Show AN appreciation we believe we utter the sentiment of practically every person who knew him when we say the passing ot of bishop thomas H blackburn fills our heart with sadness there are men and men but characters like thomas H blackburn are not born into the world every day and therefore it Is no wonder that his passing creates a void which it almost seems impossible to till fill that the memory ot of bishop blackburn will ever retain its place in the hearts ot of those who knew and loved him goes without saying and so in that sense the void never will be filled we can remember bishop blackburn almost as long as we can call remember our own kinsfolk kinfolk and from the very first impression ot of him to the very last he was always the same smiling kindly man who delighted to quietly bless his fellows and minister unto those in trouble big hearted sym pathetic generous to a fault and charitable he just compelled the love and adm raton of those with whom he be came ame in in coll contact tact anil every man and woman who knew alin are richer for the acquaintanceship he was the I 1 personification of the nobl noblest work of god an honest man and just a day before he be was stricken lie h e made th tha remark that he did a dollar bishop blackburn exemplified in the experiences of his life the statement that he profits most who serves best when he was conducting his own mercantile institution he never hesitated to lock the door in order to go and minister unto someone who needed his bis help or to perform some work tor for the public according to the or binary standards of business his constant neglect of the store would spell ruin but not so tor for those nho A bo called and found the door locked knew that the bishop was out blessing someone so they either patiently waited or else became came back and purchased the articles desired we doubt that bishop blackburn ever lost a single customer because the store door was locked when they came to make a purchase through that course he not only retained his patronage and thus was able to gather a portion of this worlds goods around him but he gathered to himself the more priceless treasures ot of soul expansion and contented conscience by reason of his untiring ministrations and service 1 to bishop blackburn goes to to his his eternal reward a rich min man the tributes paid him on every hand are arc his undying monument and his life will ever stand out as a shining example to all who knew him god rest his soul and bring that necessary measure of 0 comfort to his loved ones |