LP 2317 .W45 W5 Copy 1 IN MEMORIAM. Rev. Harvey S. W^^ney, C'*T^-,, CompJimeiitH of J. FLETCHER WILLIAMS, Saint Paul, Minn. 1S52. Graduate of the Scieutiflc Department, Ohio Wesleyan University. 1863 r. Member of the .St. Paul Board of Education. 186T-8t). Secretary and Librarian of Minm'sota Historical Society. 1868-84. Corresponding Secretary of Minnesota Editorial Association. 1869. Elected Corresponding Member of Pennsylvania Historical Society. 1870 " " " Virginia Historical Society. 1870. " Life Member and Director of Saint Paul Academy of Natural Sciences. 1871-86. Secretary of the Ramsey County Pioneer Association 1871. Appointed U. S Centennial Commissioner from Minnesota. 1872. Elected Corresponding Member of New England Historic Genealogical Society. 1873. " " " Rhode Island Historical Society. 1873. " " " Maine Historical Society. 1875 86. Corresponding Secretary of Old Settlers' Association of Minnesota. 1876. Elected Honorary Member of Montana Historical Society. 1878. " Corresponding Member of Buffalo Historical Society. 1880. " " " Royal Historical Society, of London, England. 1881. " " " Chicago Historical Society. 1881. " " " Numismatic and Antiquarian Society, Phila. 1882. " " " American Antiquarian Society. 1883-86. " Secretary and Treasurer Minnesota State Forestry Association. 1884. " Memberof American Historical Association. 1885. " Corresponding Member of Georgia Historical Society. 1885. " " " Wisconsin Historical Society. 1886. " Member of Cincinnati Club, Minneapolis. Member of "Old Woodward Club," Cincinnati, O. Past Grand Master and P. G. Representative, I. O. O. F. A TRIRTL7TFC TO T^HK JVLBA/IORY Rev.HarveyShippWidney, Late Principal of the Excelsior Academy, Mi Containing a Memoir, the Addresses at his Funeral, and other eltlogies. Printer! for Distrilnition amonj^ liis friends. St. P.\ri., 1888. >■ ■v'^^ V^ ..Jo ■^ K NOTK. Immediately after the lamented death of Prof. Widnev, a suitable memorial volume, like the following, in whieh to eommemorate his virtues and worth, was projeeted In- some of his friends, but nothing was done at the time, sinee no one interested in the work had leisure to under- take its preparation. At the urgent request of friends, .-inxious to see the memorial c()m])leted, I have eonsented to undertake it, though hard pressed by professional duties, and this feeble and imi)erfeet tribute to our dear friend, is now offered by his affeetionate kinsman St. Paul, April, 1888. MEMOIR The Widxey Family, of which the subject of this sketch was an honored member, descended from a Colonel Widnej', a native of Holland, who was an officer in the army with which William III, the Prince of Orange, landed in England, in 1688, and which, the year following, invaded Ireland under the Duke of Schomberg. At the conclusion of the w^ar in the latter country, the crown gave to Col. Widney, in reward for his military services, a valuable grant of land in the County of Tyrone, *w^hich estate remained in possession of his descend- ants for over one hundred years. In 1784, three brothers and three sisters of one of the Widney families came to America, and settled in Pennsjd- vania. From these six persons, all the Widney s in the United States, now quite a numerous family, and embracing many persons of ability and eminence, have sprung. Samuel WilHams Widney, the father of Harvey S., was the great grandson of one of these settlers. He was born Nov. 19, 1820, at Concord, Pa., and in 1837, emigrated to DeKalb Co., Ind., where some others of the family had already been pioneer settlers. When only 21 years of age, he was licensed as a preacher, in the Methodist Protestant Church, and entered into the regular work of the ministry at the age of 28. In 1844, he was married to Miss Matilda Jane Thompson. He was an itinerant preacher more or less of the time for some 3^ears ; an earnest, devoted Christian, and a man of more than ordinary ability and culture. On March 20, 1865, he enlisted in the 30th Indiana Volunteers, and just one month later (at the age of 44 ^-ears) died of disease in Tennessee. His widow still resides at St. Jo. station, Indiana. Seven children were born to them, of whom Hakvey Shipp Widney was the third. He was born in Clinton Co., Ind., March 11, 1849, and received such education as was attainable in the country schools at that time, and subsequenth' at Auburn, Ind., to which his parents had removed. His uncle. Rev. A. H. Widney, says, "His early years developed his burning thirst for knowledge. His father's library was read and re-read, as well as such other books as came into his hands." Inheriting from his father, and indeed from a long line of ancestors, a disposition towards piety, he became an earnest member of the Church when not over twelve years of age. His father died when he was just sixteen years old, and to a considerable