On Wednesday morning August 18, 1897, the people of Rockmart and surrounding community were shocked by the sad and sudden death of our good friend and brother, W.B.S. Davis. Not only his wife, children and relatives are in grief, but his many friends are sorrowing also.

He came to his death by accident- just how is unknown to his family and friends, but it was by an explosion of some dynamite which was placed under the cooking stove at his home four miles west of Rockmart.

We are often disposed to question the disposition of Providence when our noblest men are taken, and wonder why that one should be removed so sudden. Why a wife and children are left comfortless and heart broken, but reach no solution but that God knows best and doeth all things well. We know not now but will know hereafter.

On Thursday at 11 o'clock a.m. his funeral was preached at the Taylorsville Baptist church by the Rev. Jack Davis, the funeral being largely attended.

His body was interred in the Davis cemetery near Taylorsville, Ga. He had just entered his 68th year; had been a consistent member of the Baptist church for several years at the time of his death, and was a faithful member of the Vanwert Baptist church. His church will greatly miss him, for he always gave his hearty co-operation.

He was the second son of Isreal P. and Mary Davis, who were early settlers of Polk county, and grew to be one of the wealthiest families of the county. He was born June 20, 1830. On march 20, 1853, he married Miss Julia, the daughter of Marquis and Hannah Waits, who died July 14, 1856, leaving him one daughter only, who survives him, now the noble and chriatian wife of Joseph F. Brooks.

On October 4, 1857, he married Miss Josephine, the daughter of Archie and Mary Harris, who died May 15, 1880, leaving him six children- six daughters and one son- all of whom are living and are consistent members of the Baptist church except one who died a christian and preceded him to the glory world, she being the wife of Rev. Lonnie Morgan. On December27, 1882 he and Mrs. M.A., the widow of Filmore Pullen, were married and lived in the hapiest conjugal relations until his death. One son blessed this union- Isreal. May the Lord put his spirit upon him and lead him to the Savior in early life.

Mr. Davis was richly endowed with nature's best gifts. He was a man of broad views, a strong mind, naturally adapted to business. He was a dutiful, helpful and devoted husband, a wise, tender and self-denying father; a kind, considerate and charitable neighbor. He loved his family; he loved his country; he loved his Savior; his faith in Christ was never overcast by a cloud or shadow, and his bereaved ones feel perfectly assured that he today enjoys the blessedness of eternal life in the kingdom of his heavenly father.

Gone is that dear form and face,
To dwell on high in endless peace.

J.W. Tittle