Died at the residence in Jefferson county, on Monday, the 17th inst., Peter Cluck, in the 70th year of his age. The deceased was a native of Botetourt county, Virginia and emigrated to this country at an early day, where he participated in the difficulties that surrounded the early settlers.

In relation to his private character, it is only necessary to say that during his whole life he sustained an unblemished moral reputation, always giving his sanction and approval to truth and honesty and ready at all times to discountenance falsehood and error, he was a kind husband, an indulgent father, an affectionate brother and an accommodating and obliging friend and neighbor. But this was not all, he was a Christian and by his daily walk and conversation, exhibited a convincing manifestation that he had the witness of the spirit, that he was born of God. Many years ago he embraced the Christian religion and attached himself to the Methodist Church, in which for more than 27 year he was a class leader.

Although sorely afflicted for several months previous to his death, he never was heard to murmur, but bore his afflictions with becoming Christian fortitude and resignation. A short time before his death, when it was evident that his earthly pilgrimage was nearly closed and when greatly enfeebled by the loss of physical strength, but possessing the full enjoyment of all his mental faculties, he would say he was ready, oh that the silver cord could be loosed. A short time before he died, he was asked what were his prospects, he responded: "Brighter and brighter." And in his last moments he exclaimed "oh happy, happy!" Thus he died and while the mortal body was left to be deposited in the silent tomb, his departed spirit, it is confidently believed has taken its flight to the blest mansions prepared for the people of God. . .

Knoxville Register, Wednesday, February 26, 1845

Transcribed by Robert McGinnis and used with permission.