Obituaries
Franklin Observer
March 16, 1860 Issue

[Joseph H. Wilson]
Departed this mode of existence on Wednesday morning Feb. 29th, at the residence of his father, John Wilson, Esq., on Savannah Creek, Jackson county, North Carolina, Mr. Joseph H. Wilson, aged 27 years, 6 months and 24 days.

At the age of 21 years, Joseph, through prayer and supplication, was by the application of Jesus' atoning blood, made an heir of God, a kindred of the Lamb -- whereupon he attached himself to the M. E. Church; but like many young men, was again partially carried off by the pursuasion of, or rather keeping the company of his wicked mates, into the participation of this life's transient pleasures, where he remained until Scott's Creek Camp meeting, 1859, (but no charge against him in the Church.) He concluded he would no longer remain in his backsliden state and through the fervency of prayer, the supplication of his kindred and friends, and the ever willingness of the Greatest of all friends Jesus, "[???] willeth not the death of any, but that all should come unto him and live," it pleased God for Christs sake to seal his pardan and indellibly write his name in the Lamb's Book of Life. Since that time Joseph has lived the life of a consistent christian and member of the church up to his death. He was taken very ill on Saturday night before his death and suffered the most excrutiating pain and burning fevers until it pleased God in the plentitude of his mercy to remove him from earth and waft his spirit home to Jesus. Although racked with pain during his illness, Joseph bore all with that fortitude which is ever characteristic of the true christian and child of God.

During his illness, Joseph's relations and friends, anxious to know if all was well, talked to him frequently of his hope of Heaven, and the enjoyment of that happiness which awaits the finally faithful in Jesus; he consoled his weeping friends with the response that "all is well -- my road is clear, no obstruction in the way -- all is bright, and if it is the will of Him" who rides upon the storm and calms the Ocean's troubled waves "I will soon cast anchor within the vail where there are no stormy clouds to rise and where ever flows that pure River of the water of life" which maketh glad the city of God, and from which the happy spirits can drink through the ages of long -- long eternity. Yes, where he wished his father, mother, brothers, sisters and friends, who are left to mourn the loss of Joseph, to meet him on the flowery banks of the New Jerusalem and join the thronging millions of happified spirits in the enjoyment of happiness and that peace which awaits the people of God, and join the choirs of happy Angels, Cherubims and Seraphims in ascribing undivided praises to God and the Lamb forever.

Joseph was a young man of great promise, and one who enjoyed the esteem and confidence of numerious friends; possessing a kind disposition and amiable qualities -- ever generous and obliging -- kind and hospitable to entertain strangers and especially the ministers and people of God.

We hope those of Joseph's acquaintances who have a desire for a rest beyond the shores of time will take his impressive counsel and fly to mercy's wide extended arms before it be too late, and while it is called to-day, and prepare a home in Heaven where Jesus reigns and sorrows are no more.

Peace to Joseph's dear relations -- comfort yourselves in the hope of meeting him in Heaven. D. D. D.
March 14th 1860

[John Wesley Dowdle]
Died, on the 2nd inst., John Wesley Dowdle, infant son of Felix A. and Sallie L. Dowdle, of Macon County, N. C., aged two years, one month and two days.

This child came to its death under peculiarly painful and distressing circumstances, being killed almost instantly by a large log rolling over it. The father had cut a large log in two on a steep hillside, some fifty yards from the house, and had placed a rock under it to keep it from rolling -- two of his children being with him, the one that was killed and an older one -- and in playing about the log it is supposed they got the rock from under it with which it was propped, the log rolling over both the children, mashing the head of little John, causing death in a half hour, whilst the older sister escaped with a broken jaw and being badly bruised, of which it is thought to be recovering. No doubt little John is an angel now in glory. May this solemn dispensation of Providence, be the means of bringing the parents and kindred and all who read this nearer to God. "Be ye also ready for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh." W.

[Benjamin B. Allison]
Died, of fever, in Jackson Co., N. C., on the 7th of Feb. ult., in the 13th year of his age, Benjamin B. Allison, a boy of bright intellect, a sweet spirit, affable and kind in his disposition and manner; had religious parents, and of course had the advantage of early, religious training; was early dedicated by baptism in the M. E. Church, and was a mourner at the altar of prayer at the camp meeting on Scott's Creek, in October last; did not make any public profession, but told his little brother that he felt mighty happy. But little Benjamin is gone from the evils to come, his body rests in that lonely spot, (the grave-yard at Long's Chapel,) where friend after friend has been borne, to rest until the resurrection's morn, when they shall wake up together to receive, each a reward according to the deeds done in the body.

May God comfort the bereaved parents and sorrowing friends, that sorrow not as those that have no hope; but prepare well to meet dear friends in Heaven where parting is not known,
W. W. S.

[Joseph Shephard]
[Died] In Burnsville on the 27th of February Mr. Joseph Shephard, aged 75 years. He was a useful citizen and a good man.