Obituaries

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Monroe County Obituaries

1877

Alexander, William Raymond Alexander

Source: Spirit of Democracy, Jul 31, 1877

Died-on Sunday, the 29^th, William Raymond, infant child of William M. and Olltta O. Alexander, aged 4 months and 13 days.

Gone where the shadows of life cannot come,

Where every stranger may find a sweet home,

Severed the chain, that has bound them to earth,

Gone to the land where the soul has new birth;

Where there are treasures of beauty untold,

Rivers of silver and mountains of gold.

Weep not to miss one from earth’s weary shore,

Earth has an angel less, Heaven one more.

Ball, Nathan Ball

Source: Spirit of Democracy, October 23, 1877

DIED-near Hannibal, October 11, Nathan, son of Job and Kissiah Pear Ball, aged 60 years.

Dearest Uncle, thou hast left us,

And your loss we deeply feel;

But ‘tis God that hath bereft us-

He can all our sorrows heal.

And thus shall faith’s consoling power

The tears of love restrain;

O, who that saw thy parting hour

Could wish thee here again?

Gently the passing spirit fled,

Sustained by grace divine;

O, may such grace on us be shed,

And make our end like thine.

M. E. Pearsall

Cisne, Jonah Cisne

Source: Spirit of Democracy, May 1, 1877

(reported for the Spirit of Democracy)

FROM WAYNE COUNTY, ILLINOIS

Died---of Carcinoma, April 16, 1877Mr. Jonah Cisne, at his residence in Wayne County, Illinois.

He was born in August, 1835, in Monroe County, Ohio, where his parents and two sisters still reside. He left Monroe County nearly twenty years ago, and went to Wayne County, Illinois, where he purchased a farm. Being young and energetic, he resolved to try the dangers of the gold region s among the mountains of the West. In three years he returned to Illinois, having procured enough gold to pay for his farm, on which he resided until the time of his death.

He leaves a wife and five children, besides a host of friends, to mourn his death. If there any good men, Jonah should certainly be classed with them. He enjoyed the entire confidence of the whole circle of acquaintances, and in his death they feel the loss of an honored citizen, a good neighbor and an exemplary Christian.

He had by honest dealing and persevering industry accumulated considerable property, leaving his wife and children a good home, with enough prosperity to keep them in easy circumstances.

J. P. W.

Clark, Mrs. Mary Clark

Source: Spirit of Democracy, April 17, 1877

Died at her residence on Clark’s Creek, December 28, 1876, Mrs. Mary Clark, aged 76 years.

The deceased was born in Guernsey County, Ohio her father removing to Ohio while she was quite young, where she resided in Monroe County until 1856; then desiring to try her success in the west, she removed to Illinois and then to Kansas, where she resided until she death.

The deceased was among the first settlers of this county; she was widely known and universally respected. She was a lady of remarkable characteristics; stirring in quality,

ambitious in achievement, and honest, in purpose. Her wise counsel was ever on the side of right, her benevolent spirit was always extended in the interest of mankind, and her example to the teaching of public morals. She was a strong reasoner and at times severely criticized both men and measures. By her death the community has lost a wise counselor and a true and benevolent friend. Her bereaved family has the sincere sympathy of the entire community. B.

Clifton, Leroy Clifton

Source: Spirit of Democracy, January 1, 1878

Died-October 20, 1877, Leroy Clifton, son of James O and Elizabeth Sole, aged 1 year 6 months and 15 days.

Leroy was a bright and lovely child, and being too sweet and innocent for earth God in his goodness has taken him to adorn the Paradise above. He was taken ill about the first of October , and after three weeks of the most intense suffering from that dread disease, brain fever, was released from his sufferings and his sweet spirit took its flight to that better land where sickness and death never comes; and though our hearts are almost broken at the loss of our dear little boy, we know that our loss is his eternal gain, and we feel to thank God that his sufferings are forever at an end, and He has taken him home ore (sic) his life was stained by sin.

May God sustain us so to live that when life and its labors are o’r we may join our darling babe in fairer climes above.