extent, from that time on, Harvc}' was thrown on his own resources. He taught school in December, 1865, when he was only sixteen years of aije, and continued in this calling; with marked 5 success for two years. Having accumulated some money by that means, and feeling the need of better education, he entered Adrian College, at Adrian, Michigan, in September, 1867, and began a regular four years' course. He soon became a universal favorite at college. His thirst for learning, his brightness, his exemplary conduct, and his frank and amiable manners, won him warm friends among the faculty and students. While at home during vacation, in Januar^^ 1869, young Widney injured his foot seriously, as a result of which he suffered severely for some months, and came near losing his life by gangrene. During this period he was much oppressed by despondency and forebodings, but his journal, kept at this time, evinces, by lepeated expressions, his full and unalterable trust in the Lord. He recovered sufficienth', however, to commence teaching again, though walking with crutches, and carried on a school until the commencement of the spring term of the next college year (1870), when he resumed his course at college, where he was graduated with high honors in 1872, in both the Classical and Scientific courses. After his graduation he resumed teaching at Dundee, Michigan, and on June 28, 1873, was united in marriage to Miss Ella Underwood, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Comstock) Under- wood, of Adrian, Mich., a noble and loving woman, who made his home blest for over fourteen happy vears. Mr. Widnev had long cherished the intention G of engaging in the ministr\% and had studied for that ])rofession more or less, for several years past. He was an active Church worker, and leader of meetings, and had alreadv been licensed to preach, and gave evidence that he was " a workman who need not to be ashamed." On September 6, 1873, he was regularlv ordained as a clergyman b}- the North Indiana Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church, and entered at once into the ministerial work. His first appointment was at the East Bureau church, in Bureau Co., 111., nnd the following vear (1874), he was appointed to VermilHon circuit, which he served one year. In 1875, he w-as assigned to the Sheridan station, where he remained one vear. In 1876, he was called as pastor of the church at Ohio, 111., where he remained doing a successful work, three years. He was then appointed to the church at Beloit, Wis., where he remained one year. This was one of the most pleasant and fruitful of his entire ministry. The compensation received b}- Bro. Widney during these years of hard and faithftd labor, was sometimes ver\^ small, and he and his little family were subjected to actual straits, frequently. But he had entered that holy calling, not for money, but for souls, and he had these for his reward. Patiently, hopefully, and conscientiously he labored on, trusting that the seed he was sowing, amid fervent prayers, and perhaps tears often, would s])ring u]) in due time with that fruit that would be as stars in his heavenly crown. In 1880, he was called to the principalship of Gittings Seminary, at La Harpe, 111., where he did noble work for six years, excepting one year during which he was principal of the public schools at La Harpe. During his residence at that place he also acted as pastor of the Morris chapel of the Meth- odist Protestant church, the Terre Haute Free Will Baptist Church and the La Harpe Congregational church, in all of which, the latter especially, his ministry bore gratifying fruits, and he made many warm friends. During his term at La Harpe, Prof. Widne\' led a busy and useful life. Teaching faithfully during the \veek, studying diligenth' to prepare for his classes, holding meetings in the evening, preaching Sundays, leading class meetings and prayer meetings, teach- ing Sunday-school classes, organizing and superin- tending a young people's societ\' called the "Yoke Fellows." and other similar labors, into which he threw himself with all the ardor of his warm and earnest nature. Prof. Widney quite wore out his strength and impaired his health. But the work that he did, and the wonderful influence that he exerted on all with whom he came into contact during this period, can never be forgotten by the people, especially the young people, of La Harpe. Not until all things are revealed in the life to come, will we know the complete fruits of Harvey S. Widne_v's self-sacrificing toil and devotion to duty at La Harpe, as well as other places in which he labored, and where his name is revered to-day, in nian\' a Christian household. It was at this period, when he received a call to the principalship at "Excelsior Academy," Excel- sior, Minn. Believing that the climate of Minnesota