Samuel Matthews 1845 - 1888

MATTHEWS, BOYCE

Posted By: A.M.W. (email)
Date: 3/3/2006 at 21:59:06

Salem Weekly News; September 1, 1888

Samuel Frank Matthews was born in Cedar township, Lee county, Iowa February 21, 1845, and died at his home west of Salem, Henry county, Iowa August 25, 1888. He was married to Elizabeth Boyce, September 6, 1866. One child was born to them, William R., who with his mother, is left to mourn his death.

The death of Frank Matthews was one of those sad events which leaves a void in the community seeminglyh impossible to fill. He was man possessed of all the enobling impulses. His was a soul void of all guile, the incarnation of truth and honor. He made no ostentacious display, but was of that unostentatious class whose goodness of heart breathe out a spirit of trust, ease and contentment to its surroundings, seemingly unconscious of the power he possessed or the great influence he exerted for good. He was a man true to himself, and being so, was true to all his fellows, and though we may know him no more in this life, his memory will be kindly cherished in the hearts of our people.

The funeral services were held in the M. E. church Tuesday afternoon at 3 o'clock, Rev. C. W. Shephered preaching an impressive sermon, at the conclusion of which the remains were taken in charge and buried in accordance with the rights and ceremonies of the Knights of Pythias, of which order he was a member. In all the vast assemblae that gathered around his grave there was no one who did not deeply and sincerely mourn the departure of the spirit that had proved to be steadfast and loyal in every station of life. No man can deserve better of his fellow men; no man can attain to higher honor than the record of true and spotless life.