James Gates: Citizen, Husband, Father & Master

Sacred to the Memory of JAMES GATES, Who was born in Newbury District, So. Ca. Dec'r 18th, 1804. Died in Houston Co, Ga. Nov'r 21st, 1852. Æ 47 Yr's 11 mo's & 3 dy's. Long a citizen of Bibb Co. he was repeatedly honoured with offices of public trust. In the various relations of Citizen, Husband, Father and Master, he was strictly upright, kind, affectionate & humane.

On the 8th of July 1846 he was received into full fellowship in Midway Missionary Baptist Church & on the 16th of Nov'r thereafter was ordained Deacon.

Having lived a life of viral piety, he died in the full triumphs of a saving Christian faith. By his death the church, the community & his family were bereft of a most useful & much beloved member.

Weep not my friends,
Dry up your tears;
I must lie here,
Until Christ appears.

James Gates' box tomb.

Midway Baptist Church Cemetery
Lizella, Bibb County, Georgia

Photos © 2010 S. Lincecum

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