Wayne County Press
June 13, 1878
p1, c6

THOMAS GASTON was born, Dec. 29, 1838; died May 31, 1878,  aged 39 years, 5 months, and 2 days.  Brother Gaston had been in feeble health for several years.  A few months since he was taken worse and was confined to the house.  His disease increasing he was confined to his bed.  He then began to make preparations for death.  A few days before he died he sent for the writer to whom he expressed his willingness to die and his trust in God;  He wanted me to preach at his house and take him into the church and baptise him.  Two days after he was transplanted from the church militant to the church triumphant.  While dying, he said, "death has no sting.  Is not a dying bed soft?'

Brother Gaston leaves a mother, one brother, one orphan boy, and a great many friends to mourn his loss.  But their loss is his eternal gain.

Life's labors done, as sinks the day;
Light from its load the spirit flies.
While heaven and earth unite to say
How blest the righteous when he dies.

R.D. ELLIS