Ogle County Democrat, Mount Morris, IL

Thursday, April 29th, 1880 p. 3

DIED

NEWCOMER -- At his home in Mt. Morris, April 24th 1880, of heart disease, Henry H. Newcomer, aged 44 years, 4 months and 4 days.

The deceased was the son of Andrew Newcomer, who survives him. He was born in Boonsboro, Md., came to Mt. Morris in '46, was married to Miss Ellen S. Highbarger in '61, and the same year went into the volunteer Army as a private soldier, was promoted to a captaincy, did faithful duty till his health failed, which was in '63. He then resigned and returned to his home and family.

The life of the deceased was passed mainly among us: we all knew its quiet unassuming tenor. He was thoughtful and taciturn rather than forward in speech. His opinions and acts were rarely the result of impulse. He seemed to examine carefully, reflect deliberately, and then determine firmly and finally. He filled no large place in the public eye: his voice was little heard in the streets, and his influence was not mighty among those who weave the web of our present social system; for his opinions upon life's origin, duties and destiny differed somewhat from those that prevailed around him. In breasting the waves of public opinion, even slightly, one must forego the influence of large companionship -- of multiplied unity -- which they enjoy who ride upon the crests of said waves. It must be theoretical and abstract charity that is said, like the sun, to shine on all alike; for the practical kind in daily use, certtainly has a tendency to leave many worthy people in the shadow of cold neglect.But, leaving this episode on today's practical phase, we add to the brief notice of our deceased neighbor, that he was a worthy citizen, husband, father and friend; and a a faithful, industious mechanic, He bore his part in the great band of toilers who are pushing the interests of humanity grandly onward and upward.

This community is sorry to lose him, his death is a calamity - to his little family an unspeakable calamity. He has been taken from them when they seem to need him most -- his protection and guidance.

Why he fell so young -- why the untimely blast snaps off the tender flower or bud and makes it fruitless -- who knows? They who claim to know and strive to tell show not their wisdom, but their folly rather.

The deceased was an ODD FELLOW, and at his funeral, which took place from the M. E. Church, on Monday, Rev. Mr. Bush officiating, -- large numbers of the order, from the home lodges and other lodges, were present, leading the procession.

The audience was unusually large: the discourse was brief, solemn and appropriate; from the speaker's standpoint, exceedingly so - but, sitting there under the words cheer to those who have a special faith, and to the sacred songs that lift the mind away from the darkness and dissolution of the tomb-- sitting under these pleasing local influences, while we rejoice in hope, thought will wander to the hopeless millions who have never heard, ("faith comes by hearing") and are compelled to lay their dead in dust whence springs no such joy.

Oh! the graves of those we love -- and all humanity loves -- are sacred shrines, and all the world over wounded affliction wanders daily to them, weeping yet smiling through hope, peircing darkness with the eye of faith, clothing the departed in beauty, and waiting for the COMING DAY, when severed hearts shall be re-united where death shall ne'er divide.

Contributed by Peg Allen Arnold

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