The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1893-02-01
DEATH OF A GOOD MAN.

DEATH OF A GOOD MAN.
| Harvey Waterman is dead. The useful citi-
zen. exemplary business man and esteemed
member of society lies cold in death. He who
for forty-four years has been identified with the
best interests of Ravenna, has gone to his re-
ward.
So sudden did he pass away, that the bitter
realization seems now as thing beyond
credibility and yet it is sad reality that has
carried deep and abiding sorrow into every
home in Ravenna.
For some time Mr.. Waterman had been con-
cerned over the presence of a small tumor-like
formation just above the outer surface of the
left knee, and Saturday night determined to
have it removed. The growth was SO small and
SO shallow, that he refused to inhale any anes-
thetc, but took physician to his home after he
had closed his drug store for the night, and had
the operation performed in full consciousness,
before retiring. This was about 10 o'clock.
The little piece of surgery was quickly and
successfully performed, the patient talking
cheerfully, and even making light, humorous
sallies in the meantime.
After the wound was dressed, Mr.. Waterman
and the physician parted company for the night,
with NO moro concern over the matter than
would come of an ordinary cut or bruise.
The next morning Mr.. Waterman arose,
complaining of headache, which was allayed
| by few powders from his physician, and in a
short time he seemed to regain his former vigor'
Sunday night, however, his pulse commenced
to quicken, accompanied by an increasing short
ness of breath, which continued unabated until
his physician called in the early forenoon. Mr.,
Waterman was sitting up in chair with his
clothes on, when the doctor went in. The ex-
perienced eye of the practitioner at once detect
| ed look in the countenance of his patient that
indicated very serious internal disturbance.
On measuring his pulse, he found it up to 100,
with a quick, short breathing. that indicated
very rapid heart failure. He at once had Mr..
Waterman go to bed. In short time his con-
dition became so alarming that the doctor called
in medical counsel. 1t was seen that nothing
but the most heroic measures could revive the
rapidly sinking man. Then commenced bat
tie against the destroyer, in which the most
powerful heart stimulants known to the profess
sion were used, but all without avail. He never
showed any signs of rallying, and although
conscious almost to the end, gradually and
rapidly declined, until about o:15 p. m, when
he breathed his last.
! Word had been sent to his son, who was at
tending Oberlin College, but so swift did the
life current ebb to the close. that the young man
did not reach home until more than four hours
after his fathers death.
Up to Monday afternoon there were scarcely
half dozen people who knew that any thing
was wrong with him, or but what he was in his
store, where he waited on many customers no
longer ago than Saturday night.
The news of his death came with appalling
surprise to our citizens, whose minds were well
nigh petrifed with the uhtimely shock for which
they were totally unprepared. No one was
thinking or dreaming of such an event, and no
one who saw him Saturday night but would
have accorded him at least ten more years oi
active business life, and ten or fifteen more in
the quiet enjoyment of well earned retirement
But "Ye know not what day may bring forth,
and sorrowing public mingles its tears with
the afflicted family over the loss of one of the
purest and noblest men who ever lived in Ra-
VIENNA.
Harvey Waterman was born in Norwich, Yer
mont, June 9th, 1926, being the fifth son of Ralph
and Anna Burton Waterman. The family came
of sound patriot ancestry, both the paternal anc
maternal grandsires having served in the Revo
luton, under Washington.
In 184o he came to Ravenna, entering the
drug store of his brotheI-in-law, Curtis Hatch
as clerk, with whom he remained up to the deatl
of his employer in 1868. He conducted tn
business for his sister until 1866, when he pur
chased her interest in the store, and assumet
full ownership himself. He never parted It'll
with his purchase. but for 27 years maintaine
alone the Old Stone Drug Store which h
made veritable synonym of commercial integ
rity. He seemed to impart his own integrity t
the very drugs on his shelves, and everybod
knew that whatever was purchased of him wa
exactly what it was represented to be.
April 10Th, 1867. he married Ellen J. Hatch
who survives him. Two children were born +
them-Curts H. and Anna B.-who are ju
entering young manhood and womanhood.
i, With his daughter, he joined the Congregs
tional Church, January I, 1888. He had bee
a lifelong church attendant, and was always
warm friend and supporter of the Christian rt
lgon. He was for 80 years or more a membt
of the choir of his church, and in this, as
every thing, was faithful and punctual He We
. also an honored member of the Masonic frate
= nifty, l. O. o. F. and Royal Arcanum.
i Mr.. Waterman is survived by five brothe
|. and sister: Thomas Waterman, whose hon
is in Massachusetts,, but who came here near
e three years ago to assist in the care of the la
e Col. Royal Taylor; Asa B. and Alonzo of low
d Andrew. of Nebraska; Henry. of Kansas. al
o Mrs. Royal Taylor, of this city.
OF the life and character of Harvey Wate
u man, an obituary memorial OF newspaper lin
- tation cannot do justice. He was a man
= thorough morals, strong in purpose, clean
y heart, upright in thought, just to all, havil
,. charity for all, and a generous concern for t
IS well being of his fellow-men. He was a M
re of simple piety and unpretending exceilenc
d. whose life shone with the constancy of nev
" changing rectitude. He was endowed with
:. fine spirituality, and withal a healthy conce
ton of practical Christianity, which he carri
into daily practice. and which he recognized
% the indispensable foundation of all spiritual pl
gress. To life of active goodness in all
It relations, he added the refinement of an int
r lectualized Christianity.
n. The people of Ravenna were proud of
citizenship, and will never forget him. He
~: not an enemy. A life SO singularly free FRI
fault or bIenoich character co eya1ted in IUOr
a manhood so strong and beautiful and he
of such fraternal amiability, admitted of
n enemies. He was loved for his virtues, &
W Wl0e valued for his sound counsels. Of gentle
aSt meanor, he pleased and edited men in his VI
differences with them. His heart was ne
Ever, his failincrs to