Heart Attack Fatal to R.H. Gower, 1930

From the Clayton News as preprinted in The Johnsonian-Sun, Selma, N.C., Thursday, May 15, 1930

R.H. Gower Died Last Sunday Night

Heart Attack is Fatal to Prominent Citizen of Clayton; Funeral Tuesday Morning.

Mr. R.H. Gower, prominent citizen and farmer of West Clayton, and one of Johnston County’s leading citizens, passed away Sunday night at 11:20 o’clock at his home here, the victim of an attack of the heart. Mr. Gower had been in declining health for a year or more but his death came suddenly and was a shock to his family and friends.

Mr. Gower had been active in the spiritual, political and business life of the county for a number of years. He represented his county in the House of Representatives on two occasions. He had always shown a keen interest in the civic and religious life of his community. For a long number of years he was moderator of the Johnston Baptist Association, an office which he gave up two years ago on account of ill health. He had also served as deacon in the Clayton Baptist Church for a number of years and had, in the past, served as Sunday School superintendent for 35 years.

Born in Johnston County on December 4, 1856, the son of the late Perrin H. Gower. He was married to Miss Gertrude Anne Hardesty on April 17^th, 1884, and she survives him. He is also survived by the following children: Miss Mabel Gower of Clayton; Mrs. W.B. Warthen of Davisboro, Ga.; D.H. Gower of Wilmington; W.H. Gower of Grifton; Perrin W. Gower of Raleigh; and Miss Geraldine Gower of Clayton.

The funeral was held at Clayton Baptist Church Tuesday morning at 10 o’clock, services being conducted by Dr. Ira E.D. Andrews, the pastor, assisted by Rev. E.D. Dodd, pastor of the Methodist Church, and Rev. S.F. Morgan, Baptist Pastor of Smithfield. Pall bearers were J.D. Smith, W.P. Creech, C.P. Ellis, D.L. Barbour, R.B. Ellis and John T. Talton. Dr. Andrews paid a beautiful tribute to the life of the deceased, which was one of service to his fellowman and consecration to his church. Following the church service, the remains were taken to the new cemetery and laid to rest in the family plot.