The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1912-08-16
NIftchell's Eulogy
To W.D.Washburn
Following Sermon Was Delivered BY
the Congregational Pastor at
Memorial Services

MSWVIl6l SSl VISSS
Sermon preached by Rev. D. D.
Mitchell at the memorial services held
at the Congregational church, Sunday,
August ii, 1912, for the Senator Will
liam Drew Washburn.
Text-Eccl. 1871.
*.Then shall the dust return to the
earth as it was; and the Spirit shall re-
turn unto God who gave it"
Solomon has in this chapter given US
picture of old age-each part of
the body is failing. Death comes at
last. When dust returns to the earth
as it was; and the Spirit shall return
unto God who gave it. In this short
sentence the inspired writer settles for
ever the question of the immortality OF
the soul. 1t came from God. 1t re-
turns from whence it comes. The body
returns to dust to await the morning of
Resurrection.
Information telling us of the death
of William Drew Washburn was re-
ceived some days ago. The description
given by Solomon nearly 5000 years
ago pictures very accurately what took
place at the "Fair Oaks Home" dur
ing the evening of July 3Oth. Being 81
years of age he had lived to witness in
his own body the failing of the flesh.
The strong man bowed himself. The
eye grew dim, the ear uncertain and
the hearts beat unsteady until little
past 10 the Spirit returned to God who
gave it.
Senator Washburn's life comes in
touch with the life and growth of our
beautiful little city so frequently that
it is exceedingly fitting that we should,
at this hour of our Sunday devotional
services, gather inspiration that will
aid all in coming time to nobler deeds
and higher thoughts.
A brief review of his life shows to US
q man of energy. Even the elements
in nature could not daunt him or turn
HIM from his purpose. When the cry
ing need of humanity demanded the
control of the waters of the Mississippi
at the Falls of St. Anthony he built the
dam. When mills were needed to con-
vert the growing timber into lumber
and the wheat into flour he erected
them. When transportation was re-
quired he built the railroads. When
churches were required that worship
ers might have place to assemble, his
hand was ready. As the state needed a
wise counsellor he was found in its
legislative halls. The nation was
trembling still from the perils of war
when he filled the senator's chair with
honor and safety for the people. No
task too hard, no responsibility too
great for this man of energy, will force
and unyielding determination. As l
study his life, am lead to say to the
youth of the present day, ':Never stop
In your purpose for good unless you
find something in your way bigger than
the Mississippi river to be damned,
stronger than railroad monopoly to be
broken or a corrupt legislature to be
purified, for in his life all these things
were accomplished"
1t was while he was thus actively en-
gagged that Washburn was founded.
His brother from Wisconsin had Joined
with him in building up the industries
of Minneapolis their names were
much before the public. The little
(, town on the Missouri needed, help.
Who could lend more assistance than
this railroader? We will name our
town Washburn.y We will invite him
to visit us, study the opportunities and
If willing. ask for his helping hand.
He came-invested to the extent Of pur.
chasing Ill, 900 acres of land and accept.
ed the Office of president Of the townsite
company. which Office he held until his
death-and thus became living facto,
in this community. His money and hit
counsel helped to build our city. De
you wonder that the flags, athalf mast
hoated over our public buildings while
those living nearer were covering thu
csssket with earth's most beautiful
u decorations?
Another Characteristic of his lif'
deserves mention even in this brie
review that quality of mind whicl
enabled him to realize the demands
!, not only Of the present, but the futur
- we'll.
A. surveyor he walked through tn
forests Of Minnesota. Thousands Q
acres covered with the most perfec
timbsr earth ever produced. All thi
Win be wanted In lumber, and becaus
- ~ It he builtsthe mill. His eye
81 restsd upon untold acres Of ripenin
Grain. All this win be needed in foul
and % he built the. greatest fourin
n.aill IN the world. Transportatic
would b required. therefore he bui
= railroads. He ever saw what Z