George Clinton Chrisman, son of Charles S. and Mary Ann
Chrisman, was born in Montecello, Ky., April 26, 1850. Departed
this life December 24, 1933, age 83 years, 7 months and 28 days.
His parents moved to Rock, Pope County, Ill., when he was small.
He was converted at the age of 27 years and united with Zion Hill
Baptist church and was baptized the 4th Sunday in October 1877
by Marion Jackson. He later moved his membership to New Burnside
Baptist church where he remained a member until his death. His
devotion to his church and Sunday School was so great in his younger
days that it was not unusual for him to go on foot from Rock to
Zion Hill, a distance of 14 miles to worship God. He had expressed
no fear of death and often expressed a desire to go home.
He was united in marriage to Easter M. Bowman , November 24, 1870. This union was blessed with one daughter, Mary Ann, on October 22, 1878. This companion and mother was taken away March 27, 1888. He was again united in marriage to Mehulda Elizabeth (Boyt) Barnhill, December 22, 1889. No children came to bless this union. This companion was called home, October 12, 1918. Shortly after her death he went to make his home with his daughter, Mary Maxwell, living just southeast of Ozark.
On January 1, 1933 he contracted flu and was never able
to overcome it. Heart trouble, catarrh of stomach and lastly pneumonia
following a cracked rib caused by a fall about two weeks before
his death was more than his frail body could bear and though he
suffered severely during the last two weeks the end came peacefully
when on Christmas eve his soul wafted out to enjoy the blessing
of an eternal home, a house not built with hands.
Uncle George as he was commonly called was a gret lover of children,
always gaining their friendship and remembrance by his jovial
attitude toward them. He was of such a disposition that he spared
neither labor or money to those who were in need and accepted
his friendship, but would not impose upon those who did not seem
to be his friends. He was a lover of flowers, bit asked that
none be brought to his funeral.
Previous to his illness a year ago it was his daily custom to
start from home on foot and from house to house collect the mail
and deliver to ErnestHolmes, one of his favorite friends, and
make his return trip delivering with much enjoyment whatever was
due them and the heaviest load never seemed a burden, but he felt
he was helping someone and wanted people to appreciate it and
always greeted friends and carrier with smiles and jokes. He
often walked to the Taylor Store a distance of 4 miles to trade
and joke with people there. He lived in Burnside several years
and while there wrote for The Vienna Times. A paper he patronized
for 50 years or more. It was his delight to write poems or current
events and keep records, clippings, letters and papers all of
his life. He has chests of old collections and keepsakes that
he treasured with pride.
He worked 16 years in Anna and Watertown Hospitals, caring
for unfortunates. He was initiated into the I.O.O.F Lodge No.
625 of New Burnside, Feruary 2, 1887. His devotion and loyalty
was such that he was sent as a delegate to Grand Lodge a few times.
He leaves one sister, Sarah E. Parmley of Rock, Ill., one brother,
W. S. Chrisman of Murphysboro, Ill., one sister, Martha and two
brothers, Rheuben and John, preceded him in death. He leaves
his only child, seven grandchildren, Mrs. Georgia Cox, Mrs. Abe
Womack of New Burnside, Ruth of Louisville, Ky., Charles of St.
Louis, Mo., Edith, Ethel and Anna at home. One granddaughter
preceded him in death. Two great-grandchildren Mary Louise Cox
and John Wendell Womack are left besides other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held at Mt. Zion, Pope County, December
26, by Rev. Albert Cole, after which his body was laid to rest
beside that of his wife, who passed away 45 years ago.
Copied from Pope County IL Obits & Tidbits, Vol 11 by Judy
Foreman Lee and Carolyn Cromeens Foss, by permission.