Many times have we clambered on Grandfather's knee and heard his stories of long ago, of his perils and times of the Civil War days, of back in Gallatin Co. Ill. where he was a little boy, having stayed with distant relatives because of the early death of his parents, his mischievous tricks and also his punishments.

He grew into manhood and came to Miller Co., Missouri and married Miss Margaret Woods on Nov. 15, 1857.  He went to Salt Lake City, Utah and his oldest child was born and died while he was away helping to quiet the disturbance.

Two children were born in Missouri, George Alonzo,  and Mary Lucinda.  The latter was later the wife of Perry Cowan, who now resides at Tow, Texas.  He then moved to Bosque Co., Texas, where three children were born:  Emily Jane, who died at the age of two years; Nancy, who now resides at Pear Valley, Texas; and Rebbeca, who died in young womanhood.  They then moved to Sebastian Co., Ark., where Willie was born.  He died at the age of nine years.  Again they moved to Matison Co. Ark., where Steven, Laura, Jonathan, Viola, Mattie, and B. F. were born.  Steven, as some of the older citizens will remember, died in Llano when a young man.  Laura, (Mrs. A. G. Marr) resides near Tow.  Jonathan died three years ago.  Viola, (Mrs. C. White) resides in El Paso, Texas.  Mattie, (Mrs. D. W. Blair) resides in Caldwell, Texas.

He then came to Llano Co. and here Edward, J. P. and Deo were born.  Edward and Deo died in infancy.  J. P.  lives at Charlotte, New Mexico.

Grandfather lived in Llano several years.  He was elected sheriff twice and tax assessor for one term.  He was engaged in the merchantile business several years.  In 1896 he sold out and bought a farm in Bluffton.  His wife died a short time afterward and August 15, 1897, he was married to Mrs. Francis Huddleston.  In 1915 he went to New Mexico with J. P. and there lived until a short time ago when he was brought back here, being very feeble and he realized that his time on earth was short, and he expressed the desire to be buried with Masonic honors.  He died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. A. G. Marr,  and was laid to rest in the Tow cemetery by two of his children and where his first wife was buried.  There are only six of his children living, but he leaves several grandchildren, 32 in all and scores of great-grandchildren to miss "grandpa."

He fought a good fight and has finished his course.  So, he is at rest, after, so-to-speak, a full day's work.  The sun has gone down to rise on the morrow after his slumber, brighter and more glorious than ever, where we all will meet again and receive our reward and rejoice forevermore.  And to think that this is not a myth!  But, we will all rise again to greet h im and other loved ones, body and soul again reunited.

Let us leave him here and go on our course and try to follow his example.

Lovingly, his grandaughter,
Mrs. E. L. Meador