The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1882-10-25

MR. EpITog-Will you allow me a small
space IN your paper to say few things cun-
cerning the life of RrutheF Theodore q. Woy,
whose memory j, cherished not only by his
immediate relatives but by all whose privi-
lege it was 10 become intimately acquainted
with him.
Mr. Woy was born near Friedensburg, In
this county, in the year ls45, and grew up
to the age of seventeen years under the fos-
tering care Of his pious parents. In his sew
enteenth year he responded TO his country's
call for men to defend her flag and perpetu-
ate her unity Dyring his army life he was
in twenty-one engagements, and in all of
these escaped from any personal inlury;.yet
It cannot be said that the smell of powder
was not upon his garments, for he made a
number Of very narrow escapes, OF the many
we give but one instance here: When ne left
home his mother presented him with oi-
BILE. which he carried in his knap-saok. In
one engagement a ball passed into the KNAPP
sack and was embedded in his bible, its pro-
gress was arrested and his life saved; the BIZ
bic was saver of life To him. He Was twice
CAPTURED by the enemy. Once he endured
the hardships and starvation OF Libby Pris-
on. His second capture was on the day in
which Gen. Lee surrendered to Gen. Grant
and was only prisoner of war for few
hours and made his escape. He entered the
army as private, and after lops and heroic
service he w4s pFomoted to lieasenantcy'
and before the close of his four years ser
vice he was commissioned captain Of Cam
pany Il, 5ith Pennsylvania Volunteers. By
his courage and prOmptitude on every try
ing occasion he won the laurels which were
so justly accorded him.
After the war Capt. Woy returned to the
home of his parents and peacefully settled
down to agricultural pursuits which be by
choice made the future eAlling OF his life
In December, 1867. he was married TO Miss
Mary NJ. Coleman, of this county. There
were born to them six children, three OF
whom preceded hmm TO the better world. AT
the age of twelve years he united with the
Evangelical Lutheran church at Friedens-
burg and when he returned from the army
he again resumed his pla ce in the church OF
his early instruction and conservation.
BY reason of change of residence he became
a member of what is known as the Wills
Lutheran church. in which church he was
an office bearer for some time In the course
of time he removed To his late residence
near Somerset. after which he became a
member Of Trinity Lutheran church in
Somerset Here soon too his christian char
acter became conspicuous, and he was sue
cessively elected to the office Of ,seaeon oy
/ his brethren. He ua7 q man OF 50 many
( comnlentiahIe characteristics that the entire
community looked upon him as an exeep-
tional man. His disposition was most
kindly one, always speaking words of cheer
with a eonsiderateness that made his society
and com panionship the most agreeable
I This drew 10 him those who were in need
of sympathy and of helping hand. Sosh-
ing seemed TO be too much ssouhle if it va,
within his poas, when solicited TO confer &
/ :, .asoT. His early training, bis broad and
kindly christian sympaihies developed in
him traits which fitted him not only for cit
/ izenship, but made him at home in his do
nestle life loving. patient and cheerful II
was during the last months Of his prutrac-
ted sickness that his christian charaete.
shone forth most lustFou.ly. He was suT-
rounded by eifcnmsta2Ses calculated to
make ~ snosi desirable, a comfortable
nome, a faithful and devoted wife, brigh,
and promising childrn living In his love
and sympathy. and an aged father and
mother who still watched his every footstep
with the same parental affection. and an
only sister lovingly devoted TO him as only
SISTER can be, and at an age of life wher to
him it was full Of promises, expectation and
hope. With all these Surroundings life was
made to him the most inviting and o,ezisa-
BILE But in this full glog Of loyons man
hood the dss,goyer came and marked him,
aud ae became conscious that bis days were
numbered, and accordingly arranged his
secular affair with a. much calmness and
T u II bc olsiN EOiuE uftii
a Journey and TO be absent from his loved
ones for little while. To HIM death had
lost its sting He talked as one who had
the assurance of faith; again and again he
repeated when interogzted as to his Spiritual
condition, all is..well, all = weii said. he ]
have attended u shss matter long ago. He
lived IN Beuiah land in sweet communion
with Christ day by day He had that love
which many waters cannot quench. He
had that faith which works by love and pu.
+ rifles the heart and enabled him 10 say
know IN whom ! have believed Thu,
passed away the brave soldies. esteemed
citizen, devoted husband and father, affec
tionaie son and exemplary christian. Hi;
f. remains were borne TO their last restins