He . . .

HAD HIS COFFIN READY

The Richmond correspondent of the Petersburg Index-Appeal, in the Sunday edition of that paper, says: A strange story was brought here to day from New Kent, the truth of which is vouched for. Last week Mr. J.H. Christian, an eccentric old gentleman, was taken very ill, and he thought he could not recover. He sent to Tunstall's for and undertaker to come and take his measure for a coffin, which was done. The casket was made and taken to Mr. Christian, who approved it. He is now much better and will recover, but will keep the coffin until he needs it.

 -Times (Roanoke)August 20, 1895


Interestingly, there are two "J. H. Christian"s buried at Emmaus Baptist Church. There is  John Harris Christian Jr. who died July 30, 1897 but who was only 42 in 1895 and so you would not think would qualify as "an eccentric old gentleman." The other is John H. Christian( John Harris' father?) who passed at 73 . . . on October 12, 1895.
So he was off by 50 days?