Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Home
He had more than two years before had written his own epitaph:
To My Loved Ones and Friends
Weep not for me now I am gone. The same hand that has led me through life's scenes so severe has kindly assisted me home.
The above might be placed on whatever marks the spot whever my body might be laid to rest.
R.R. Haynes
This September 28, 1914
Here, too, is a last message that was found, with which it may be fitting to close this imperfect sketch of a man who sleeps well at Cliffside Cemetery among the operatives and other friends who had loved and labored for him:
“If you're ever going to love me,
Love me now while I can know
All the sweet and tender feeling
Which from real affection flow.
Love me now while I am living,
Do not wait till I am gone
And then chisel it in marble
Warm love words on ice cold stone.“If you've dear sweet thoughts about me
Why not whisper them to me?
Don't you know 'twould make me happy
And as glad as glad could be?
If you wait till I am sleeping
Ne'er to waken here again,
There'll be walls of earth between us
And I couldn't hear you then.”He was named Raleigh Rutherford for his State and county and he had brought honor to both.
Reprinted with permission from The Charlotte Observer. Copyright owned by The Charlotte Observer.
Our thanks to Buzz Biggerstaff, Dena Watkins Chandler and Myles Haynes, Jr. for contributing material for this article.
Copyright © 2008 The Cliffside Historical Society
