Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1905-07-21
HERBERT WILCOX

Herbert Wilcox died Monday morn
ing July II, 1905, at Gladwin, where ne
was preaching, during the summer
vacation, after an illness with typhoid
fever lasting three weeks. The progress
Of the fever was favorable for his re-
coverv within two DAYS of his death,
but all that loving hands and careful
nursing could do was OF no avail. 1t
proved to be Gods messenger calling
him TO the eternal service on high
PRAYER was held at the house i'll Glad
win. Tuesday morning, conducted by
the Episcopal and Methodist ministers,
and the remains were brought to his
home in Alma Tuesday evening Flu
neral services were held at the Presby
terian church Wednesday afternoon by
DR.. A. r. BruSke, assisted by Rev. a. j.
Funnel. -
President Bruske discoursed on the
double text, Behold an Israelite in
whom there is no guile" 'Enoch
walked with God and was not; for God
took him" Upon this he based his
eulogy of Alma's scholar-Herbert Will
COX. The speaker introduced his theme
by saving III substance that our rela-
tions are two-fold, toward man and
toward God He believed that morality,
which Is duty toward man, Is strength
ening. The Nathaniels are increasing.
The time was when man distrusted
every stranger. That distrust has given
way in the progress of civilization and
Christianity; now the stranger is trusted
like the companion of the home. lie
was not. however, equally certain that
piety, which is duty of man toward
God. was equally increasing Are there
more "Enochs" who delight TO think
and speak OF God? BE that a. il may
certain il is that Herbert Wilcox was
one of them. He was our scholar our
logician, our metaphysician aud our
theologian. He was one OF the most
perfect products of Alma's homes,
schools and churches.
He was born in North Adams. Hills
dale county ,lJanuary %, 1879, and four
wears after moved with his parents to
Alma, where he had resided ever since
At the proper age he entered tire pub
lie school, but not long after hss sensi-
tive spirit had been deeply wourssed by
the tyranny of older boys and he left,
thoroughly discouraged DR. Braske's
attention was first called to the tall,
awkward, but frank and approscbable
boy: on the streets Of the village, and
induced him to try again in the Acad-
emy of the College, His courage grad
ually returned. He continued his
studies for nearly eight years, at the
end of which time he was graduated
with the highest honors. standing at the
head of the class Of 1904 ss president,
and receiving respect and esteem OF both
faculty and students. On commence
ment day he delivered an GRAFTON ON
Free Will" which was the asconish-
ment and admiration of the theologians
i pTtttut. Itllnlp ho OAaeaph h%S GAO
duced quite such an effect on the vener-
able board of trustees. His whole career
has been marked with thorough, honest
and industrious work, which bore him
mp to excel in accurate and profound
thought. While attending college, he
gradually reasoned himself into the
belief andIfull acceptance of Christianity
and he felt that his life work must be to
preach the Gospel. Last year he at
tended Princeton Seminary and expected
to return there in the coming autumn.
Those who did not know him in his
home, though they might admire his
qualities, were unacquainted with his
great love and respect:for his aged par
ents, which in turn was fully recipro-
Gated, making home of the strongest
affection and devotion, and he leaves
behind him a heartbroken father and
mother, a community who loved and
honored him, memory fragrant with
goodness and piety, and he takes Will
him his splendid scholarship and his
noble character Of love TO God and man