The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-03-27
THE UNIvERsALIsT: SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 1897

the bereavement at the home of Mr.. and
Mrs. N B. Rexford has been blow to
their many hopes, yet through the clouds
come the rays of comfort in the beautiful
thought that these two brothers, constant
companions both in business and their
home life, have been separated for so
short a period by the mystic line between
the two worlds. So close had been their
relationship that their dependence upon
each other was remarkable, and in the
measure of their own happiness it is beau
tiful to know that but two short months
divided them from the reunion which binds
all hearts for eternity.
Willard S. Rexford, the second son of
Norman B. Rexford, an early settler of
this place, was born July 1st 1867, and with
the exception of few years spent in Kan
sas, he has always lived at the parental
home. Having thus resided here for
nearly thirty years, he was known by al
most every resident and esteemed by all
for the life well rounded by his idea of
manliness. Although of quiet turn of
mind, he enjoyed the close friendship of a
large circle of friends, both in business
and socially, and they will remember him
as a genial, kind companion, generous to
an unusual degree, and ever ready to as
sist in all interests for the betterment
of mankind He was quite reader and
thought much of serious things, consider
ing well every duty that presented itself;
yet while health permitted he thoroughly
enjoyed all social pastimes and found much
pleasure in being with his circle of
friends. Having been associated with the
business interests of Blue Island for the
past ten years ne was Familiarity known
among all residents, and few failed to es-
TEEN his friendship.
For the past year his health failed rap
idly, and last October he, with his mother,
left for Asheviile, N. c., thinking that the
winter there would restore him to health ;
but this could not be, and although he
never improved by the change, he was
happy and hopeful to the last in the
midst of that rare climate and with the
constant care and devotion of the mother
who is enc of the guardian angels to all
who come within her sphere. The father
was also at his bedside during the last two
months, and did all possible to make the
last days happy. On February 10Th he was
released from the cares of this world and
his spirit reunited with those gone be-
fore.
Thus another link has been removed
from the home circle that so long has
cherished the love of this son and brother,
but through the shadows of this gloom
there comes the hope of Gods infinite
wisdom and the assurance of rest for the
weary soul. The funeral services were
held Sunday, February 21st, in the chapel
at Mount Greenwood Cemetery, and the
remains placed beside the brother, who,
just two months previous, was laid at rest.
Rev. w. P. Burnell, of the Universalist
church OBLIGATED, deceased being a mem
Der of that church. The exquisite floral
offerings sent in by sympathizing friends
gave evidence of the love and esteem felt
for one who, it may be truly said, left a
record of true manhood, kind, conscien-
tious and honored friend and loving bro
ther and son. His loss we mourn and his
memory we cherish with tender regard.