The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1880-04-30
DEATH OF HON. W. B. CARTER.

To many of the readers of the GAZETTE
the black borders of these columnswill be the
first intimation that death has removed from
amongst us one whose presence and infu-
ence has become habitual to us during the
past fourteen years. Yes, VIM B. CARTER,
the proprietor and editor of the Corvallis !
GAZETTE, was on Sunday morning summoned /
away to give that account of both public and
private life which each of us in his turn will
have to render. Let us see what report OF
that life his friends, who knew him SO well |
and were 80 freely taken into confidence by /
that generous heart, could give of him. The
leading incidents of his life may be summed
up in very few words
WILLIAM B. CARTER was born in Spring
field, in the State of Illinois, in the year
1881, and was there brought up and educa-
ted, and learned the trade which he practic-
led his life long. Having heard, like the
rest of the early settlers here, good report
lot this fair Western land, he crossed the
plains in 1851, and by dint of steady and|
|persevering, if tedious, travel, got safely to|
the end of that weary journey. Thus he|
|typifed so many of the undertakings of his
latter life, wherein he never knew how to|
turn aside or be put back from any course
This judgment assured him was desirable, and
his conscience approved, however long and
dusty the road, how great soever the obsta
Icles in his way might be.
He practiced his trade here in Oregon till
llS59, and then for season returned to his
home in Illinois. There he married very
happily, and came back to Oregon in 1862
In the year 1865 he acquired that interest in
/ this paper which he so faithfully worked
until his dying day. Here our pen hesi-
{tates, doubling for moment whether to
pass on at once to the review of his public
fife, which is the property of us all, or to
raise with reverent hand the veil of private
fife and private sorrow. But here, after al,
] lies the key to many public mans subse-
3quent career, which without knowledge Of
! the secret of his private life, would fail to
( be accounted for Alright In 1877 the family
1 of the friend whom we mourn to-day was
visited with Affections severe beyond the
$common lot. Death laid his cold hand on
gthree fair children, while it was doubtful
flor time if the father would then follow
Sthem or no. We doubt not that in those
Terrible shocks to body and mind the seeds
were laid of that disease which ended SO
suddenly on Sunday last.
4 It would not have been strange if man
sso tried had refused to lift again the burden
2of daily toll and to resume the harness,
(which was worn the more lightly while the
Family circle was unbroken, and health was
svouchsafed sufficient for daily needs. But
Jour friend resumed his pen, and as soon as
strength returned was found again in his
working place, striving to show once more
that cheerfulness and heartiness of interest
Sin public and social matters which was one
sof his strongest characteristics. Not many
Journalists could turn back for IA years to
the files of their paper and not blush for
some bitterness of temper; for some public
sobject not quite honestly advocated; for
some opponent not quite fairly struck; for
some yielding to private ends or private
Epique. And VIM. B. CARTER was far too
honest and humble minded and sincere a
christian to examine himself, and plead not
guilty before the bar of his own conscience.
but we, his friends, have the privilege he
would have denied himself, and we cam
boldly ask where can we find his like again
For to match him the man must be as he,
was, = honest m soul, and pure-minded ),
Eager and persevering for the public good ),
capable of a warm and thorough enthusiasm
for, and ready to undergo sacrifices of no
common kind in pursuing worthy object
for bene6ting the community where lay his,
home and heart; gentle and forbearing inl
trying ever to hit but not to-
wound; faithful to his party and ready in
their service, but open-eyed to thei
good principles and good men on the other
side; cheerful and bright as friend, and|
thus filling no small place in the little world
i'm which he lived charitable and kind toa
Iall in need; seeking ALWAYS to be of service,
regardless of the sacrifice of his own time;
and comfort; and ever ready to recognized
and be grateful for any kind act or intention]
i'm others.
For many months past it has been but too
obvious that his health was failing, and that
the strain was too severe the lines of cares
and sickness on his tace testified only too!
well. On Friday evening last he attended.
the Good Templars' meeting according to!
his won't, and though complaining, no one]
supposed him more unwell than, alas, was
usual with him. On Saturday evening hes
WAS bright and cheerful; taking lively
interest and satisfaction in the inser-s;
'tion by the orego,ian of that day of his vim
;dication of his beloved Yaquina Bay, ands
expressing firm hopes that he should soon3
see the public recognition of that object
(which, as he laid, he d.made his own fory
ten years and more. About l o'clock on3
Sunday morning he was seized with severe3
pain in the region of the heart, which medi-I
cine could not allay, and at o'clock he
passed peacefully away.
As we laid his body to rest this bright
spring day in the Masonic cemetery here,
followed by so large throng of all classes!
and ages, testifying by their solemn demean-z
|or at once their sense of loss in him, andj
their deep sympathy with the widow and3
son whose grief is too deep and sacred fora
words to avail ought, the words which fol
low came to our mind. Let US copy them
L.