The Morris County chronicle., 1904-01-01
IN MEMORIAM.

One has lately passed from our
midst whose high character and whose
services to this town demand more
than passing notice. Since Mr.. Run
yon's death, mention has been made
in our papers of the public offices
which he filled but many feel that a
tribute to his worth is also merited,
and would be acceptable to those who
knew and loved him best, and appre-
ciated his excellence.
Mr.. Runyon's Christian faith was
the inspiration of his life Christian
principle animated his daily walk and
conversation. Duty was his watch.
word and fidelity to trust his distin.
gushing Characteristic. In his ard.
uous Office of Postmaster, which he
held for twelve years, his unblemished
integrity was conspicuous.
His tastes were pure and refined and
elevating; literature and music were
his chosen pursuits: he had discrim-
mating taste in both, and was familiar
with the best books. His especial de-
light was in music, to which he gave a
lifelong devotion. For many years he
led most acceptably the choir in one
OF our churches, and the rich, deep
tones of his sonorous voice will never
be forgotten by those who heard it..
So anxious was he to promote and cul-
tivate the taste for music in Norris
town that, for long time, he gave,
certain evenings in the week, free
musical instruction to any who cared
to avail themselves of his valuable
teaching; and this was after the ex-
acting laborS of his business hours,
when anyone less unseltish would have
given the evening to rest. 1t was be-
cause OF his lavish gift of this talent
to others that he sacrificed himself !;
for, it was the straining of the vocal
chords and their enlargement from ex-
cessiye use that led to the throat NAL
ady which caused his death.
His interest in the Sunday school
was of great help to the teachers who
were on the Library Committee, who
contided in his Judgment as to the
selection of books for the Sunday
school library; he was always willing
to give time and wise counsel to aid in
this work. He was the Morristown
agent Of the American Bible Society,
and the Treasurer of the Morris COun-
ty Bible Society, whose meetings he
regularly and faithfully attended.
But, it was chiefly in the home life
that his qualities shone with greatest
lustre. Those who were privileged to
see him in that inner sanctuary can
bear witness to the beauty of his deyo
tion as husband, father and grand
father. In his long and happy union
with one whose tastes were SO congen-
ial to his own, whose high aims and
purposes of life were in full accord
with his, home was a blessed retreat
while his grandchildren were the JOY
of his declining years, and he lavished
on them his affection and generosity.
When his cup overfiowed with bless
ings, he accepted them gratefully, as
from his Heavenly Fathers hand. If
trials came, he bore them with serene
patience and christian fOrtitude.
We shall miss the familiar form, the
courteous greeting, the kindly face
with the clear, true eyes windows of
the soul within-and the snowy hair,
which was "a crown of glory" because
it was found in the way of righteous
ness"; but his example remains to us.
(" Mark the perfect man, and behold
the upright; for the end of that man
is peace"