Greene County herald. (Leakesville, Miss.) 1898-current, 1910-10-07
e UL GU M
LEONARD CHILDS.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY DEVOTED
PUPIL. LEONARD CHllDS.


In golden September there ascend
ed into heaven the soul OF Leonard
Childs, my devoted pupil, and most
highly esteemed friend, Of such
souls are the lovliest of angels made.
Some eight or nine years ago [ met
this rustic youth, and at first glance
| could see a diamond in the rough,
his very being striking a responsive
chord in my very heart. Coming to
school in the school house on the hill,
school being crowded he sat by my
table to prepare his lessons. At first
L was a wonderment to him, and he
mystery to me, however, we soon
became thoroughly acquainted. He
was most attentive to the Bible read
ing in the morning exercises, and
ask many questions concerning
that bookI read from each morning. |
soon saw there was a soul to save, a
life to mould. a wonderful genius by
my side to educate in my own feeble
way.
always admired him and his faith
er, and ask tie TEACHER of all
TEACHERS to direct me In my eff
forts toward this peculiar boy. y
watched his growth from time to
time with much interest, and dis
covered that he was truly like the
diamond in the rough placing himself
on the emery wheel of life's hardest
problems, to work and solve them
out by his own efforts, and sternest
energies.
never knew him to shirk a single
duty, but when duty called he always
listened. He was a father OF the
man, and many time l would see
him coming hastily to school with
his book in hand studying. No
doubt, like Franklin, he would often
eat with book in one hand and fork in
other. was in his cabin home, and
was treated royalty by himself and
father, and eat with much pleasure
the splendid supper that he prepar-
ed. Leonard was a model boy. an
example for US all to emulate for he
was pure, good, true, magpanimous,
genius of high order.
cannot gild in word the grief /
feel to know he is with rs no more,
but God, in his wisdom, knows best.
precious one from US is gone.
voice we loved is still.
place is vacant in his home
That never can be filled.
God in his wisdom has recalled
The boon his love has given,
And though the body slumbers here
His SOULS safe in heaven.
This lovely soul so kind SO good,
Called hence by earthly doom,
just came to show how sweet flower
In Paradise would bloom.
Leonard was the light of the home
for his doting father, until after the
illness of few shorG days from the
serious accident. despite the efforts
of father, friends, physicians, he
quietly passed away to the sweet be-
You'd, to wear, forever. the diadem
of love, and crown of righteousness.
He bore his sufferings with char
acteristic gentleness and hope; be-
cause Of his dear father to whom his
death meant sadness and brea king
heart, as well as his teacher and
many friends, for Leonard was a
true part of all whom he met. To
know him was to love him; he was
magnet that drew and attracted
people, both old and young learned
and ignorant, rich and poor, saint
and sinner.
L know am yoicing the words of
the kind father of the boy, in this
sublime sentiment:
1 wish could se~ you. Leonard. again.
There's never an evening sun goes down.
But I've thought Of you much that day;
There's never quivering moonbeam falls.
But your memory brightens its ray;
There's never birds note thrills my heart
But think have heard you call.
And the cold. bleak days have tinge of spring
With your memory over them all:
But, OH when think of the now and the then.
wish could see you, Leonard again.
1 wish could see you, Leonard again.
L feel when look into your deep. brown eyes.
l had met but a life long friend
For the kline fates willed that our ways should
cross.
Ere we came to the journeys end;
But, oh. why is it they only crossed
And didn't go side by side
When the lingering light OF soul like yours
Could be such frend;a nd guide:
For think of you now and my SOUL cries.
WHEN"
y
My boy. shall see you. Leonard. again.
Your great soul looked as passed you by,
From the depth OF your kind clear eyes.
And said: :" Ills q race to the bier and shroud
| Asuccession OF sad good-byes;
But our paths can verge where the day dawr
breaks.
And the shackles are laid away,
And I'll meet unhampered to soul that spoke
| Through your beautiful eyes that day.
Must you go. fair soul from the walks of men
Goodbye, / shall see you. Leonard, again,
To the boys, girls of Leakesville
and all who knew Leonard Childs
can we not gain a beautiful sacreC
lesson, and profit much therefrom1
Listen to the all-inspiring words
Leonard, on one occasion, quoted OF
on the Leakesville rostrum, maxim,
them, indeed a very part O
his life, for all that he did was hi
| BEST.
THE world is waiting for you. young mar
1 v0unr woman