The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1891-11-11
MEMORIAL SERVICES
Held a theCOugregatiOn IN
Sunday, NOV. Sth, i'm honor OF the
late Dr. A, w. AlcOFM.

as taxed by large number who densely pack ~
/ the available space for standing. Scores
lrned away in disappointment, at not being n
BILE to testify by their presence the honor and '
ffectionate remembrance in which the lamented /
)r. A.W. Alcorn is held by those among whom
e resided for so many years.
DR.. Alcorn was a man of quiet constancy,
whose simple life of duty found expression in
lis daily intercourse with his fellow-men, rather
han in the circles where his deeds would be
matter of public cognizance. He belonged to
that class of men whose very sincerity hides
from them the universal love engendered by
their living, and for these reasons he possessed
the warm, undying friendship of many OF whose
feelings of attachment he probably never sus-
picioned the real depth.
The attendance at his memorial service was
the testimonial merited by such a life, and it
was fitting that its many excellencies be recalled
and just tribute be paid to his worth.
The vast audience listened with devoted at
tention to the words of eulogy that fell from the
lips of the clergyman. and every person present
felt the grand influence of good mans life.
There were no services at the Methodist and
Christian Churches, in order that their members
might be present at the memorial tribute and
very many attendants of the other churches
were also seen among the large assemblage.
The church auditorium was decorated with
simple white flowers, in keeping with the char
acter of DIR. Alcorn' life. In front of the pull
pit there rested beautiful floral design of a
broken shaft.
AS Christian, member of society. and citi-
zen, we cannot speak of him in words more
amply delineating his high character than the
ones employed by his pastor, Rev. S. w. Meek,
in delivering the eulogy. His qualities indeed
gave the world assurance of man, and well
were it for the world if more like him were
found in it. DR.. Alcorn will be sadly missed in
the circles of progressive morality, for he al
ways lent his voice and influence in elevating
the standard of mems lives. In this respect his
loss is a public bereavement, in which every
body is concerned. His spheres of usefulness
were many and varied, even greater than he
himself knew, and it is to such men as he thai
the world is indebted for the onward progres:
of its morality and enlightenment.
DR.. Alcorn was born May 23rd, 1885, II
: Armstrong Co., Pa. In 1854 he entered Ell
dersridge Academy. His medical education
was obtained at Jefferson Medical College
Philadelphia, and at the Medical Department
of Michigan University, Ann Arbor' He CAM
to Ravenna in 18 II, and was continuous resi-
dent of the place up to his death. Februar
2o 1864, he married Miss Christina Fletcher
who died October 10th, 1888.
In 1864 Mr. and Mrs. A1corn united with tn
Congregational Church in this city, and wer
faithful. devoted Christians. Their earnest la
bors in behalf of the church and the cause
represented to them, as well as their muniti
cence in contributing to its support, rendere
their membership most valuable and effective
DIR. Alcorn was member eff Dayid Mclntos
: Post, the members cf which body were preSen
at the services Sunday morning, although the
deemed it best not to attend in body for fea
that others might be deferred from attendin
because of anticipated lack of seating accom-
modations.
He was for many years member OF tn
Board of Education and an active member {
the Board of Health. In these two branche
of municipal polity he rendered faithful an
valuable service. He was also member {
the Humane, Portage County Bible and Goo
Templar Societies.
His loss will be keenly felt in all circles an
among all classes, for in matters of mind an
heart he exempifed the qualities of the thinl
err worker and humanitarian.
r The following is a synopsis of Rev. M
5 Meeks discourse:
H. KINGs-2:12. +" The Chariots of Israel an
the horsemen thereof"
81 My text is the cry which the young Proph'
Elisha uttered as he saw his aged friend an
teacher. Elijah, taken away from the world
a whirlwind and chariot of fire. In thos
rough times the country was liable to invasio
: at almost any time. The defense, the safety
the country, depended upon their chariots an
horsemen. Elisha. when he called Elijah tt
!, chariots and horsemen OF Israel, simply meal
that Elijah was the true defender, the safet
S the mainstay of his country. In this he was nj
Q mistaken. The old Prophet had been the trl
i defender of his country against enemies mol
. dangerous than the Moabites on the east. Sy.
Q ians the north. yrians and iSidonians on Il
northwest, or Philistines on the southwest. E
D had stood firm against the disintegrating inf
: enee of idolatry. national pride and folly, ar
e the increase of vice. He had toiled with III
. selfish devotion and unfailing faithfulness
d build up faith in God. national brotherhood ar
e good morals. Elisha was not wrong when
= bitter sorrow he cried. the defense. the mail
r stay of Israel is being taken away.
& do lot hesitate to say that such a man hi
y been suddenly taken from among US. Witho
II any atte mpto at rhetorical effect. and witho
d any exaggerated eulogy, 1 shall try to give
g simple description of his character. This wi
daa
leading characteristics.
,tl /. Our beloved BROTHER ALCoRN was a ma
10 of honor. do not think he ever paid much a
n tention to his reputation. never knew him
manifest the slightest concern about it. He toe
care of his character and then let his reputatiC
n take care of itself. He watched. and Lahore
i and prayed, that he might have clean han,
?. and clear conscience. And having col
sciousness of integrity he lived above all fear
a slander. 1 have been told by brother phys
e clan. " no has known almost his whole caree
+: that in his practice as well as in his busine
e transa ctions and private life. his character W
g without a stain. He scorned an unjust adval
h tage and was. deeply and earnestly believe,
S. man utterly above dishonorable deed n
q that I would represent him as a perfect ma
IS He was quick and impetuous. His temper
' ment was ardent. He did things in hurr
anu never Dy QdiVGS. SuCu q man lldDl6
+; form hasty opinions at times. and under excit
If ment, to say and do rash thugs. once kne
j. our brother to form an opinion that I thougl
d was incorrect. But I never suspected him
b Intentionally doing or saying q d1shonorab
y, thing. 1t would take very strong evidence
J. convince me that he ever deliberately planne
?, and carried out an unmanly act. He could col
/. tend in terrible earnest. When he thougl
# right principle was involved ,he never hesitate
a to let it be known which side he was on, but
K believe his antagonists always expected that /
e would contend in an open. manly. honest iva
It and those expectations were not disappointe
e 2. Our Brother.was philanthropist-a Low,
a of humanity. OF a warm. generous temperi
ment, he took constant delight in doing good
his fellow men. whenever he found an opportl
n n nlty, He was above anything like an aristt
cratic feeling. Every man was man an
brother to him. Knowing his ardent temper,
/, = ment was surprised to find him SO broad in h
:: views A man of his temperament who is
- ardently religious as he was. is in danger
being more or less sectarian. He seemed to N
| to be wholly free from such a spirit. In his o
fee once expires sed the opinion that there Ws
: too much preindice between Catholics an