Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1901-12-10
A TRIBUTE TO EDGAR WILSON.

1t may be of interest to the many
friends of Rev. and Mrs. Wilson to
know some further particulars in regard
to the last sickness and death of their
son, Edgar S. Wilson. When Mr.. Ran
kin, his fellow ranger discovered that
he had experienced hemorrhage while
engaged in hobbling his horse, he at
once moved his bedding over to Edgar's
cabin, that he might care for him dur
ing tre night He dictated a letter to
his parents not knowing but death
would overtake him before morning,
but he rallied and slept during the lat
ter part of the night; ate some break
fast and quietly spent the day writing
business letters and letters to his friends
and loved ones. Wednesday night his
breathing was quick with almost inces-
SAINT coughing. Thursday morning, MIR.
Rankin, as soon as the sun was up nice
and warm, dressed him comfortably
and helped him on his horse and he
rode, with comparative ease, three
miles and half totthe hotel. He got
off and walked into the house unassisted.
Mr.. Rankin went on for the mail and
when he returned at II m, Mrs. Tbomp-
son, an experienced nurse, was putting
a mustard plaster on his chest Mr..
Rankin babe him good bye and prom
Used to come back the next day and
stay with him. At IL O'Clock that night
he was awakened by messenger tell
ing him that Edgar had passed away at
eleven He at once got up and went to
the hotel to consult with Mr.. Berry as
to what was best to do. They were 20
miles from Williams, where the under
taker was sent for, and by Sabbath,
succeeded in the transferrence of the
body in its casket over the difficult way,
fourteen miles, over rough mountain
roads. On the o'clock train that even
ing, the homeward journey began, the
body arriving here, through the kind
help of friends at Chicago, at 1:30 We'd
nesday night. 1t was transferred to
the home and the sad privilege once
more given the family, to look upon the
face of their beloved son and devoted
brother. Edgar was born in Law
renceburgh, Ind, the first charge of his
father, and so was identified with all
his pastordtes except the last, and even
that, in that it has proved the scene
of his last resting place.
Many and beautiful have been the
tributes paid to his character in the
scores of tender and sympathetic let
tiers received, but perhaps none better
than that given by the friend that was
with him in his closing hours. Mr..
Rankin writes:
Edgar was sweet, sunny boy,
and wherever he went he made
friends and kept them. Had he not
been hampered by his infrmity, he
would have made place for himself,
for he had strong convictions and did
not accept other peoples views without
they had truth and reason, but he was
happiest when speaking of his loved
ones. Affection was the center and Cir
conference of his life. Looking back,
/ can see how frail he was. have lost
a dear friend and companion but it is
SO good for him that cannot help but
rejoice. AS he lay, apparently facing
death, he further left this sweet mes
sage of faith Il pray God that he may
allow me to live to see my dear ones,
but if the worst should come, | feel
assured that will meet you all in a
Heaven ly home -"
A large and sympathetic congrega
ton gathered at o'clock p. M, on
Thursday at the church, where beauti-
full and consoling services were con
Quoted by Rev. Ray Norton, assisted by
visiting brethren and the local minis
tiers. The altar and casket were sur
rounded by beautiful flowers, the gifts
of sympathizing friends; most appro-
pirate music was rendered and he was
then laid to rest in the Wausau GENE
terry covered with Wisconsin pine and
beautiful flowers and floral designs,
placed by the immediate hands of his
loving family.
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