Richard Ellis Obituary


From The Winston Herald, February 11, 1898
Submitted by Robin Sterling



Obituary. In Memory of Rev. Richard Ellis. The deceased was born Feb 4th, 1829—died Feb 1, 1898.—Age, 68 years, 11 months and 27 days. He was born in Lawrence county, Ala., married to Miss Ellen E. Bennett, December 1853. To this union there was born four sons and five daughters. One son and one daughter preceded him to the glory land. He professed faith in Christ fifty years ago. He walked with and talked with God for half a century. He first united with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and was licensed to exhort and preach by that church. At the close of the civil war the Cumberland Church became extinct in the mountains of North Alabama. He then united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and was by them licensed to exhort and preach—which he did as long as he was able. He was also a Master Mason—a member of the Hilton Lodge, No. 419, when he died. He was a very devoted Christian and an honorary member of the Lodge for life.

By his request I (having been an intimate and personal friend) preached his funeral before a congregation of some 100 or 150 people, then buried him with Masonic Honors. I have been personally acquainted with the deceased for 39 years. Have never known nor heard of his refusing to stand up for God and Christ when requested to do so, nor fail to bend the knee in humble prayer for himself and any one who desired his prayers. He was a dear lover of prayer meetings and a supporter of the Sunday Schools, favored all religious enterprises. His motto was, “the World for Christ,” We have met in protracted and revival meetings, have rejoiced together, prayed, preached and exhorted together for many long years. His labor of love has ceased and his works will follow him.

While afflicted his suffering was great, caused by a burn when a child. He suffered all through life but not so intense until the last two years. He bore them with much Christian fortitude. While suffering he would commune with God and would rejoice and shout God’s praise. He said to the writer that he had shouted many times in church when he was not as happy as he had been on the bed at home so badly afflicted. He leaves a wife, three sons, and four daughters to mourn with a host of friends, besides the religious world. I would say to wife and all: Bro. Ellis is gone to that house not made with hands eternal and in the heavens. He used to talk so much about Christ going to prepare a mansion—He has prepared one for Father Ellis and he has entered in to remain until Christ shall call the body from sleep, then all who love and serve Him will meet Bro. Ellis and Christ in the air—so shall we ever be with the Lord. He was interred in the family grave yard near Bro. James A. Bennett’s. [poem] Written by James Hilton at the request of the deceased.


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