Sunday's Obituary: Phillip A. Hairston

Phillip A. Hairston, my great-grandfather

Phillip A. Hairston, son of John L. and Eliza Hairston was born on May 17, 1852 in Hinds County, Mississippi. He relocated with his family to Falls County, Texas after the Civil War.  There he married Lodema Walker Criswell, born in Cherokee County, Texas, and the daughter of William Moore Criswell and Mary Ann “Polly” Evans. 

Phillip and Lodema had two children; a boy who died at birth and Johnie Myrtlene "Myrtie" Hairston, my grandmother.  Phillip and Lodema moved to Erath County, Texas in about 1882 and in 1905 moved to Baylor County, Texas where they spent the remainder of their days. 

P. A. Hairston

Mr. P. A. Hairston was born in Vicksburg, Miss., May 17, 1852; died at his home in Seymour Nov. 9, 1917.  He lived in Mississippi until he was 14 years of age, when he came with his parents to Falls county.  Here he grew to manhood and was married January 3, 1872 to Miss Lodema Criswell.  Mrs. R. E. Bryan of this city is their only living child, a son having died in infancy.  They moved to Erath county in 1883 and living there till about 11 years ago, when they moved to Baylor county.  Me. Hairston was converted and united with the Oakdale Baptist church about 27 years ago.

Mr. Hairston had not been a strong man,.  In his youth he was in robust health. but two attacks of pneumonia left an enfeebled body which never became strong again.  However, he led an active life inwhatever he was able to do and by good management had acquired a competency for himself and wife in their declining years.  He had purchased a home in Seymour, where he meant to spend the remainder of his life, but no one dreamed of that time being so short.  The night he and his wife moved into their home the doctor had to be called for a severe pain in Mr. Hairston’s side.  He later went to Mineral Wells, where it was eventually determined that he had cancer of the kidney.  The disease developed rapidly, but the power of resistance was strong and the end did not come until the frame was too emaciated to hold the spirit.

Mr. Hairston suffered a great deal but did not complain.  Thro out his life he showed a disposition that was kindly and mindful of his fellow man.  His benevolence showed itself in the care which he and his wife gave to several orphan children whom they took in their home.  His was a cheerful disposition, and he made many friends among the people of this county.  We would have liked for him to stay with u longer bu the Father knows best and has good things in store for him in the home which shall be his through eternity.

                                            Baylor County Banner - November 22, 1917

Diana

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