WILSON, Ralph Clifford (1889-1892)

WILSON

Posted By: Mary E Boyer (email)
Date: 12/30/2012 at 04:33:53

Ralph Clifford, son of James C and Mary H WILSON, of Marengo, IA, was swiftly, and painlessly released from his mortality Jan. 21, 1892, aged 2 years, 9 months and 13 days. His death was caused by his being caught by the revolving shaft of a geared wind-mill, which whirled him through a space of only four inches between the shaft and the floor of the barn. So quickly came the death shock that an electric stroke could flash no speedier summons. Though thus sadly crushed, death left a smile upon his face. Ralph was a manly, lovable little fellow, the pet of the whole neighborhood. In character and appearance he was unusually attractive to all. The day before his death, when playing with a hymn book, he asked his mamma, "If I die, will I see Roy?" (a little brother who is dead). Being told that he would, he said, "Roy and I will sing out of this book then." Who shall say that soon their voices did not blend as they sang in tuneful measure his praises who had gathered them as lambs to his bosom? By the consolations of grace the parents are comforted, and looking up through their tears to the shores of life eternal, they triumph by faith in the coming resurrection. With half their family already "at home with the Lord" they eagerly press on toward the heavenly reunion int he mansions above. The funeral services were conducted in Fair View Wesleyan Methodist Church in the presence of a large and sympathetic audience by the pastor, S.A. GILLEY, assisted by the Rev. H.J. Richardson, of Clarence, IA. Text, 2 Kings iv. 26. "Is it well with the child? . . .It is well." May God grant that each of the very many relatives who mourn this loss, may be prepared if the call should come thus unexpectedly for them. Evermore are the apostolic words a verity. "The putting off of my tabernacle cometh swiftly!" Unseen may his approach be, but still death cometh.

S.A. GILLEY

Transcribed by Mary E Boyer from the writings of Rev. Silas Alfred GILLEY (Great-great Granddaughter of Silas Alfred GILLEY)