Copied from the History of Lawrence Jefferson Davis County by Eddie Mikell, all rights reserved. Copies are now available on CD, please e-mail mikell@virginia.edu for details. Thanks for your support! February 23, 1893 DIED Seldom has there been a sadder coincidence within the memory of the oldest inhabitants than that which occurred four miles south of this place last week. It was the taking away of Mr. William Carroll Maxwell, and his aged companion Mrs. Frances Jane Maxwell. The demise of both husband and wife is not an infrequent occurrence, but the circumstances of this instance are so peculiar, and yet so sad, that not one who hears of it but will say within his heart, "Truly, the ways of God are wondrous, but His will be done." Mr. Maxwell died on February 18th, 1893 at 9 o'clock p.m. aged 77 years and 1 day, and his loving helpmeet was called home on the following evening at 7 o'clock, being 71 years and 1 day old. They had been married 53 years since the 17th day of last January, and there was a difference of only twenty-two hours in their deaths. What perfect harmony was there in the working out of God's will, and who ever witnessed more striking unison in the construction and temperament of two beings! They seemed to live in and for each other. During their entire illness, they were in the same room and their couches were only about six feet apart. When onrevived and grew better for the time being, the same improvement could be noted in the case of the other, and when the pulse of one gew weaker, a correcsponding weakness was the other's condition. When the light of one went out, the other rallied for a spell, but when his remains were removed to another room she gradually commenced to sin, and ere long her spirit, too, had taken its flight and passed over the river. We were permitted to enter the sick-room on the evening of Mr. Maxwell's death, and there see fo the last time in life the emaciated forms of those whom we had known so long and so well, and whl were such true friends to our father. Mr. Maxwell was delirious and apparently unconscious of all surroundings, but his wife immediately recognized us and held out her wasted hand in answer to our greeting. She was perfectly rational to the last moment. But the saddest scene was when we returned two days ehnce and viewed the lifeless remains of this once loving and devoted couple, and as we gazed from the peaceful features of oen to the other, a retrospective panorama of life's journey was presented to our vision. There lay two forms, of whom in life no one bore the slightest malice or ill-will and in death their faults were forgotten. Perfection is not attained on this earth, yet they lived as they hope to die - in the full triumphs of faith, and their lives are worthy of emulation. Their children were reared in the nurtuer and admonition of the Lord, and though only three were permitted to administer to their dying wants, yet those three can testify to their loving kindness and faultness guidance. Eight children wait for them on the other side of the river, where sorros n'er can come and griefs are left behind. Not only did they perform their full duty in the rearing of their children, but they were always doing work for the Master. They were generous to a fault, and their hospitality was unbounded. In every laudable undertaking they were always formst, and Bethel church will lsot tow of its most consitent members. Their fault were few, their virtues many. As we stood at the foot of their caskets, looking into the faces of the ones now departed, we thought how noble was the death of the Christian, and of how each of these could have consistenly exclaimed: I have fought a good fight; I have kept the faith. Eleven children blessed their long and happy union, their names being given in the following order: Priscilla Abbigail (afterwards Mrs. Thornhill); H. B.; J. M; A. W; G. W; Cynthia A. L. (now Mrs. Bush); W. C; T. F.; and Joel A.. Of these, three are now living Mrs Cynthia Bush, William C. and Thomas C. The funeral services were conducted at the residence of Sunday afternoon, Rev. J. J. Green of Brookhaven officiating. The great love and esteem in which the deceased couple was held was feelingly demonstrated by the vast multitude that assembled to pay tribut to their memory. The long porche was taxed to its fullest capacity, and a great many were forced to take their places in the yard while the services were in progress. The remarks of Bro. Green on the lives and characters of the departed were timely and appropriate, and his appeal to the living to prepare for the doom that awaited them was quite impressive. Altogether, his remarks were very touching, and his hearere were frequently moved to tears. After the conclusion of this service, the Masonci fraternity took charge of the bodies, and a long and solemn cortege moved in silent procession to the family graveyard about a quarter of a miel distant. Here the beautiful and impressive Masonic ceremony was performed and amid the quiet hush of the assembled througn and the oppressive stillness of this lovely Sunday afternoon the remains of these two highly esteemd and respected landmarks were tenderly laid to rest, there to sleep till the trumpet of God shall call them to their eternal home in the heavens. Peace to their ashes. Corn planting is well on us. Items are "shoe" scarce this week. The free terms of the public schools are out next week. Mr. J. D. Carlisle and family are visiting relatives at Tryus this week. We are glad to see Mr. A. Sharp on our streets again after an illness of several days. The weather has been so changeable recently that you hardly know were to locate it. Mr. Normant, representing the Church & Co., Arm and Hammer Soday, was in town this week. The river is at a good boating stage, now, and it is probable that we will have the steamer Earl with us about the fore part of next week. Mr. J. B. Rawls is planting a garden on his newly purchased property and is making arrangements to commence the erection of a handsome residence at an early date. Rev. L. A. Little of Clinton will fill Rev. Geo Butler's appointments at the Baptist Church here on the first Saturday and Sunday in next month. Bro. Little is a pulpit orator of much note, and we trust our people will turn out and hear him. Delinquent Tax Sale. E. H. Sistrunk, Keystone Lumber co., R. B. Hemphill, Harriet Prestidge, Frank & Melissa Jones, E. J. Mitchell, Spence Bridges, Amanda Carney, H. H. Hammen, Lillie Hall, L. W. Sartin, Clint Moss, Silas Wheeler, Sarah Watts, Wesley Sims, Ann Sullivan, Harry Niehols, Dennis Nichols, Joshua Golar, Steve Adams, Joshua Butler, N. L. King, Wilson Oatis, M. J. Suttles, Alfred Buckley, Robert Dampeer, Jack Fortinberry, Mary Grinstead Silver Creek Dots Our town is on a boom, new buildings being erected all the time L. E. Haynes has a new store. J. H. Arrington of Hooker, who is studying law at the State University, Oxford, paid a visit to our town and also delivered an able address to the school of Education. Prof. R. S. Foster paid a visit to our town last week. The organ for the Baptist church has arrived at last. So music will make better progress in the future than it has in the past. Quite a number of our boys attended the entertainment at Mr. Joe Spurlock's at Grange on the night of the 10th inst., and reported a fient ime. Our boys are hustlers when it comes to going to entainments. The string band has received new music and are now preparing in earnest for the entertainment on the 24th of March. Our literary societies are on a boom,. Both in good working spirit. We welcome in our midst Miss Alice Thompson, of Grange, who will engage in the millinery business in our town. Homestead Notice: Isaac L. Lambert, wit: P.