On the 4th. day of February, 1899, at the home of her son-in-law, B. F. Brownfield, the writer's mother, Mrs. Nancy J. Oxford peacefully and quietly passed away.
She was born March 3, 1820, within less than one half mile of where she died, having lived 79 years within a radius of 3 miles of where she was born. At the age of 21 years she was united in marriage to Elias Oxford, and with hearts buoyant with hope and with strong and willing hands they began married life under circumstances that must to them have seemed auspicious. To them were born 8 children 5 boys and 3 girls. One of the latter died in infancy, the others are still living except Isaac, who died last fall. Following are their names in order of their birth: James R., (Riley), Isaac R., John A.., Nancy J. (Angleton), Hannah E. (Brownfield), Samuel C. and George W.
On the 4th. day of July, 1862 when he excitement over the Civil War was at a high pitch, and her deep solicitude for the welfare of her oldest son who was then exposed to its dangers, was bearing heavily upon her, the crushing blow came which tore from her embraces her beloved husband and she was thus left to fight the battles of life alone. How well she succeeded in the arduous duties thus suddenly thrust upon her is not matter of interest to the general public at this late day. Suffice it to say that she performed her duty well in every phase of life.
Her maiden name was Patton and she was a member of a large family, only one of whom is still living, Aunt Betsy Page, who is nearly two years her senior. Sometime last spring she accidentally fell and crippled herself badly, and was never able to walk any more. Her general health however, seemed to be very good all the while, until on Monday before she died, when she complained of not feeling well. Her condition was not such as to cause alarm until Thursday when she became suddenly worse, and it was soon obvious to the most casual observer that the end was near an on Saturday night at 11:30, death came.
To say that she was a good, honest, upright, Christian woman, one who was devotedly attached to her children and grand children and highly esteemed by all who knew her, is no exaggeration, if indeed it were possible to exaggerate the virtues of a good mother.
On Monday following, all that was mortal of mother, sweet and blessed name, was taken to the family cemetery near the old home stead and there laid to rest by the side of her husband who had long since preceded her to the spirit world. The glorious consolation is left to all, that she belongs to that class of whom it may be said: Nor wreck, nor change, nor winter's blight, Nor death's remorseless doom, -----------------.
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