Mix, Frank 1844- 1868

MIX

Posted By: Janice Sowers (email)
Date: 7/3/2003 at 20:40:58

Cresco Times July 2, 1868 P2 C1-2

Frank Mix, the editor and proprietor of the Times, is no more. To the many readers of his paper outside of the vicinity of Cresco, who have not heard of his sudden death, this notice will produce a shock scarcely less poignant than that experienced by his many friends and neighbors here. To us, who knew him best, and consequently appreciated him most, his sudden departure caused a thrill so stunning that we can scarcely realize its truth. We cannot realize that we shall in our business relations, in the social circle, in the house of prayer. But such is the solemn fact. The grim monster, with relentless hand, has snatched him from among us and borne him across the dark valley and shadow of Death! A week ago last Tuesday he was apparently as well as any of us, and putting forth more than ordinary exertion, perparing to establish himself in his new office, almost completed, when disease, beyond the reach of medicine, fastened itself upon his vitals, and at two o'clock Friday morning following he closed his eyes to earth, and his spirit barque was launched upon the mysterious sea of eternity! "Life's fitful fever being over, he sleeps well."

About a year and a half ago he came to this place with Mr. Wood, and embarked in the somewhat doubtful enterprise of establishing and publishing a newspaper in support of the principles he revered, and the party of his choice. Thinking that one could succeed better than two, he purchased Mr. Wood's interest, and for about a year has conducted the business alone. His means being limited and the task almost a Herculean one, nothing but the most unflinching perseverance, industry, and frugality could have carried him through the ordeal, and made his business a success, in the face of the greatest monetary depression ever experienced in this section of country.

Among young men of talent, industry, and uprightness, he stood in the front rank; as a friend he was true and faithful; as a christian he was unusually devoted and sincere; and in all the qualities requisite to true manhood he excelled. In his untimely death Howard county and the world have lost a noble pattern and defender of the right--one that we feel will not soon be replaced.

It is truly gratifying to the christian world, and in fact to every civilized community to see a young man with sufficient stamina and force of character to withstand the many tempations and snares so profusely thrown in the pathway of the young and inexperienced, to draw them into the vortex of dissipation and wickedness. It is a sad commentary on the enlightenment of the nineteenth century that so few young men, especially in our towns and cities, adhere strictly to the principles of virtue and morality, while so many are lead estray by the evil influences by which they are surrounded, and finally sink in the whirlpool of sin, disgrace and ruin. And here let us hold up the character of our departed friend as a pattern for the youth who is just emerging from the parental roof, and entering life's great battle-field alone. Fix your goal high, bare your bosom to the storms, resolve to conquer all opposing forces or perish in the attempt, and then, if like Frank, your "column is broken," before the summit is attained, the world will bless your memory, and your influence will be felt for good throughout all coming time, and who shall say that while eternity endures its good effects will cease to exist.

With the early history of the deceased we are unacquainted, save that he was born in Erie county, New York, removed to Wisconsin, and from thence to Mitchell county, in this state, where his parents and an only sister now reside. The news fell with crushing force upon his parents and sister, who arrived by the 4 o'clock train on Friday, too late to clasp the hand and bid a last farewell to the loved one, ere the destroyer came. His remains were removed to Mitchell for interment. The several denomination here united and held religious services in the grove last Sabbath in commemoration of the deceased.

And thus we bid a last adieu to one whom to know was to love,--stricken down in the flower of his youth, in the morning of his usefulness, while his heart was yet bounding with the joyous impulses of early manhood, and glowing hopes and bright anticipations for the future, the fruition of which, alas! is never to be realized in this life. We can do no less than shed copious tears of sorrow and regret that one so young and noble should have thus early and suddenly passed away.--However, we feel that what is our loss is his infinite gain. He is free from the cares and anxieties of this unfeeling world, and is where the "wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest."

May each os us, like Frank,
"So live that when the summons comes
To join the innumerable caravan
That moves to the pale realms of shade,
We go, not like the quarry slave at night,
Scourged to his dungeon ? trust;
We wrap the drapery of our couch around us
And lie down to pleasant dreams."

Requiescat in pace.

Second Obit:

Iowa Plain Dealer July 3, 1868, P3 C2

DIED

In Cresco on the morning of July 3d, Frank Mix, editor and proprietor of the Cresco Times, aged about 24 years.

The subject of the foregoing notice was a young man of irreproachable character. His sudden demise will bring a tear of sadness to the eye of his many friends in this county. Cut down in the morning of his life and the prime of his usefulness, may we not indulge the hope that he has been called to the realization of a blessed immortality beyond the tomb.