Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 27, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 March 1896 — Funeral of Alfred Thompson. [ARTICLE]

Funeral of Alfred Thompson.

The funeral of Alfred Thompson was held last Thursday afternoon at the family residence. The exercises were in accordance with the last Wishes of the deceased, and though brief and simple were impressive anAjkppropriate, and consisted of the foWJwmg; Hymn, “Comfort in AfljioHon” by the male quartette. Reading Scripture passages, previously selected by the deceased, by Ret. F. L. Austin, pastor of the Church of God. Reading obituary sketch, given below, by Rev. Austin. Hymn, “Asleep in Jeans” by quartette. At the cemetery, the only exercises was a prayer by Rev. Austin. The pail bearers were M. L. Spitler, Addison Parkison, A. K. Yeoman, James T. Randle, Norman Warner, and Benjamin Harris. The above referred to, is here given. OBITUARY Alfred Thompson was bora in Stark County, Ohio on Ootober 15th. 1829. He was the third child of David and Eliza (McCoy) Thompson in a family of ten children. Of that family 'our brothers are still living. When Alfred was four years old the family of seven moved into the forests in Hancock County, Ohio. They endured the hardships of a frontier life and their only school was the family fireside. Later, short winter schools were supported by subscription. When Alfred was fifteen he commenced teaching school in winter. At the age of twenty one, he engaged as a clerk in the bank of his ancle Thomas McCoy in New Lisbon Ohio. On June 12th 185&he was married to Mary E. Travis at Prairie Bird, Illinois. This marriage was a most happy one. Their spirits were congenial and they were help metes to each other. They moved at once to Rensselaer, Indiana where their borne has been ever since. They have three living children, Mrs. Florence Sears, Mrs. Ora Ross and Delos Thompson aid five grandchildren. Home was to Mr. Thompson the only place. He was a wise, just and devoted father. And for over forty years there was mutual, filial, conjugal and paternal love in the family. Mr. Thompson, was daring all life, a busy worker. He tried to live as a practical Christian, oaring for his own household, aiding his neighbors and giving no just cause of offence to any one. Several months since he was stricken with what he believed was a mortal sickness. He bore up under affliction with patience and fortitnde. His mind remained clear and calm to the end. His whole family united to give to him every attention and care that could be-bestowed. All that human skill and effort could do was done to prolong his life. The living current ebbed slowly away, and in the midst of the most friendly care by his whole family at two A. M. on March 3rd, 1896 at the age of sixty six years, four months and fifteen days he went to sleep in a sure and certain hope of the Resurrection. Mr. Thompson so lived that in the silent halls of death he was sustained and soothed by the knowledge that he had in fighting the battle of life, tried to follow the golden rule. He believed and noted at all times on the gentle principle that the sonl that can be honest, nearest approaches perfection in living.