Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1858-09-29
Died Poor.

1t was {: SAD funeral TO me. SAID
the speaker; "the saddest ] have at
tended for many years"
SThat Of Edmonson -
eyes"
"How did he die -
"Poor-poor as poverty-his life
was one long struggle with the world,
and at every disadvantage. Fortune
Knocked him all the while with golden
promises that were destined never to
know fulfllment"
"Yet he was patient and enduring"
remarked one Of the company.
"Patient as a Christian-endnring
as a martyr" was answered. "Poor
man! he was worthy of a better fate
He ought to have succeeded, for he de-
served success"
"Did he not succeed ?" questioned
the one wLo had spoke Of his perseTe-
rance and endurance.
'sNo, sir. He died poor, as l 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 mo-
ments," said the other, ''and | thought
he died rich"
sNo; he has left nothing behind,"
was replied sSThe heirs will have no
concern as to the ADMINISTRATION of his
estate"
sFIIe has left q good name," said one,
"and th2t is something"
"And legacy CT noble deeds that
were done in the name Of humanity"
remarked another.
"And precioass examples" said a
third.
"Lessons Of patience in suffering Of
hope in adversely; Of heavenly conf
dence when no sunbeams fell upon his
bewildered path" was the testimQny
Of another
"And high truths, manly courage,
heroic fortitude."
"Then he died rich!' was the en-
phatic declaration. "Richer than the
millionaire who went to his long home
the same day, a miserable lauper in all
but gold 4 sad funeral did You say /?
= o my friend, it was rather a triumph
al procession! Not the burial Of hu-
man clod, but the ceremonial attendant
on the translation Of an angel. Did
not succeed! Why his whole life was
q series Of successes. In every con-
fiict he came off the victor, and now
the victor's crown is on his brow. ANY
grasping, soullcss, selfish man, with
share Of brains, may gather in money,
and learn the art Of keeping it; but pot
one in hundred can bravcly 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
iii neigishorly love, and rich in ceIes-
tial affections. Aud his heirs have an
interest IN the administration of his es-
tate. A large property has been left,
aud let them see to it that they do not
lose precious things through false esti,
mates and ignorant depreciations."
"You have new way Of eSti-
mating the wealth Of man." said the
one who bad at first expressed sympa-
thy for the deceased.
"Is it not the way" ?" was answered.
''There are higher things to gain in
this world than wealth that perishes.
Riches Of priceless value ever reward
the trFc merchant who trades for Wis
dom, buying it with the silver of truth
and the gold of love. lie dies rich
who can take his treasure with him to
the land where he is to abide forever,
and he who has 70 leave aD behind on
which he has placed his affections, dies
poor indeed Our friend ElmonsoB,
died richer than a Gerard or an Astor;
his monument is built Of good deeds
and noble examples. 1t will abide for
eyer-T S. ArtL2r.