OBITUARIES OF SOME DARDEN RESIDENTS (1919-1948)
compiled by Brenda Kirk Fiddler
November 7, 1919
Progress
L.B. Boren Dies at Great Age
Lawson B. Boren, who would have reached the extraordinary age of 91 years, had he lived until the 13th day of next March, died at his home in Darden, Tuesday, the 4th inst., at 11:45 o'clock a.m.
Perhaps ten years ago Mr. Boren was stricken with partial paralysis, since which time he has been confined to his home and the summons came at the time stated.
Mr. Boren was married more than 60 years ago to Miss Mourning [sic] Flowers and to that union one child was born, Elder W.F. Boren, who survives his father and lives at Darden. Frank, as we who know him well call him, was the only child his father ever had and he is somewhat advanced in years.
Mr. Boren's second wife was Miss Elizabeth Reed and his third wife, who survives him, Miss Nancy Bradfield.
During the Civil War of 1861-1865 Mr. Boren was a soldier of the Union or Federal Army and was a sergeant in the seventh regiment of Tennessee Cavalry Volunteers. During the four years of war he spent fifteen months in the Andersonville prison.
He was a man of wonderful energy and industry--noted as a worker for many years in the community in which he lived and in which he was always a valued factor. We remember on the occasion of a small county fair held in Lexington, after Mr. Boren had passed seventy-five years of age he was persuaded to take part in an old man's foot race, in which it was shown that he could outrun many men of half his age. He was our friend, our patron for many years, and we had a strong liking for him.
At some time in life, perhaps middle age, he profession religion and joined the Missionary Baptist church.
The funeral service was held in the Baptist church at Darden at noon on Wednesday, Elder A.U. Nunnery officiating and ail that was mortal of Mr. Boren was consigned to the bosom of Mother Earth in the Duke graveyard immediately following.
April 16, 1926
Progress
Rev. Newman Died
Rev. Thomas M. Newman, aged about 71 years, died Monday, the 12th inst. at Darden, after an illness which had extended over two years and more--in fact, his health had been on the decline for quite a number of years. He was a well-known minister of the Baptist Church, as was his father, the late Rev. Henry Newman. He had been twice married and is survived by his last wife and three children, Mrs. Charles McDaniel, of Rome, Miss.(a widow), W.H. Newman, of Water Valley, Miss., and Mrs. E.L. Thomas, of Darden. The remains were interred at Corinth Church, and the last service, by way of a tribute to one man was known to be have been a good man, was conducted by three of his brother ministers, Rev.W.F. Boren, Fleetwood Ball and J.T. Bradford.
April 30, 1926
Progress
J.Z. Hancock Dies at Darden
J.Z. Hancock, aged 77 years, 11 months and eight days, died at 8:30 o'clock at his home at Darden. Mr. Hancock came with the building of the Tennessee Midland Railroad, or soon afterward, to Henderson County, from Indiana, and for several years was an extensive manufacturer of staves. His first wife survives, and has been residing at Jonesboro, Ark., until a few months ago, when his own health failed and he has been seeking relief in hospitals.
Mr. Hancock's second wife was Mrs. Dorsey Evans and she survives. He made his friends in the community in which he lived so long and will be missed by the people.
August 6, 1926
Progress
Death of Bill Hancock
William F. Hancock, aged 56 years and 11 months, was born in the town of Pologa, Orange County, Indiana, and died at 2:00 o'clock, pm. Saturday, July 31st, at the home of his stepmother, at Darden, this county, after a long disability from cancer of the stomach.
Bill Hancock was the son and only child of the late J.Z. and Mrs. Julia Hancock, the father dying last April 27th. His mother died several years ago and the father married for his second wife, Mrs. Mary Evans. The Hancocks came to Henderson County with the building of the Tennessee Midland railroad in 1887 or a little later. W.F. Hancock married Miss Clementine, daughter of H.Clay Williams, and died without issue. He was a merchant at both Darden and Lexington, but several years ago went out of business here and located in Jonesboro, Ark., and went on the road as a traveling salesman. A good many months ago his health failed and he came back to live in the home of his stepmother, which was his own property, where he died as stated. Some weeks before his death, he went to Nashville and was there operated upon in a vain effort to save or to prolong his life.
