Son of Jarratt Westbrook & Lucy Blake (Black) Westbrook; Married Mary Z. "Polly" Agnew on Jan 8, 1835

OBITUARY
WESTBROOK -- Bro. Zachariah Westbrook, was born in Chester District, South Carolina, Dec 25, 1829 (sic), where he was raised. When twenty-one years of age, in 1830, he was converted and joined the M.E. Church. In 1844, he went to the M. M. Church, South, in which church he lived an exemplary life and happy Christian. In 1835 he married Miss Mary Agnew. During the same year he moved to Mississippi, settling in Monroe County. here they continued eighteen years. In 1853 he removed from Mississippi coming to Texas. He located in the northeast corner of Navarro county twenty-five years ago. Here he watched the seasons come and go from 1855 to 1878. Here, too, he witnessed the rise of the excellent community at and about Bazett (sic) postoffice. He witnessed also the prosperity of the church he loved and to build up which he so earnestly labored. He was the father of eleven children, five of whom preceded him to the other world. Three sons and three daughters, together with their aged and sorrowing mother, and many relatives and friends remain to morn their loss. Bro. Westbrook was taken sick on the 26th day of January, 1878. In the evening of the first day's he became very happy, saying that he was prepared to witness the dissolution of soul and body. For some time before his death he seemed to be in an unconscious state. On either side of his bed sat a grown son. He roused up just before he breathed his last, looking upon his sons, he exclaimed: "Get on board, boys ! get on board!" "Get on board what, father? asked one of his sons. With his almost expiring breath he cried: "Get on board the ship and let us go to the promised land." Yes ! all ye children of Uncle Zachariah, get on the ship of Zion and sail for home! Bro. Westbrook suffered seven days with pnuemonia. At four o'clock on the morning of the 1st of February, "he was not, for God had taken him." Thus a veteran soldier has fallen, and we are sad; but we rejoice to know that our momentary loss is his eternal gain. I would say to Sister Westbrook to cling to the cross a few more days and the battle will be fought with you. The summons will soon come, and with you all shall be well ! To his children, relatives and friends, I would say: "Get on board!" and sail for the "promised land." W. C. BRODIE
Notes:
Buried at Prairie Point Cemetery, Bazette, Kerens, Navarro Co., TX (Dec 25, 1809 - Feb 1, 1878)
From the Texas Christian Advocate, 23 March 1878
Submitted by Jean Westbrook Gibbons