The Final Summons for Four Robeson County Residents, 1917

“The Final Summons” from the Lumberton Robesonian, January 8, 1917

Mr. Neill A. Brown, Postmaster at Red Springs, Died Yesterday—Funeral at Philadelphus This Morning

Mr. Neill A. Brown, postmaster at Red Springs and well known throughout the county, died at his home at Red Springs yesterday morning at 5 o’clock. The funeral and interment took place this morning at 11 at Philadelphus.

News of the death came as a shock to friends of the deceased here. Mr. Brown had been in poor health for several weeks but had not been confined to bed. He was down town in Red Springs Saturday but complained of not feeling well, and shortly after going home he became very sick.

Deceased was about 55 years old. He had been postmaster at Red Springs since Wilson’s election four years ago. He was married in Lumberton, his wife, who survives, being a sister of Miss Belle Higley of Lumberton. A daughter and a son also survive—Miss May Brown and Mr. Rowland Brown.

Miss Ina Higley and Mr. M.N. Folger attended the funeral this morning.

Mr. Whiten Stephens, Near Fairmont

Mr. Whiten Stephens, a well known farmer, died yesterday at his home near Fairmont. He had been in poor health for some time.

Daniel M. McRae Died Suddenly in Maxton Saturday

While endorsing a check in the director’s room of the Bank of Maxton Saturday afternoon, Daniel M. McRae, a wealthy farmer living about three miles from this town died unexpectedly without saying a word. Medical attention was summoned, when the deceased was stricken, but the attending physician said death had been instantaneous.

Recently Mr. McRae had been complaining about his health but did not consider his condition serious. He was talking to J.C. Baldwin and had singed his initial to the check when the pencil slipped from his fingers and he sank to the floor.

The exact amount of Mr. McRae’s assets is not known, as he kept most of his money invested in various enterprises. He lived with a sister and was about 65 years of age. The body was taken in charge by Undertaker McLean and prepared for burial.

Mrs. Catherine Marley Thomas

Lumber Bridge, Jan. 6—Mrs. Catherine Marley Thomas died at her home December 30^th, 1916, near Lumber Bridge, age 77 years.

At the age of 16 she married Henry G. Thomas of Marion, S.C., who preceded her to the grave 20 years ago. She then moved to Lumber Bridge where she lived until her death.

She is survived by three brothers—D.J., M.L., and A.J. Marley—and two sisters—Mesdames McKethan and Long.

Mrs. Thomas was converted when a child and was a member of the Lumber Bridge Baptist Church. She spent her whole life doing good to all around her and was loved by all who knew her. Her life was a daily witness of those Christian graces which always mark the way of those living in close touch to the Master. She filled her place as only one of her quiet dignity and loyalty could do.
The funeral was conducted by the writer from the residence. Her body was laid to rest in the family cemetery. The large gathering of friends as well as the floral tributes attest to the esteem in which she was held.

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying, write blessed are the dead who die in the lord.”