Compton, Leslie J. 1887-1911

COMPTON

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 1/23/2010 at 10:10:27

Death of Leslie Compton

Stricken on the Threshold of Useful Young Manhood.

The death of Leslie J. Compton, at the home of his parents in Buena Vista Township, at an early hour last Friday morning, brought deep sorrow to his parents and a wide circle of friends in the community where he had lived all his life. He was a student in the Iowa State teachers college in Cedar Falls when he was stricken with typhoid fever and returned to his parental home on Saturday morning, November 11, and within a week the dread disease had done its work and Leslie passed into the better world. A friend of the young man sends us the following obituary and tribute to the beautiful character of the young man:

Leslie J. Compton, son of Alvin and Almira Compton, was born in Jasper County, Iowa September 27, 1887 and departed this life at 5:30 o’clock Friday morning, November 17, having attained to the age of 24 years, 1 month and 18 days.

Leslie was of a strong, robust constitution, an athlete of great strength who scarcely knew what sickness was until about a year ago, when he left his home to enter college at Cedar Falls. It was in the midst of his studies when he was attacked by the fatal typhoid about two weeks ago. On the advice of his physician, he came home-the dearest spot on earth to the dear boy-hoping that parental care and home environments would soon restore him to health. But in spite of trained help, medical skill and tender nursing of loved ones, the cruel disease could not be checked and at the early dawn of Friday morning our community was shocked by the blow that had fallen so suddenly. No one could realize the sad fact that the genial, noble hearted young man had passed away.

Leslie was a member of the Killduff Methodist Church, having been converted under the ministry of Rev. Jesse Monkman. He was a faithful attendant of the church and Sabbath school up to the time of his entering college, and a devoted worker in the Y. M. C. A. and other departments of Christian work all the time he was in Cedar Falls. He was an ardent lover of music and vocal culture was one of his closest studies in school. He was a charter member of the Killduff Cornet Band, always doing what he could toward its success.

He was an affectionate, obedient son, devoted to his father and mother, whom he loved with all his tender, boyish nature and only second to his love for them was that for his two younger brothers Roy and Freddie. Besides these, he is survived by three aged grandparents and a wide circle of other relatives and friends. “But now he is dead, wherefore should l fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me. – 2d Samuel, 12-13.”

The funeral service was held at Mt. Zion Church Sunday at 2 p.m. and the remains were laid to rest in the cemetery nearby. Rev. Jesse Monkman took for his text, “Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth.” He spoke of his conversion and the usefulness of his noble life. How in the strength of his manhood he had championed the cause of Christ and was ever assisting and cheering others. Music was furnished by rev. Monkman, Clarence Wheatcraft, Miss Bertha Welle and Mrs. Jessie Welle, with Miss Emma Welle as accompanist. Rev. and Mrs. Monkman sang a duet, and Miss Bertha Welle a solo-both being very tender and beautiful. Many beautiful_______________flowers spoke in their silent eloquence the sympathy, love and admiration of friends and relatives for the one whose life resembled them in its beauty and purity. Among the beautiful floral offerings were wreaths from the church and Sunday School and a pillow of flowers from the band at Killduff. Besides many from personal friends there came those from the Y. M .C. A. and college friends of both Cedar Falls and Oskaloosa. The pallbearers were members of the band which he loved so dearly.

Mr. and Mrs. Campton feel grateful to the friends who were so kind during the illness of their son and whose love and sympathy were shown in so many ways during the great sorrow that ahs darkened their home. ~ Newspaper unknown.