He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, but held no church membership, but we are informed that he often stated that he repented of and was sorry for the sins of his live.
The funeral occurred at Union Church last Sunday, at 2:00 o'clock p.m., and Elder W.F. Boren conducted the service.
September 7,1934
Progress
The Passing of Dr. Jasper Bray
Dr. Jasper Bray in his 80th year died in his home at Parsons, Decatur County, Wednesday, August 29th, after long disability.
His wife before her marriage was Miss Suzanne Hendricks, and to their union were born but two children, Parker M. Bray, surviving, with residence in Paducah, Ky., and Mattie, who died as the beloved and childless wife of the late Esq. C.C. (Kit) Davis of Lexington, long connected with the old Bank of Lexington.
Dr. Bray practiced medicine for many years at Darden and had really begun to decline in age age when he moved to Parsons several years ago, but he continued to practice there. Dr. Bray was a well-known physician and the widow who survives him has always been one of the best beloved women in any community in which she lived.
Dr. Bray's body was interred in the historic Union cemetery near Chesterfield Thursday of last week, Rev. A.U. Nunnery officiating in the presence of one of the largest assemblages ever gathered at a funeral there.
July 8, 1938
Progress
Death of Mrs. Frank Boren
A death of wide-spread and deep- felt sorrow was that of Mrs. Catherine Davis Boren, age 77 years, which occurred Friday afternoon, July 15, 1938, at 4:30 p.m., after a brief illness. Her demise took place in the family home in Darden.
She was born Jan. 26,1861, being the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Clum Davis, northwest of Darden, in the vicinity of Corinth. She received her education in the best elementary schools of the county, and was married in young girlhood to Rev. Frank Boren. To this union four children were born, two surviving, O.L. Boren of Murray, Ky., and Fred Boren of Lexington. A little girl died in infancy. Hubert P. Boren died several years ago, which occasioned her greatest sorrow. His wife and little daughter reside in the Boren household.
Mrs. Boren is also survived by a sister, Mrs. J.H. Blankenship, Lexington, and a brother, Ad. Davis, of Broken Arrow, OkIa.
In early childhood Mrs. Boren professed religion and united with Corinth Baptist Church, later moving her membership to a newly organized church in Darden, to which she was devoted.
Devoted wife, loving mother, fond grandmother, loyal sister, true friend, and sincere Christian, her life was a blessing and benediction to all with whom she came in to contact. She proved a blessing to mankind and glorified God in her devoted life.
Funeral services were held at the Baptist Church in Darden by her pastor, Rev. C.E. Azbill, assisted by Rev. Simpson Daniel of Lexington's First Baptist Church, with interment following in the cemetery at Union Church near Chesterfield. A very large crowd was in attendance. The flowers sent by friends and relatives covered the graves.
September 30, 1938
Progress
T.M. Gilbert Dies Suddenly
T.M. Gilbert, a resident of near Darden died very suddenly in bed in his home from heart trouble, after a slight struggle at 8:00 o'clock, p.m., Tuesday, September 20th. His age was about 61 years. He leaves his wife, Mrs: Mary Gilbert and nine children: namely, John, Arlie, Hubert, Jessie, Frank, Ray, Mrs. Bettie Hays, Miss Lessie Gilbert and Miss Loraine Gilbert, all of the Darden community.
Funeral services were held in Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, conducted by Rev. Lee Carrington of Senath, Mo. Burial occurred near by.
September 30, 1938
Progress
Death of Mrs. Hays
Mrs. Tennessee Hays, 70 years old, and widow of the late Billie Hays, died at her home in Darden, Tuesday, the 26th. She was an aunt of our townsman, Mr. John L. Sullivan. Funeral services were conducted in the home, Wednesday, with Rev. Frank Boren and Rev. L.T. Carrington, conducting the services. Interment was in Union Cemetery.
