Decatur County Journal
September, l886

Another sad event and one that brings grief to the hearts of all his
friends and associates is the death of JOHNNIE TWITCHELL, which occurred
Saturday, September 25th, at the residence of BENJAMIN EASTER, Franklin
Township, Decatur County, Iowa.

The funeral services, which were very largely attended by his many
friends and relatives were held at the Christian Church in Van Wert,
Sunday, the 26th inst. at 3 o'clock.  Services conducted by REV. SETH
SAMSON, who preached a very impressive sermon, suitable for the
occasion.

After father and mother, sisters and brothers, schoolmates and
associates, had taken a farewell look at the wasted form that death had
stricken down, his remains were laid to rest in the Van Wert Cemetery.
Thus we have another example of the fact that life is uncertain but
death sure; that the grim monster is no respecter of persons, visiting
the old and young alike, coming aften times when least expected and
always an unwelcome visitor.

It was but a short time ago that our young friend's prospect for living
was the very brightest, but that terrible disease, typhoid fever, took
hold on him, and after an illness of twenty-six days he passed away.
Why it is that death many times selects for its victims those that are
reaching that stage of life when it is a pleasure to live, and on the
other hand spares some that are tottering on the verge of the grave, is
a problem hard to solve.  But "God moves in a mysterious way, His
wonders to perform".

So we must not think of our dear departed friend as sleeping in the cold
damp grave where we saw his body deposited but a short time ago, but
rather let us hope that he dwells where justice will be meted out to
each and all by the Lord, the righteous judge, and may those near and
dear to the deceased be consoled by the thought that they have the
deepest sympathy of all in this their darkest hour of bereavement.

    One more, young in years, has gone from our midst,
    Summoned to meet the great Giver,
    To enter that dark, dismal dungeon, the tomb,
    And cross the cold, stygian river.

    Among us a young mind has ceased to exist,
    That was cherished by every heart.
    The wounds that are caused time only can heal,
    When we see our beloved one depart.
    His voyage on life's ocean is ended at last,
    Trials, afflictions and dangers are past.

    Bidding adieu to the conflict of life,
    Heart broken friends for him yearn.
    A vacant chair sits in the home circle now,
    For Johnnie will never return.
    Gone, gone forever, the light of our home.
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