was just what he required to recruit his impaired health and strength, he accepted the post and removed hither at once. The president of the board of trustees of Gittings Seminary, wrote thus of his estimation of Professor Widnc}- : "He is well qual- ified to fill the position of principal of your academy in ever}- particular. He is a thorough and excellent scholar. He is highly respected and loved by his pupils and patrons. He is strong in manly influence. He is a good organizer, and has a happy faculty of imparting instruction to his pupils and winning their love and esteem." All classes in La Harpe were filled with regi'ct at his leaving them, and many were the testimonials of love and honor made to him on his departure for his new field. Taking up his work at Excelsior in September, 1886, with the same conscientious zeal and devo- tion that he had always shown, he was rewarded by the same success, and soon won the warm affec- tion of all who came in contact with him. He now vmitcd with the Congregational church at Excelsior, though, in fact, the non-episcopal branch of the Methodist church, to which he had. hitherto been attached, are Congregationalists also, and their creed almost identical with the latter sect, so that this step involved no change in his views. He preached at Excelsior, in the various churches thefe, and also at Wa^-zata, during the ensuing year, with great acceptance. Prof. Widney was a preacher of more than average ability and force, and of broad, sweet, tolerant views. He attempted no display in his sermons, always aiming to present the truths of the gospel as simply and forcibly as possible, and always did so, to the edification of his hearers and their spiritual uplifting. He loved his calling as a minister of Christ, and strove to dignify and honor it. He was remarkably gifted in prayer, and in his conversations with the penitent and inquiring, especial!}^ the voung, had a most winning and per- suasive manner that drew them cordially to the Cross. Prof. Widnev had just completed building a com- fortable home at Excelsior, and natural^ looked forward to a career of happiness and usefulness, when, at this period of full ripeness and promise, his life was suddenly terminated by an appalling calamity. A Detailed Account of the Accident. On the afternoon of August 25, 1887, Prof. Wid- ney was at work on the lawn in front of his house. The clock had just struck three. His daughter, 10 Hallie. with a young friend aged about eleven years, named Lulu Haines ( nee Stoddard, an adopted daughter of Mr. and Airs. M. M. Haines, of Excel- sior), were sitting on the veranda, overlooking a little lake in front of the house, the edge of which was about two hundred feet from the latter. They noticed that a raft, which had been made and used by some boj's to gather pond lilies, had been left by the latter at the marge of the water, and proposed to Prof. Widney that he should take them out on it to gather lilies. He cheerfulh^ acceded, and throwing down the rake which he was using, they, accompanied by Eddy, his son, tripped down the slope to the edge of the lakelet, merrily laughing and chatting with each other. It was a warm, soft, cloudless day. The August sun shone brightly, gleaming on the ripples of the lake, across the dark waters of which, the old trees had begun to throw their evening shadows, and all nature seemed smil- ing. But the Angel of Death was even then hov- ering over that bright and happ}^ scene, and in but a few moments more it was to be suddenly changed, like the shifting of stage scenery, into a tableau of sorrow and mourning. Arriving at the lake, all four got on the raft, and Prof. Widney pushed it, with a pole, through the grass and reeds, to the deeper water be3^ond. Just as this was reached, the raft was found to be coming to pieces. It was large enough to have held them all safely had it ke])t together, but it must have 11 been insecurely nailed by the boys who made it. It is thought that Prof. Widney stood on one of the cross pieces nailed underneath it, and that the force he used in pushing the raft through the grass, loosened it. Finding that the raft was breaking up and sinking, Prof. Widney, who was a strong, active man, courageous and quick in decision, and also a fine swimmer, threw himself into the water, calling to the children to remain on the raft and he would push them ashore safely. This he could easily have done, but the girls had become panic- stricken with fright, and screaming loudly for help, they threw themselves on Prof. Widney in the water, and clasping him about the neck, pushed Jiim down. Here all three struggled in the water, he trying to disembarass himself of them, and thev holding tightly to him and screaming for help. Had there been solid footing at the bottom. Prof. Widney could have saved himself and them, but the