FROM DAYS GONE BY FEB. 2, 1918

Febuary 2, 1918.
The following is an interesting letter written by John W. Smith concerning his sick brother and other Johnson County friends.
Dear sirs:
Will you please give space in your valuable columns for a few words which I wish to say about my recent visit to this county.
On learning that my aged brother Daniel S. Smith of this county was quite sick, I left my home in Savannah and hasten to his bedside, 130 miles away and found him seriously sick, suffering from a serious stomach trouble which took about 5 days heavy treatment from one of our best doctors to relieve him with one dozen or more doses of medicine per day, but after two weeks of good nursing by his wife who was always on hand to the minute with his medicine and nourishment according to directions, he had improved so I felt safe to leave him in the hands of God who doeth all things well and return to my family and I have just heard from him, he is doing nicely and I trust that he will soon be well again.
I rejoice to know of his acceptance he feels with his God and I cannot find words to express the pleasure of my visit to my old home and community where I first saw light and where the Lord met me the first time and where I spent the days of my childhood. All of which I have many pleasant recollections and while there I met many old friends and relatives several of whom have long since passed their three score years and ten, who are veterans of the church of God, who spoke of their acceptance with God: viz Captain A. C. Flanders and B. J. Moxley of Adrian who have suffered serious afflictions for quite a while, but waiting the masters call. Also James W. Carter and W. D. Smith of Scott, who are also ready and through the kindness of my nephew William R. Smith who took me in his car and carried me to see two of my old neighbors Jacob T. and John W. Snell.
I spent a short but pleasant and happy hour with them and best of all they told me of their strong faith in God. I never shall forget their declarations and J. Marvin Smith, my nephew took me in his car to see two of my old cousins, Wright Sumner and Fredrick Carter who are seriously afflicted and said they did not have long to stay here but told us where to go find them.
After they were gone, and while writing this article, received a letter from my nephew that cousin Fed has passed over the river, and in the language of General Stonewall Jackson, is resting under the shade of the trees. May we all follow the example of these good men.
Before leaving for home, I called on my old friend, Barnabas Garnto. He spoke of his strong faith in God. He and his beloved wife furnished me something nice to take home with me.
Yours very respectively, John W. Smith.