Burnet Bulletin, 2 Feb 1911

In Memory Of J. M. Wilks

Last Thursday morning, January 12th, the sad news flashed over the wires that J. M. Wilks of Cow Creek community was shot and instantly killed by King Huff in Burnet. But the question that arises in every mind is who could have anything against Uncle Bud, as he is commonly known, and when we are informed that it was an accident, it somewhat relieves our suspense, but does not restore the innocent victim who has so suddenly been snatched from time to eternity without warning and without a cause. Uncle Bud was born in Indiana, November 13th, 1850, came to Texas when a small boy, moved to Burnet County 38 years ago and has ever since lived a law-abiding citizen of same. He belonged to the Church of Christ and was a man of honor and worth. He leaves a wife, eight children, a mother 88 years old, several sisters, and a host of relatives and friends to mourn his death.

The community has lost a good citizen; his family, a patient and loving husband and father; his mother, an obedient and dutiful son. How sad to see the feeble mother, grandmother, and great grandmother as she wended her way through the crowd, leaning on the arms of two strong men, to view the remains of her last son and earthly counselor.

He left home Wednesday evening in company with his daughter, Mrs. Cordie Heine, hale and calm as usual, for having done no wrong he anticipated no evil. But early Thursday morning the awful tragedy which ended his earthly career came so suddenly that he had not time to bid adieu to loved ones, nor give a word of counsel to those he held most dear.

To feebly express the feelings of his bereaved ones we submit the following lines:

A form most dear is gone, 
A voice we loved is stilled, 
A place is vacant in our home
That never can be filled. 
Yes, gone but not forgotten, 
We cherish still thy name, 
Thy patient loving counsel
Shall be our every aim. 
We miss thee husband, father dear
And Oh how sad and lone!
For us to tarry here
And thou forever gone. 
We know thou'rt free from toil and pain, 
Thy earthly cares are o're
We can not see thy face again
This side the golden shore. 
But when our race below is run
And we bid adieu to earthly ties
We hope to meet thee in that home
Wherethere will be no more good-byes
For we are told in God's Holy Book, 
Of a place, a city of gold
Where we can meet and dwell with him there
In that "Beautiful Home of the Soul".

A FRIEND.

Burnet Bulletin, 19 Jan 1911
A Card of Thanks

We the undersigned, wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to the good people of Burnet, Bertram, and Oatmeal for the kindness shown toward us during the bereavement of our dear husband and father, James Madison Wilks.  May God's richest blessing rest upon you in our daily prayers.

Mrs. J. M. Wilks and children,
Charlie Wilks, Granger, Texas
Mrs. Mollie Jones, Duncan, Okla.,
Thomas Wilks, Pontotoc, Texas,
Mrs. Phoebe Ripley,
Mrs. Corda Heine
Oliver Wilks,
Joe Wilks,
Gustie Wilks,
Rosa Wilks
Bertram, Texas