Funeral Announcement of Joseph Rawlins
(Scanned by Stephen Rawlins from copy in Julia Rawlins file, 16 May, 1997.)
Died -- At his homestead, in Bedford Indiana on Thursday, August 25th , 1885, of a painful and protracted illness, Joseph Rawlins.
His sufferings were intense but borne with fortitude and without complaint. At his death he was in his ninetieth year, having been born in what is now Boyle County, KY in April, 1796. His father died when he was four years old and left him to the care of his uncle, Roderick who came with him to Indiana in the year 1812, and settled in what is now Lawrence County
When quite a youth he volunteered in the service under Gen. George W. Carr to suppress depredation on the north western frontier, for which service he was awarded a pension. Shortly after his return from the army he was married to Sarah McMann, and settled upon a farm near town upon which he remained several years. He disposed of his farm and moved to a cabin in the suburbs of town in 1830, and opened a store of general merchandise on the east side of the square. A few years later he built in connection with the late S. F. Irwin the Irwin the brick stores on the west side, where he continued in business for about thirty years. His mercantile life was continuous for nearly forty years. Previous to coming of the railroad he was extensively engaged in buying and shipping the produce of the country to New Orleans. He sent more produce to market from 1820 to 1850 than, perhaps, any other man in the State, all from this section at that time going in flat boats. He also built a large flour mill on Salt Creek near town, (now operated by the Messrs. Daggy.) All these various branches of business were managed with that there was neither loss, jar nor hindrance.
In August of the year 1855 a great calamity befell him in the loss of his wife, a highly intelligent lady distinguished for her amiability and superior social qualities. After the death of his wife the duties of the household were placed in charge of his daughters. All of whom still live, and together, with a devotion and tenderness almost unparalleled minister to the wants and comforts of their father in his protracted illness.
After his retirement from business, he enjoyed much happiness with children. There was a charming kindness of feeling between them, each striving to add to the happiness of the other. At his home a graceful cordial welcome was always extended to his friends and neighbors, only to these, but to the ministers of the church to which he belonged also to many distinguished persons from other sections of the State
In a word, his house has ever been known for its genial hospitality. He has gone from our sight, but his memory will ever be green to all who knew him. In manners, he was modest and unassuming, in his dealings, up right and honorable, leaving no enemies behind. He now sleeps by the side of his wife who had long preceded him a happy immortality awaits them.
This town, where nearly all the years of his active bussiness life were spent, was noted in its early days (sixty years ago ) for its men of enterprise and business capacity; of these none were more prominent in the encouragement and advancement of its material interests and improvements than Mr. Rawlins. The noble men of the period referred to, and with who whom he associated, with but three or four exceptions, have long since preceded him to "that bourne from whence no traveler ever returns;" those who are left are tottering on the threshold, and will soon be no more.
Bedford, Indiana. 31, Aug. 1885.
Copied from the news paper clipping sent by Mrs. H. E. Rawlins. Lancaster Texas.
(Copied by Mrs. H.B. Rawlins.) Richmond, Utah, May 1955.)
(The original news paper clipping returned to Texas.)