Douglas Stuart Campbell 1879-1895

CAMPBELL

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 9/19/2010 at 01:56:08

Douglas Campbell Dead
The news of the death of Master Douglas Campbell was received here with many expressions of sorrow. He died at Colorado Springs last Thursday, where he went in company with his brother, Harold, about three months ago in hopes to get relief from that dreadful disease – consumption. His father left for that place at once and arrived home with the remains last evening. He was one of Estherville’s brightest little boys and made a gallant struggle to prolong his life. Previous to going to Colorado he spent nearly a year in Florida without any good results. While there he wrote some very interesting letters home that were published in the city papers which showed him to be a boy of unusual brightness. All will join the parents in their feelings of sorrow over their sad loss. (Estherville Democrat, Estherville, IA, October 23, 1895)

Douglas Campbell
Douglas Campbell died at Colorado Springs, Colorado, on last Thursday evening, whither he had gone with his younger brother, Harold, in the hope of getting relief from the fatal malady, consumption. The boys had driven across from this place in an open buggy and had written that Douglas was much improved in both health and spirits, but the improvement was of short duration. His father went at once to the bedside of his boy in response to the telegram that he was fast sinking, but arrived too late to see him alive. The remains were brought home for interment and the funeral held yesterday from the Presbyterian church. Douglas Campbell was but 16 years of age, but he was a man, full grown in al that goes to make up the best qualities of manhood. Ever kind and considerate, always thoughtful and industrious and helpful, he was loved by everyone. His was not the pleasantest of lots in life and his sickness made him a constant sufferer, yet he never complained. A hero he was, braver than many whose fame is written on history’s pages. His death, like his life, was sweet and peaceful – and why should it not be? He is at rest. (Emmet County Republican, Estherville, IA, October 24, 1895)

Douglass Campbell Dead
Douglass Campbell, the young son of James A. Campbell of this city, died at Colorado Springs, Col., Thursday night at 10:30 o’clock, after a long lingering illness with consumption. Mr. Campbell, upon receiving the sad news, went at once to Colorado Springs and brought home the remains. The funeral occurred Wednesday at 10 o’clock. By the death of this young man, one of the brightest and most promising lives was brought to an end all too soon. The bereaved parents and family have the sympathy of many friends. A full account of his long and courageous battle with the dread disease and his final sad demise will appear next week. (Northern Vindicator, Estherville, IA, October 24, 1895)

Douglass Stuart Campbell
Death at any time is an unwelcome visitor but when his angel casts the sickle to gather the young, those who have not yet reached the age of manhood, in whose veins should course the glowing blood of vigorous youth, we feel that we stand in the very presence of the Infinite, to whose mandate all must yield, and whether in the blush of youth, the strength of manhood or the decline of age, his wisdom along shall determine.

Douglas Stewart Campbell was born in Crieff, Perthshire, Scotland, July 3rd 1879. He came to this country when three years old and has lived in this city the past eight years, where he attended our public schools until his failing health caused him to postpone his studies about one year ago he went alone among entire strangers to spend the winter at Pomona, Fla., returning last May apparently improved in health but fearing to spend the winter in our vigorous northern climate he started by team, in company with a younger brother for Colorado Springs early in September safely reaching their destination these two boys at once found work and made preparations for the winter but the fatal inroads of that insidious disease, consumption, had fastened upon him and his work was done.

He died October 17, 1895, among strangers but in the care of his newly made, true friends. His funeral services were held from the United Presbyterian church of Colorado Springs and conducted by Rev. Presby Thompson assisted by Rev. W. H. W. Boyle of the Presbyterian church. Both of these gentlemen having been with him the day before his death. The sixth grade of the Lowell school among other friends giving rich tribute of flowers in esteem of their young friend whom they had so lately found only to lose in immature death. In our community Douglas who had early taken for his motto, “Learn something so that you may do something by which you may earn and honestly possess something,” was known as a boy of great enterprise. He always had something to do and was ever found faithful in the discharge of every duty. Among his school mates he was at the head of his class, a desirable companion and a true friend. When the news of his failing came, teachers and pupils waited with eager longing until a telegram announced his suffering was ended in death.

Called to his bedside his father started at once to meet him only to find that he was too late to see him before the end came. He returned alone with the remains leaving brother, Harold, at Colorado Springs among the friends who had become so warmly attached to him in this great affliction as to be unwilling to permit him to part their company.

At this place funeral services were held from the Presbyterian church and loving friends laid away all that remained of this patient little sufferer in the Westside Cemetery.

His bereaved parents and stricken family have the warmest sympathy of our community in this their hour of grief and mourning. (Northern Vindicator, Estherville, IA, October 31, 1895)