Shirley Wayne Perkins 1883-1904

PERKINS

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 10/18/2001 at 09:17:50

One of the saddest duties which have ever been called upon to perform is the writing of this sketch, which is to deal with the life of Shirl Perkins, which ended last Saturday evening shortly after nine o'clock.

Death is at all times sad, but when it comes home to us, and with its withering touch blights young manhood or womanhood, and one with whom we have been intimately associated, then the loss seems cruel and only grief is the portion of those who remain. Thus it is in the home and in the large circle of friends.

Shirl was born into the love of father, mother and sister on the home place, just a little way south of town, 20 years ago on the 20th day of last September and his continual residence there had made him family to all our people. He was never a of a robust constitution and of recent years gave evidence of lung affection [sic?], and, although every effort was made to purge the system of this terrible disease, all proved futile.

He attended school in this city and was to have graduated with the class of '01, but early in the year he entered the Bee office as apprentice and continued with us until his health forbade further confinement. This was the beginning of the end and each day saw a further decline toward final dissolution.

He was a bright, genial, honest young man, to be depended upon in every emergency. His labors with the Bee familiarized us with his character and we respected him for the many good qualities. He advanced rapidly in the profession and bade fair to become a splendid printer, as his naturally studious disposition was prompted by his desire to become proficient in the art. It was with deep regret both to him and the employers when he left and we earnestly hoped that he would be able to return. During his long illness he constantly expressed a wish for strength to return to work.

Our office is England today over the untimely demise.

During the postorate [sic] it of Rev. Collier in the field here, Shirl sought and found consolation in the love of his Savior and enrolled his name on the church records and later was baptized by Rev. Erskine, who frequently called at the home and cheered the suffer. He did not want to go but often told the watchful and loving parents that he was ready for the summons. Youth and life are synonymous. He clung to the life that had been replete with pain, and until the last few days never gave up hope but that the health and happiness would soon come. It did, and we are sure that today he is learning the life that means no more sorrow for all time.

In the immediate family, there are left to mourn, the father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Perkins, and one sister, Miss Gertrude and the sympathy of a large circle of friends is extended to them in this hour of sore trial.

The funeral was held yesterday from the M. E. Church at 1 o'clock and the remains were laid to rest in the new cemetery.

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Shirley Wayne Perkins was born Sept. 14th, 1883, near Bonaparte, Iowa, and died at the home of his parents, on the second day of Jan. 1904. Aged 20 years, 3 months and 18 day.

Shirley was the only son of James and Luella Perkins, who with one sister Gertrude, are left to mourn the loss of a loving son, and brother.

The greater part of his life has been spent at the family home.

He was educated in Bonaparte.

He wished to be a printer, and worked about one year with Sherman Bros. until last February, when his health failed. He grew worse rapidly, and was confined to bed for the past twelve weeks, and all that loving hearts and hands could do, could not prevail against that dread disease, consumption.

He professed faith in Christ and on the seventh day of October received the sacraments of baptism and united with the Methodist Episcopal church.

Funeral services were held from the M. E. church on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 1904. Interrinent [sic] in the Bonaparte Cemetery, Rev. Erskine officiating.

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I am NOT related and am posting this obit for those who may find this person in their family history.