Ralph W. Laird (1865-1881)

LAIRD

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 4/7/2015 at 07:43:28

Jackson Sentinel, February 3, 1881

DIED

LAIRD-At the residence of his parents, South Fork township, Jackson, Co., Iowa, Jan. 26, 1881, Ralph W. Laird, aged 15 years.

His life was short, but he lived it well-indeed we might say it was a success. From earliest childhood the perusal of good books has been his chief pleasure and the knowledge of learned men has been a source from which he was drawn as opportunity afforded. In this he was an example to every young person. His intelligence, which was of more than ordinary cast, searched out mysteries hidden from many of older years. As a son, he was dutiful and good, and received in return the deepest affection parents can bestow. As a scholar his zeal and interest ever endeared him to the hearts of his teachers. As his associates truly mourn a dear young friend.

While we drop a tear o'er his untimely grave we think of him in the language of Longfellow:
"He is dead, the noble youth,
The heart of honor, the tongue of truth,
He, the light and life of us all,
Whose voice was blithe as a bugle call,
Whom all eyes followed with one consent,
The cheer of whose laugh, and whose pleasant word,
Hushed all murmurs of discontent."

Ralph Laird grave
 

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