bottom was soft, mucky and filled with reeds and grass, preventing one from either wading or swimming safely. The water (and soft mud) was perhaps eight feet deep. The screams of the girls for help were heard by persons at quite a distance off, and several of them hurried to the spot from houses adjoining the lake. Mrs. Widney, and her mother, Mrs. Underwood, (the latter being foitunately on a visit to her daughter), were seated in the house, and did not then know that their loved ones had gone out on 12 the lake. Hearin*^- the screams, they ran out on the front veranda, and at once comprehended the danger. Mrs. Underwood endeavored to get a rope that was fastened to one of the trees, and Mrs. Widney ran to the edge of the lake, as near as she could to where her husband and children were struggling in the water, but at once saw she could give them no aid. She states that at that time. Prof. Widney was standing in the water, which came to about his breast, and both of his children clinging tightly to him. She does not remember to have seen Lulu Haines just then, although she had heard her voice a moment before. She says, Prof. Widney "seemed perfectly calm, a grand look on his face ; at the sight of me, he made an effort with his arm and called help once." Mrs. Widney then told the children to let go of their papa, which they did, Eddie managing to catch hold of a plank, which held him up safely, and Hallie struggling to sustain herself in the water. Meantime, two young men, Theo. Bost, Jr., and Geo. Gould, w^ho were not far off when the first alarm was given, came up. Bost, a brave and manlj' follow, at once threw himself into the treacherous, marshy spot, and parth^ wading, partly swimming, worked tow^ards the trio still struggling in the water; but becoming entangled in the reeds, would have been drowned himself, had not young Gould torn a board from the fence, and ])ushed it out to him. Mrs. W^idney says that just 13 at this moment, having, for an instant onlv, turned away from the shore to seek something to help them with, she turned and looked again at the spot, and saw that her husband had disappeared! His hat was floating on the water. Young Bost had now managed to reach Hallie Widney, and succeded in keeping her up. Rev. J. G. Teter, pastor of the Excelsior M. E. chvirch, and Mr. Charles Odell, now reached the spot, breath- less with running around the lake. They did not then know that Prof Widney was under the water. On learning this, Mr. Teter at once dispatched a messenger to summon every doctor in the town, and a second one to bring a boat from another lake which was fully a quarter of a mile away. T)ver twenty minutes elapsed before the boat was brought. "It seemed like an eternity to me," writes Mrs. Widney, in a letter describing the accident. The boat was launched and Miss Widney and Eddie, were rescued and taken ashore. The former was nearl}^ gone, but was resuscitated without much trouble. The bodies of Prof. Widne}^ and Miss Haines were then lifted out, and carried to the house. Prof Widney was found standing upright, with his feet entangled in the weeds. The body seemed so life-like, that Doctors Small and Perkins, who had by this time arrived, had strong hopes of saving him, and at once began all the usual restorative processes known to the medical science. Miss Haines was soon found to be past all human aid. 14 Even^thing was done for Prof. Widney, by the ph\'sicians and other friends present, that experience has shown to be efficacious in such accidents, but without avail. Still the efforts were not relaxed. For over an hour the most earnest exertions were made to resuscitate Prof. Widney. The sad truth then little by little dawned on them, that any further hope was useless. All that remained to be done was to fold the pulseless hands over the stilj breast, and close the e^-es that had, perhaps (in their spiritual counterpart), already opened on the glories of another life. The shadows of evening settled around the house, but far more gloomy than they, was the pall of inconsolable grief and crushing agony, that fell on the torn hearts of the widow and her fatherless children, thus suddenly bereft of their earthh^ protector, whom they loved so dearly. The news of the disaster spread quickly about the village, and threw over all classes a gloom that showed how generally esteemed and respected, in the community. Prof. Widney was. A meeting of the business men and leading citizens was at once called, and after some deliberation, the following resolutions were adopted : The citizens of Excelsior, assembled in public meeting, do hereb}- give expression to their great sorrow for the sad accident b}' which Prof. Harvey S. Widney was so suddenh- called from an active and useful life in our midst. By his death our community has lost ^n upright and noble citizen; our