Forrest Evertt Matison (1905-1923)

MATHISON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 6/26/2014 at 21:31:51

From unknown newspaper January 1923

MATISON FUNERAL HELD ON SUNDAY

BODY LAID TO REST IN NEVADA CEMETERY AFTER SERVICES AT M. E. CHURCH

One of the largest funerals that had been held in Nevada for some time was that which crowded the Methodist church to capacity Sunday afternoon, with relatives and friends to pay their final respect to the memory of the late Forest Matison, who died at Pasadena, Calif., Friday January 26.

The services were conducted by Rev. Jackson Giddens of that church who preached the sermon, assisted by Dr. C. N. Swihart of Memorial Lutheran church who read the scripture and offered prayer.

The songs were by a quartette consisting of Messrs. Pickford, Mullen, Wendel and Kruwell, while Mrs. Olson was at the organ.

The floral offerings were many and beautiful, the casket and the altar being literally banked with flowers.

The pall bearers were from among the boyhood friends of Forest, they being Harman Walker, John Ambrose, Harleigh Bishop, Royal Briggs, Ralph Edwards and Herman Johnson. Interment was in the Nevada cemetery.

The following obituary was read by the pastor, preceding the sermon:

"Forest Everett Matison was born near Iowa Center, May 4, 1905. There he spent his childhood days until he was five years of age when his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Matis Matison moved from the farm to Nevada, where he was reared to young manhood and made his home until his death. From early childhood he was afflicted with asthma and at times was great sufferer, yet he never complained of his lot and courageously fought the battle of life with a cheerful spirit and a pleasant smile for everyone.

"He attended the Nevada public schools and after finishing the grammar school he attended the Wentworth Military Academy at Lexington, Missouri, for one full year and returned for the second year but found that his strength was not sufficient to carry on the work and returned home. About six years of age his parents took him on a trip out west hoping that it might improve his health and that he might overcome his trouble but the results were not as much as had been hoped for and they returned home.

"Last April he made a trip to California returning home the last of June, then in company with his companion, Keith Bowen, he left again for California driving through by auto. After reaching the end of their journey his health seemed to improve and he was better than he had been for months until he contracted pneumonia. He was among friends who gave him the best of care and attention.

"Clark McLain a long time friend of the family, a banker at Pasadena, learning of his sickness spared himself neither money for time in seeing that everything was done that could be done to help him. At first his condition was not thought serious but that he might have the best of care he was removed to the hospital where he suddenly grew worse and passed away at the Marengo Hospital on January 26, 1923 at 1:30 a. m. as they reckon time, his age being 17 years 8 months and 22 days. At the time of his death there was present with him his companion, Keith Bowen, Clark McLain, Otis Gurke and his nurse.

"On Sunday, January 23, the parents received a message apprising them that he was not very well but would keep them posted as to his condition. On Thursday another message conveyed the news that he had been taken to the hospital and had pneumonia. The father left the same evening for his bedside but on Friday morning another message brought the sad news of his death. This was conveyed to the father via but he continued his trip to California and returned with the body arriving home Friday morning.

"It is difficult in words to rightly express the impression made by a young life, Blossomed and all too soon withered. His cheerful disposition and pleasant way won for him friends among both old and young and the memory of him among them will never be forgotten. At his coming home he always wished the boys to meet him at the train but now that he has gone not to return their meeting must be in some better land. He was a cheerful, loving, obedient son, had a keen appreciation of what his parents had done for him and after reaching California talked mush of returning home in the spring and going into business with his father. He leaves to mourn his death the parents, one sister, Esther, both grandmothers, many uncles, aunts, and cousins; other relatives and numerous friends. He was an attendant at the Methodist Sunday school for many years and during the revival meetings held by Rev. Lowery while Rev. Hardaway was pastor of the Methodist church, made a profession of religion and intent to live a Christian life."