The Topeka state journal., 1899-04-19
YOUNG SOLDIER AT REST.
Impressive Ceremonies at the Grave
of Lieutenant A C. Afford.

Lawrence, April 19.-The funeral of
Lieutenant A. C. Afford, the first kan
sas officer killed in the Philippines, was
a solemn and impressive ceremony, held
in Plymouth Congregational church and
largely attended. The church was dec
GRATED with national cOlors, as was the
coffin which was not opened. The Rev.
DR.. COrdley, the pastor, was in charge
of the services. After the prayer and
Scripture reading, Chancellor Snow of
the University of Kansas made a short
address.
j. w. Gleed paid a beautiful tribute
to the dead in an eloquent Grafton in
which he said:
THE story of this young mans life is
short and simple, but noble and beauti-
full. He is of puritan New England
descent. His ancestors on both sides
fought in the colonial wars and in the
war of the revolution. The uncle for
whom he was named laid down his life
in the war of the rebellion at the fam
Gus battle of Winchester.
This boy was born in Lawrence,
which has always been his home. He
was educated in the public schools, took
his degrees at the state university. AL
most from childhood he was interested
in military affai1% and for five years
he drilled with the Usher Guards and
was one of it's most faithful and efficient
members.
once. 1t was just before the regiment
moved. He introduced himself to me
on the train and we had only a half
hours talk. But when it was over I
knew him| knew his mOdesty, his
earnestness, his pure goodness, his rug
ged honor and faithfulness, his cour-
age. All these things we've in his face
and in his words. which were not many
but true 1 knew after 1 had talked
with him that he went thOughtfully to
war. He did not go out of the mere
spirit of adventure, he did not go out
of impatience of the slow, hard monot-
OnouS grind of civil life, nor out of fear
of the savage wars of peace He full
1y realized what war was; he knew the
risks; he realized that he was giving
up bright prospects. He was an af
fectionate, large hearted, and loving
boy, and it was not easy for him to go
away. There was a brief struggle; but
1t was a struggle not with duty. but to
see duty. He had youth and strength
and military knowledge and training.
He was one of the guards. The idea of
the strenuous life, the idea of duty,
were strong within him. He felt it his
duty to go-and he went.
Lieut.. Afford led his company. He
was in front of his men and the sole
commissioned officer with them. In this
order they had proceeded mile when
the insurgents opened fire. Company B
returned the fire, forgetting to lie down,
but going straight at them. Lieut.. AL
ford's last words spoke the keynote of
his character and his career. They were
these: Keep going, but move steadier.'
AS he gave this command the fatal bull
let struck him. He fell to the ground
grasped his bible from his pocket and
passed away He died. writes his col
onel, at the head of Company B. while
leading an assault upon an entrenched
position, and fell within sixty feet of
the muzzles of the enemy's guns
so, in the future, when the name of
Lieut. Afford is spoken the hearts of
hundreds will respond: Lieut.. Afford
the first to fall in that wonderful cam
paign of the Twentieth: died on the field
ypf honor; died in the place of duty; died
at the head of a valiant company; died
In the service of his state and his coun-
try; died with a stainless record with
out fear and without reproach, a shining
honor to his family, his school, his
church, his city and his state; a glorious
example to the young; an inspiration
and a hope to ALL"