Connecticut western news., 1885-03-25
OBITUARY.
WILLARD WARD UNDERWOOD.

| WILLARD WARD UNDERWOOD.
 As only 6 brief notice of his funers was given in last weeks NEWS, we wis to add few facts which we have sine gathered. He was born April 5. 1859 his parents then living in East Canaan in the house which stands little eas of the school use. About 1865 hi father bought the sash and blind factor. and aw-mill, and the family then moved into the house they now occupy, next t' the mill. When he was about 16 year old he went to work for his father. H. began in the saw-mill, learning the diff ferent parts to do there and in the grist mill. Next he went into the shop snC soon learned his trade there, which he has faithfully followed till he was taker sick last fall. He was a good mechanic and all the best work that WAS done Il the sash and blind shop the past few years was under his charge.
 Willard was fond of music and will long be remembered in this community for his musical talents. When he was 15 years old his love for the violin be. gan to develop itself. Not having one of his own he thought he would try and make one. He sawed of the end of s hemlock slab. dug out hole ln it aud for strings used silk thread. When nis father (who had been away at the time) came home he heard strange tink. of Willard's room, and going there found him with his hemlock fiddle. Af- ter that Mir Underwood went aud bought him his first violin. His natural ear for music and constant practice made him ln time a very skilful player. Probably there are few who were his equals as e v4olinist.
 He had not been in good health for the past two years. Last fall he was confined indoors much of the time with a severe cough. By the advice of phy- sician he decided to go to Florida. It was thought that if he could avoid the severe climate of the winter here there would be better chance of his recov- cry in the spring. But God has seen At to order 1t otherwise. He went away from us New Years day never to come back alive. After being in Florida about a month he was taken down with hem orrhages from the lungs-sixteen in all until he died in hemorrhage Thurs day evening, March 12. His father and mother were with him and everything was done for him that could be. But his disease was too far advanced, and probably if he had remained north it would all have resulted in the same way.
 In his death this community sustains N great loss. He was 8 young man of sterling character and vas greatly es- teemed by everybody. It has been re marked since his death that no one could remember anything against him.
 He was bal tized and confirmed in Christ church in May 1881. The church and her spiritual privileges he seemed to love more and more. He was a con stant attendant at public worship and always sang in the choir. The last time he was able to attend was on e com munion Sunday in the autumn. Not feeling well enough to sing that day he did not take his customary place in the choir, but sat down stairs. Since then his strong, manly voice has been great ly missed in the services of the Lord's B sanctuary. As member of the church and of society he has left an example which we will not soon forget.
 Though naturally home body, fond of his books and his music in leisure hours, yet he was also fond of the so- ciety of others and had pleasant word for everybody. At any social gathering in the village he was always ready to help entertain, either with his voice or his violin. His parents and brother have the sympathy of all in their affiiction.