Below is copy of article given to me by Dale Dotson in 1997:



Wharton Creek, AR
November 15, 1897

Nearly twenty-three years ago G.B. Dotson left his native country and went to the far West. He settled in Union County, Oregon, where he now resides. In October, 1897, he returned on a visit to his Dear old Mother (Mary "Polly" Reno Dotson). Who is now 84 years old, and his brothers and sisters, and other relatives, whom he had not seen for so long.

When he arrived at Willis Phillips's where his mother lives, there was a happy meeting. Many of his relatives and friends visited him there. We were rejoiced in the fact that he was a Christian, and belonged to the M E Church.

Since he left here two of his sisters have died. He found three sisters living and all made him a big dinner and brought it to where his Mother lived. A long table was prepared. His Mother, three sisters, one brother , three brothers-in-law and thirty-five nephews and nieces, besides friends were around the table. Reuben L. Phillips gave thanks unto the Lord for his many blessings, and all did eat and were merry and glad.

On November 8, there was a meeting where G.B.'s Mother lives, conducted by the Rev. Willis Phillips. The text was taken from the seventh Chapter of Revelations. And the blessings of God were in our midst. After services were over, G.B. bid his Dear old Mother farewell, never to see her any more in this world. And as he bid us all good bye the little children ran and threw their arms around his neck and kissed him.

There were many a prayer for his safe journey home to his wife and children in Oregon.

Mrs. Dotson, the Mother of the subject of this sketch is now very old and her earnest prayers are that her beloved children will live so that they may meet her in heaven, where all tears shall be wiped away, and parting be no more. And then they will know the depth of a Mother's love.

Can a boy forget his Mother's prayers,
Tho he has wandered, God knows where,
Down the path of sin and shame,
His Mother's prayers are heard the same.