Rock Island Argus., 1911-03-16
TRIBUTE
Boyhood Companion of DR.. G
G. Craig, Sr., breaches
Funeral Eulogy.
COMRADES IN CIVIL WAR
Strife of That Day School From
Which Strong Men Were
Graduated.

! Rev. George B. Smith of St Paul,
( Mimi, in the course of his remarks
at the funeral services over the re-
mains OF DR.. G. G. Craig. Sr., said.
/ 1T is half a century since the de-
ceased and first met at his home in
| WestmoreIand county, Pa. 4 short
/ time later we were together at FL
dersridge academy. an institution of
/ learning. The friendship formed
there grew into comradeship three
/ years later, when we were members
( of the same company of the 53rd
/ regiment, Pennsylvania volunteers.
1T is during such periods that the
( qualities of men are brought into the
/ foreground. The ordinary restraints
of domestic life, which is crowned
| by the presence of mother. sisters
or wife, are wanting, except as WOW
en- into the life and held sacred in
the memory. The hallowing influence
of the public sanctuary, nourishing
a reverend spirit, are reduced to
minimum. The hardships of. the
march. the wearying monotony of
camp life, and the danger and asso-
Citations of the battlefield, tend to
hold in the background the finer and
more delicate qualities. Such ten
dency can be overcome, when the
true manly soldier. with a stern
sense of duty and love of country,
places himself in the midst of the
pressure of these environments; and
in overcoming, moral strength is de-
veloped.
BEARS WARRIORS HoNORS.
The strife of that day was a
school from which such men were
graduated, not only bearing the hon
ors of warriors achieved in battle.
but having secured for themselves a
discipline which fitted them for form
ing enobling conceptions of citizen
ship. Can we not safely believe that
the observation and experiences of
our departed friend during that time
contributed in no small degree to his
choice Of the medical profession, a
profession in which he could do so
much to alleviate suffering. protect
health, Danish disease and comfort
the sick and sorrowing.
LAS 1 recall those scenes, there
are brought into view his cheerful,
buoyant disposition, his readiness
for every variety of duty, his cour-
age and GOODNESS in action. all show
ing his genuine characteristics as a
man and soldier. He was only II
when he enlisted. The almost con-
tinuous movements of the army IN
the Wilderness and toward Richmond
we'll nigh brought him to the grave.
He was in the very worst service of
the war, was wounded twice, and suf-
fered from an attack of fever. due |
TO forced marching and exposure and |
I myself brought the surgeon TO the /
young soldier marching in a cOndi- |
tion of delirium. Rallying from this /
he returned to his regiment even be-
fore his strength had returned, and /
was a participant in the remaining .
advances, until the surrender at Ap- /
pomatox.
DEVOTION TO PATIENTS.
"Resuming his studies at the close
of the war, he prepared himself for
his life work, work which has been
beneficial to thousands in this city
during a practice of q little more
than two score years. We have been
in touch with each other ever since
our first meeting. From time to
time I have visited him at his home
In Rock Island. / was deeply i'm
pressed by his devotion to his pa
tents as well as by his professional
skill. The profession pertains es-
Decially TO the head. and il deserves
the best that the head can give. The
patients call for the best of both the
head and the heart. These were IN
,tintedly given Social privileges
md enjoyments gave way to his pro-
essional duties. ! am persuaded
hat he. like other physicians whom :
have intimately known. did not re-
'ard his vocation in any other way
han as a service in behalf of others.
OTHERS HIS CARE.
My last visit was last July, and
ghen I saw that his magnificent con-
titution was breaking down, ! was
eminded OF the phrase. physician.
cal thyself,' and ! thought of them
n another sense than the words were
Intended During the one evening
hat ] was able to visit with him
his time, he was called out three
ines He went, in spite of the fact
lat he was anxious to spend as much
me with me as possible. Others
ere his care. To them he gave his
srvice and his strength. He could
pare only fragments of time for the
1ciaI relations of life. If by this
eference there are brought 10 us the
Iggestion of greater sympathy, CO.
peration and consideration on our
art toward these 1nselfish benefac- -,
,Ts Of our race, the reference will
OF be amiss." u