Alas! How very soon is gone

A darling child;

Inim(sic) a new life is born,

Pure, undulled;

And fond hearts almost break

Hearing their woe;

Hearts that will ache and ache and ache,

While lingering here below,

Unless some messenger of light

Their way of life shall cheer,

And clearly bring to mortal sight

The angel sphere.

The earth has one less tie that binds,

One great grief more;

In heaven a new star shines,

Unknown before.

Eternity has gained

What time has lost.

Then why should kindred hearts be pained,

When time’s last wave is crossed;

When one’s most fondly loved has found,

For all the years to come,

With all the blessings that surround,

A heavenly home !

E. B.

Cline, Jane Cline

Source: Spirit of Democracy, April 10, 1877

--Jane, consort of the late David Cline, died near Graysville, Monroe County, Ohio March 28, 1877 aged 63 years and 12 days.

Only a few months ago her aged companion was taken from her to his home in the better land, and now she has gone to join him on the other shore.

Sister Cline was truly a Christian lady; so gentle and kind to all about her. In her death her children have lost a kind mother, and the community a good woman. Her loss will be deeply felt by all and most by those who knew her best. She died with a bright hope of sharing the inheritance of the saints in glory.

Just before she died she requested her children to prepare to meet her in heaven; may they heed that last request of the departed loved one.

D. G. Shirer

Eddy, Christina Eddy

Source: Spirit of Democracy, July 17, 1877

Died-May 24, 1877, of palsy or apoplexy Christina Eddy, aged 89 years, 1 month and 19 days.

She leaves a husband, eight boys and four girls, besides a numerous host of grand and great-grand, and one or two great great-grand to mourn her loss.

Sister Eddy was born on Monongahela County, West Virginia, in 1797, was married in 1812 at the age of 15 years. She remarked to me just a few days before her death, that she commenced her troubles in this world in early life. She was the mother of thirteen children, and never had but one death in the family. Her oldest child is about 63 years of age, and her youngest 36.

She attached herself to the Church of Christ near 50 years ago, and proved faithful until the end. She has fallen asleep in the arms of Jesus, and when Gabriel’s trump shall sound to awake the nations she will be one of the number who will rise first and be caught up in the air to meet the Lord, and will hear that welcome plaudit, “ enter then into the joys of the Lord.”

May the relatives and friends of the fallen prepare to meet Sister Eddy where parting will be no more. This brings to thought the following lines:

Another soldier has fallen,

Gone to rest, gone to rest,

And friends and relatives mourning,

Gone to rest, gone to rest.

Her memory we do deplore,

Gone to rest, gone to rest,

And think on her in days of yore,

Gone to rest, gone to rest.

In her youth she obeyed the Lord,

Gone to rest, gone to rest,

And trusted in His holy word,

Gone to rest, gone to rest.

She served the Lord near 50 years,

Gone to rest, gone to rest,

And all her fears within she quelled,

Gone to rest, gone to rest.

While her form has sweetly sleeping,

Gone to rest, gone to rest,

She lives again in Paradise,

Gone to rest, gone to rest.

REQUEST

O, dearest friends, weep not for me,

Gone to rest, gone to rest,

When round my grave, ye stand and gaze,

Gone to rest, gone to rest.

ANSWER

We weep for thee, dearest mother,

Gone to rest, gone to rest,

We miss thee at home, dear mother,

Gone to rest, gone to rest.

DESIRE

Soon we’ll meet no more to sever,

Gone to rest, gone to rest,

Safe in Jesus’ arms forever,

Gone to rest, gone to rest

CHORUS

When shall we meet beyond the river

Where Eden’s flowers bloom,

And never fade but always freshen

In one bright eternal noon ?

Repeat chorus

M. G. Wood

Gackenhammer, Nannie Gackenhammer

Source: Spirit of Democracy, January 1, 1878

Nannie, daughter of Lewis and Elva Gackenhammer, died in the fifth year of her age of diptheria.

