F. P."Pate" BRISTOW

Girard Gazette (6 April 1905, page 5 column 3 "Local and Personal."):

Uncle Peyton Bristow, for many years a resident of this neighborhood and known to all the older people, and whose letters from Nebraska to the Gazette, were so eagerly read by all those who knew him, is no more on the field of action. He died last week at his home, near Curtis, Neb., aged 93 years. The deceased was a Kentuckian by birth, but after attaining manhood came to Illinois, settling in the timber west of us, where he resided until he had reached the age of almost three score and ten, when he moved to Nebraska, where he has since resided. He had been entirely blind for the past three years, and so feeble that he could not help himself, no doubt death was a welcome visitor to him. His children here have the sympathy of our people in this hour of sorrow.

Girard Gazette (13 April 1905, page 1 column 3):

From Curtis Nebraska

Curtis, Neb., April 4th, 1905.

Mr. Editor:--

It falls upon me to inform the friends of F. P. Bristow or Uncle Pate as he is better known through the columns of your paper of his death which occurred March 27th, 1905, at 10 p. m. Age 92 years.

As it is well known that he has been blind for three years and very feeble, and death has been almost daily expected. His son Ed noticed Saturday that he was growing worse and would not leave the house. We wired for his son and step son, Rev. J. J. Bristow and R. A. Covey, but they did not get here until he was dead. He sat in his chair until an hour before he died he called for his supper and ate hearty, more so than usual. He died an hour later without a struggle.

The funeral was preached at the house Wednesday at 2:00 p. m. and he was buried at Curtis cemetery. Mother Bristow is very feeble and was not able to attend the funeral.

Thos. J. Headley.

Mortuary

The subject of this sketch Francis Payton Bristow was born in Shelbyville Ky. on Feb. 13, 1813 and died March 27th, 1905 being 92 years 1 month and 14 days. In 1842 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Jane Jones of his native town, to this union child was born a boy, she only lived 18 months and the baby died soon after its mother. In 1847 he was merried the sec[?] [fold] of Nashville Tenn. and by th[?] union 7 children were born all boys 3 died in infancy the other 4 living to be men one H. C. died in August 1897 the other three are still living J. J. of Edgar Neb. F. P. and J. W. of Girard Ill. In 1859 his second wife died leaving him with 4 small children. again married Sarah A[?] Covey and to them 6 children was born 2 girls and 4 boys. One girl Sarah Lee died when 5 years of age. The rest all lived to be grown. In 1902 Evert [sic] died leaving 4 to mourn with the mother the loss of father.

They are, E. E. and C. C. also Mrs. J. J. Wiseman of Curtis, and Orvil of Washington.

Besides these there were four children born to Mrs. Covey by her first marriage who were raised by them. Mrs. T. J. Headley and J. M. Covey of Curtis and Robert Andrew of Orleans, Neb. also W. F. Covey of Franklin, Ill. By their marriage were born 18 children, 55 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

In 1851 Mr. Bristow removed from his native state, Kentucky to Illinois, and in 1890 with his last set of children and his companion he came to Nebraska and has since resided near Curtis.

He was a stout, robust active man and lived an active life until three years ago he lost his eyesight and from then until the time of his death he was totally blind and helpless but was carefully and patiently taken care of by his companion who, although feeble herself, took the best of care of him until death took him from earth and his eyes were opened in another world, while his companion was left to mourn and suffer a little while and then to be taken to her reward, may God keep and bless her in her weakness and loneliness.

The above was written by Rev. J. J. Bristow and was read at the funeral by the minister.

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