28 September 1917 Hamlin Herald (Hamlin, Texas)

Death Claims Pioneer Citizen.

Grandpa W. M. Bristow passed away, very suddenly, at his home twelve miles south of Hamlin, Friday Sept. 21, at one o’clock. Age 76 years on the day he died. (Note: 21 Sept. was the day of birth and day of death).

He had been a citizen of that community for 29 years and news of the sudden death brought a feeling of shock and sorrow to a great host of friends. Grandpa Bristow had just eaten dinner with Mr. & Mrs. J. L. Crow, his near neighbor, and it was while they were sitting out on the gallery talking that Mr. Crow noticed Mr. Bristow was not answering or in his usual mood. They first thought that he was sleeping and again that he had fainted. He was laid on a bed and in a few moments passed away without speaking again. Heart failure was thought to have been the immediate cause of death although he had been as active and cheerful as usual. Recently he had returned from Mineral Wells and it is said that physicians there told him that the heart action was not right.

He was married to Miss Nancy E. McQuarry (McCrary my addition), near Neosia (Neosho), MO and to this union there were thirteen children born, four of whom died in infancy and only one daughter, Mrs. Nora Butler died in Seattle, Washington, 1909. The companion and mother died at the old home near Neinda in 1911.

There are now eight children to mourn the death of their beloved and noble father, seven sons and one daughter as follows: J.T. Bristow of Rotan; G.W. Bristow, Odem, Texas; Rev. Sam Bristow of St. Joseph, MO; D.L. Bristow of Hamlin; J.T. Bristow of Ft. Davis, Texas; E.L. Bristow, Mineral Wells, and H.C. (General) Bristow of Sinton, Texas and the daughter Mrs. M.E. Dean, Lamesa. All the children attended the funeral except G. W; J.T. and H.C.

The body was laid to rest in Neinda Cemetery, Sunday afternoon at 4 o’clock. The funeral was preached by Rev. J.H. Edmonds, pastor of the Baptist Church at Rule, as a mark of esteem and love, the largest number of people, his bereaved friends, attended the services of him who has so long walked and wrought his good work among them, his neighbors and countrymen, all were there to pay their last respects.

Twenty nine years ago Brother Bristow came to this country with his family from Bell county and settled at the place which has ever since been the old home. Here the large family was reared to respected and honored manhood and womanhood. Brother Bristow lived a consistent member of the Baptist Church for 33 years and was deacon in his church 31 years. His life was exemplary and is now reflected in the lives of the sons and daughter who mourn his death. Such a record is good to chronicle, such a true father, citizen, and friend, will not soon pass from the memory of these who loved and honored him. He has made his contribution to society; he has lived nobly; he has left an honorable record; he has gone to his reward.

To those who remain to mourn the loss of father, a host of kind and loving hearts join with you in sorrow and all knowing that a good man and father has passed from the walks of this world, leaving for us a true example of Christian life.