youth an able instructor and warm friend ; the church 15 a zealous and devout Christian worker ; and his family a loving husband and father. Sharing in this great loss, we who have known Prof. Widney, during his brief but useful sojourn with us, do extend to the bereaved widow and fatherless children, our heartfelt sympathy. Resolved, That we also sympathise with Mr. and Mrs. M. M. Haines, in the loss of their daughter Lulu, beloved by all, whose bright j^oung life was so rudely cut off, with that of Prof. Widney. The funeral of Miss Haines took place on the fol- lowing day. Immediately on the death of Prof. Widney, telegrams had been sent to his mother and other relatives in Michigan, Indiana and Illinois, and in St. Paul. Mrs. Widney, residing at St. Jo, Ind., and Mr. Underwood, of Adrian, at once .started for St. Paul. The sultry weather, however, compelled the burial of the remains on the after- noon of the 27th, before these relatives arrived. The Funeral Obsequies. At 2 o'clock, p. m., a brief service was held at the house, prior to removing the remains to the church, by Rev. Isaac L. Cory, pastor of the Excelsior Congregational church. It was a ver}^ affecting occasion. We looked for the last time, on earth, on that dear face, from which death had not even vet erased the expression of nobleness and love. The funeral cortege was then formed and proceeded to the church, which was crowded with the citizens of Excelsior, of all conditions and ages. All places of business in the village were closed. \ 10 Lovely floral tributes were laid on the cavsket by Prof. Widney's friends, especially b}^ the pupils of his academy. Appropriate selections were sung by the choir, among them one favorite hymn of the deceased, opposite to which, in his h^-mn book, he had some months before written the words, "Sing this at my funeral. H. S. W." It is as follows: God be with you till we meet again ; By his counsels guide, uphold you. With his sheep securely fold you, God be with you till we meet again. Chorus — Till we meet, till we meet, Till we meet at Jesus' feet; Till we meet, till we meet, God be with 3'ou till we meet again. God be with you till we meet again, 'Neath his wings securely hide you, Daily manna still provide you, God be with 3'Ou till we meet again. God be with you till we meet again ; When life's perils thick confound you, Put his arms unfailing 'round you, God be with you till we meet again. God be with you till we meet again. Keep his banner floating o'er j^ou ; Smite death's threatening wave before you, God be with you till wc meet again. Tribute by His Pastor. Rev. Isaac L. Cory then delivered a very touch- ing and impressive tribute to the deceased, which, though brief, gave in a thorough manner an excel- 17 lent view of Prof. Widnej's virtues and attain- ments, and a fine testimonial to his exalted char- acter. He read a number of texts of Scripture which w^ere written on cards found in the pocket of Prof. Widney after his death. They had evi- dently been written to send to some acquaintance who was in need of religious advice or sympathy, as he was much in the habit of doing this. Rev. J. G. Teter, of the Excelsior M. E. church, who had been present at the disaster, paid a very warm tribute to Prof. Widney's character as an instructor, and also as a christian clergyman, and referred to the incidents of his death, praising the bravery and devotion of the young men who had risked their lives to save Prof. Widney and his » companions. Eulogy by D. C. Bell, Esq. Mr. David C. Bell, of Minneapolis, president of the board of trustees of the Excelsior Academy, was then introduced, and read the following eulogy on Prof. Widney: " Dear Friends : Our village is in mourning to-day. We are assembled here this afternoon, a sorrowful compan3% to pay our tribute of respect and affection to the memory of a noble and beloved man. God distributes his gifts variously. To one He seems to give the power to accumulate wealth in a marked degree— more than his fellows. To another He gives the power to lead and control others: of such we say ' he was born to command.' To others, again, He gives the power to acquire stores of knowledge; these are the learned and wise among men. Higher and better than all or auv 18 of these various gifts, either singly or in combination, is the gift, so rare and so precious — to win men's hearts. Happy the man of wealth and power and of learning, if he use them aright ; but thrice happy that man to whom the hearts of men go out in aftectionate regard. Such was our brother, beloved, whose loss we mourn to-day. Cultivated he was in mind and heart ; a peer of the best ; able with voice and pen; a wise, skillful and successful instructor; an effective and faithful preacher of the gospel of God's grace, but above all a sweet-spirited. Christian man, whom to know was to