Laird, Eugene (Gene) d. 1887

LAIRD

Posted By: Sherry Faidley Healy
Date: 3/13/2012 at 13:26:57

Newton (Iowa) Journal Wed. August 17, 1887

Death of Gene Laird - We do not think there was a home in Newton in which sorrow was not felt, when the news of the death of Gene Laird was announced, last Thursday morning. It was not generally known that he was sick, and the announcement was a shock to all our people, among whom he was a general favorite. Eugene was the second son of S. E. and Hattie Laird. He was not yet sixteen years of age, and had lived in Newton about seven years. Small of his age, and manly beyond his years, he attracted the attention of all, and by his kindly disposition won alike the affection of both old and young. He first complained of feeling unwell on Friday morning, the 5th inst, but insisted upon delivering milk to his patrons. In the evening he took to his bed, and soon passed into unconsciousness, from which he never after rallied. The physician pronounced his disease brain fever. His death occurred on the following Wednesday night, between 12 and 1 o’clock. The funeral services were held at the Congregational church at 9 o’clock on Friday morning, conducted by Rev. S. F. Dickinson. Eugene was converted during Mr. Smead’s revival meeting last winter, and afterward united, with the Congregationalist church, and his pure christian character was shown by his everyday life. On the sadly bereaved household his death falls with crushing force, but in their deep affliction the family have the sympathy of all.