Another Fallen Son

WEAVER, VAN METER

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 8/1/2009 at 10:00:21

Western College Reporter, Linn County, Iowa, December 15, 1862.

ANOTHER FALLEN SON

With a sad heart we are compelled to record the death of another son, A. C. Weaver, who died at Springfield, Missouri, on the 2nd inst.-of chronic diarrhea, aged 26 years.

He leaves a youthful wife, one little babe, parents, brothers and sisters, to mourn their loss.

Oh! When shall this dreadful scourge cease. God of mercy, grant us grace, that we may bear the stroke with patience-calmly submitting to thy will.

For further particulars we refer to Capt. Van Meter’s letter, found on the 3rd page, which we have taken the liberty to publish.

“Camp of 18th Iowa Volunteers, Springfield, Missouri, December 3, 1862.
Rev. S. Weaver, Western College of Iowa.

My dear sir.
I have learned, with deep regret, of the death of your son, A. C. Weaver, and as I saw him frequently during his protracted illness, and conversed with him about home and friends, I thought it but proper that I should advise you of the sad event, which occurred in the General Hospital in this place, at an early hour this morning. He appeared quite well on Sunday afternoon, and was unusually lively; singing many of the sacred songs, that so often have resounded in the old chapel walls. His long illness had subdued his spirit to the quietness of a lamb, and I am sure sir, that “our loss” in his death, will infinitely “his gain” and that the patriot Soldier, has been transferred from the army of the Union, to the army of the Lord. It was hard for him to think of his absent wife, so far away; with her heart so full of tears, that told all her soul’s agony; yet into his Hands who tempereth the winds to the shorn lamb,” he confidently placed the keeping of his heart’s companion-his adorable wife. Words, I know are idle, either to assuage your grief, or to express my feelings.
Your second offering has been accepted, and Alcinous has so soon followed to his long home him, whom we all loved and whose generous heart lies pulseless beneath the sods of Tennessee.
“Brother! Thou art gone to rest,
Thy sins are all forgiven;
And saints in light have welcomed thee
To share the joys of heaven-
Brother-to share the joys of heaven!
The generous friend, the brave soldier!
Thy warfare is o’er. Sleep until the last trump shall reunite you to those, whom on earth, you loved so tenderly!

You have the assurance of our best sympathy in your sad affliction, and believe me sir, you need not mourn as those without hope.
I am my dear sir your friend.

J. Van Meter