Obituaries, Anderson County, South Carolina Genealogy Trails

James Porter, an exhorter in our Circuit, was bom in what then was known as Pendleton District. S. C., February 20, 1792: was soundly converted and joined the Methodist church in the year 1804; was made class leader and exhorter a few years later: lived to the end a happy and consistent Christian life; served the church with fidelity and delight and died in holy triumph near Westminster, S. C., February 10, 1892, lacking only four days of being one hundred years old. This wonderful life gives strongest emphasis to the possibility and wisdom of early piety. It proves the blessedness, from childhood to extremest age, of a close walk and intimate communion with God; it demonstrates the truth of God's promises to give long life, way s of pleasantness, honor and heaven to them that serve him. Our departed father in Israel trusted in God and God gave him every good thing for a hundred years and the joys at his right hand for all eternity. We record these things that we and others may be inspired to live and die the death of the righteous, and that our and their "last end may be like
his." J. B. SANDERS.

William Smith Pickens
Col. William Smith Pickens, one of Anderson county's oldest and best citizens, died at an early hour this morning at his home in Brushy Creek township. He was abut 84 years of age. The funeral services will be held some time tomorrow at the Pickens Methodist church. The exact hour has not been determined. Col. Pickens was trice married and he is survived by the third wife and many children and grandchildren. (The State May 21, 1907)

Dr. Parker Dies Instantly After Having Been Hit By Freight
BELTON, June 24—Dr. R. L.Parker, 86, town clerk here for 12 years before his recent retirement, was killed instantly last night when he stepped in front of a passing freight train at Olar, South Carolina. Dr. and Mrs. Parker were visiting their daughter, Mrs. W. P. Cave, at the time of the accident. The doctor is said to have been walking from his son-in-law's store on the east side of the tracks when struck by the train. Funeral arrangement are being delayed pending the arrival of his son, R. L. Parker, Jr., who is on a ship expected to dock at Galveston tomorrow. Doctor Parker was a prominent dentist at Belton for a number of year before declining health forced him to forego active practice. He was an elder in the Presbyterian church at Belton and a member of the Masonic lodge, Knights of Pythias. Surviving are his widow, who was Miss Ida Nickels of Due West; three children: Mrs. W. P. Cave, Olar; R.L. Parker. Jr., New York City; and Mrs. C. S. Prickett of Richmond, Virginia. Two brothers and three sisters also survive: E. R. Parker, Greenville; Eugene Parker, Anderson; Mrs. L. E. Bowie, Iva; Mrs. Luther Dean, Starr; and Miss Annie Parker of Anderson. (transcribed by D. Whitesell from materials provided by Derrell Teat, unknown news source)