respect not only, but to love. This is why our hearts ache, and our eyes fill, and we cannot speak, as we remember his walk among us these months past, and try to realize that Prof Widney will be seen amongst us no more forever. But his memorial will be fresh in ovir hearts as the years come and go. Better than inscription on marble or brass will be the memory of his noble personality and the sacred and sav- ing truths taught by his lips and life, and written on the hearts of the pupils who came under his gracious. Christian influence. In waj^s that they themselves do not know, he will continue to teach and preach through them, and thus perpetuate his noble life in scores of other lives whom he has stimulated by precept and example, to go out and bless yet others. His circling and ever widening influence will extend on and on from this center, where he lived and labored, to remote places and far-t)ff generations. "Dear friends, let us, as we mourn our great loss to-day, learn the secret of a successful life. God's word declares, and all history and experience of men confirms, the great truth, that 'No man liveth unto himself, and no man dieth unto himself.' This dearly beloved brother neither lived nor died unto himself. One of the proudest monuments that stands in England to-day, rises over the grave of John Howard, and bears this inscription: ' He lived for others.' In the same large and worthy sense, Harvej^ S. Widney lived for others. "Sometimes the heart of a man, his real purpose, comes out in an expression drojjpcd in conversation, or penned in a 19 sentence in a friendly letter. Such I find in a letter received from Prof Widney not many weeks ago, written just at the close of the academy year. " Excelsior, June 11, 1887. "I thank you very much for your kind and encouraging words as to our past year's work. I sincerely pray God that his blessing, ' which maketh rich, and he addeth no sor- row with it,' may be given to us. I fully realize 'except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.' My main purpose in this work is the Christian training of our pupils, fitting them for Christian activity." " Here is the happy secret of this lovely life, the going out of which leaves not only a desolate home, bereft of husband and father, to whom nought seems left to-day but the sure promise of the God of the widow and fatherless, that never fails, but a sorrow-stricken and bereaved community, and an institution of Christian learning without a head. "Over again comes to us all, this lesson : Nothing in this *world pays so well as to do good in a Christian way to others. Such a life alone can be truly said to pay ; such only is in any worthy sense a success. Men bring to it their cnoicest tributes, and God and angels bestow on it their gracious benedictions. " I knew Prof Widney less intimately than many of you, his neighbors and friends here present to-day with such a weight of sorrow on your hearts, but I knew him well enough to have caught his spirit and to have given to him the tribute of my respect and love. "He was a citizen of two worlds. While he walked among men here in the beauty of holiness, adorning the doctrine of God our Savior, his citizenship was in heaven, whence he has been just now translated. "So let us dry our tears and comfort our hearts to-day, as we remember the grace of God which he owned, and by which he was redeemed, as we think of the unfading joys upon which his glorified spirit has even now entered, where he shall be forever with the Lord." 20 During the entire services, sincere grief was visible on every countenance, and a gloom appeared to rest on all, in remembrance of the calamity that had deprived Excelsior of one of its most beloved and useful citizens. This general sorrow was one of the best tributes to his memory. At the conclusion of the services the remains were taken to Oak Lake cemeter^^ follow^ed b}^ a large number of friends, where all that was mortal of the noble and true Harvey S. Widney was laid to rest. Prof. Widney, at his death, left three children. Hallie, aged about fourteen years ; Eddie, aged about eight years, and Beth, aged about tw^o years. With commendable foresight he had secured for his famil}^ a fair amount of insurance on his life. MEMORIAL SERVICES. AT EXCELSIOR, MINN. Memorial services in honor of Prof. Widney were held in the Congregational church, in Excelsior, on Sunday, Aug. 28. Rev. Isaac L. Cor^^ preached a sermon appropriate to the occasion, from the text, "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright man," &c. The discourse was an eulogy of the deceased, and recounted his worth, and his valuable labors as a minister and instructor. The occasion was impressive and solemn. AT LA HAKPE, ILL. On Friday, Sept. 4, memorial services were held 21 in the Methodist Protestant church, at La Harpe. An