She was an innocent child with a calm and quiet disposition; always seemed to partake more of an Heavenly than of an earthly spirit. She was quite a favorite in the Sabbath School, always in her place, and none more anxious to receive her paper and card from her worthy Superintendent, Bro John Eberly, though unable to read them. These she would have read by some members of the family, and reread until she memorized them, some of which she repeated about one hour before the spirit left its tenement of caly.

The following verses were repeated by her in a full, clear voice in the presence of several friends:

“Do all to the glory of God.” - I Cor. 10, 31.

“Charity suffereth long, and is kind.”-! Cor. 13, 4.

“Cast thy burden on the lord.”-PA, 55, 22.

“Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” –I Tin, 1,15.

“There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”- Prov, 13, 24.

Within an hour after repeating these verse, her spirit left the body to go to Him who said, “Let little children come unto me for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.”

J. R. Smith

Gates, Mary Gates

Source: Spirit of Democracy, Feb 20, 1877

Died----in Switzerland Township, this county, on Tuesday, the 13^th day of February, 1877, of consumption, Mary Gates, wife of James Gates, aged 63 years, 8 months and 29 days. Mrs. Gates had been a member of the Christian Church for 43 years, and lived a life of Christian usefulness throughout that period. Many friends and relatives mourn her loss, but, at the same time, rejoice in the belief that she now rests with the Master in that bright world beyond.

Gebhart, Amelia Lucretia Gebhart

Source: Spirit of Democracy, March 20, 1877

Amelia Lucretia, daughter of George W. and Mary A. Gebhart, was born October 25, 1857, and died March 1, 1877, in Graysville, Monroe County, Ohio.

Lucretia was a very amiable young lady, loved and respected by all who had any acquaintance with her. At the age of 14 years she united with the Methodist Church, Graysville Circuit. She continued a faithful member of the church of her choice until the Master called her home. The last four years of her life she was a constant sufferer; very often her sufferings were intense, but all these were born with Christian fortitude. She never complained of her lot, although it was a painful one. For four years she drank the waters of affliction, to some so bitter, but to her sweetened by the grace of God. Her sufferings were more than ordinary, but God’s grace proved sufficient in every trial.

In the life of the deceased the young people of Graysville and vicinity have an example worth of imitation. May they profit thereby.

Father, mother, sisters and brother are left to mourn, but not always, for after awhile, they, too, will be gathered home, if faithful, to meet loved ones gone before, where sorrow and sighing are not known, and where flows no farewell tear. May all prepare for that world of light, happiness and love.

D. G. Shirer

Griffith, Dr. J. C. Griffith

Source: Spirit of Democracy, Feb 27, 1877

Griffith----Dr. J.C. Griffith was born in Beallsville, Monroe Co., Ohio June 20, 1836. He came to Missouri in 1866 and settled in Laclede, Linn Co. He united with the M. E. Church in 1972 and died on November 15, 1876. His death will cause a vacancy in the church and in society which will be felt and deeply regretted; he was distinguished for regularity and firmness in his religious courses, and nothing ever caused him to falter in the path of duty. He was well acquainted with and highly prized the doctrine and discipline of the church and for the prosperity of our beloved Z on he labored with his prayers and his influence and contributed largely of his money. He served the church as

Sunday-school superintendent until his voice failed. At the time of his death he was recording steward; he was a man of good judgment, his mind was naturally strong, and finely educated---He bore his sickness with Christian patience declaring that his soul was exceedingly happy. His funeral service was held at the M. E. Church, conducted by the writer, assisted by the ministries of our town.

----Isaac Hill

Guthrie, Miss Clara L. Guthrie

Source: Spirit of Democracy, June 26, 1877

We are pained to chronicle the death of Miss Clara L. Guthrie, sister of Wm. H. and Henry Guthrie, who died yesterday afternoon about four o’clock. Mr. Wm. H. Guthrie’s two children some ten days ago were taken sick with scarlet fever, and Miss Guthrie, who was their almost constant nurse for a week contracted the disease which proved fatal. Miss Guthrie was a member of the Presbyterian Church, was universally esteemed, and a sorrowing family and a large circle of friends mourn her untimely death. The funeral took place this afternoon.

