The Butler weekly times. (Butler, Mo.) 1881-1918, 1913-07-24
A Tribute.

IrlcUU u lIlc IdlIllIy VI u - EuWdAO
l cannot refrain from paying my las
tribute to him. Coming events cas-
y their shadows before them re-
= allied this when afflictiol came,
which foreshadowed his passing
: away on the 18th of this month. We
are never prepared for this mysteri'
Gus passing cloud in which the grim
messenger invades our homes and
summons our loved ones to the great
beyond. Never did he come more
unbidden or unwelcome than when
he visited this home to pluck the be-
loved husband and father upon whom
age had placed a hoary crown.
j. P. Edwards is one of the oldest
citizens of Butler, having moved here
in February 1870. He was born in
Nashville, Tennessee, June IL, 1889.
Just at the age, during the civil war,
when he most needed an education,
he battled with the loss of father
and property and was thrown upon
his own resources. Notwithstanding
these circumstances he surmounted
all difficulties and with his executive
ability surrounded himself and fami-
ly with plenty of this worlds goods.
He was always ready to contribute
with his means and sound judicial
management to the most important
business enterprises of our town. He
has been offered many high positions
which he refused. His being in po-
session of much property had no
more affect upon him than if he had
been poor man, and his big heart
always went out to the suffering.
Never was a tramp turned from his
door unfed, not only was his hunger
appeased but Mr.. Edwards has been
known to give as much as ten dollars
at time to tramp in distress. He
obeyed the command: LET not your
right hand know what your left hand
doeth." He was united in marriage
to Miss Leanna Hines of Brunswick,
NO., January 14th, 1859. To them
seven children were born, two of
them preceded him to the great eter-
nal, Lola Edwards Barney and little
Elmer, bright boy of ten years.
Five children and his beloved grand
son, j. P. Arnold, survive to mourn
his loss, Mrs. C. H. Conger, Mrs.
Miles Horn, Lonnie L., Claude, and
Elliott. He leaves two devoted sis
tiers to cherish his memory, Mrs. j.
E. Thompson Of Alexander, ILL.,, and
Mrs. James Harrison of Butler. Our
sympathy is with the beloved and
faithful wife who was untiring in her
devotion.
There are honors that help to crown
and glorify the memory of the loved
one, who has gone, who helped to
make the world sweeter and life
brighter. ThereGare garlands which
encircle with immortal green that one
who has so beautifully and willingly
provided comforts and anticipated
every wish. As he neared the end
of life he manifested every sign Of
faithfulness. When asked by men,
Der of his family if he had made
peace with God, he answered, yes
with earnestness. Again, when ask
ed if he had an unkind thought of his |
enemies, who had wronged him, his
voice rang out clear and decided, No,
No. He died like conqueror, whose
life was as modest as the daisies and
the buttercups Of the lowly valley in
which they dwell. He was true to
his God, to his country, true to his
neighbor, and true to his family.
He was member of the Christian
church for years and adorned him.
self with those Christian virtues
which enabled hin to meet the temp
tations of this world in all their var
led forms, to look calmly forward
and move on, untarnished by corrup-
ton until the twilight Of time was
lost in the sunlight of heaven.
Then dear bereaved ones bend to
His will and question not the wisdom
of He who hath sent the 'hoary frost
with its wasting blight to pluck the
object of your devotion.
His funeral was beautifully and ap-
propriately conducted by the Rev.
George Prewitt Of the Christian
church. A large concourse of friends
followed his remains to Oak Hill GEM