Lemon E. Middleton (1897)

MIDDLETON

Posted By: Cay Merryman (email)
Date: 8/2/2004 at 19:06:27

Newspaper Unknown
January 1897

Many hearts are sad and full of sympathy for the bereaved parents of Lemon E. Middleton, who
passed from earthly life Sunday, January 17th in answer to his Master's call.

He was in his twenty-second year and the only son of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Middleton. About one year ago he was taken ill with rheumatism and after much suffering he was able to go around some, but never regained his former health and strength. Lem was a kind hearted young man whose bright and sunny nature helped him to bear all pain and sorrow without complaint. By his beautiful chararacter he drew to him a large circle of friends who, by their constant devotion and kind words, brightened many hours which might otherwise have been dark and lonely. Although his life has been despaired of for some time past, death came so sudden that it was a shock to those around him. His voice which brought so much comfort to those in his home is now stilled forever. But God in His wisdom doeth all things well, and in this dark hour we still have His love and guidance to console our saddened lives. His faithful mother remained with him continually during his illness. We know it was a solemn sight (although we were not present) to witness the old and the young, those who had honored and loved him, coming to .... the closing of that early grave, and ....... the last respects to one who through life had been the friend and favorite of all. The band loses in him a valued member, the community an esteemed, faithful friend, his home a loving son and brother, the church a true Christian. He was the "Noblest work of God - an honest man." (A poem follows)

A second obituary from a different paper gives the additional information - Died January 17th,
1897, at Excelsior Springs, Mo., Lemon E. Middleton aged 22 years 10 months 14 days. The funeral on the 20th. A member of the Christian Endeavor, a skilful member of the Truro Silver Band, six members of the band acted as pall bearers. (poem follows) (burial was at the Young cemetery)