The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-08-21
TRIBUTE TO LATE
DR.. ". L. HEFLIN

in Roanoke at o'clock last satur-
day afternoon.
Impened by that indomitable spirit
which made his long life one OF re
mark a BILE activity, DR.. Helm persisted
in working at intervals on his little
farm in the edge of town-contrary
to the wishes and entreaties or ms
children-and it was while thus en-
gagged that he was first attacked last
wedn esday afternoon. The attack was
In the nature of apoplexy, but not I'M
til the following afternoon was his
condition considered serious.
Only one son, Mr.. Robert L. Hell
lin, was with him at the nrst, put
in answer to a hurried summons came
Hon John T. Henin, who was with
the educational campaign speakers,
Drs. WYATT and Howell Helm and Hon.
Harrington p. Helm of Birmingham,
and Congressman ]. Thomas Helm OF
Lafayette. The two remaining sons,
Revs. walter W. and Marvin r. lief
lin, were attending the University in
Chicago, and only arrived In time for
the funeral Mrs. H. B. Reid, the only
daughter of the deceased, was unable
to leave her home in Kentucky.
All efforts possible were made by
friends and physicians in Roanoke,
memb ers of the family, and profess
sional nurse brought from Birming-
hma, to save the life of the aged pa
tent, but all were futile. Gradually he
sank into the last long sleep. At in
tervals he gave evidences of recognt-
ton and interest in his surroundings,
and only a few hours before his spir-
it's flight he undertook to sing the
sweet old hymn, Shall We Gather at
the River?"
After all was done ITO prolong the
life of the beloved patriarch and the
fight was lost, the body was en-
balmed and placed in metallic cas-
ket, and Monday morning was borne to
old Concord church., near Louina, In
whose cemetery rests the dust of the
deceased's sainted wife and his distin-
guish ed brother, Judge John L. Hef-
lin Here is the scene of the old Louina
camp ground, now only a cemetery,
but which DIR. Helm did so much to
make power for good in its day.
Fully 1000 people had assembled from
far and near-a most representative
gath ering, including old and young and
members of both races, and scarcely
one but felt a sense of personal loss
In the departure of the good man whose
body rested before them. Fittingly
enough, the services were held in the
grove near the church, a number OF
chairs and pews being placed for the
family and close friends. Thus the
last scene connected with the history
of this man who had lived so near
to natures heart was held in the temple
of nature herself
The service was most impressive The
old songs were sung which were ia
vorites of the deceased. The service
wa sin charge of Rev. s. l.. Dobbs,
who was assisted by Rev. r. w. An
derson, former. pastor. The prayer
ofrered by the former and the address
made by the latter will live in the lives
as we'll as in the memory of many who
heard them. Brother Dobbs also paid
beautiful tribute to his deceased
friend. In conclusion Elder William
Parrish an old friend of DR.. Helm.
delivered a touching eulogy to his
long time neighbor and departed com
rade.
After the large concourse Of the white
race mad filed past the f1ower-lade cas-
ket for last look upon the reposeful
countenance of the man whose labors had
meant so much to many of them. the ne
groes were invited to pass by A most
palmetto incident was the approach of
an old, decrepid former slave of the doc
tor Uncle Boss Hef1in, who, with his
FAITHFUL wife, stood weeping over the
bier of him who had shown them so
many kindnesses, In sickness and In
health.
with the interment of the body of Dr.
Wilson l.. Hef1in closed the history of a
man which, If rightly written. would
form a volume teeming with salient facts
OF the stirring scenes of the four fifths
of century and more through which this
man moved and In which he played
busy part. 1t would afford story rich
IN romance. charming In sentiment, and
Astounding in the choicest and rarest of
humor. Such a book would stand with
out a counterpart for DR.. Hehin was pc
culiarly an original character and occu-
pied unique place in the history of this
section.
The deceased was born in Fayette
county, Ca, 81 years ago the 2lst of
March last. He came to Randolph county
in boyhood and spent the remainder of
his life among this people He practiced
medicine for SO years-the longest record
probably of any practitioner who ever
lived In Alabama. Living in the days
when this country was sparsely settled
the extent of the territory he covered
was amazing. Only a man of gigantic
constitution and heroic will could have
endured the labOrs and hardships he I'M
derwent The rich and the poor alike re-
ceived the faithful ministrations of this
man, the fame Of whose skill called him
far and near
1t is doubtful If any call ever failed
to receive his attention, regardless of re-
enumeration. One evidence of the great
amount Of charity work he did Is found
In the fact that notwithstanding he had
such an enormous practice through so
many years, he accumulated no fortune
and died comparatively poor man. But
he was rich In the prayers and good will
OF those he had served, and the legacy
Of the good name which he leaves to his
children Is q fortune that cannot fly
away. He did a good part by his nine
children and their lives Of usefulness
vindicate the wisdom of his course in in
vesting what he accumulated in the de-
velopment of his offspring rather than in
the perishing things of time
In return, no father was ever blessed
with more loyal, devoted children. In
their lives representing several profess
sions, and also the maker of the home, he
still lives to bless mankind.
One beautiful feature in the life of this
man of rugged exterior but tender heart
was his devotion to the memory of his
left him q years ago, called from the
cares of the earthly home to wait and
watch at the gates above. Never
knight paid more gallant devotion to his
lady than this lonely lover laid a liv-
Ing offering at the shrine of her departed
spirit. The SLOW of the incense thus con-
tinually offered was noted with keen APP
probation by those who were closest to
him.