January 27, 1939
Progress
Mrs. Lunn Dies in Darden
Mrs. Roxanna Rice Lunn, wife of the late W.E. Lunn, died in the home of her daughter, Mrs. L.B. Moore, in Darden, January 18th, 1939, at the age of 80 years, three months and 23 days.
She was born in Decatur County, Sept. 25, 1858, and was married to William Elbert Lunn, April 20,1876. Mr. Lunn died April 14,1930. To this union four children were born: Cora, Mamie, Joe and Maude, and two of them survive: Mrs. LB. Moore of Darden, and Mrs. L.N. Neely of Jackson... She was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church.
Funeral services were conducted in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Moore, by Rev. G.G. Joyner of Jackson, with interment in the Union cemetery.
November 10, 1939
Progress
Death of Rev. W.F. Boren
After an illness of ten days, Rev. William Franklin Boren died at four o'clock, Friday morning, November 3rd, thus bringing to an earthly close a life which was long full of wisdom, and that loving kindness which had endeared him to hundreds of people who had come within the influence of a character in which native gifts of character, forbearance, truth and honesty were inseparably blended with daily practice of the Christian virtues.
Mr. Boren was born Dec. 20, 1855, the son of Mr. and Mrs. L.B. Boren. At an early age he professed his faith in the Lord he served and united with the Missionary Baptist Church. Always a close student of the Bible, and a friend of man, his interest in the salvation of his neighbors grew as the years passed, until he felt the call to go forth and preach to all the joy of living as he, himself did, in faith and fellowship, to lay up treasures not of this earth, but rewards in a future which he never doubted.
He was ordained a minister of the age of 23 years, and served as pastor of many Baptists churches in Henderson and adjoining counties. He frequently conducted revivals, a field in which he was eminently successful. He conducted many funerals, performed many marriage ceremonies, and was friend, advisor and peace maker for people, both within and without his flock, who brought their troubles to his door.
Mr. Boren was married at the age of 23 to Miss Katie Davis, who died seventeen months ago. Since that time he has made his home in Lexington with his son, Fred C. Boren, cashier of the N.C. & St. L. Ry., at Murray, Ky.; a third son, Hubert, died Nov. 2, 1936, and his death was possibly the greatest sorrow of his life until he lost his wife months later.
Funeral services were conducted Saturday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock at Darden Baptist Church, where his membership had been for many years. Services were conducted by Rev. Simpson Daniel of Lexington's First Baptist Church, assisted by Rev. E.W. Crump of the Lexington Methodist Church. Interment was made at Union Cemetery.
Nine ministers of the gospel were present showing that Bro. Boren was held in high esteem by those of the ministry. The flowers were beautiful and covered the mound where lay the remains of a man who had made the world better by having lived in it. Songs used in the service were selected by the family, favorites of the deceased, and used many times by him in his long career as a minister.
*****
November 17, 1939
Progress
My Column [written by W.V. Barry]
A visit last Saturday from Mrs. Helen Brunner of Orlando, Florida, was appreciated by me, especially because of the close ties of friendship which existed between myself and her father, the late Harry Burke, who was a Virginian, and who came to this section as an engineer in the building of the original Tennessee Midland Railroad from Memphis to Perryville. Helen was the widow of the late Hubert Boren and after his death lived at Darden until she married Mr. Brunner and has since lived at Orlando, Florida, where she and her daughter, Dorris, are happily situated. Helen is an accomplished and attractive young matron and shows many traits of her educated and lovable father.
January 12, 1940
Progress
James Newton Duke
James Newton Duke, son of the late J.B. and Julia Ann Duke, was born in Henderson County on the 8th of February, 1862, and departed this life on January 7th, 1940, making his life on earth 77 years, 10 months and 27 days.
He was first married in 1881 to Miss Paralee King, and to this union was born four children, namely: Mrs. Daisy Moore, Miss Pearl Wood, Mrs. Mary Murren, and one dying in infancy. His wife died in 1889. His second marriage was to Miss Lizzie Altom in 1891, and to this union were born James Carless, Luther A., Auda M., Mrs. Azilee Wilkins, Mrs. Donie Lewis and Mrs. Odell Brewer, all of Darden; one son, Alton, died in 1915.
