From "The Elberton Star"; Sept. 13, 1900

A LOVING TRIBUTE.

 

The Life and Labors of T. C. Burch Fittingly Honored.

 

Brethren: -- An all wise providence has again entered our ranks and removed therefrom one of our brightest lights and most beloved brothers.  In humble submission we strive to endorse the dispensation, and to emulate the exemplary life with which he fitted himself for the final leave and crowning scene.  May we ever cherish his sacred memory, pattern after his virtuous life and preserve unsullied the bright heritage he has left to each one of us.

 

Brother Thomas Carlton Burch who was the eldest son and child of James J. and Mary Eades Burch, was born in Elbert county, Georgia, August 17th, 1832.  He died July 22nd, 1900, having attained the age of 67 years, 11 months and 5 days.  In April, 1856, he was married to Miss Mattie F. Alexander, who was also a native of and reared in the same county.  She, with nine children yet survive him.

 

About the same time of his marriage he was connected with this Lodge and until his death continued an industrious and zealous member of the fold.  When death came he gave his immortal soul to Him from whom he received it and assigned his mortal to his brethren of this Lodge for their last sad duty in conveying dust to dust.

 

In March, 1862, he entered the Confederate service as a member of the 9th Georgia battalion.  In the fall of the same year, the 3rd and 9th battalions were united and made the 37th Georgia, with which he served as quartermaster until the end of the war in 1865.  No one in that eventful conflict attained and merited a higher character of faithfulness to duty, kindness to his comrades, and loyalty to the lost cause, than Captain Burch of the

37th.  His family, his friends and his mystic brethren all have just cause for pride, comfort and consolation, when we recall his life as a Mason, a citizen and a soldier.  In 1867 he united with the Methodist church and until his death continued under its fold and co-operated in every possible way to promote its cause and live up to its teachings and its enjoyment.

 

His death causes a vacancy in the ranks of society, of the church and in our lodge that will not soon be supplied.  We shall miss brother Burch in every sphere of life.  While we try to bow with becoming resignation to this general and sad affliction, let us gather comfort from the recollection and assurance that our loss is his priceless gain.

 

This committee asks that this feeble but deserved tribute may be entered upon our minutes, published in the papers of the county and a copy sent his breaved and beloved widow and children.

 

John P. Shannon.

Wm. H. Mattox.

Thomas A. Jones.

Committee.