Andrew DUNCAN

DUNCAN

Posted By: Sharon R. Becker (email)
Date: 11/21/2008 at 16:10:23

The Ringgold Record, 1898

OBITUARY - ANDREW DUNCAN.

Andrew DUNCAN, son of Harve S. and Mary T. DUNCAN, was born in Louisa county April 17, 1875, and died Thursday morning, April 7, at 6 o'clock a.m., at the home of his parents, seven miles northwest of Maloy, of heart failure. The funeral services were conducted at the Catholic church Saturday, April 6, at 11 o'clock a.m., by Rev. Father COOK. Sad and painful as was the scene, yet the large concourse of sympathizing friends of the dear departed was a sign of the love and esteem they bore him.

Andrew, or "Andy" as he was called by all, had been ill but a few months and at times seemed to be improving, but Sunday, April 3, he began to grow weaker and lingered until Thursday morn. As the sunset he had loved and admired so much during life sat upon the earth his pure spirit left this sad and gloomy world. There was no struggle; soul and body had been friends during life, and so parted. He had always cherished a remarkable and well-grounded faith in his Savior and His eternal promises and consequently well deserved the pious and holy death he received. He was indeed an example - a model for the young men of today; especially in his devotion to his faith, his zeal for God's honor and glory, and his love and esteem for his pastor. How many of our young men of today can exhibit the same principles and traits? Oh! how rare are they in many parishes. Such a death as Andy's had none of the anguish that usually accompanies death. His life was pure and his death a happy one. He had a most singularly sweet disposition and few are so much beloved by all their friends and acquaintances as he was. He was the brightest star in every circle in which he was found.

Consequently the Rev. Father said, "Mourn not, kind father and mother, loving brothers and sisters, benign relatives and friends, that dear Andy is gone. He is happier by far than were he yet with us poor mortals in this vale of tears. 'Tis consoling to think his example of love and faith is left us and he with the angels raising his sweet voice in unison with theirs in praise of the Savior he so well loved and served here, and with whom he now speaks face to face. Think you he would leave the mansions of God's love; think you he would leave sweet Mary, our dear mother's side and come again to this vile earth where all is misery and trial? 'Tis we who are to be pitied and he who pities. He hovers near you still and sees you as distinctly as he did when his mild eyes shone upon you. May he rest in peace."

It being "Holy Saturday" the usual services prescribed by the Catholic church for her departed children had to be dispensed with, and after short services his remains were laid to rest in the beautiful Catholic cemetery at Maloy [Saint Mary Cemetery].

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, 2008