Preble County Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1857-1859, 1858-11-25
He Died Poor,


'tIt was a sad funeral to me, said the
speaker, "the saddest l have attended
for years" t.. ...... .........
THAT of Edmonson p
Eyes. "7.7'
ssHow did he die p ..
."Poor-poor as poverty-his life was
one long struggle with the world, and
at every disadvantage. Fortune mock
ed him all the while with golden prom
ses that were never destined to know
[fnlG4lment.n - f..zs.z
.sYet he was patient and enduring,
remarked one of the company,
Patient as Christian-enduring as
"a martyr" was answered. ''Poor man
he was worthy of a better fate. He
ought to have succeeded, for he deserved
success. l..... ..
''Did he not succeed" questioned
the one who had spoken of his perseve-
rance and endurance.
"No. sir. He died poor, as 1 have
just said. Nothing that he put his
hand to ever succeeded. A strange
fatality seemed to attend every enter
prise"
II was with him in his last moments, :;
said the other, "and | thought he died
rich
No, he has left nothing behind >
was replied. s.The heirs will have no
concern as to the administration of his
estate"
'He has left good name" said one
"and that is something"
"And a legacy of noble deeds that
were done in the name of humanity -
remarked another.
"And precious examples" said a
third. 80, 90"
Lessons of patience in suffering of
hope in adversity; of heavenly conf
dence when no sunbeams fell upon his
lew ldered path,'' was the testimony of
another.
"Ahd high truths, manly courage,
heroic fortitude. - a
s'Then he died rich y was the EN-.
phatic declaration. Richer than the
millionaire who went to his long home
the same day miserable pauper in all
but gold. A sad funeral, did you say :?
No, my friend, it was rather triumph
alprocession. Not the burial of hu-
man clod, but the ceremonial attend
apce on the translation of an angel
DID not succeed? Why, his whole life
was a series Of successes In every con-
tlict he came off victorious, and now the
vietor''s crown is off his brow. ANY
srASping. souiless. selfish man, with
share of brains, may gather in money.
and learn the art of keeping it; but not
on94h a hundred can bravely conquer
in the battle of life. as Edmonson has
conquered, and step forth from the ranks
of men, Christian hero, No, no; he
did not die poor, but rich-rich in
neighborly love, and rich in celestial
affections. And his heirs have an in
terest in the administration of his estate.
A large property has been left, and let
them see to it that they do not lose pre-
cious things through false estimates and
ignorant Interpretations
''IOu have a new way of estimating
the wealth. of a man, said the one who
had first expressed sympathy for the de-
ceased.
rs it not the right way z" he an
swered.
t"There are higher things to gain in
this world than wealth that perishes.-
IIicHes Vi priceless Ndtue ever reward
the true merchant who trades for wis
dom, buyin: it with the silver of truth
and the gold Of love. He dies rich who
can take his treasure with him to the
new land where he is to abide forever,
and he who has to leave all behind on
which he has placed his affections, dies
poor. indeed. Our friend Edmonson
died richer than Girard or an AstCr;-
his monument is built of good deeds
and noble examples. 1t will abide for
ever"