RICHARD OLIVER "R. O." MISENER
Hamilton Herald October 1902
R. O. Misener
Leaves have their time to fall, and flowers to wither at
the North winds breath, but thou Oh death has all seasons for thine own.
Died on Thursday the 16th of October 1902, R. O. Misener, the beloved and
highly respected Postmaster of Hamilton, from hemorrhage of the bowels,
result of Typhoid fever. All that medical skill and loving hands could
accomplish was done for the patient sufferer, but no earthly hand could
stay the onward movement of the grim Reaper and as the soft Autumn
sunlight dimly shown through the closed and curtained windows of his
hospitable home the gentle and peaceful spirit of R. O. Misener winged in
flight from earth to the Great God who gave it. Yes, the kind indulgent
affectionate husband, the loving and obedient son, the true and faithful
friend was dead.
Deceased was born at Beloit, Wisconsin,
March 4th 1857. Later moved to Ottumwa, Iowa, with his parents, where he
served his apprenticeship as Jeweler, also received his education. While
living there his father, Alexander Misener, died in 1873. He came to Texas
and located at Waco in 1877, followed in 1879 by his brother E. R. Misener,
only survivors of a family of four children. In 1884 his mother, now Mrs.
Johnnie Strobel, came to Texas, and is living about seven miles from
Hamilton, enjoying good health at the happy age of 68 year. Landing in
Waco our late friend engaged in the Jewelry business with Geo. D. Wood,
where he remained for a period of twelve years during which time he become
a member of the firm of Wood & Misener Bros., in ranch and sheep
business, purchasing several thousand acres of land in this county where
he has resided since 1880. Was married to Miss Mamie Tucker, of Comanche,
daughter of the late Dr. Tucker, at Hamilton, July 24, 1895, Rev. W. W.
Patrick of St. Mary's Episcopal Church officiating; was appointed
Postmaster at Hamilton in 1898 which position he honorable filled with
perfect satisfaction to all, up to his death: buried on Friday, the 17th
of October 1902 in Hamilton Cemetery at 4 o'clock p.m. Services at St.
Mary's Episcopal Church, conducted by the Rector Rev. Geo. Gibbs, after
which the remains were taken in charge by the W.O.W. of which noble order
he was an honored and beloved member.
As a token of respect, and to show how
highly he was esteemed and honored by our people, from 3 until 5 o'clock
every business house in our beautiful little city was closed. The busy hum
of cotton gins ceased, the hammer of the carpenter was silent, the forge
of the blacksmith bushed and the hurra of the school boy changed into a
sad whisper as the body of our lamented friend was laid to rest forever.
Clear, distinct and full of pathes, from the choir came that grand
petition:
"Rock of ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee."
Then in deeper and even more earnest
tones came the words:
"In my hand no price I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling."
As the last stanza was sung, many a cheek
was wet, and there were voices
that mingled choking sobs with the words:
"While I draw this fleeting breath
While my eyelids closed in death
Rock of ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee."
Shared by Nancy
Ellen Stonebraker and Janet Berleen
Richard Oliver Misener married Mamie Stuart Tucker, 24 July,
1895--Hamilton County Marriage Record Bk. 2, p. 150. He was
appointed postmaster of the Hamilton Post Office on 13 June, 1898.
His parents were Alexander Misener and Eliza Ann (Oliver) (Misener) (Adee)
Strobel. Burial was in Graves-Gentry
Cemetery.
11/10/2001