McFARLAND, Elmer P. 1882-1901

MCFARLAND, BABCOCK

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 6/13/2014 at 16:26:24

[New Hampton Tribune, June 1901]

DIED. -At the home of his parents, in this city, Saturday, June 29, 1901, Elmer, oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. O. A. McFarland, aged 18 years.

Elmer P. McFarland was born in Lawler, Iowa, Nov. 15, 1882. The following year his parents removed to this city. Here as a healthy child he enjoyed his childhood and attended school. He was of the class of '01 but left school about a year ago hoping to be of some service to his parents. He secured a position in the restaurant of T. B. Scully and it was while working here that he received an injury to his hand which resulted in his death. Two weeks ago last Saturday while making ice cream he got his hand crushed in the freezer. He received prompt medical attention and his hand seemed to be getting well.

Last Tuesday morning he arose complaining of a pain in his jaws. A physician was consulted and he discovered symptoms of lockjaw. Everything that medical skill could do was resorted to but was baffled in an effort to save him. He suffered untold agony and was kept under the influence of opiates until he died.

On Saturday afternoon as the members of the family were at his bedside he called for his parents and with the words "we shall meet" on his lips he sank into his long and dreamless sleep.

It is seldom we are called upon to chronicle so sad a death, to be cut down just as he had passed the worries and cares of childhood and entering upon the dawn of a useful manhood and surrounded by the pleasures of life, is sad indeed and we are led to exclaim "O grave where is thy victory; O death where is thy sting!" Elmer was the life and spirit of his home and his sunny disposition won for him many friends. He was buoyant in spirit, full of health and vigor and had a happy, wholly unselfish disposition. He gave much promise and all admired and loved him, for he was so truly good and honest. He was ambitious in his studies at school and for his employer he was a conscientious and willing worker--he seemed destined to make a noble man.

The funeral was held from the Methodist church at 3 o'clock yesterday. Rev. Pottle preached a fitting funeral sermon and Revs. Canine and Norton assisted in the service which was attended by a large concourse of people who followed the remains to Graceland cemetery where the body was laid to rest in the family lot where other members of the family are buried.

About one hundred of his schoolmates attended the funeral in a body and marched to the cemetery.

RoyBrown, Arthur Wing, Chris Kelson, Harvey Forbes, Ray Brown and Fred Canineacted as pall bearers.

Many beautiful floral offerings were sent by sympathizing friends.

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Son of Oscar and Bertha (Babcock) McFarland