The deceased was a relative of Samuel Guthrie, Esq., formerly an attorney in Woodsfield, also a relative of Mrs. Guthrie who resides here.

Havely, Harry T. Havely

Source: Spirit of Democracy, April 10, 1877

Died---in Sardis, Ohio, March 7, 1877, Harry T., only child of O.D. and M. Havely, aged 6 months and 14 days.

Death has broken in our circle,

Took our darling from our side,

And our hearts are filled with mourning,

Since our little Harry died.

Fold hi, O Father, in thy arms,

And let him henceforth be

A messenger of love between

Our wounded hearts and thee.

Hudson, Miss Melinda J. Hudson

Source: Spirit of Democracy, July 31, 1877

Beallsville, Ohio, July 23, 1877

Ed. Spirit: Having waited for other and more suitable persons to write and they having failed to do so, by the request of particular friends, I communicate the death of Miss Melinda J. Hudson of Beallsville. Sister Hudson died of consumption April 5^th, 1877 after an illness of about one year. She was aged 37 years, three months and 19 days.

She joined the M.E. Church at the early age of between 10 and 11 years. A few years later she was happily converted , and from that period she not only never doubted her conversion but was a living and laboring epistle, read of all by whom she was known.

Many persons who seemed almost skeptical on the subject of religion would admit the genuineness of her piety. As a Sabbath School worker she had few equals, having been the instrument of bringing all of her class into the church, and, we trust, to the same Savior their teacher loved so much. During her last sickness while she suffered much she bore it all with that patience which none but the Christian can have. Some of her last sayings were like these: “Sweeping through the gates washed in the blood of the lamb,” “ Oh how glorious the prospect, Jesus is with me. “ Her last were, “Jesus, precious Jesus,” and rested from her labor and went to her reward. “ How triumphant is the death of the righteous. “

Jones, Samuel P. Jones

Source: Spirit of Democracy, July 17, 1877

On Tuesday, July 12, 1877, at his residence in Woodsfield, Samuel P. Jones, in the 70^th year of his age, leaving to survive his widow and a large circle of relatives and friends.

The subject of this notice was born in Duchess County, New York, January 19, 1808, and came to Ohio with his father and family in 1817 and settled on the Ohio River, where he remained until 1831. He was married to Mary Booth, whom he now leaves to survive him, on the fifth of February, 1828. In 1831, they removed to Marshall Count, Virginia, where they remained until 1835, when thy returned to Monroe County, Ohio and settled near Woodsfield, where they resided until 1848, when he removed to the town of Antioch in this county, where they remained until 1852, when they returned to Woodsfield, where they resided until separated buy the relentless hand of death. They raised eight children, seven of who are still living. Mr. Jones was an industrious, active business man engaged in farming and dealing in stock in the early part of his life and for many years in the latter part of his life was engaged in merchandising, which he continued until his decease.

The condition of his health has been such for some years that he could not engage actively in business. During the last year of his life, he suffered very greatly from disease of the heart, which comp[lain finally terminated his earthly existence.

The writer often visited Mr. Jones during the last year, and notwithstanding the active life he lived, found that as disease pressed upon him he became more and more resigned, and amidst severe suffering made but little complaint in that way until the end of his life.

Mr. Jones was a fond and indulgent husband and father, and a kind and indulging neighbor and friend. Rev. Crouse, of the M.E. church, and Rev Smith of the Presbyterian church, officiated at his funeral, which took place Saturday and was attended by a very large number of friends and acquaintances of the deceased.

Lowe, Theodore Lowe

Source: Spirit of Democracy, June 12, 1877

Theodore Lowe departed this life at the residence of his brother in Clarington, Ohio, May 31, 1877, aged 23 years, 8 months and 10 days.

Consumption has again done its work.

“Dear as thou want, and justly dear,

We would not weep for thee;

One thought shall check the starting tear,

It is that thou art free.

And thou shall faith’s consoling power

The tears of love restrain;

O, who that saw thy parting hour,

Could wish thee here again?”

