SNYDER, Ephie: 1877-1902

SNYDER

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 5/4/2013 at 04:56:02

To say that our neighborhood was enveloped in sorrow is but a feeble expression of the sadness that prevailed when the grim monster death entered our community Monday evening, July 14, 1902, and made Ephie Snyder its victim. Friends and relatives who watched over him faithfully feared the final result, yet hope outweighed despair, and when at last the sad intelligence was borne to us we could scarcely realize that one of such sterling worth had been called from among us. On this occasion we keenly feel the sentiment expressed by the poet: "God moves in a mysterious ways his wonders to perform.: nevertheless we must be resigned as Christ was when about to drink the bitter cup on the cross. "Not my will but Thine, oh Lord, be done." Ephie was a young man whose amiable ways won for him hosts of friends. For every one he had a smile. No child passed by him unnoticed. to the old and distressed he gave some cheery words when opportunity presented itself. He was appreciative of all that was good, and echewed all that appeared evil. No Sunday passed that he did not attend church. No party of young people was complete without his presence, and though we do not wish to call him back he will be sadly missed.

A young man whose walk in life was beyond reproach has been called to cross the river of death. The subject of this sketch was born May 26, 1877, and died July 14, 1902, being 25 years, 1 month and 18 days old.

A father, mother, three brothers, four sisters, and many relatives and friends mourn his untimely death. February 6, 1899, he became a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Later he became connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, from which orders he received the greatest tributes of respect during his illness, which showed the high esteem in which he was held. The funeral occurred Wednesday, July 16, at 2 o'clock. Rev. Collier, of the M.E. church, officiated in a most eloquent and sympathetic manner. The orders of which he was a member officiated at the cemetery.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 49, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA