursing. The disease resisted every effort made to counteract it. On Thursday Dr. Cupplage of Moberly, was called in and on consultation, he with Drs. Burkhalter, Dinwiddie and Dysart, saw that nothing more could be done and decided that even an operation would be futile. Sam suffered intense pain, which he bore with surprising patience and fortitude. His delight during his illness was in praying and singing and in hearing the word of God read. He fully realized the extreme danger of his state, resigning himself to whatever God thought best, frequently saying, "Thy will be done." On Friday forenoon, it was evident he was dying; his sufferings were intense, yet he was constantly in prayer and praise. About noon he sang in a low voice which was now only at his command, "Nearer my God to Thee, nearer to Thee," and called on those around his bed to pray. He sang portions of many other hymns, and thanked God that he was able to be a "witness" for him. He admonished those around him to flee from sin, to live more holy lives and to be witnesses for Christ. He asked his father to warn all the boys to quit sin: to quit drinking and swearing and gambling and turn to God; to tell them so for him. When the father delivered the message to the large congregations in the Baptist church at Higbee and at New Hope church, there were very few dry eyes in the assemblies. He died at 8:30 very quietly, those present blessing God for the evidence given of the love and power of God, as exhibited in the death of this Christian. Funeral services were held at the Higbee Baptist church at 10:30 Sunday, Aug 3, by the Pastor, Rev. White. The church was packed and everyone was deeply affected by the statements of the Christian life and character of Sam. Interment was made at New Hope cemetery and services were held at the church by F. H. James, where an immense concourse of relatives and friends attended to pay the last tribute of respect to one whom they loved and admired. Sam was born on Jan 28, 1884 and was consequently 18 years old last January. He was the eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Warford. His mother died in June 1896 and both now rest side by side in the city of the dead, waiting for the glorious coming of the Son of God. Soon after his mother's death he was converted at a meeting held at the Baptist church here by Rev. Nichols and was baptized into its fellowship, continuing a member up to his death. Sam will be greatly missed by Dr. Burckhalter's family, where he was regarded with the deepest love and admiration. Mrs. Burkhalter cared for him with a mother's care. The family accompanied him to his last rest. About the fourth day of his sickness the doctor asked him how he felt and he said, "I feel that I want to see God." "Not my will but thine be done." Kathy Bowlin