WALLER, Edwin S. c1872-1890

WALLER

Posted By: Kathy Gerkins (email)
Date: 9/11/2013 at 15:54:27

Waller, Edwin S

WALLER - At the home of his uncle, Wesley Waller in this city on Wednesday evening March 5, 1890, Edwin S., son of John R. Waller, aged 17 years.

In youthful prime this most exemplary and well beloved young man was stricken down without a moment's notice. He was at study when he was heard by Mrs. Carr, who was in the room with him, to make a start and become convulsed as in a fit. Doctors were summoned, and every possible aid enlisted, but it proved to no avail. His disease was congestion of the brain.

In many respects Edwin was a remarkable young man. Always pleasant, agreeable and jolly, he was strictly upright, good and kind. He always avoided the harsh and took up with the side of the weak rather than make merry with the strong.

This made him a universal favorite at school. There is not a child in all our school rooms, down to the little boy who used to be mauled by the bully, who has not a deep personal love for Edwin, now dead. Being a lover of music and a natural musician he would get the school children to join him at noon hour in singing. Wednesday morning was a sad hour for the high school room.

The boys and girls alike were deeply shocked by the sad news of the death of their school companion. Many were in tears. The opening song was selected and proved to be Edwin's favorite hymn 'Nearer my God to Thee'. The singing began, but weakened perceptibly and subsided in choking sobs. Bryan Williams, a companion of Edwin's who was with him joined the Congregational Church only last Sabbath, was deeply affected, and while others were expressing their hearts' regret he sat with tear bedimmed eyes writing in poetic strains his feelings for his friend. In another part of the room, touched with the sadness of the hour, sat Eddie Blunt who wrote a few verses also. They were handed to Prof. Dick who, after a few remarks read them in a voice tremulous with emotion.

The funeral services will be held at two o'clock this afternoon.

[Newspaper clippings from the Floyd County Museum]

In Memory of a Friend
The day is bright and joyful,
But why are we so sad?
Why is it that we weep so?
As if ne'er were glad.

The sun is shining brightly
Upon the snow white crest,
And mother earth is fostering
Nature upon her breast.

Why is it? Do you wonder
That we are so possessed?
Perhaps we should be joyful-
A friend has gone to rest.

He was so gay and winsome,
So dear to every friend,
That now, when death has settled,
Our hearts strings nearly rend.

We scarce can be contented,
To think that God knows best.
Yet, in his tender mercy,
He has given our friend his rest.

O God, in your deepest wisdom
Comfort each stricken friend
And in Thy loving comfort
Let their mournful spirits bend.

Be with them through their trials..
Show them the beaten path.
Lest they be lost in darkness
And feel the mocker's wrath.

And, O God, wilt thou guide us
As thou hat done our friend,
To trust Thee through our trials
And find Thee in the end.

BYRON Williams

To The Memory of Edwin S. Waller
Dead and gone, the noble Christian
Edwin Waller, kind and true.
Gone beyond the rolling river
Gone forever from our view.

Gone, but let us all remember,
As into the grave he's lain,
That the death so sad and sudden
Is our loss but Edwin's gain.

What is death to such a Christian?
What is it for him to die
But to leave this world of sorrow
For a better one on high.

We, his friends, no more shall meet him
Till we meet to part no more
Till we meet beyond the river,
On the everlasting shore.
EDWIN F. BLUNT

Newpaper clippings from the Floyd County Museum.