Died at his residence near Cusseta Chambers County, Alabama, on the 6th of September, 1855, Derryl Hart, who was born in Edgefield District, S.C. March 9, 1789. He was married to Miss Jane Pitts in 1815 with whom he lived in great harmony, and raised one daughter and eight sons. He was baptized at Little Stephen's Church, by Elder Samuel Worthington in August 1832, his wife having been baptised in Little Stephen Creek by Bro. B. Manly in 1824. . In 1835 soon after moving to this state, he joined in the constitution of Bethesda Baptist Church, of which he remained a member in full fellowship up to the time of his death.
Though a very examplary member, yet for some years bro. Hart was quite timid, and backward about engaging in family and public prayer, but as he grew stronger in faith, he manifested more zeal and interest in his Heavenly Father's Cause, and took up his cross with a good degree of cheerfulness, engaging in family worship, and joining his brethren in prayer meetings and other religious data. For several years pevious to his death he was ready to talk on religious experience, and other kindred subjects whenever an opportunity occurred, clearly manifesting that his light grew brighter and brighter, as age and infirmity increased. His last illness was of several weeks duration, a large portion of which time he sufered extremely, yet he bore it with christian fortitude. When conversed with about his prospects beyond the grave he said he was a sinner saved by grace, and his hope in Christ was firm to the last.
Several days before he died, he called his family together, all of his children being present but one, and gave the instructions about the disposition of his property, etc. He also especially charged and exhorted them all to meet him in heaven, particularly did he press this important matter upon his two younger sons, the only two of his children that had not made a profession of religion, he exhorted his servants likewise to meet in a better world, and expressed a similar desire for all persons, saying if there was anybody that had anything against him, he would like to see him, that there might be a reconciliation between them, it is presumable however that there were but few if any that had ought against bro. Hart, foe he was kind to the poor and needy and just with all men.
So lived and died our brother, therefore his wife, children, relatives and brethren, sorrow not as those who have no hope, but they look forward to the time of a glorious union in heaven when sorrow and separation shall be no more -- J.W.W.
"Died in Harrison County, Texas, May 11th, 1858, Mrs. Jane Hart, in the sixty-second year of her age. She was born in Edgefield District, S.C. June 24th 1796, and was married to Derryl Hart in 1815, to whom she was ever a help-meet, indeed. She removed with her husband to Chambers County, Ala. in 1835, where they reared in a happy mediocrity of fortune, a numerous and worthy family. eight sons and one daughter. She was devotedly pious; and had the great happiness before her death to see all her children professors of religion. Doubtless she has gone to the rest that remaineth for the people of God. She was devotedly pious; and had the great happiness before her death, to see all her children professors of religion. Doubtless, she has gone to the rest that remaineth for the people of God. - B.M
