Obituary of Absalom Scarborough

Absalom Scarboro was the eldest son of Theophilis and Nancy Scarboro, born in Bulloch County, July 14, 1830. Grew up on the farm, attended a few terms of Old Field School and married Miss Damaris Clifton of Emanuel County, December 24, 1849, bought and settled a farm where he lived out his allotted days, To the first marriage, nine children, six sons and three daughters were born; Malomb S., George M., Joseph A., James H., Absalom, Jr. and Jason, Adelin, Melissa, and Effie. His first wife died in 1883. In 1884 he married Miss Rebecca Sikes of Bryan County. To this union there were three children, one son and two daughters; Bert, Birdie and Blonnie. His Second wife died December 27, 1913. He had at the time of his death 12 children, 63 grandchildren, 70 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren, total 147.

Church relations: Joined the Missionary Baptist Church at Poplar Springs and was baptized by Elder James R. Miller in 1853. He remained a member until his death, 69 years serving as clerk, chorister and deacon, holding the latter office 68 years.

As a citizen, he served the people as Justice of the Peace in his district and as Judge of the County Court in his county for many years

Entered the Confederate Army as a volunteer under Capt. Belt, was later transferred to coast artillery under Capt. James Manning, made a sergeant and was located at Fort Bartow below Savannah until Sherman captured that city. Was in the stampede across the Carolinas to join Johnsons' army and surrendered with the force at Goldsboro, N.C. paroled and arrived home May 2, 1865.

A farmer all his life, he lived on the same place, he filled his life with honest labor, lived the simple life, as parent, citizen and Christian.

Years ago he selected a great pine growing near his home, the loved companion of all his years from which he had the lumber cut for his coffin and laid away, requesting that when needed it be maid by J. M. Hendrix and J. A. Parrish and that his burial be plain and simple, without ostentation or display.

Since the infirmities of age came upon he has from time to time said, I have lived long enough, I am just here waiting, and when the time comes I am ready.

In February he suffered from an attach of heart weakness and was desperately ill for two weeks and it was then that the end was approaching. But he rallied and was about for some days, though weak. On Sunday, April 2nd, an other and more severe came on he gradually sank until the end came on Friday April 7th, at 3:35 P.M.

He was perfectly conscious to the last minute. During the morning he said, it won't be long, and from time to time he made short ejaculatory payers, Lord help, Lord forgive and bless all. When the end came he solemnly raised his hands toward heaven and exclaimed, I am gone, I am gone! One of his sons asked him, are you ready? And he answered firmly, yes, lay me down, gripped the hands of his son, met death and passed over, aged 91 years 8 months and 28 days.

He was buried at Poplar Springs Church on Sunday at high noon, Elder O. B. Rustin, of Glennville, Georgia, pastor of the church, conducting the service. A vast concourse of descendents and friends from Bulloch, Emanuel, Candler and Jenkins counties filled the house, among them a few of his old soldier friends and companions whose grief was pathetic. There were many beautiful floral offerings, the hymns were appropriate and well rendered and the sorrow of the great congregation most devout and sincere as they looked for the last time on the face of Uncle Abb, as he was familiarly and lovingly known.

Betwixt the graves of his loving companions, under April sunshine, bloom and song birds, he calmly sleeps and we will see (unreadable) in the glad day after (unreadable).

The person who sent this article wishes to remain anon.

I Thank You all the same!