Clarington, Ohio, June 5, 1877. D. N.

Martin, David S. Martin

Source: Spirit of Democracy, November 27, 1877

David S. Martin, son of T.W. and E.J. Martin, died November 3, 1877, aged 8 years, eight moths and seven days.

His disease was diptheria of the lungs; his illness lasted none days and although his sufferings were intense his patience never waivered; he was never heard to murmur or complain. The Evening before he died he was heard repeating the words “Oh land of rest, “ ( favorite hymn while in health). On the same evening he called his Father, Mother, Brothers and Sisters to his bedside, one by one, and kissed them goodbye.

About four hours before his death he inquired of his Father and Mother where he should be buried. His Father asked him if he wished to be buried at the Mt. Olive grave-yard. He replied that he did. His Father then remarked: “you are almost home, Davie;” he replied: Yes I am.” And thus he passed safely to that fairer land above where sickness never enters and the weary are at rest.

J. E. G.

McMahon, Thomas McMahon

Source: Spirit of Democracy, January 22, 1878

Died-December 12, 1877 in Center township, Monroe County, Ohio, at the residence of his daughter, Martha Jackson, of a lingering and painful disease, after having spent a long and useful life in the faithful service of God and his fellow creatures, Thomas McMahon, born February 12, 1806.

The deceased has been for thirty-three years a faithful, consistent an efficient member of the Disciples Church. Thirty six years he served in the office of Justice of the Peace. He retained full possession of his mental faculties with his eye fixed upon the mark and his heart upon the prize. He bore his cross to meet the crown.

What if the saint must die

And lodge among the tombs!

He need not mourn, he shall return

Rejoicing as he comes.

Though death shall hold him down

With bands and mighty bars,

He need not fear, he shall appear

And sing among the stars.

W. W. L

Myers, William Myers

Source: Spirit of Democracy, June 5, 1877

Departed this life on April 8^th, 1877, William Myers, son of Washington and Sarah Myers, aged 21 years and 9 months. He leaves a father, mother, four brothers and five sisters to mourn his loss. He was a member of the Church of Christ and was a devoted son and brother. He has gone, and only gone out of pain and into bliss, out of sad and sinful weakness into perfect holiness.

Ezra Barker

Pasco, Flora Jane Pasco

Source: Spirit of Democracy, July 31, 1877

Departed this life July 18^th, 1877, Flora Jane, daughter of William and Sarah Pasco, aged eight months and twenty five days.

Thou art gone Flora,

Gone to the Courts above,

We miss thee Flora,

But know ‘tis well with thee.

C.P.L.

Pyles, Hannah Pyles

Source: Spirit of Democracy, March 20, 1877

Died---Of Consumption, Saturday, February 18, 1877 at 5 o’clock a.m., Hannah Pyles, wife of James Pyles, in the 30^th year of her age.

Dear as thou wast(sic) and justly dear,

We would not weep for thee,

One thought shall check the starting tear,

It is---that thou are free.

And thus shall faith’s counseling power

The tears of love restrain;

Oh, who that saw thy parting hour,

Could wish thee here again?

Green be the turf above thee,

Friend of my happy days,

None know thee but to love thee,

Nor nam’d thee but to praise.

She loved as lives a peaceful dove,

She died as blossoms die,

And now her spirit floats above,

A seraph in the sky!

Yet shrin’d with many a sweet sad thought

That lov’d one’s memory lingers still;

For O, she left a void that nought

But mournful thoughts can fill.

Peaceful be thy silent slumber---

Peaceful in the grave so low,

Then no more wilt join our number

Thou no more our songs shall know.

Dearest daughter thou hast left us,

Here thy loss we deeply feel,

But ‘tis God that hath bereft us,

He can all sorrows heal.

Yet again we hope to meet thee,

When the day of life is fled,

Then in heaven with joy to greet thee,

Where no farewell tear is shed.

Susan Clegg

Ridgeway, Elzy Ridgeway

Source: Spirit of Democracy. Feb 27, 1877

Died----On the 13^th day of February, 1877, Elzy Ridgeway, aged 74 years and 9 months. Mr. Ridgeway was born in Grandview township, Washington county, Ohio on April 17, 1802.

