FRIEND WRITES OF THE DEATH OF B. MATTHEWS… Reviews Early Life Of

Ex-American Legion Head… For a hundred years the Matthews family have

been prominent citizens in the prarie section of Franklin Parish. Near

Fort Necessity amid old Southern surroundings three generations of this

splendid family have lived and wrought. There on the plantation on

Saturday, August 23rd, Blanks, youngest son of T.J. and Mrs. Matthews,

accidentally met his death.

Blanks was one of the finest men of my acquaintance. Reared in an

environment typical of the aristocracy of the Old South and educated in

our best institutions of learning, his was the charm and dignity

representative of our best traditions, but unfortunately fast

disappearing from our land.

Though only thirty four years of age Blanks was already coming into

prominence as a leader in the church and Community affairs. By

environment, training and personality he seemed peculiarly fitted to

follow the footsteps of the family, always leaders, and take up the

various responsibilities if citizenship and the call of duty. His work as

a Steward in Boeuf Prarie Church on which board he served during the past

year, was such as to command honorable mention. He was proud of the

privilege of serving on the Board of his Church, and he brought his

splendid energy, intellect and spirit into the cause. How sorely we shall

miss him in the months to come only those who worked with him can fully

understand.

In 1917 at the call of his Country's need Blanks joined the Navy where

he served throughout the war. He was prominent in membership and

officially in the Winnsboro Post of the American Legion, and was buried

with full military honors on Monday, August 25th by the comrades of his

post.

To mourn his untimely death Blanks leaves his parents, Mr. and Mrs.

T.J. Matthews of Extension, La., three sisters and one brother. We do not

understand the workings of Providence. Life seemed to hold the best in

opportunity and responsibility for this noble young man. The world and

church have all too few such characters as was he. We bow our heads in

reverent and humble submission to Almighty God. We know He makes no

mistakes and that the veil which hides from our earthly eyes the secret

of His mysterious workings will be lifted at last and we who trust and

love Him shall understand. With hope and faith and patience we shall

await the uplifting. We commit the soul of our friend and brother to God

who gave it, resting calmly in the quiet assurance that we will meet him

once again in the realm where is no parting, and where God Himself shall

wipe the tears from all faces.

Hail, Brother, and Farewell.

Farewell, Brother, and Hail.

Elmer C. Gunn

Nathan Blanks Matthews