He professed faith in Christ in early boyhood and united with Mt. Ararat Missionary Baptist Church and lived a devoted Christian life until death. He is survived by his wife, nine children, 38 great-grandchildren, 19 (10?) three brothers, N.M. Duke, J.T. Duke and Will Duke, and one-half brother, Add Duke, and two sisters, Mrs. Frances Newhan and Mrs. Lizzie Wood.
Mr. Duke was one of Henderson County's best citizens and will be sadly missed by friends, neighbors and loved ones. He was a Democrat but with such character and personality that when he ran for Magistrate, which office he held from 1924 to 1930, he received all the Republican votes in his precinct.
Funeral services were held Monday morning in the home and burial was in the old Duke Cemetery near Darden, with Pafford in charge.
May 3, 1940
Progress
Ludie Flowers Dies At Darden
Ludie Winfield Flowers was born in Mississippi, January 9th, 1859, and passed away suddenly at his home at his home a mile and a half from Darden at 10:00 o'clock, April 25th, 1940, having for some time been troubled with a heart ailment.
When a young man he was married to Miss Mary Leonard, who survives with their following children: Festus, Silas, Arliss, Leo, Lina, Bessie and Ida, all of whom live in the neighborhood. The boys, like their father, are engaged in farming.
The funeral was held Friday afternoon at the Duke graveyard, the service being conducted by the Rev. Richard Rogers and Rev. Walter Moody. Mr. Flowers did not affiliate with any church, but professed the Christian faith and was not afraid to die.
Mr. Flowers was a long-time friend of the Progress force, a prompt paying subscriber and an appreciated reader of the paper, and many years ago we had come to regard him as a friend in the true sense of the word. He possessed a solid character and dependable nature which characteristics go to make the great middle class of this country its most valuable asset. He will be sorely missed in his community and it can be said of him as any other good man, as husband, father, and friend, his place can not be filled.
December 6,1940
Progress
Mrs. J.N. Duke Dies At Her Home
Lessie M. Altom Duke was born May 5th, 1869, and departed this life November 27th, 1940, making her stay on earth 71 years, six months and 22 days. She was the daughter of the late David G. and Sarah Altom. She was married to J.N. Duke in 1891. He preceded her to the grave 10 months and 21 days [ago]. To this union were born seven children namely: Charles Carless, Luther A., and Audry M. Duke, Mrs. Azilee Wilkins, Dahnie Lewis and Odell Brewer, all of Darden; one son, Alton, preceded her to the grave 25 years ago.
There are left to mourn her departure, six children, 26 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; also, three stepdaughters, Mrs. Daisy Moore, Wildersville; Pearl Wood, Darden; Mary Murren, Jackson; four brothers, Slyvestin Altom, Wildersville; David G. Altom, Lexington; Oscar Altom, Jackson; Jimmy Altom, Fulton, Ky.; two sisters, Mrs. Viola Roberts, Henderson, Dora Scott, Jackson, besides a host of relatives and friends.
She professed faith in Christ in early womanhood and united with Mt. Ararat Missionary Baptist Church and lived a consistent member until death. A loving mother, a true friend, a faithful Christian has gone to her reward.
May 7, 1948
Progress
Services Held For Doss C. Evans, 58
Funeral services for Dossie C. Evans of Darden were conducted Monday afternoon at the Darden Baptist Church by the Rev. A.U. Nunnery of Parsons.
Mr. Evans, who was 58 years of age, passed away suddenly at his home in Darden early Sunday morning. Death was attributed to a heart attack.
Mr. Evans was a prominent farmer, merchant and gin operator. He was an active member of the Darden Baptist Church.
Mr. Evans is survived by his widow, Mrs. Hattie Evans; five children, Mrs. Rebecca Maxwell of Kinsport; Mrs. Moetta Nuckolls of Bolivar; Mrs. Ruby Frayser of Chattanooga; Mrs. Bessie Mae Watson of Jackson and Thomas Evans of Jackson; one brother, Purd Evans of Bruceton; and one sister, Mrs. Estes Pearson of Memphis.
Burial was in Darden Cemetery with Pafford Funeral Home in charge.
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