He was the son of Benjamin and Mary Ridgeway. On the 30^th day of January, 1834, he became a member of the M.E. church and remained a consistent member throughout life. The remains were interred in the cemetery at Brownsville, this county, on Thursday, the 15^th, inst.

Smith, Dr James Smith

Source: Spirit of Democracy, August 28, 1877

DIED—At Clarington, Ohio, on the 29^th day of July, 1877, Dr. James Smith, aged 39 years, 8 months and 6 days.

The subject of the above sketch was born in Belmont County, Ohio, November 24, 1837. When yet a child his father, Thomas Smith, removed to Monroe County, purchased a farm, and reared a family consisting of four boys and one girl, near the pleasantly situated town of New Castle. James, therefore, commenced his life on the farm. But on account, perhaps, of his having a feeble Constitution and suffering considerable from attendant affliction in his early youth, having fine nervous temperament, her, while yet a boy, characterized himself by his early departure from-both in thought and action-the occupation of his ancestor, who, together with his affectionate mother, fortunately did all they could to encourage him in his new undertaking. His early education was procured in his own immediate neighborhood, from attending to his primary studies under the direction of such teachers as were employed in the rural districts in the days if log school houses. His youthful superiority as a student, notwithstanding his physical debility, was soon acknowledged by all who came in social contact with him to be the result of more than ordinary intellection. Hence, while yet a stripling, he commenced to teach in the common schools of our county. In this occupation the public received from him the benefits which always result from the operation of a clear and practical mind. Not satisfied, however, to rest content where many other young men would stop, he left for a short time the teachers desk in exchange for that of the student, and entered the Barnesville Institute. He remained at the school during a considerable portion of the time designated by the presence Profs. Tompson and Davenport, the founders of that noble and valuable institution, surpassed, at that time, by none in Eastern Ohio.

Many students who had the pleasure of his society, while at Barnesville, and who are scattered throughout the States of our Union-now middle aged-will, no doubt, yet be able to recall the slender form, the placid features, the cool determination, the self confidence, and the clearly intellectual character of the man so unassuming under trying circumstances, and yet so correct in his conclusions. A short time after leaving Barnesville, he entered the Normal school at Lebanon, where he finished one of the classics preparatory to entering into the study of his favorite profession. Following his return from Lebanon he took charge of the Mathematics Department of the Woodsfield Union School, in connection with Prof. John Moore, late of Monroe County. When, shortly after the completion of his labors at Woodsfield, on the 22^nd day of February, 1860, he came to Clarington and commenced the study of medicine under the instruction of the late Dr. O ‘Connor. On entering this new field of scientific and intellectual research, he immediately supplied his peculiar powers of abstraction, comparison and combination with such intelligence and success that, in a short time his Preceptor became astonished at the rapidity of his progress. With a mind susceptible of grasping the finest minutiae, and the power of classification surpassed by none, he stored away, as it were, all the proceeds of his intellectual research in separate receptacles, only to be drawn out when applicable to such cases as, in the contingencies of his profession, his judgment dictated their use. The knowledge of the practice of medicine and surgery seemed to him to be paramount to all other earthly attainments. Hence, while reading the text-books of his profession, nothing of a bearing foreign to his subject was permitted to engross his mind. While yet a student his preceptor was elected by his fellow citizens to the Senate of his native State, and, relying upon the superior qualifications of the young Doctor, he left him in charge of his practice, which was, indeed, a very large and responsible trust. But the confidence was not misplaced; nor did an appreciative people suffer, in the least, from the change. This occurred twice during the Doctor’s Senatorship, with the same results. When, in the Winter and Spring of 1864, Dr. Smith attended Lectures at the College of Medicine and Surgery in Cincinnati, and received the chartered compliments of that Institution on the 22^nd of June, 1864; after which he returned to Clarington and renamed his practice, in which he continued with unremitting success. The Doctor, shortly after he commenced his study with O’ Connor, formed an acquaintance with an accomplished young lady og Marshall County, West Va., a Miss Cresap, then quite young. In the zeal and ambition with which the young Doctor pursued his studies, this acquaintance began only in a friendly recognition, but in the course of a few years was renewed, and culminated in a matrimonial union on the 10^th of December, 1872.

