Little Anna Gertrude: Heaven Resounds with Her Hallelujahs of Joy

There is great detail in the stone placed for Anna Gertrude Powers, the ten year old daughter of Virgil and Ann Powers. Anna is represented (a likeness?) and being carried to Heaven by two angels. Notice the finger pointing upward of one of the angels, as well as their tendrils of hair. And notice the cross necklace Anna is wearing. It's a beautiful sculpture. Below the image is a detailed obituary for little Anna, who died of Scarlet Fever.

Anna Gertrude
eldest daughter of Virgil & Ann E. Powers
was born in Washington Co, April 12th, 1848
died in Fort Valley March 11th, 1859

DIED.
Of Scarlet Fever, in Fort Valley, Ga., on the 11th of March, Anna G., eldest daughter of Virgil and Ann E. Powers, aged ten years and eleven months.

Thus hath God in his infinite wisdom taken from earth one of its fairest and loveliest flowers, to transplant it in the beautiful garden of eternal love and glory.

Possessed of a bright and sparkling intellect -- quick and tender sensibilities -- an affectionate disposition and winning manners, Anna won her way irresistibly to the hearts of all who knew her. -- She was the pride of a fond father's heart, the cherished object of a mother's love -- her teacher's boast, and the dearest companion of her schoolmates. Now God is her Father and Teacher -- angels her companions -- and heaven resounds with her hallelujahs of joy.

Those taper fingers which lightly glided over the keys of her piano, now strike, with bold, angelic hand, harp-strings sweetly echoing the music of heaven. That sweet voice just maturing here, now swells the angelic choir of the Eternal -- yea, she revels in the delights of the paradise of God.

We mourn not for her as those without hope, but bow submissively to the chastening rod, feeling that the Judge of all the earth must do right. "He gave, He took, He will restore. He doeth all things well." [Macon Weekly Telegraph (Georgia), 12 April 1859, pg. 3]

*Above photo © 2008-2013 S. Lincecum

In His Life There Came Neither Stain nor Reproach

Photo by James Allen

DEATH OF VIRGIL POWERS

A GOOD MAN WHO FILLED MANY IMPORTANT OFFICES.
MACON, Ga., June 20. -- Virgil Powers, State railroad commissioner, public works commissioner of the city of Macon, member of the Bibb county board of education, and trustee of the Georgia Academy for the Blind, died this morning at 10:40 o'clock after several months of illness, at the age of seventy five years. He was for many years superintendent of the Southwestern railroad and also commissioner of the Southern Railway and Steamship Association. He was one of the best known railroad men and leading citizens of the State. The funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon at 5 o'clock. [Columbus Daily Enquirer (Georgia), 21 June 1894, pg. 1]

Virgil and his wife, Ann E. Jenkins, both rest in Rose Hill Cemetery. Virgil was born 9 May 1819 and died 20 June 1894. Ann was born 22 November 1821 and died 23 January 1897.

Ella Powers Reddy (1845-1908)

Image by James Allen

Ella was laid to rest in the Eglantine Square section of Rose Hill Cemetery. Her husband, Robert J. Reddy, was the lot owner.

Ella was the daughter of Milton Homer Powers (1817-1855) and Mary E. Wilson (1822-1870). Ella was also the mother-in-law of Lillie Bell Reddy. Here is Ella's obituary:

Macon Weekly Telegraph, Georgia
3 January 1908
(Viewed online at GenealogyBank.)

Deaths
REDDY
The death of Mrs. Ella Powers Reddy occurred at the family residence, 318 Hydrola street, yesterday morning at 9:30 o'clock, after an illness of several weeks. The deceased was in her 63rd year.

Mrs. Reddy was born in Effingham County, Georgia, and was the relict of the late Robert J. Reddy. She was a resident of Macon for over two score years, coming here in 1864, shortly after the death of her husband.

Mrs. Reddy is survived by two sons, Messrs. A. G. and Robert M. Reddy, of Macon, and four daughters, Mrs. T. R. Cooper, of Savannah, and Mrs. Clarence Denicke and Mrs. B. F. Boutwell and Miss Sara Reddy, of this city; also one brother, Mr. A. K. Powers, Tusculum, Ga., and four sisters, Mrs. J. R. Collins, Mrs. M. R. Denton, Mrs. F. E. Gugel and Mrs. V. A. Menard, of Macon.

The funeral will take place from the residence this afternoon at 3 o'clock, Rev. Perry Lee officiating. Interment will be in Rose Hill cemetery.

It should be noted that the notion of Ella coming to Macon "shortly after the death of her husband" is inaccurate. The line should reference a time period after the marriage of Robert and Ella. They were wed 7 June 1864 in Effingham County, and Robert died at Macon in 1901.