The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1904-04-20
Death of Mrs. Aiken.

tant duties to which the voters had assigned
him. Young. and happy In her devotion 10
her children, and loving with her whole heart
and her whole soul, the husband Of her girl
hoods choice. she went away from the home
OF her nativity, proud Of the honors which
had been conferred upon her husband, and
hopeful OF long and happy life for each.
All things seemed bright and joyous for her
and her household. Hosts OF friends and
we'll wishers participated in her happiness.
Her stay in Washington was all that could
please, and nothing that could be desired was
lacking. Looking forward to the end Of the
pleasures at Washington she anticipated the
realization Of q happy return to her own
modest home beneath the oaks, where Nature
had adorned the earth with living green
where the children might again romp ana
play.
But amid her happiness and the pleasures
of life, the queen Of the household was strick
en- down. Almost before the danger was real.
lied she entered upon that great sleep which
men call Death, land like lily her life did
close"
On Monday her condition was less assuring
than 1t had been. 1t was then thought well
to remove her to one OF the hospitals where
the best edical skill could be had, and where
the most experienced nurses might attend
her. Her mother, and her brothers went to
her bedside. Her condition seemed not 30
alarming on Wednesday evening, and her
brother, Mr.. Foster Barnwell, started home.
"But when the sun in all his state,
Illumined the eastern skies
She passed through glory's morning gate,
And walked in Paradise
The sad Intelligence was flashed over the
wires before Mr.. Foster Barnwell reached
home. The death was so sudden that her ILL.,
ness was unknown to many OF her neighbors
in Abbeville.
The remains arrived over the Seaboard Air
Line Railway at three O'Clock In the afternoon
OF Friday. A great multitude Of sympathiz.
ing friends were at the station, and joined the
procession Of mourners to the home Of Mr..
Benjamin s. Barnwell, the father Of the de-
ceased. where 1t was cared for until eleven
O'Clock next day, Saturday. The religious
services were conducted In the Episcopal
church, by the Rector, the Rev. W. B. Sans,
assisted by Rev. T. w. Sloan. The stores OF
the city were closed, and q great number OF
people assembled In the church to pay the
tribute Of sympathetic hearts. A long process
sion attended the ipterment which took
place in Melrose. And thus 1t was her spirit
returned TO the God who gave 1t, and her
body was consigned to the earth from which
We Bprang.
The family Of Mr.. Benjamin s. Barnwell in
the past has been peculiarly blessed. Success
has attended the business efforts Of father and
SONS. The only daughter was happily mar
ried. She lived in her own home where love
and contentment extended their sweetness to
every heart.
No death had occurred in the family for
thirty-ive years until the family was broken
in the death Of Mrs. Aiken.
Parents and brothers are distressed, and all
mourn for her who has just gone out from
amongst US to live with our God in his home
beyond the stars.
Friends in Washington we're exceedingly
kind and attentive and did all in their power
TO aid and comfort the afflicted ones.
Mr.. Aiken's congressional associates in the
House from South Carolina sent magnii-
cent wreath OF exquisite cut flowers, ferns,
palms, lilies, &C.
Senator and Mrs. Tillman brought to tn de.
pot large quantity of the loveliest roses, car
nations, lilies and other beautiful flowers.
Congressman and Mrs. Jos. T. johnson
brought beautiful wreath which was exquis.
ite in design.
Congressman Finley brought to the train q
large box Of lovely and pure cut flowers.
The Secretary Of Agriculture sent very
handsome roses and lilies.
Mr.. Smith, Superintendent Of the Botanic
Gardens, an old friend Of Mr.. Aiken, sent
large box Of beautiful roses, carnations, lilies,
60.
Kind and loving friends in Virginia, Char.
lesion. Columbia, Atlanta and neighboring
towns sent beautiful pure white flowers
Nearly every body in Abbeville who had
known this kind and good woman since she
was q baby sent the choicest and most beauti-
ful floral offerings seen In Abbeville in many
day.
The grave was completely covered and hid
den from view by the fresh and sweet flowers
which were sent by loving friends.
A greater wealth Of flowers never adorned
grave. Tho rarest and the best, the prettiest
and the most fragrant. as we'll as the bravest
and the most modest, were twined together
or laid side by side. Viewing scene 30 sad
and so beautiful, may We not see in them les
sons for the heart and sermons for the mind? :?
In the early decay OF the flowers are we not
reminded of the fact, that we, too, must soon
waste away and disappear forever?
In the sweetness Of the perfumed air of bud
ding bloom or decaying flower, are we not
taught that youth is the time for increasing
usefulness, and that as the flowers fade, 80 are
we daily dying?
In their purity and in their beauty may we
not, with the minds eye, see the emblems Of
the pure soul and the beautiful heart as they
are removed from earth to heaven where they
may adorn the wreath In the crown Of Him
who likened himself TO the lily Of the valley
and the rose of Sharon.
Our Saviour loved the flowers and he often
spoke Of them, as II they were emblems' OF
beauty and purity. Then, is 1t not meet that
his followers should love the things which he
loved, and which are ever grateful to the hu-
man heart?
In our gladness and in our sorrow, they are
ever pleasing to the eye and by the heart they
are alwaya cherished.
When they are brought to the grave of a
good woman, loving wife. devoted moth
er, and 'dutiful daughter, do they not teach
MS TO adore and to worship Natures God?
The Work Goes Bravely On.