Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1904-12-10

afflicted for years. was the cause OF
his taking away. The end was peace
full. and without suffering. as for a
week DR.. Sweet had not recognized the
watchers at his bedside For one of
his frail build he had a remarkable
constitution, surviving sinking spells
that stronger men would have sue
cumbed to. DR.. Sweet is known to
have made all his own preparations
for burial. The interment will be made
in Chippiannock cemetery.
The remains Will be removed to
Trinity rectory this evening. in charge
of the Daughters of the King. The
vestry will make arrangements for the
funeral.
His Early Life.
Rev. DIR. r. F. Sweet was born in
Massachusetts Sept. 1. 1881. About
with his uncle at Mineral Point, Wis,
and later he went into the land Office
businessssat Madison and afterwards
became assistant bank comptroller of
the banks of Wisconsin
Feeling himself called To- the sacred
ministry he entered Nashotah semi.
nary in the fall of 1861. graduating in
the year 1864 with the degree of ID.
ID. He was ordained by Bishop KEN
per and went as a deacon to the par
ish at Beaver Dam. Wis.
After being ordained a priest he
became the financial agent of the
Nashotah seminary visiting very many
parishes in the United States and he
also spent some time abroad. particu-
larry in England collecting funds for
Nashotah seminary. While there he
made the acquaintance of many nota.
BILE men of the church, also engaged
in spreading information concerning
the Episcopal church in America. Re-
turning To- this country he became
rector of the parishes of Waukegan,
Ill. the Church of the Epiphany; Chi.
cago. and Freeport, ILL.,. successfully.
Twenty Years I'm Rock Island.
In 1884 he came To- Rock Island from
Freeport as rector of Trinity parish,
and this city has been his home since.
Some months ago when failing health
compelled him to desist from further
work he was chosen rector emeritus
of the parish.
He was trustee of Nashotah and
Western seminaries, deputy to the
general convention for many years. and
always a member of the standing COM
mittee in the diocese of Quincy. He
took active part in all church work
never forgetting the missions both at
home and abroad. He travelled extern
sively. having made several trips abroad
after coming TO Rock Island.
Twice, at least during his 40 years
in the priesthood. the high Office of
bishop would have come to him had
he consented. but he always steadfast-
ly declined to be considered in con-
nection with any elevation, holding
that he believed he was better atted
for and better contented in the place
of parish priest. There was probably
none who enjoyed a more extended &C
qaintance in the church both in this
country and abroad than DR.. Sweet
Beloved in his home city by all de
nominations he stood high everywhere
in the councils of the religious demOni-
nation in which he had labored for
so many years. Zealously as he de
voted himself TO the upbuilding OF the
church, many were the people outside
of his parish who were beneffciaries
in time of need through the nobilit,
of his heart and the generously of h..
impulses.
a Man Of High Attachments
He was high minded, a man of rich
intellectual gifts and scholarly attain
ments. His was a most attractive per
sonality. Quick TO win the confidence
and admiration of men with whom he
came in contact he drew them TO him
He was one of those characters who
through endowment and culture am
the sweetest of human graces stand
for ali that is ennobling and best in
the world.