The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1881-05-03

his high talent. g.
Wayne County Democrat, Goth ult-
OBITUARY.
william G. Kirkwo0d.
T Notice was made last week Of the
death Of MI. w. C. Kirkwood. A fur
ther brief sketch Of his life may be in
teresting to some OF your readers.
Mr.. Kirkwood was born February 25,
1903, in Hartford county Maryland,
where he remained until his marriage in
the summer of 1924. After brief ab.
sence, he returned to this place. where
be settled down again and united with
the Presbyterian Church Of Slate Ridge.
Remaining here until 1886 he then re-
moved with his father aad his brothers.
John H. and Samuel j., to q farm 10
Monroe county, Ohio, near the county
seat, Woodsfield In 1S43 he removed
into Woodsfeld and resumed work at
bis trade, that Of wagon maker, which
be followed diligently until within two
weeks OF the close Of his life, actually
falling in the harness Of duty. He came
to Wooster in 1870. at the opening of
the University, and with his faithful
wife, who is left feeble and widowed
behind him, resided in a part of the
house of his son Prot Kirkwood, of the
University. His only other son, ex-
cepting one that died in infancy, is Rev
w, r. Kirkwood. d. D., Who has long
been an influential member of the Pres
bytery of Steubenville, and who is now
Fiscal Secretary of the University.
Mr. Kirkwocd was q man OF fine
natural abilities, though of limited edu-
cational advantages In early life. Yet
he was thoroughly versed IN the doc
trines and history OF the Christian re.
ligion, in the history OF bis country, in
politics, and many subjects Of prac-
tical nature, and when reused was an
able defender of bis opinions and firm
as rock 10 standing by what he believ-
ed to be right. He maintained to the
end bis early views in politics and relig-
ion. He was always moral and upright,
hut from the time when he united with
the Church he pursued his Christian
course with jealous and faithful consis-
tency. g
After coming to Ohio Mr.. Kitkwood
was elected Ruling Elder in the
Wo0ds6eld Church, which we'll nigh
owned its existence and maintenance for
years to his time, energies and liberal
contributions. He was on humble
Christian. without guile. simple-hearted
and pure, never disposed to make any
boast of his experience of Divine. favor.
but living an honest, manly lie in the
eyes Of all men, ana with bis equally
devoted wife, consecrating their soma
and training them faithfully to the ser.
vice of Christ Dstrustful OF himself,
be trusted fully in the grace Of his Re-
tdeemer, and living and dying be cher
ished that trust. .ot
His last illness was brief, attended
With but little pain, being merely the
breaking down and rapid fading away.
of the strength OF long, laborious and
in the main healtbful manhood.
When asked near the end if all was
right between God and himself, he re.
piled: II have no hope or trust in my.
self. but l trust wholly in that Savior
who came to redeem the lost" What
more could the most eminent disciple
have said? And 80 at last, at the age
OF seventy -eight, dying as he had lived,
on quiet Sabbath afternoon, under the
mild radiance OF an April sun, his fond
eyes turning for last look to the be
loved face of the wife Of his youth, he
calmly breathed out bis spirit and gently
fell asleep.
There was one fact 80 notable and so
honorable in the career Of this good
man that it is worthy to be recorded for
example to his fellow-citizens. His sur
viving brother. between whom and him
self q strong attachment ever existed,
entered professional sphere, was twice
elected Governor OF Iowa. twice chosen
United States Senator, and at length ap-
pointed to q position in the Cabinet of
President Garfield as Secretary of the
Interior. His two sons also becoming
graduates Of colleges and attaining to
high professional positions, were anx
ious to relieve his la5ors ard give him,
and his wife place of honorable resi-
after the arduous tolls OF a severe Ii e.
time of manual labor, freed from the
necessity of further exertion. But he
neither availed himself of the official
influence OF brother nor Of the affec.
tionate proffers of bis own sons, but
persistently continued In his humble
though most honorable trade TIL bis
wearied hands would no longer obey
the dictates of his determined will. This
was the crowning glory OF his true and
exalted manhood, and for his genuine
nobility Of character none honored him
more than the educated friends and
neighb0rs by whom be was surrounded
end who ever delighted to show him to-
kens Of their respect and reverence, -
Men ever find their happiness in faith
fulness to their business. Il is not what
one does for living, but what he is in
himself, that makes and marks the true
man. To be consecratsd to ones task
until death, that alone reveals natures
nobility. All praise to the honest work
ing man who is not ashamed Of his toll.
For all genuine men honor him who is
not ashamed Of bis work. Those who
affect to look down upon the honest
toilers In life do but display their own
want OF worthy manhood He who is
lowly before man may be lofty in the
sight Of God.
A. A. E. TAYLOR.
ALEXANDER HARrER's barn, three
miles south OF Barnesville, was burned
last Saturday night. The barn and all