Monday, February 10, 2014

1912 :: Death and Burial of Wm. P. Henry



On this date in our family history . . . the 10th day of February . . . in the year 1912 . . . William Paschal Henry, Sr. died in Milam County, Texas . . . it was a Saturday, and he was laid to rest that same day beside his Josephine . . . in a small country cemetery that is now known as the Murray Cemetery . . . this Wm. P. Henry is a 2nd great-grandpa to the Keeper of this family history blog . . . he was remembered in the local newspaper in the following manner . . .
How uncertain and inscrutable are the ways of providence; how our hearts are made to grieve at the "unlooked for" blow of that terrible monster death. When it strikes our loved ones, when it takes from us that one whom we feel that we can the least spare.
Such is the affliction that has befallen the children, grandchildren and friends of the late W. P. Henry, who died at his home February 10, 1912, after a few day's illness of pneumonia. Grandpa was sick only a few days, and all that medical skill and tender nursing could do was done, but to no avail.
From the first the death angel hovered nigh, and though at times the star in the crown of hope would brighten, it was apparent all along that his pure and perfect life would have to pay the forfeit. So early Saturday morning about four o'clock all pain ceased; the battle was over and his pure spirit returned to the god who gave it.
Yes, Grandpa is gone for a little while only, and no words can portray, no mortal can realize the depths of despair into which those who loved him have been plunged. No words can console them, but listening loved ones will hear the fluttering of a wing and an angel softly whisper, "I am better now, safe in the arms of Jesus, where suffering is no more."
Funeral services were conducted at five o'clock Saturday evening by Rev. J. D. Shelton, his beloved pastor, after which the remains were laid to rest in Pleasant Grove cemetery beside his dear wife, who had preceded him to that great beyond some twelve years.
Peace to his ashes.
The Rockdale Reporter, February 1912



Tuesday, February 4, 2014

1904 :: Death of Emma Seelke



Rockdale, Tex., Jan. 19. -- Emma Seelke, a German girl, aged 16, was quite seriously burned while engaged in burning off grass in a field in Holtzclaws Bottom, four miles northwest of here. Several persons were at work in the same field with the girl, but before they could reach her and render assistance the greater portion of her clothes were burned from her body. Dallas Morning News, January 20, 1904

Rockdale, Tex., Feb. 4. -- Emma Seelke, the German girl who was recently burned while engaged in burning off the grass in the Holtzclaw bottom, mention of which was made in The News at the time, died this morning in intense agony. Dallas Morning News, February 6, 1904