Obit: Thos M Williams: d. 8-22-1890
From Florence Times 9-12-1890:
"In Memoriam" Whereas, death, the inevitable fate of all humanity, has come and claimed another of earth's good and great men, in the person of Thos M Williams.We are now assembled to pay the last tribute of respect to this beloved brother.Bro. Williams was born June 15, 1838 and died at his home near Lexington, Ala., April 22, 1890.
When the dread messenger come it found him richly prepared to obey the summons of his heavenly father.Judging from the statements of his many friends and daily walk, Brother Williams had long been a devoted christian man.He was a member of the M.E. church, south.To inculcate upon all good good morals and christian rectitude, was one of Brother Williams' noble characteristics, and more especially was this true respecting his own children.
Brother Williams was a worthy member of the Masonic Fraternity, was initiated October 5, 1867, passed August 1868, and raised March, 1869.He revered the tenets of the fraternity, and love that should characterize all true masons.He was ever ready and willing to contribute his time and means to the calls of the Fraternity, and always delighted when an opportunity presented itself that might spread the broad mantle of "Masonic Charity" over the foibles of a worthy brother or succor one in distress.The life of Brother Williams is indeed an exemplary one-a life worthy of emulation.
And whereas, we recognize with feelings of sadness the inroads of death upon our lodge, and while a cloud of grief broods over us we must consign our brother to the grave, the common lot of all, bowing with meek submission to the stroke of Him who doeth all things well, and feeling assured that our loss is his eternal gain.Let us, who remain to wear the mantle which has fallen from his worthy shoulders, strive to emulate his noble example, both as a pious christian and a true mason, that we may in the end enjoy with him the reward for the finally faithful in that far-way world of peace, purity, and bliss where the Grand Master of the Universe will at last call us.So he passed away in perfect peace and holy resignation.How calm his exit, the Aeolian Zephyrs kiss away the lingering dewdrops no more gently.
Therefore, be it Resolved 1st, That we inter the body of our brother with Masonic honors, and wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days.
Resolved 2nd, That in the death of our beloved brother, MacCalum Lodge has lost one of its brightest and most devoted members; the country a valuable citizen; society a bright jewel; the family a devoted and affectionate husband and father, and the members of this lodge a true and faithful brother.
Resolved 3d, That we extend to his bereaved family our heart felt sympathy over their irreparable loss, and pray that grace be given to sustain and comfort them in this hour of affliction.
Resolved 5th, That the secretary of the lodge be instructed to furnish the family with a copy of this preamble and resolutions; also that the same be spread upon the minutes of the lodge.
D.S. Waters,
N.A. Warren,
N.J. Moore,
Committee."
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