The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1922-01-19
CoUNTYS OLDEST SETTLER
PASSED AWAY SUNDAY
G. w. Light, An Honored Citizen.
Has Entered Into His Last Rest
Community Mourns


A sturdy pioneer, community bull.
der Christian gentleman, defender
of the nation passed away last Sun
day afternoon. when G.. w. Light,
one of the Oldest and most honored
citizens of Seward county, passed to
the reward of all who lived as he.
1t was shock to all when the news
of his sudden death was passed over
the city, for it had been but a few
days since he had appeared on the
streets apparently in his usual health.
Columns might be written of the
life and activities of Mr.. Light, for
he was among the advance guard Of
civilization which transformed the
buffalo-infested plains into a land
of highest ideals and aspirations.
Mr.. Light was born in Duchess
county, New York in 1841. While
he was quite young his parents
moved to Connecticut where he grew
to young manhood. Seven days af-
ter the firing upon Fort Sumpter he
answered his country's call for SER
vice and enlisted in Company B,
Connecticut Heavy Artillery, Army
of the Potomac, and served three
years, having taken part in the bat
tie of Fredericksburg, and the cam
paigns along the Rappahannock AS
soldier he male an enviable record
and it was a pleasing thought to him
in his late years that he had part
in the preservation of the greatest
country under the shining sun.
After the war he came west to
Linn county, Missouri. There he
was married to Rebecca Nader on
December 27, 1874. In 1885 he came
to Seward county, Kansas, and set
tied on homestead southeast of
town, where he resided until the
time of his death.
Seven children came into the home
during these years, Harry, Matthew,
Kate and Amy having preceded him
to the better world; Charles, Paul
and George, with his wife, survive
him.
Mr.. Light took part in the devel-
opment of this then frontier country
and went through all the toll and he
roic privations incident to that life.
When he located in Seward county
Fargo Springs was the nearest town
and Dodge City the nearest railroad
point. He erected the first house
in Seward county, and in this the
first Sunday school in the county was
held, with Mr.. Light ms superinten-
dent. When Liberal was started, he
was instrumental in building the first
church house on the townsite, and he
and his good wife were charter men,
bers of this church.
The lean years came, the the years
which tried. strong men, but Mr..
Light kept his faith in the country,
and, through his influence, we today,
enjoy the magnificent example Of
his handwork.
Not only did he take foremost
part in the development of the coun-
try, but has given to the world three
worthy sons VINO are among our fore
most citizens; Charles of Wichita,
and Paul W. and C. NJ. Light of this
city. The inspiration of a worthy
father has followed them through
their lives and they are today con-
tinuihg the work of community
building he started way back in 'S5
when he built the little homestead
home.
During these years he made many
friendships who regret his passing.
His was type of manhood which is
fast disappearing. He kept his Chris
tian faith to the last, and his Bible
was his daily companion. He has
wrought well and has now entered
into the rest which Tell-lived life
entities him.
The community mourns with the
bereft family.
The funeral was held from the
Methodist church Monday afternoon,
conducted by the pastor, and all that
was mortal of this beloved man was
tenderly laid away in the Liberal
cemetery.
Jess Maricle was over from Elk