SOUTHARD, Rupert J. (1858-1890)

SOUTHARD

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 8/17/2017 at 17:06:32

Rubert J. Southard
(April 28, 1858 - April 1, 1890)

Indianola Herald, Indianola, Iowa, Thurs., Apr 17, 1890, p.3
Died – Near St. Mary’s, April 1, 1890, Rupert J. Southard, in the 32nd year of his age. Mr. Southard was born in Jo Davis County, Ill., April 28th, 1858. His parents moved to Warren County when he was quite young and then he grew into noble manhood. Nov 12th, 1883, he was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Lusk, well known as one of Warren County’s most respected school teachers. The following year they moved to Platte Co., Nebraska, where they resided until Dec. last when, owing to deaths in his wife’s family they returned to Iowa and moved to Mr. Lusk’s farm until a desirable home could be decided on. About four weeks ago a young son came to brighten their home, the mother’s life was despaired of, but with kind and watchful care, she was spared. The constant watching over the sick bed and the anxiety fitted his system for disease. He was complaining of not feeling well for about a week, but being of a very energetic disposition would not content himself to be down, until Saturday afternoon. March 29th, when a doctor was dispatched for, who pronounced his trouble remittent fever, this was closely followed by inflammation of the stomach and bowel which resulted in his death at 10:26 o’clock, Tuesday, p.m. His father was telegraphed for on Sunday, but owing to some delay, did not arrive until Wednesday morning. Thus the King of Terrors has removed from our midst a true friend, a beloved son, and an adored husband. The grief of that wife can better be imagined than described. The last child and only son of the father has departed, leaving him sorrow stricken and ---. Mr. Southard told one of is attendants that he did not fear death, but he had faith that God would spare his life as he had so much to live for. He said he had been trying to do right and had prayed earnestly for divine help. We doubt if there are many boys who are left motherless in early youth that develop into manhood as noble and generous, sober and industrious, as the subject of this sketch. While we mourn the loss of the departed one, we are cheered and strengthened by thought that he is free from care, pain and sorrow, and in a short time we too will be called to join that white robed band across the river that are waiting, beckoning us on – on to glory immortal. “So we’ll patiently wait, outside of the gate, till Jesus, our Master, says come to the mansions of light, away from all night, and dwell forever at home.”