Decatur County Journal

November 2, l905

RALPH GUTHRIE was born January 23, l898, in Decatur County, and died

October 29, l905, at the home of his parents near Beaconsfield, Iowa.

RALPH was a bright, affectionate little boy, the oldest son of MR. and

MRS. THOMAS GUTHRIE. He was ever foremost in his studies and won the

affections of his teachers and playmates. He was the household pet and

one of the precious jewels of the home. He was wrapped in the

affections of his father who looked forward to the day when RALPH should

relieve him of some of the responsibilities of the home.

But those hopes were blighted for sickness came and dimmed the bright

eyes and rosy cheeks of little RALPH. A skilled physician was called

and the father and mother watched over their sick boy with anxious

care. But all was in vain and the death Angel noiselessly came to the

parental home and snapped the bright flower from its sweet life here

below and placed it in the Heavenly home above, leaving a place in the

family circle that can never again be filled. RALPH leaves a broken

hearted father and mother, three little sisters, two little brothers and

a host of relatives and friends to mourn his loss. But our loss was his

gain.

His body was brought from the home near Beaconsfield to Decatur where

funeral services were held in the M.E. Church Tuesday afternoon, October

3lst at 2 o'clock. A large congregation was in waiting to pay the last

tribute of respect to little RALPH. The funeral service was held by the

writer of this sketch and the text was chosen from the l8th chapter of

Luke and has verse as follows: "Verily I say and you whosoever shall not

receive the Kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter

therein." Jesus had left an example by calling little children unto Him

and saying, "Suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not

for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven." Again He said, "Except ye be

converted and become as little children ye shall not enter into the

Kingdom of Heaven."

After funeral services, the body was followed to the cemetery where it

was laid by the side of a little brother, where they will repose to

await the resurrection morn.

CYRUS DEVOE,

Pastor, New Salem Church.

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September l, 200l