Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1881-06-15
Death of Rev. W. Eldridge.

Our community last Thursday was
startled by the reported death of Rev. J.
W. Eidridge. The arrival of the rem aims
on the following day confirmed the report,
and left us no hope Of again seeing alive
the good old man whom we loved and
respected.
AT the time of his death, Mr. Eldrldge
was in the employment of the Central
Life Insurance co. of New York. He
lett Austin about five weeks ago, and, in
pursuit of his business, he arrived at
Shell Rock, Iowa, four weeks later.
There he was attacked with hemorrhage
OF the bowels, but was not considered
dangerously i'll until last Monday. His
wife WAS telegraphed for, and went to
him on the first train. Mr.. Eldridge was
under the excellent care Of the Masons
and Odd Fellows, and all that could be
done was dore. But in vain. The sum-
mons from the Father of All had come
and he obeyed. He died early Thursday
morning. kilograms were sent to Aus
tin, and Rev. r G. Spatford met the
remains at Plymouth Junction on Fri
day, and accompanied them and the
bereaved wife aud daughter to Austin
4 large procession awaited the arrival OF
the train, and headed by Austin Lodge of
Odd Fellows, proceeded to take the body
at once to the Uuiversalist church, where
it was cared for by loving hands until
the funeral service at 4 80 O'Clock. Not
withstan ling the uncertainty which pre-
vailed regarding the hour of the service,
large audience was present. Singing,
prayer, and few we'll chosen words Of
consolation by the pastor, constituted the
service at the church, as it was deemed
advisable to have memorial service in
the near future. The remains were taken
IN charge by the Masons and Odd Eel
lows, Of which societies the deceased was
most active and enthusiastic member.
Both societies were we'll represented, and
! they, with the numerous carriages and
friends, formed one of the longest pro-
cessions ever known in Austin. The GER
emonies at tho grave were the beautiful
and Impressive rites Of the Masons' and
Odd Fellows burial service. With the
casting of the sprigs of evergreen, the
sym boil of Immortality, into the grave, and
the words, earth to earth, ashes to ashes,
and dust to DUST" We turped away from
all that is mortal of our dear friend, and
went back to work for the living.
Rev. J. w. Eldridge was 81 years of
age. He was educated for the practice
| of the law; but, about ten years ago, he
abandoned his profession and entered the
ministry of the Universalist church.
| This work he carried on with much zeal,
unit, failing health compelled another
change OF occupation. He was thrice
married. His first wife was the moth er
of the two elder children, Schuyler c.,
and Mrs. w. A. Ransom; the second
wife the mother of Mrs. Eugene Hoy.
Prior to Mr. Eldridge's removal to Min
nesota six years ago, he lived three
years in Dayton, Ind, where his health
began to fail. 1t is gratifying to know
that several years ago he insured his lite
in the companies connected with the
secret societies to which he belonged
and that now his faithful wife for TWEEN
ty years is placed beyond the reach OF
Inconvenience of want
The character Of Mr.. Eldridge is not an
uncommon one, yet one we wish were
more common. He was kind, generous
honest, and Jealous in whatever he was
engaged. He was beloved by his church
and respected by men Of all denomina
lions for his charity and love of truth
We mourn, not that he has gone from us
to better land, but that we have lost
him from land that needs such men
And while we consign his body to the
grave and revere his memory, we do moi
forget word of sympathy for those who
knew HIM better than we did, for the low
ing wife and children.
THE MAsONs' TRIBUTE.
! Gods removal of Brother J. W. Ed
ridge from this world of time and space
is an irretrievable loss to the Masonic
Fraternity and to the lodge Of which he
was devoted member. HIS character
and influence will speak for him more
eloquently than we can speak, yet We
fee, it fitting to express in this public
way our appreciation of his worth and
our love for the man.
| Brother Eldridge was an earnest Ma
son. Whether in the Masters chair OF
among the brethren, he was faithful in
attendance and performance of duty. He
bore deep love for the order, and there
is no indication of any ever lurking
doubt in his mind concerning the princl
pies which animated him and Of which
he was living exponent. To say thai
he was true Mason is to say that he
was honest, charitable and patriotic; and
for these qualities we love HIM none
the less than for the fraternal spirit
which he NANTES ted to all.
Fidelity Lodge and Austin Royal Arch
Chapter have lost valuable member;
the community, worthy citizen; HI;
church, a staunch support; and hi:
family, kind father and loving hus
band. With all we shed the sympathiz
Ing tear, and 10 all we offer the conso
lation which human lips can utter, be
lieving that our God and our Brothers
God will not forget US in this hour o
sorrow, and certainly not the family
whom, in His infinite wisdom, he has Sc
bitterly bereaved.
W. w. KEYsoR,
G. II. DAVIDSON,
JOSEPH ADAMS,
Committee.
| OBITUARY.
Mr.. Eldridge has been a resident OF THU
city for the last six years, the first fonr o.
which he was pastor of the Universalis
church. He was born in Preble county, Ohio
Dec. 80th, 1929, and there he grew up to man
hood. His father was farmer, and he hat