The Doctor’s ambition in the line of his profession now being to a certain extent gratified, it only required a small portion of his leisure time to keep pace with the progress of the profession which he always did. But the activity of his mind, together with his regular and industrious habits created in him a restlessness, to appease which he occupied a considerable part of his leisure time in the reading and investigating of the Holy Scriptures, in which, during the last ten years of his life, he became greatly interested and much delighted. He was indeed a fine Biblical scholar. One of his chief pleasures was to impart instructions to his Bible class in Sunday School, and at this particular school he always put in an appearance, unless prohibited by sickness in himself or others. Hence the little folks were always expecting him-His instructions to them was always given with earnestness. He relied on the Bible, alone, as the all-sufficient moral and spiritual guide and taught the same to his pupils. His social characteristics, which while a young man seemed to be clouded over with the earnestness and zeal that he exerted to prepare for future usefulness, became developed at middle age to a degree unsurpassed by few men. With a healthy vivacity in his disposition, he had the apparently peculiar prerogative of dispensing to all with whom he associated-young and old, male or female-a part of his cheerfulness. His friends were bound to him as with a cord of love. His enemies, though few, were punished by his kindness, and were compelled by times to relinquish their resentment and accept his

kindness and services with the affectionate fondness of a friend. He was a friend to the poor, and his hand was always open in charity. The church received her share of the proceeds of his toil. “The preacher and the teacher” he would often say “are seldom if ever paid enough.”

He stooped, as it were in his riper years to grapple with some of the political questions of the two great parties, and in common with a great majority of his fellow citizens had his own party predilections. Though often solicited by his warmest friends, he never gave his consent to engage in a political contest. Yet he well understood the operations of the politician, and he admired the true statesman and patriot while he detested the demagogue and the motive that prompted his action, let him show himself in either party.

With a life of usefulness before him and many years of preparation just past, on the 6^th ult, he was confined to his room for the last time with typhoid. Under its scorching influences he lingered on for several weeks and was finally called to that bourn from whence no traveler returns, “where the wicked rouble (sic) and the weary can be at rest.” His remains were followed by a large procession from Clarington , to the last resting place in the church yard, by the side of his mother, two brothers and an only sister, at the U.P. Church, about 2 ½ miles east of New Castle.

“No man liveth unto himself and no man dieth unto himself,” saith the Book, and we who knew him so well and feel so deeply that a great good has gone out of our lives, can testify that our friend did not so live and die.

Sprague, Sister Mary Sprague

Source: Spirit of Democracy, April 17 1877

Sister Mary Sprague died the morning of the 25^th of February 1877, aged 76 years, after an illness of 5 weeks.

Sister Sprague was a member of the Christian Church for twenty three years. The great Creator having been pleased out of His infinite mercy to remove our sister from the cares and troubles of this transitory existence to a state of endless duration, thus severing another link from the fraternal chain that binds us together. May we who survive her be more strongly cemented in the ties of union and friendship, that during the short space allotted us here we may wisely and usefully employ our times and in the reciprocal intercourse of kind and friendly acts mutually promote the welfare and happiness of each other.

Dear is the spot where Christians sleep,

And sweet the trains their spirits pour,

Oh, and why should we in anguish weep?

They are not lost but gone before.

Secure from every mortal care,

By sin and sorrow vexed no more,

Eternal happiness they have,

Who are not lost, but gone before.

To Jordan’s banks whene’r we come

And hear the swelling waters roar,

Jesus conveys us safely home

To friends not lost, but gone before.

Jacob Erlewine

Stewart, James

Source: Spirit of Democracy, June 26, 1877

Departed this life May 29, 1877, James Stewart, at the residence of his son-in-law, T. W. Martin, in Jackson Township, aged 86 years, 7 months and 12 days.

