Rains County Leader

February 18, 1910

Submitted by Elaine Nall Bay 

  The death angel came to the home of Bro. I.N. Matthews and claimed as its victim Bro. I.N. Matthews, the husband and father.  Bro. Matthews was born in the state of Kentucky, Dec. 28, 1841; came to Texas in 1877.  Was married to Miss Ida Butts Sept. 11, 1889.  To this union was born 9 children, two of them having out stripped him and gone on to the Christian home.  Seven children and a devoted wife still live to mourn his death, the oldest of the children being 30 years old, the youngest ten.  Bro. Matthews was converted and joined the Baptist church and was baptized the third Sunday in Aug. 1890.  SInce that time he has lived a devoted Christian life, always filling his place in his church meetings.  He was a kind and loving husband and father.  He was very devoted to his family, sound in his advice to his children; he only wished for them the best and was honest in his dealings with his fellowman.  He lived to see all of his children Christians and members of the church except one, little Opal, only 10 years old. Bro. Matthews was sick only about 8 days.  He bore his suffering with patience.  During his sickness he often spoke of hearing the sweet music in heaven, and finally on the 23rd day of January the announcement came and our Father called him home, and like a candle burning, his light went out, and his body was laid to rest in the Pilgrim Rest cemetery.  The funeral services were conducted by the writer to a large congregation at 12 o'clock MOnday the 24th day of January 1910.  We would say to bereaved ones, weep not for him, as for one that has no hope.  He is gone but not forgotten, for the Scripture says Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, so sayeth the Scripture.  They shall rest from their labors and their works do follow them.  Weep not for me when I am gone. LoOvingly, his pastor, C.M. Martin

Pilgrim Rest Cem east section row 19