Thaddeus S. Carlton/Carleton (1839-1885)

CARLTON, CARLETON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 11/19/2015 at 21:46:23

From Nevada Representative May 27, 1885

The Gates Ajar.

Thaddeus S. Carleton was born in Pennobscot county Maine, May 7th 1839, and died of hemiplagia in Iowa Centre, Iowa, May 16th, 1885. In 1843 with his parents he moved to New York. While here in his eighteenth year he was taken with rheumatism and for eighteen months was entirely helpless. His untold bodily sufferings left him a cripple for life, the thought of which was doubtless more painful than the sufferings he had already undergone. Upon professing faith in Christ as his Savior he said "if I had not been afflicted I might never have become a Christian;" and he ever after reckoned his afflictions among the providences of God. In 1863, soon after the death of his mother, he came to Iowa, where with relatives and friends, through his industry economy and genial manner he was ever a welcome guest.

Little we thought on that beautiful Sabbath morning, May 10th, that he was spending his last earthly Sabbath or that it was to be out last ride together, for he often accompanied me to my appointments. We had not gone far until a in low sweet voice he sang the hymn beginning:

Blest day of God! most calm, most bright,
The first and best of days;
The laborer's rest, the saints delight,
The day of prayer and praise.

Usually cheerful he was unusually so during the day and expressed himself near its close as having had a good day. Monday morning he complained of sick-headache, to which he was subject. He continued unwell, but not thought of anything serious was entertained until Friday evening. On Friday night he said to a waiter: "The end may be near", and then thanked God that he felt prepared to go, Saturday morning he became unconscious and remained so until about 5 P. M. when death came to his release. The funeral services took place from the Evangelical Church in Iowa Centre. A large audience from all parts of the county assembled to pay their last respects to the departed brother and friend. Immediately following the sermon Text Rev. 14;13 the I. O. G. T., of which he was an esteemed member, represented by the Iowa Centre and Maxwell lodges, performed the funeral service of their ritual. After the reviewing of the remains we repaired to the Evangelical churchyard in the Overholt settlement, where many friends of the deceased had gathered to witness the interment. The children had brought their floral offering. Soon the narrow home had received its occupant. And as we retired to our homes we felt that "Uncle Thaddie" had shown how to bear life's afflictions with christian contentment. Truly our loss is the infinite gain of one who was a good citizen, a worthy official, an affectionate brother, a favorite uncle, a true friend, a devoted Christian and patient sufferer. Well has it been said "he is better off."

THOS. M. EVANS.