Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1892-08-11
WILLIAM h. oDELL.
The Silent Harbinger Removes One of
Barton Oounty's Pioneers.

1.-THE mind is the standard of the man.
Then the standard of our departed
friend must be raised high. He was
possessed of broad mind, broad
enough to take in the good wherever
he might see it, and to extend heartily
to everyone that which trarscends all
other yirtues-charity.
have heard of
ga restless WILL hurrying to and fro
but the subject of this sketch was a
man of very even disposition. He
was well tried. Tried with three years
in the war, with the early struggles of
pioneer life, the responsibilities of var
ious official duties in connection with
this county, with business life of over
twenty years, tried by army wounds
for which he suffered more OF less
for years, tried by two months sickness.
He was weighed in the balances and
found true in every respect.
He was man whose life is indellibly
stamped on the community.
He was man who wore well. A
person said few days ago, "when I
came to this town fourteen years ago,
it was Mr.. Odell then, and it was Mr..
Odell until the end.''
He had a very kind heart, especially
for his family and his friends, very
sympathetic to all that needed help.
He had the esteem of the whole COM
munity and the confidence of every
member of the church with which he
was long connected. We are called
upon to observe very notably in the
case of Bro. Oiell, how true piety en-
ables and elevates the character. Native
amiabilities may exist independent of
religion, but these are purified and
sanctiied by grace.
Religion digniies the whole man. A
Landscape may be lovely, but when it
is bathed In sunshine it is lovelier still.
So it is with men, they may have
natural virtues. lovely and of good
report, but when the soul in its virtues
is pervaded and renovated by grace it
is like that landscape bathed in sun
shine and sparkling with beauty I'M
possessed before.
Mr.. Odell was for many years mem
Der of the Congregational church of this
city. He was one of the pillars of the
church. He was a devoted attendant,
always present Sunday morning and
evening. In every possible way, he
not only helped the Sabbath services,
| but believing that the prayer meeting
is the life of religious corporation he
was always present; present to help,
present to encourage his pastor and the
members.
The Congregational church can ill
afford to loose such member; the city
of Great Bend can ill afford to loose
such a man, but we bow in resignation
and say, ''ThY will be DONE" During
weeks of suffering, he again and again
expressed his religious feelings. 81 am
not afraid to die," he said, mot be-
cause am SO good, but because God is
good.''
After suffering much pain 1.-THE seen"
was exchanged for the unseen"
seeing Through glass darkly' was
excelled by seeing ''face to face" and
on Saturday. July 80, his spirit passed
away peacefully to that world where
"Daath devided friends
Shall meet to part never
Mr.. Odell was born in North Carolina,
July 10, 1882. With his parents he
moved to Hendricks county, Indiana,
where they lived until 1919, when they
moved to Camp Point, Illinois.
In 1851 he enlisted as a soldier in
Company B, 18th Vol. Unfit. The fol-
lowing year he was promoted to 1st
Lieutenent of his company, for gallant
services rendered. During the war he
engaged in many battles-Bayou. Chic
asaw, Vlcksburg, etc. On account of
disabilities received on the field of
battle, he was discharged from army
service in September, 1866. He was
the first county clerk of Barton county.
He was member of the G. A. R.,
and one of the trustees at the time of
his death. He was also member of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Mr.. Odell leaves wife and four
children, who have the sympathy of
the entire community. The funeral
services were held at the First Congre-
gational church on Sunday afternoon,
July 31st, 1892. Sweet flowers beauti-
fully decorated the edifce. which was
crowded to overlooking, many having
to remain outside. The G. A. R., and
I. 0. 0. F., assisted in the service.
Sermon by the pastor, ''Ihy darkness
shall be as the noon-tide.''
The funeral cortage was the largest
ever seen in Great Bend, evidential of
the high esteem in which he was and
will be held by all who knew him.
eve live in deeds, not years,
In thoughts, Dot breaths;
In feelings, not in figures; on dial.
We should count time by heart throbs.
He most lives who thinks the most,
Feels the noblest, acts the best.'
j. WILLIAM CARSON.
First Congregational Church, Aug. 8. 1892.
Good Teytz