Major Lemuel Dillard was born in Laurens district, S. C., December 25th, 1801, and died at his residence in Bartow county, Georgia, to which state he removed in November, 1849, December 12th, A. D., 1883. He was 48 years old when he became a citizen of this state, and had he lived until the 25th of December, 1883, he would have been eighty two years old. About forty-two years ago he became a member of the Baptist church, in whose communion he lived until the day of his death. Thus has passed away from our midst a gentleman widely known and highly appreciated and loved by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Always kind and gentle in his manners, warmly attached to his many friends, and beloved by his numerous descendants, he has left behind him a void not easily repaired. The calm and quiet life of the country was always his, and although always taking a decided and not uninfluential interest in public affairs, yet the peaceful and independent occupation of a vigorous and successful farmer engaged his attention. At his home in the country, among its fields and fruits and flowers, in the bosom of his family, surrounded by kind, appreciating neighbors, he spent his quiet and useful days until God called him from the trials of life below to the exalted glories of the life to come. A life without reproach, a death of conquering faith was his. His death, though regretted, was not unexpected by his friends and family, and was looked for by himself with Christian patience and hopeful faith for many months before his decease. Much afflicted in person, with weakening faculties, both of body and of mind, he calmly awaited the summons which should call him away, and at last, when failing Nature had warned him of his end, with confident, Christian faith triumphantly he met the last enemy, and went down the valley without a fear, to the beautiful city beyond. Leaving the communion of the church militant on earth he has doubtless joined the church triumphant in heaven. We loved the man, and we love his memory. May the companionship and friendship we had with him and for him on earth be renewed in the future which awaits us all—
“Beyond this vale of tears,
There is a life above;
Unmeasured by the flight of years
And all that life is love.”