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Title: Obituary in Macon Beacon, 3 May 1873 and a eulogy of unknown date and origin by E. E. Hamilton. (Macon Beacon, Macon, Mississippi)
Page: May 12, 1933 Pg 1
Text: "An Old Citizen Gone Mr. Jas. Eckford, an old and esteemed citizen of this place, died last week, aged 72.
Mr. Eckford was well known in Lowndes Co. and Noxubee as a merchant and planter. We have few such men to spare. His social qualities, his integrity, and his religious character, were all so well defined and recognized that the whole community feel his loss as that of a good citizen and an upright man."
No title
" James Eckford, son of Dr. John and Mary E. Eckford, a Scotchman by birth, was reared and educated principally in North Alabama, where his parents finally settled on coming to this country. He was taken sick about the 1st of January, and died at his residence, near Macon, Miss., April 25, 1873. My fist acquaintance with him was made during his last sickness. I visited him often; always found him composed and patient. He gave abundant evidence of strong faith in Christ, saying to me, on my first visit, early in January, that he had lived with reference to the hour which seemed then to be so near at hand; that he had early in life made choice of what he conceived to be correct principles, and had endeavored to be governed by them in the discharge of all the duties of life, and now he felt ready to die. A few days before his death I visited him in company with Bishop Kavanaugh, who was visiting Macon at the time. The Bishop conversed with him as to his hopes beyond the grave. He assured the Bishop that his way was clear, that he felt anxious to depart and be with Christ; he hoped however to have patience to wait the Lord's time. When Bishop Kavanaugh prayed with him, he asked that he would speak slowly and articulate distinctly, that he might be able to hear. His request was strictly complied with, and I noted his lips moving, along with each petition, and at the close he wispered a distinct and hearty amen. I was in his room at the time he died --the death article was deeply interesting and very impressive. Although unable to converse, having lost the power of speech, he gave every evidence of the full possession of all his mental powers. By a very great effort he called the name of his son, Bob, and made signs of his desire to be raised up on his bed. He was immediately raised to a sitting position, with his head resting upon my hand. There was a marked expression of Christian courage and triumph on the features of his face, as it grew pale in death, and in the light of his eyes, as they were dimmed by the darkness of the valley thorugh he was passing. Without a struggle or a sigh he gently, softly breathed his last, and the ministering angels accompanied his spirit, thus calmly, peacefully dismissed from the body, home to heaven and to God. The deceased was the father of nine children by his first marriage, and one by the last. His first wife and three of her children preceded him to the grave. He was for over forty years a member of the church; a man of great firmness, sterling integrity, an active, leading citizen for many years of his life, and an exemplary Christian. He loved his Church and his country. He leaves the heritage of a good name to his family and friends. I need say no more.
E. E. Hamilton"
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