"Denton Record-Chronicle," 19 July 1909, p. 1

JOHN A. WITHERS DIES SUDDENLY

John Allen Withers, aged 67 years and a long-time resident of Denton, died suddenly Monday morning about 9 o'clock, supposedly of heart failure.

Until three or four hours before his death, Mr. Withers apparently was in his usual health, but upon arising Monday morning at an early hour he complained of a smothering sensation and said that he felt pains in his arms and chest. He complained of feeling bad to members of his family, but was able to go to his store for a short while. Upon returning home he lay down across a bed and was apparently somewhat easier. His wife administered such simple remedies as were at hand and had been out of the room only a few seconds when she returned and found life extinct.

John Allen Withers was born in Clay county, Missouri, June 11, 1842, and came to Texas about forty years ago. The principal portion of the time since then was spent in this city. He is survived by a wife and the following children: Bert Withers, Misses Ella and Sue Withers of Denton, Harry Withers of Dallas, Mrs. W. H. Bonta of Enid, Okla., and Mrs. Deneva Knox of Krum.

The funeral arrangements have not yet been completed but it is probable that the services will be held at the home on East Oak street tomorrow morning.

Funeral at 4 p.m. Tuesday

The funeral will be held at the family residence on East Oak street at 4 o'clock Tuesday afternoon, followed by interment at the City cemetery.

"Denton Record-Chronicle," 21 July 1909

WITHERS' FUNERAL

It Was The Largest Attended In Denton In Many Years

The funeral of John Allen Withers occurred Tuesday afternoon at 4 o'clock and the remains were laid to rest in the I.O.O.F. cemetery.

Religious services were held at the residence on East Oak street, after which the Confederate veterans took charge of the remains and conducted the services at the grave. Attending the funeral services was probably the largest concourse of sorrowing friends that has gathered for a similar occasion in Denton in many years.

The religious services were conducted at the residence by Rev. Mason of Pilot Point, assisted by Rev. Parr, the latter having been an old-time friend of the deceased.

A rather pathetic incident in connection with the services occurred when an old negro, one of the real old-time Southern darkies, asked permission to gaze for the last time upon the face of his departed white friend. Entering the room where the body reposed, the old negro looked tearfully into the casket and with uncovered head bowed low made his way out of the house, his every action and appearance showing the deep grief that filled him.

The pallbearers were selected from the ranks of the Confederate soldiers, comrades of the deceased. They were Capt. John Bacon, J. C. Parr, A. A. Anderson, W. J. Lacy, B. F. Paschall, Wm. Trigg, B. Neely, R. H. Bates and G. P. Davis.

CARD OF THANKS

We desire to extend our sincere thanks to the friends who were so kind to us during our bereavement. Mrs. A. J. Withers and Family
--rec'd from Patty McGinty 5 Jun 2011