The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1897-01-14
Richard S. Aver.

The other day, at my home in this far
southern land, received a regular weekly
visit from my old acquaintance, The Repub-
lican Journal. Opening its pages, turned
to the Liberty locals. There lines met my
eyes which brought sorrow to my heart
They announced the death of the friend of
my youth, the friend of my manhood my
ever constant friend-Richard S. Aver. AS
one who was aided and assisted by his kind
and friendly efforts, who enjoyed the genial
ity of his presence, who appreciated the
worth of his sterling friendship, who adj
mired his honesty and truth and manliness,
I offer my tribute of love to his memory.
AS 1 read tue lines announcing his death,
my mind wandered back to the days, long
gone, when first [ saw and knew the friend
now passed away. In memory's mind,
saw him in the prime of life just returned
from the great war, then an ever present
subject of conversation. His form is tall and
erect, his hair already white, his jovial words
make merriment for everyone around him.
Captain Richard S. Aver of the days imme-
diately following the war; what residents
of Liberty, Montvile, Searsmont and the
adjoining towns of Waldo county do not re-
member the returned soldier His command
ing presence, his genial words make him con-
spicuous, everywhere; his generous nature
and transformations acts of kindness win
the affection of everyone His acquaintance
though memory's senses seem still to see
his kind, honest face and hear the glad
laughter of his voice as i'll those bygone
days.
A few years pass, and memory brings back
other scenes. The friend now gone is max
ing summer visit to Lis old Maine home
from his new home in Virginia. He is now
member of Congress, Hon. Richard S.
Aver. Prosperity has not affected him I'M
favoraby. AS he had formerly been, so is
he now, kind, generous and ever ready to
assist the poor and distressed so through
out life is he ever to be.
A few years more pass on, and memory
brings to mind man suffering from long,
continued and distressing sickness The
soldier and Congressman, now returned to
his native State, is attacked with unreent-
ing fury by diseases, which first laid hold of
his delicate constitution during the ex-
posures incident to his soldier days. Long,
long periods of suffering followed, relieved
only by short intervals of relaxation and
freedom from pain. Yet sickness and pain
do not conquer the kindness OF his heart, or
lessen the acts of his generous nature.
Born in Montville sixty seven years ago
the career of Richard S. Aver was dis
tingushed one. A business man, a Lieu
tenant and later Captain in the great war.
Congressman from Virginia. member of
the Maine legislature, he performed his part
well. His last years were burdened with
such sickness that few men have been called
to suffer greater physical pain. Yet he
never complained. Throughout his many
periods of sickness and intense pain, he was
always marvel of patience
His gentle wife who mourns his loss is
joined in grief by many friends who mourn
with her.
Mr.. Aver was one of the truest of friends
one of the kindest of neighbors, one of the
noblest men of earth.
The work OF disease was slow; but at last,
after many periods of sickness, from which
temporary recovery brought hope and Joy,
the result is accomplished; and the Angel of
Death brings freedom from pain.
After LIES titful fever, he sleeps WE'LL
He has passed from earth, but his memory
will remain cherished legacy for reatiy es
and friends.
Gentle of nature, kind and generous of
heart, honest of purpose, of Richard S. Aver
it can truly be said
His life was gentle and tine elements
SO mix d in him, that Nature might stand up
And say to all the world "This was man :"
E. E. HATCH.
San Antonio, Texas, Dec. 2S, 1896.