Henry C. Light.
This is written in sad, but loving remembrance of Henry C.
Light, who was born February 2, 1844 and died July 5, 1917, aged 73 years, 5
months and 3 days. .
He joined the Primitive Baptist church at Green Hill, Patrick
county Virginia, second Sunday in May, 1888; was appointed church clerk September,
1888; and ordained to the deaconship in September, 1889.
He served in the Civil War from 1861 to 1865. He had been in
feeble health for three years, suffering from a complication of diseases: But
he never murmured, and made as little complaint as any poor mortal ever did,
who suffered as he did. He would often say the time of his death was not far away.
He often said, on lying down at night, "1 wish I could go to sleep and
never wake." He has gone to sleep never to awake In
this world but to awake In glory, as I believe.
He was a good neighbor, a kind husband and a loving father.
He raised ten children to be men and women, eight sons and two daughters, and
lived to see them all married, except two, a daughter, who passed away eighteen
years ago. and his baby boy, who is still single. One
son and his first wife pre ceded him in death.
He provided well for his family, and his home was ever open
to travelers, never turning one away, and al ways tilled his place in the
church, if able to go He seemed to enjoy telling of his trials in the war better
than any other conversation, and enjoyed going to the soldiers' reunions. He
went to one at Washington, D. C., in June, just one month before his death. He
seemed to enjoy it so much, and seemed better than be bad for a year. He was
shot twice during the war, one shot wounding him for life. But be was never
heard to grumble; would not speak evil of anyone; was strictly honest and
truthful; minded his own business.
Children, try to follow the good example of your dear old
father which he set before you; and may you meet hi in heaven: for we fully
believe he is there. He cannot come to us, but by the help of the Lord we can
go to him.
His funeral was preached by Elders S. A. Thompson, Lemley and Noel Gilbert, after which his remains were laid
to rest at Old Green Hill church, which was the dearest spot on earth to him.
The dearest spot on earth to me is where your father lies.
It grieves our hearts from him to part,
And, oh! We miss him here; But yet,
it is so sweet to me,
To know he's freed from care.
His sufferings here were great indeed,
Our help was all in vain;
But he has paid the debt we owe, And
now is free from pain.
When evening twilight gathers round Our
lonely cottage door,
We think of father Oh so dear on the other shore.
The light that once so brightly shone,
Has now turned Into gloom;
My dear good husband has gone home, To
never more return.
His loving and grieving wife,
Mrs. BETTIE LIGHT.