Obituary for Jefferson P. Baze, Jr. (1844-1914)
[Below is an annotated obituary for Jefferson Peter Baze (Jr.), grandson of Abednego Baze and Mary Shults, and son of Jefferson P. Baze, Sr. and Delilah Julian, transcribed from an undated original newspaper clipping (The Brady Sentinel, McCulloch Co., Texas).A photo also appeared with the obituary with the caption "JEFFERSON P. BAZE."]
PROMINENT CITIZEN PASSES AWAY
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DEATH OF J. P. BAZE COMES AS SHOCK TO WHOLE COMMUNITY
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In the death of J.P. Baze which occured at the family home on Blackburn street Saturday at 11:44 [a.m., January 10, 1914], McCulloch county, as well as this city [Brady], lost one of her pioneer and best loved citizens.Mr. Baze had been suffering from a mild form of cancer of the stomach and Bright's [kidney] disease for some time but about three weeks ago his condition became much worse and he was obliged to take to his bed from which he never arose until he was called to the Great Beyond.
At the time of his death Mr. Baze was past 70 years old, or should he have lived until June would have been 71 having been born in [McNairy Co.,] Tennessee June 21, 1844.While quite young [perhaps by 1847 and no later than 1850] Mr. Baze moved with his parents to [Barry Co.,] Missouri afterward living in Arkansas before coming to Texas in 1870.[That's not quite correct:He actually first moved to Texas from Missouri in the 1850's (he appears on the 1860 Erath Co., TX census) and then he went to Arkansas and finally came back again to Texas.]After moving to Texas he resided in Burnett, Bastrop and Llano counties before locating at Camp San Saba, in this county, in 1876 where he made his home on the same farm until he moved to Brady about six years ago.
When a young man of 22 Mr. Baze met and married [on August 6, 1868 in Arkansas] Miss Elizabeth Whistenhunt [aka Whisenhunt] with whom he lived happily until the time of his death.[He also had a prior marriage in 1866 to a Sarah Williams who died while giving birth.]Fourteen children were born to them ten of whom are living and were at the bedside in his last hour.[Three sons died in childhood and a fourth son at age 37.]They are:Dr. R.J. Baze, of Chickasha, Oklahoma, A.C. Baze, of our town, Dr. Perry Baze, of Mason, Dr. Walter Baze, of Barry, Texas, Garrett and Elmer Baze, of Blanchard, Oklahoma, Martin Baze, a student in the University of Texas, Mrs. [Viola] Henry Lowrey, of Lubbock, Mrs. [Ollie] J.B. Kidd, of Camp San Saba and Mrs. [Rosa] Harry Evers, of this city.
Mr. Baze was a staunch member of the Church of Christ never failing to be present at all services when it was possible for him to attend.He was also very active in the affairs of the Masonic Lodge, of which organization he was an enthusiastic member, having been initiated into the order in Mason [, Texas] over 30 years ago [in 1883].At the time of his death Mr. Baze had attained to the rank of Knight Templar, having taken this degree in the Brownwood Commandery about two years ago.
Mr. Baze was a confederate veteran, having served with distinction in [General] Price's command, where he did valiant service for his beloved southland.He was an honored member of the local camp U.C.V.
The funeral services conducted by Elder [Reverend] J.E. Black, of Midlothian, Texas, were held at the Church of Christ at 3:30 Sunday afternoon after which the remains were turned over to the Knights Templar who performed the solemn rites of their funeral ceremony.The remains were escorted to the [Brady] cemetery by the local chapters A.F. & A.M.W.D. Crothers, F.M. Newman, J.H. White and J.P. Jones acting as pall bearers, where, after the Masonic burial ceremony, the body was laid to rest.
The Sentinel joins the large circle of friends of the bereaved in deepest sympathy.
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[Search terms:Jefferson Baze; Albert Baze / Albert C. Baze / Albert Carol Baze; Elizabeth Whisenhunt / Elizabeth F. Whisenhunt / Elizabeth Florence Whisenhunt; Robert Baze / Robert J. Baze; Perry A. Baze; Viola Baze / Viola J. Baze / Viola Lowrey or Viola Lowery; Ollie Baze / Ollie A. Baze / Ollie Kidd; Rosa Baze / Rose E. Baze / Rosa Evers; Garret Baze / Garret T. Baze; Walter J. Baze; Elmer A. Baze or Elmer E. Baze; Martin L.H. Baze or Martin S.H. Baze; Jessie Baze / Jessie K. Baze (died age 37)]