Minnesota weekly times. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1859, 1856-03-08

Mr. DIAN TIAzs,-How often have we oc.
casion 10 verify the statement Of the inspired
word, that in this world Of ours "death reigns."
As the penalty Of sin sit has passed upon all
men," have now to record the death of Jo-
seph Renville; which took place in this neigh
borheod on yesterday, February 9Th. For
some time past this event has been expected,
as his disease was pulmonary consumption.
which ordinarily battles all medical skill.
The deceased was about forty-seven years Of
age, son of Joseph Renville, who died at
Lacquiparle some years since, and whose menu
DRY is identified with the past history Of Min.
nesota. Inheriting from his father many no
Bile and generous Qualities, unfortunately for
himself and family, the habits Of the Indian
trade in which the deceased was educated,
were no: such as enabled him to gain a com
Portable livelihood by labor After the death
of his father, he removed with his family to
the Mississippi and resided for some time at
Kaposia, with Little Crows band, many Of
whom were his mothers relatives. Soon after
the cession of this Minnesota country to the U.
States, he with younger brother and cousin
Of the same family name, removed up to the
neighborhood of Fort Ridgley. When they at
tended the payment at Yellow Medicine, he was
already far gone in the disease which has just
terminated his earthly career. Here in the
house Of younger brother and with other re-
lations, he with his family found temporary
home and place to die. Through the kind.
ness Of friends and neighbors, they have not
wanted. 1t has been pleasant to see that form.
er kindncsses received from the family when
his father was a prince in wealth among them,
have not been entirely forgotten by the Dako.
| tds, but have been returned now to the son in
his sickness.
In the first years Of the mission at Lacqui-
parle, the deceased became connected with the
church formed there. He had however previ-
| ously formed a matrimonial alliance, not &C
cording to his own wishes. BY repudiating
his wife and taking his late companion, he for
feited his christian standing. But within a
few years past he Processes to have been bro''
to a knowledge Of his sin and repentance there.
for; and he has accordingly renewed his pro.
fession Of faith in the Redeemer. And now il
is hoped he has gone to be participant in the
duties and joys Of Gods family above. Yes.
terday morning his little daughters who 1--we
with us, went to see their father. To them hi
said II am going up to-day And an hour o.
two after, when asked ''Do you recogniz,
l. Il t.I. c., In,
swered emphatcally, Eyes" -e
This was the last OF earth. In short ti,n'
he was gone. Peacefully. calmly. he fel
asleep. | said, "He is dead" then com
menced long, loud and bitter waiing. u
to that moment the friends had restrained
themselves for his sake. But now they opened
their hearts and poured out their grief. AL
though differently educated, my heart re
spends to the fitness Of this manner of givin:
vent to their sorrow for the dead. In ih'
midst Of their waing 1 stood for perhaps TWEEN
ty minutes, and then kneeling down, com
menced praying in a very low voice.-"Ou
Father in Heaven. he was thine and thou ha
taken him." In minute all was silent, saw.
one old man, who was singing to the departed
one as he walked Oh ''the spirits iron road.
In minute more he was still too. AS com.
away from that Bochin. reflected that sit il
better to go to the house of mourning than t,
the house of feastDg." ..,.-
Yours very truly,
S. II. RIGGS.
| Hazlewood Min Feb g. 1856