William L. Ingram. oldest son of Elkanah T. and Matilda. A. Ingram. was born May 16, 1844, and departed this life August, 1, 1912.

 

He was twice married, first. to Miss Sarah R.Turner. This union was blessed with one son, who died in infancy, and one daughter, Mrs. Nora Kelly, of Floyd Co., Va.

 

His second marriage was to Miss Emeline Robertson, and of this union one son was born, but  he died several years ago.

 

He was a loyal Confederate soldier in Co. F of the 14th Virginia Calvery under Captain Wm. Smith, from Montgomery County. He always enjoyed conversing with his comrades and friends about the hard struggle and sufferings of the soldiers from 1861 to 1865.

 

By hard work and saving he had plenty about him and was very hospital toward the public generally.

 

Though, not a member, he was a firm believer in the Primitive Baptist doctrine, and went to hear them preach as long as he was able, and often seemed revived, His intention was to follow in the old "Landmarks which the fathers hath set." He grieved much because of the departure of some, who followed after the things that caused strife and confusion. He was first cousin to my mother; I was at Payne’s Creek Church on the first Sunday in July. His mind was quite clear and he told me the reason of his hope of heaven.  His talk of the pathway of all in nature to the bringing in by grace where is realized the nothingness of the efforts of poor frail man, and of the power, mercy and love of God's forgiving Spirit through Jesus Christ the savior of sinners, but he said he had prayed for a brighter evidence of a hope and mentioned how comforting the preaching of Elders Q. D. Weeks, Peter Corn and others had been to him; and, yet, he never joined the church lest he should deceive those whom he esteemed as being better than himself.

 

His last illness was of several mouths, during which time he was well cared for by his devoted companion and daughter, and other relatives, whom, with several grand children, four sisters and four brothers, he left behind to mourn. But we say, to all: Weep not, for your loss is internal gain. No doubt, when the breath left the mortal body, his spirit took, it’s flight to immortal glory and bliss; and there, in the image of, Jesus, he is singing praises to Christ who is our song, and will ever be in the presence of the Lord.

 

May each of us, who are left behind, be given sustaining grace to look unto the same God: and in the end, to sing:

 

"Jesus; can make the dying bed

Feel soft as downy pillows are,

While on his breast we lean our head

And breathe our life out sweetly there.

 

J.G. L.HASH

Endicott. Virginia.