In the early morn, Friday, September 3, 1943, the death angel so softly and silently floated through our midst and upon its wings bore away the soul of a kindly man who had ever had the opportunity of being numbered among his acquaintance. Few knew him by the name his parents gave him, but was known as Uncle Eck. James Alexander (Uncle Eck) Black, son of William A. and Margaret Black, was born near Fairfield, Freestone County, Texas September 20,1859. He was one of a large family, and together with his many brothers and sisters, lived in the old home near Fairfield until he was grown. In the year 1875, he married to Miss Ida Gilpin. To this union was born six children, four of whom are deceased. Two sons, John A. of Alto and Andy J. of Easterly, Texas survive. A few short years after their marriage, his first wife was laid to rest and he and the small boys buffeted lifes battles alone, until November 3, 1887, when he was married to Miss Sue Creason, Aunt Sue, as she is now lovingly known. Aunt Sue assumed the responsibility of mother to the small boys at the tender age of 17 years. Uncle Eck and Aunt Sue lived happily together for almost fifty-six years, and to them was born four children, three of whom are deceased. One daughter, Mrs. Minnie Fulbright of Dallas, Texas, survives. Another daughter, it is said that the other two were twins. Uncle Eck and Aunt Sue moved to Alto in 1910 and have made this their home since that time. Besides his wife, two sons and one daughter, he leaves fifteen grand-children, twenty-one great-grandchildren, three brothers, namely, Tim Black of Gatesville, Texas, Horace Black of Willington, Texas, Rev. John Black of Zavalla,Texas and a host of nephews and nieces, a great number of whom are nephews and nieces by adoption. His friends are numbered by his acquaintances, he loved everybody,and had a cordial and cheery word for each and everyone whom he met. He especially loved young people and his greatest delight was to see young people enjoy themselves. He entered enthusiastically into the spirit of any occasion where there was fun and merriment. He was never known to drawl and bemoan the fact that the young people have gone to the bad these day. The path of life was a long and rugged journey, strewn with heartaches and sorrow, together with his portion of joy and happiness. Uncle Eck possessed a heart as tender as that of a child and an unbounded sympathy for suffering in any form. When he found a fellow man, regardless of creed or color, who was in need of help in any way, no sacrifice was too great for him to make to aid one in trouble. He was a real samaritan in deed and in truth. To say farewell to a departing loved one pierced his heart through and through. A loving wife in early life passed on. He said farewell to seven sons and daughters of his own. Sad farewells were said to numerous others of his relatives and dearly beloved friends. When his time came, no man ever bore his affliction with more fortitude. He suffered ill health for years and for seven long weeks he was seriously ill. He talked to his loved ones and told them he was going and that he was ready to go. Uncle Eck accepted Jesus Christ as his redeemer and lived his religion in his every deed. The Lord knoweth them that are his. Let us not grieve for our loved one, he is resting in peace, awaiting his blessed reward. A niece CARD OF THANKS. We wish to express our heart felt gratitude to each and every one who was so kind to us during the illness and death of our dear husband and father. May God bless you is our prayer. Mrs. E. K. Black, Mr. and Mrs. Jno A. Black, Mr.And Mrs. Andy J. Black, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Fulbright. The Alto Herald, Alto, Texas, September 16, 1943.