Death of a Good Lady.
Mrs. Mary Arnold Passes Away at Her Home at Ford.

Mrs. Mary Arnold died at her home at Ford, on Sunday last.  She had been in a feeble condition since receiving a stroke of paralysis over a year ago, and her death was not unexpected.

She was the wife of Mr. R. M. Arnold, who preceded her in death about 11 years ago.  She was about 65 years of age and leaves four children: Dr. Tom Arnold, and Mrs. Mary Hall, of Ford, Mr. Samuel of this city, and Mrs. Minnie Williams, of Durham, N. C.

Mrs. Arnold was a pious lady, much beloved, and will be greatly missed by her family and large circle of friends.

Her remains were interred at the family burying ground at Ford, on Tuesday.

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June 22, 1899
Page 8

To My Mother Who Died June 5th.

Softly, sweetly sleep dear mother,
Where the tangled grasses wave,
Making sad and mournful music
O’er thy loved and lonely grave.

In the realms above we’ll find you, mother,
Far beyond the star gemmed sky
There; in a home of glorious beauty
They sweet spirit now gladly roams.

Far too pure, we knew your spirit, mother,
“Mid the rough earths paths to roam
Long before the angel watcher
Came to take you from us – home.

Minnie Lee Arnold–Williams.

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June 29, 1899
Page 8

A Tribute.

On the morning of June 5th, at eleven minutes to 12 o’clock, the spirit of Mrs. Mary A. M. Arnold departed this life, after an illness of some sixteen months.

She was born in Spartanburg, S. C., December 18th, 1824, and was married to Mr. R. M. Arnold September 19th, 1842.  By birth she was a descendant of President Andrew Johnson, and a relative of John B. Gordon, of this state.  By marriage the link was forged greater, and as a near relative, John Adams, “the colossus of independence,” as Thomas Jefferson out it, was added; thus giving to her and her children a lineal descent of illustrious and good men.

For betterment to themselves and their little children they moved to this country in 1849, where by hard and manual labor, they succeeded in keeping the wolf from the door, and raised a family of ten children, of whom two are dead, one living in Texas, one in North Carolina, and the other six are yet citizens of the grand old county, which the deceased so much loved and honored.  She was a woman of rare motherly attainments, quiet and lovable in her disposition, guarding well the interest of home and training her children up in the way God’s word prescribed.

While ever watchful over these things of so vital importance, she was never too tired to administer to the sorrows and sufferings of others.

As a palliator and Samaritan her life was consecrated to God, and devotedly given up to this great mission field.  No home here is free from her gentle influence; she went far and near to give ease and comfort to the sick and dying.

During her long illness, and more so in her last hours of suffering she oftimes remarked, “Why so few came to comfort and cheer her in her sad hours of affliction.”

Paralyzed, sorely with afflictions as she was, even in her last hours, that sympathy which had characterized her all through life never ceased.  Even when tortured with bodily suffering, she would lay them aside for the moment, and say some cheering word to others in their hours of grief and cares.

Early in life she professed a hope in Christ, and for more than fifty years was a consistent member of the Baptist church, letting her light shine bright and clear all the way.

As a wife she was devotedly joined to her husband.

As a mother never realizes her loss more than the children whom she reared and guided by her sweet council and prayers.

As a friend “never knew her but to love her,” and the loss lies heavy on my heart, as I review the life  of this good woman.

As a Christian her life was devotedly given up to the cause of her Master and the things pertaining to His kingdom.

Thus ends the life of a true consecrated Christian, whose last words were; “All is well, I’m going home to die no more.”

The writer together with the many friends and admirers of the bereaved family, extend their deepest sympathy to them in their sad hour of grief, and trust that God in His mercy, will gather them all home at last, where they can meet with the sainted mother, father, sisters and loved ones gone before.

Written and dedicated to the family in memory of their deceased mother.

A Friend.