John M. Raysor
This photograph was in the possession of Mary Emma Chiles Bennett,
granddaughter of John Michael Raysor, Sr. It is labeled "John M. Raysor".
It is believed to be John Michael Raysor, Sr.,
 b. May 23, 1812 in Colleton County, SC;   d. September 10, 1863 in Jefferson County, FL


Obituary of John M. Raysor
     Died suddenly of apoplexy at his residence in Jefferson County, Fla. on Thursday morning, Sept. 10th, 1863, John M. Raysor, in the 52d year of his age.  The deceased was born in Colleton Dist., S.C.;  he emigrated to this state in 1846, and settled in Jefferson County, where he resided at the time of his death.  In early life he became a member of the M. E. Church, of which he remained a consistent member until his death.  He was identified with the politics of his state, and took an active part in the nullification and other political questions which agitated that state during his residence there, and was elected to the Legislature in 1842, and served two years.  An ardent secessionist, he used all his influence in bringing about withdrawal of this state from the Union.  At the commencement of the present war he was elected Colonel of a regiment of State troops, but was compelled to resign soon after on account of his health - the commencement of the disease which resulted in his death.  The deceased was universally esteemed for his urbane manners and gentlemanly deportment; but his virtues are better known to those who were intimately acquainted with him.  A consistent Christian, a kind and affectionate husband and father, a sincere friend.  leaves a wife and children and a large number of friends to mourn his death.He is gone - gone to the bourne from whence no traveller ever returns, and -  ____

"Where sickness, sorrows, pain and death,
Are felt and feared no more."

Our loss is his gain.  Requiescat in pace.



Another Obituary:

     Colonel John M. Raysor, was born in Colleton District, South Carolina, May 23, 1812, was converted and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church May 23, 1842, and died September 10, 1863.

     He served two years in the Legislature of South Carolina, removed to Jefferson County, Florida, in 1846, and early in the present war raised a company for the defense of his native South, and was elected Colonel of a regiment of State Troops, but had to resign soon after on account of ill health.  He was a man of high intellect, ardent in his attachments, highly respected and devotedly loved, affectionate as a husband and a father, and a kind master, caring for the souls of his servants.  He was consistent in his walk as a professor of religion, and active and liberal in support of the Gospel.  Although he died of apoplexy, the summons was not unexpected, nor found him unprepared.  In conversation with his brother Alfred, a few days previously, he remarked that he was living in constant expectation of death, and knew that the call would be sudden (he had two stokes of apoplexy) but he hoped he was ready.  His life, for more than 21 years, as a Christian gives as strong assurance of his being at rest with Jesus as any words he might have spoken in a dying hour.
 

Contributed by Chuck Bennett

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