Decatur County Journal

November 2, l905

RICHARD GRANVILLE SPURRIER was born in Salem, Henry County, Iowa, in

l87l. Moved with his parents to Decatur County, Iowa, in the spring of

l876. Would have been 34 years old his next birthday, November l9.

Passed from this life October l8, l905, at 7:30 p.m. He had heart

trouble but had been in as good health apparently, for the past few

days, as for many months before. On October l8 he arose as usual,

assisting in the morning duties around the house, then brought his aged

father to Lamoni ro remain for the day at his daughter GERTRUDE's.

RICHARD returning to the old home to care for the wants of mother,

before going to a public sale, where he remained the balance of the

day. He ate a warm dinner, had a good sociable time with his neighbors,

showed his good will to parties conducting the sale, and returned about

6:30 p.m. to the parental roof, where he was ever found a constant

comfort to his parents. Mother was alone, but after the usual kindly

greetings he seated himself at one of her every-ready warm luncheons,

eating a little, and smilingly relating her incidents of the day.

Mother went to care for the milk, and after going to the porch she heard

a noise, as if something had fallen. Returning at once, she found

RICHARD had fainted, or fallen from his chair. She grasped him in her

arms, working his body and requesting him to take a few drops of

stimulant, but it was too late, with another look into his mother's

loving face, his eyes closed and he peacefully slept, while his noble

spirit took its flight.

RICHARD made no profession of religion, but lived, practicing what he

preached, the highest morals, virtue, temperance, kindness and charity.

He never shunned evil doers, was never found in company with the

intemperate, and so openly opposed all dishonesty that he was ever found

fighting for the cause of righteousness. His respect and charity for

old age had made for him a host of friends, and the Old Folks Home and

community is filled with his acquaintances who mourn their loss, many of

whom with feeble steps were in attendance to view for the last time on

earth, the remains of one who had scattered seeds of kindness and strewn

flowers along their path in their declining years.

He was equally friendly in juvenile society and was ever ready for

innocent merriment.

He was quite a stockman and agriculturist and the fruits of his industry

are quite apparent. He was constantly battling against the misfortune

of ill health, yet reluctant to complain, constantly sacrificing his own

feelings for the good of others.

Funeral services were held at two o'clock p.m., Saturday, October 2l,

l905, at his home, one mile west of Lamoni, Iowa, Rev. Devoe, an old

time friend and family acquaintance, delivering the address, Rev. Sill

assisting, Lazarus' death serving as text.

A chosen octette furnished beautiful music, and a profusion of pure

white flowers from relatives and friends gave evidence of God's

handiwork. His ever trusted hand, BOB SMITH, with RICHARD's favorite

team, bore him to Rose Hill Cemetery, where he was interred; family,

friends, flowers and tears accompanying him to the grave.

In sickness RICHARD was first to respond; of late, constantly attending

father and mother. His last moments, so opportunely spent in his

mother's arms, were seemingly without pain. Looking up at her, with

almost a smile on his face, his true heart ceased beating, for God had

called him home. His father, sister, GERTRUDE, and brother, FRANK, were

soon at his bedside. E.D. BRIGGS and other relatives gathering as

quickly as possible; his brother, POLY, and wife and sister, LIZZIE,

coming later.

Among the first to arrive was one in whom his brightest hopes had for

years been centered--she, who aside from mother, had no equal, each for

the other, had hopefully, happily and abundantly planned. God alone

knowing that those earthly ties would be broken, and He alone is able to

heal the wounds, for "He giveth and He taketh away."

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Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert

September l, 200l