It is with deep sorrow that

we chronicle these few lines in

memory of Prof. J. R. Strain,

whose spirit was wafted from

earth on the 4th instant at his

home in Derma, after six

weeks of intense suffering.

He was born near Air Mount

Miss., Dec. 27 1867. For

several years he edited the

Democratic Banner at Pittsboro,

with credit to himself and coun

ty. The last few years he has

devoted his time and energy to

teaching in the public schools,

trying to inspire the minds of

the young people to a grander

and nobler sphere in life.

For the past two years, he

has had charge of the school at

Derma and has accomplished

great and lasting good, and by

his demise we have sustained

a great loss. He was a de-

voted Christian, member of the

Baptist church.

It has been the writer’s priv

ledge to be constantly associ-

ated with the deceased for 3

years and also his pleasure to

feebly administer to his wants

during the last six weeks of

his earthly stay.

He bore his sufferings with-

out murmuring or complaint,

believing that he that doeth all

things well knoweth best. Tis

awful sad, and our sympathy

kind words, deeds and actions

should ever be warm and in

action for the bereft companion

and children, who are so sad

and broken hearted to part

with their dear earthly tie, and

bury him beneath the clay,

where we must all shortly lie.

God grand that the death of

this man, though sad it may be

will be an inspiration to live a

useful and nobler life and at

last all meet at home beyond

the river in that glorious land

of blessed.

Where the Son shall reign,

forever as the King of Right-

eousness. There at home with

the dear one in the city with its

walls of Jasper bright. Then

to praise God forever in that

home where there’s no night.

There to meet and share the

glory of his council happy

throne, then to tell redemption

stories and sing his praises

loud and long. He is at home

in that beautiful land, the beau-

tiful city of gold; he’s passed

over life’s trouble’s and death

and safe in the heavenly fold.

May the uplifting and never

failing hand of God be the Di-

rector and guardian of the bro-

ken hearted family, while life

last, and their eternal inheri-

tance be incorruptible and un-

defiled is the earnest prayer of

the writer. W. M. S.