IN MEMORY OF B. F. EDENS

The subject of this sketch was born in Ioni Creek, Anderson County, Texas, July 12, A. D. 1845, and died in Grapeland, Houston County, Texas, at the residence of Dr. 1. Meriwether, 7:30 o'clock February 1, A.D., 1890. Hence, was at his death 44 years, six months, and nineteen days old. 


While he was a small boy, his father, Mr. Bayliss Edens moved from Ioni Creek to North Elkhart Creek, near the Trinitiy River, in Houston County, and settled a home. This place was the home of his boyhood, youth, and early manhood. His father was a Texas pioneer, being one of the first citizens of the county. In 1861 the unfortunate rebellion came up, and Frank, though but sixteen years old, was thrilled with the spirit that thrilled and animated the heart of every true Southern man, and when the call was made for volunteer to enlist in defense of what was believed to be Southern rights, he promptly enlisted under Capt. R. S. Pridgen, Company H., Green's Regiment, Sybley's Brigade. lie served his country creditable and nobly for more than four years, came home under the white flag with "the boys in grey," and, like his comrades, shorn of all but a brave record and noble manhood.
The four years hard schooling had thoroughly prepared him to grapple with stern adversity, and naturally possessing pluck and energy, he entered actively into the graver responsibilities of life. He purchased wild lands on North Elkhart Creek, opened a farm and made his start. In a few years he entered single handed into the mercantile business, first at Pleasant Hill, but much more extensively at Grapeland soon after it sprang up, and prosecuted his business with great energy and success, still running his farming interest. Realizing that it was not good to be alone, he soon arranged a comfortable abode for a helpmate and sought the hand of Sarah, the oldest daughter of Rheuben Matthews, deceased, one of the oldest and best citizens of Houston County. Soon a lovely infant girl was born to them, and their happiness was increased;
but alas! a disease fastened upon the young mother and she was taken from him, leaving to him his little daughter Luna, who has grown to womanhood and survives him. He lived alone several years with his little daughter before he sought in wedlock again, the hand of Miss Willie, youngest daughter of the deceased and higly lamented Dr. F. C. Meriwether, whose name is a household word for most families in Houston County. They were married and he found himself happy again. Some two years previous to his death, he invested in property in the town of Waxahachie, Ellis County, Texas, where he had made valuable resident improvements, and had moved there with his family to live.
He leaves a devoted wife and two promising daughters to mourn his early demise. In conclusion we shed a tear of sympathy and say in tenderness 


find relief in tears, and comfort in trusting Him who doeth all things well. Amen!

G. M. Hollingsworth Grapeland, Texas February 15, 1890