Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1867-07-18
In MenOriaIn

OF MARTIN LUTHER ANDERSON,
Son of Alexander and Isabella Anderson, who
departed this life in Woodstock, July 9Th, '67,
in sure hope of glorious resurrection.
Almost every day we are called upon to wit
ness fresh inyasions Of the 'sKing of Terror"
and chronicle the departure of another soul to
the eternal world. But, when we behold the
dying christian calmly awaiting the final strug
gle, and defantly acclaimng,
ooh death where is thy sting,
Oh! grave where is thy victory
we see the King Invested Of all his terror, and
have verified the promise of Him who spake
as never man spake, ''Lo am with you al
ways, even unto the end"
Such was the case with the subject of this
present memoir. When but boy, Luther ex-
hlblted many beautiful traits of character,
which grew with his growth and increased
with his years securing for him the love and
respect OF all, none speaking Of him but in
words of admiration and praise.
Before reaching the period of his manhood,
death had twice entered the family and laid
prorate kind, devoted father and a fond be-
loved sister. Luther, now the oldest, saw and
felt the new responsibilities devolving upon
him, and in meeting them he exercised an en-
ergy and prudence, which would have done
credit to an older and more experienced head
secure the comfort of widowed mother and
younger brother and sisters-showing a want
OF no.e of those qualities which characterize
a dutiful son and atfectionate brother
~Such were the relations he sustained when
the war-cry was heard throughout the land
and his brethren of Virginia were rallying in
defence Of their affairs and their homes. Strong
ly impressed with he truth and righteousness
of the cause, and seeing the line Of duty plain
y before him, he hesated not a moment, but
took his position among the FIRST in the ranks
OF his countrymen-faithful and fearessly
doing battle in his country's behalf, During
that terrible and proraced struggle. he was
always found at his post, never avoiding duty,
and by precept and example encouraging his
companions in arms. lie possessed all the
qualities Of good soldier, which soon won for
him high place in the esteem Of his superior
officers, and in the affection Of his fellow SOL
diers.
lie continued faithful in the discharge of ev-
cry duty until in The holly contested battle
around Characteristic in May 1863. lie fell
at his post seriously wounded, which resulted
in the amputa,ion of his right arm.
1t was here he was found by the writer of
these lines and with others transferred TO the
hospital at Staunton, where everything, as
far as practicable. was done to render them
comfortable. Although suffering severely,
Luther never murmured, but was frequently
heard to say, 't is all right" An opportuni-
ty presenting itself, he was conveyed to his
home in Woodstock. where he remained con-
slant sufferer 10 greater or less extent 1t
was not very long, however, before it became
painfully evident to his friends that he founla-
ton Of health had been shaken, and that dis
ease-consumption, was making rapid pro-
gress.
Having already made an open profession of
religion and having been received by the Pas
tor, Rev. Levi Keller, into the communion Of
the Lutheran Church, he enjoyed epresence
Of his Saviour and patiently a5ided his time.
1t was the privilege Of the writer to be with
him in the closing hours Of life and witness
how calmly and peacefully he passed from
earth On the day before his death, being
asked if he was afraid of his journeys end,
he replied, ooh, no, all is well-death has no
terror for me-" On the same day, observing
the distress of his sistersand loved ones as they
stood at his bedside, he remark ed FRET not
on my account, it is all right with ME, | shall
soon be at rest" A few moments before q
O'Clock on Monday morning he remarked to
the writer in faint voice, at is all right -
then without struggle he fell asleep
Then
''Weep not fer brother deceased
Our loss is his Infinite gain,