He was a member of the Christian Church, and he was a devoted father and brother.

There is a world above

Where parting is unknown,

A whole eternity of love

Formed for the good alone;

And faith beholds the dying here

Translated to that happier sphere.

Thus star by star declines,

Till all are passed away;

As mourning high and higher shines

To pure and perfect day,

Nor sink those stars in empty night,

They hide themselves in heaven’s

Own light. T. W. M.

Urfman, Harry A.E. Urfman

Source: Spirit of Democracy, September 4, 1877

DIED-In Clarington, Ohio, on Monday, the 27^th day of August, 1877, Harry A. E., youngest child of Peter and Elizabeth Urfman, aged 1 year, 10 months and 21 days.

Thou art gone dear Harry where the shadow of life cannot come,

Where every stranger may find a sweet home

Severed the chain that has bound them to earth:

Where there are treasures of beauty untold,

Rivers of silver and mountains of gold.

Weep not to miss from earth’s weary shore,

Earth has an angel loss, heaven one more.

Walton, Lola I. Walton

Source: Spirit of Democracy, December 11, 1877

Died-At Clarington, Ohio the 16^th ult, Lois I. Daughter of Thomas and Mary M. Walton, in the 14^th year of her age.

We deeply sympathize with the father and mother in this sad bereavement-Lola was a dutiful and affectionate daughter, and she was closely twined around the hearts of her parents. Indeed, she was eminently esteemed and beloved by all who knew her, for her many social virtues. Her kindness, love, unaffected piety and faithfulness in all relations of life, will live long in the memory of her friends. We remember how dutiful she was to all her teachers, how kind to her schoolmates, how studious in her Sunday School lessons. Never more will she join in our songs, nor walk with us to the house of prayer; but we will remember her still. We loved much, we have lost much, and we may mourn but we have reason to rejoice that she has gone to dwell with the ransomed hosts that surround the Throne praising god and the Lamb continually. She was a member of the M E Church and we feel it due to her memory to testify to her exemplary Christian deportment. Yes, she was a Christian, lovely and amiable, pure in heart, truly good, and at her death, she stood as an eminence not often attained by Christians of more mature years. A beautiful discourse was preached over her remains in the M E Church by Rev A. G. Robb, to a large and appreciative audience.

Father, mother, weep not; sorrow not as those who have no hope; she is “ not lost but gone before;” don’t you know how she used to so sweetly sing.

“I have a robe, ‘tis resplendent in whiteness, awaiting in glory my wondering view.”

She has received her robe “ all shining in brightness,” and the sweet voice that made gladness in your home is now singing joyous songs in the Mansions of Bliss. Think how happy your darling is to-day, and how beautiful, clothed only in garments worn by the redeemed in glory and oh, think of the precious promise, tho’ she will not return, you may go to her. From the toils of life, its sorrows, its disappointments, from its sickness, from all its dangers to the soul, from the temptations of the Evil One, your dear Lola has been taken away. She will never know the toils of mature life, nor the weakness and blight of old age. She went away in the beautiful and joyous springtime of her life, because God loved her and wanted her up on heaven.

“He will gather, He will gather,

The gems for His Heaven,

All the pure ones, all the bright ones,

His loved and His own.

“Like the stars of the morning,

His bright crown adorning,

They shall shine I their beauty,

Bright gems for His crown.”

Clarington, O, Nov. 27, 1877

Warrens, Edwin O. Warrens

Source: Spirit of Democracy, March 5, 1877

Edwin O, son of C. and A. Warrens dies in Sardis, Ohio, January 17^th, aged 10 months.

Again has death visited the family circle. Little Eddie’s place is now vacant and his voice is no longer heard around the fireside at home. Jesus, the Great Shepherd has carried him as a lamb across the cold stream that the waters thereof not be chilly, and he is now safe on the other side watching for his loved ones. God grant that as the other members of the family cross the river one by one, this same Jesus will be with them, and may they all be found worth to enter into bonds which death has no power to sever. A neighbor

Last modified September 16, 2009 by reh

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