Norton, Frank G.

NORTON

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 8/16/2010 at 08:22:36

The Grinnell Herald (March 1891)

IN MEMORIAM

When death takes away our beloved ones how our wounded and lacerated hearts mourn. Truly there is no event in life where such forces combine. All our joys and sorrows are connected so closely with these links, which bind heart to heart. Even the light of faith many times will grow dim in this dark hour--and God seems a-far off.

"We have but faith we cannot know,
For knowledge is of things we see;
And yet we trust it comes from thee,
A beam of darkness; let it grow."

It is thus we speak of the sad, untimely death of our young friend, Frank G. Norton. His sudden departure was a sad blow to his bereaved mother and sisters. There are few young men whose life and moral character from youth to manhood was so exemplary and free from vice. Having just attained his twenty-sixth year, his friends were hoping that a long life was before him.

No one could have suspected that such an act could ever have crossed his mind, as his disposition was so different from thought of suicidal intent. He never seemed more cheerful than the Sunday before his death, on his usual visit at home, laying plans for spring and summer.

It is true he remained four years at Mt.Pleasant but this he did of his own accord. He had been there but six months when his discharge papers were obtained. Being engaged there in active service--not as a patient,--but as an assistant with the physicians, and other duties, he preferred to remain. In fact his life there was pleasantly expressed in his letters home. "My bed and studio is a cosy little palace. Kind hands have arranged and placed in my window beautiful blooming plants. My room is in the first ward, the most pleasant of any." He thus showed his appreciation of all the blessings that fell in his way.

When it was desired to have him come home, many tender regrets were expressed at the Institution to have him go. At the time he entered the Institution, four years ago--really for no serious reason--his mental strain was overtaxed. A student of Iowa College, he sat up for weeks long after midnight, poring over his books, and would frequently not retire at all nor take sufficient food to sustain strength. His nervous system became weakened, and but a slight demonstration was at all noticeable. Had he been under different influences, a change and quiet might have rested his weary brain--instead of going to the Institution for treatment. It was after his mother left for Florida the news of her son's removal for treatment was sent her. He was not forced to go, but chose of his own accord to go--under the circumstances, which he understood.

That nothing walks with aimless feet
That not one life shall be destroyed
Or cast as rubbish to the void,
When God hath made the pile complete."

How touching to see one in early youth reaching out into the unknown depths to find out the mysteries of that unseen world--helpless, unable to fathom its endless bounds, where the mind cannot dwell too closely; "For we know only in part." He had this intense longing to reach and search for more truth. This intensity was beyond control. The celestial glory, with its anticipations of marvelous wonders on the imagination, must have overpowered the mind and will, not able to resist the sad act which ended his short career.