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Submitted by: Pat
Godwin
Obit: John W. Merritt
The Columbia Banner- March 23, 1893- Magnolia, Columbia Co. AR
Merritt, John W. died at his home in Magnolia, Ark, on March
22, 1893.
Aged 66 years, 19 months, and 7 days.
Our beloved brother Merritt was born in South Carolina on May 15, 1836.
Moved to Alabama when about 14 years of age, and at 16 to Mississippi. At the
age
of 21 joined the Baptist Church. Was married to Miss Sophronia Crain on January
4, 1849. He was for forty-six years a member and for a number of years prior
to
and at the time of his death a deacon in the Baptist church. He was a man of
sound
judgment and strong convictions having the courage of his convictions he was
always loyal to Christ. He believed in salvation by grace through faith and
in the
triumph of that faith he resigned himself to God, and passed peacefully to the
rest
that remains to the people of God. Loved by all and deeply mourned by those
who
knew him the best. He is greatly missed by the Magnolia Baptist church of which
he was a member at the time of his death. His Pastor
Columbia Banner March 23, 1893
Esq. John W. Merritt, Dead
It tells of the grave where the willows wave,
And fond friend’s life that quiver
Of an eye that is bid by a laden lid,
And a voice now still forever.
Mr. John W. Merritt, familiarly know all over Columbia as 'Uncle
Johnnie Merritt"
died at his residence in Magnolia yesterday morning at 4 o'clock, after several
weeks' illness, and amidst many weeping and sorrowing friends and tenderly laid
to rest in the Magnolia cemetery yesterday evening, after an appropriate services
at the Baptist Church, by Rev. T.C. Swafford.
Brother Merritt had lived to the ripe old age of 57 years, having been a citizen
of
Columbia County 42 years; and was one of our best citizens; one of Magnolia's
leading merchants, and a prominent and consistent member of the Missionary
Baptist Church here, being the senior member of the well known mercantile firm
of
Merritt, Harwell and CO.
Every one placed implicit confidence in him as a business gentleman. As a
citizen he was loved by all who knew him. As a member of the Church and
Christian worker he had no superior in his field of labor.
We have know John Merritt for 30 years and ever found him to be one of the best
among good citizens. After spending a long and useful life on earth he passed
away to higher and better climes, leaving wife, sons, and daughters to mourn
his
departure, to whom we tender our sympathy in their sad bereavement.