account pubHshed in the La Harper, says, that almost the entire communit\^ were present. The church was tastefully draped and decorated with a profusion of flowers. All the clergy of the town occupied seats on the platform, and several of them took part in the religious exercises. Rev. V. H. Brown delivered the memorial address, from the text: "Mark the perfect man," &c. It was a fitting tribute to the attainments, the virtues, and the services of Prof. Widney. Rev. Messrs. Littleton and Raymond also added testimonies to his worth, and to the nobility of his Christian life. Rev. J. P. Kester gave some interesting incidents of Prof *Widney's younger life. Rev. Mr. Dickerson spoke of the grand work he had done in La Harpe churches and schools. The entire services were of great interest, and were a worthy and fitting tribute to the good man in whose honor they were held, but were of too great length to include in this memorial in full. Resolutions of respect to Prof Widney's memory, and of sympathy with his bereaved family were passed by the Congregational church at La Harpe to which he had ministered some time ; by the class of '86, of Gifting Seminary ; by the Yoke Fellows Band, La Harpe; by the Pro-Con Literary Societ}' of the Seminary; by the Hawthorne Society; and by the Board of Trustees of Gittings Seminary ; and also of the Excelsior Academv. 22 North Illinois Conference, M. P. Church. During the annual session of this body, held at Cuba, 111., September 14 to 19, 1887, memorial services were held in honor of Prof. Widney, who had once been a member of it. Rev. W. W. Tipton preached the memorial sermon. A memorial sermon was also preached in the church at Ohio, 111., of w^hich Prof. Widnej^ was formerly pastor, on September 11, by Rev. J. M. Mayall, from the text. Exodus, 33:4, "And when the people heard these evil tidings they mourned." It was a well prepared and eloquent tribute to the deceased, by one very intimate with him, and well deserves to be inserted here in full, if there were space to do so. A Pattern of Christian Manliness. Harvey S. Widney was a man who was cast in an exceptional^ admirable mould. His character was symmetrical and w^ell rounded, and complete in all respects. He was, indeed, a model of true Christian manliness. But few men have acquired such beauty and perfection of soul as he had attained, in many w^ays. He had no faults, that one could see. He had fewer corners and angulosities of character than any man I ever knew. He had undoubtedly set for himself in early life a high standard of perfection and had attained it. Endowed by nature wnth a kindly and amiable disposition, his heart was further made 23 loving and s^^mpathetic b\' his ardent sjDiritnal feel- ings. Early dedicating himself to the service of God, with all the earnestness of his warm temperament, he was ever afterward a consistent and devout fol- lower of Him whose child he professed to be. His warm, constant and unfeigned piety, was a promi- nent feature of Prof. Widney's daily life. He lived his religion in all times and circumstances. He was trulj^ what St. Paul calls a living "epistle, known and read of all men." His religion had a fragrance and beauty that is seldom seen. Its aroma was a source of jo}^ to those around him. He impressed even the irreligious and skeptical. A writer in The La Harper, in the account of his memorial services said: "He won the regard of those who have no respect for churchmen. They saw in this faithful, sweet-spirited man the ideal Christian. They felt the influence of his better life, and looked up to him." Prof. Widney was emphatically a man of prayer, a devout seeker after holiness. In one of his very last letters (to a lady in La Harpe) he wrote, "I never had such a hunger and thirst after righteousness as I have now." And again, "I want my life, whether teacher or preacher, to be full of power for God's cause. Nothing else will content me, and I am determined to seek and to find. I know I am on the right track of an enlarged, ennobled and enriched life." [These last words were almost prophetic] His knowledge of the Scriptures was remarkable. It was his daily study. "In His 24 law did he meditate day and night." He always quoted it with the most timely appropriateness, to those needing counsel or encouragement. Conscientious, just, scrupulous of the rights of others, he lived a life blameless and unstained by any sin, enjoying the world, but living for heaven. He loved the church and was loyal to it. He gloried in the Cross of Christ. Always foremost in the prayer-meeting, the Sabbath school and the Sunday services, his devotion to duty and principle was a marked characteristic. There was no duty, however hard, that he would shrink from or evade. And he was not the least bigoted in his devotion to the church, but was broad and catholic in his views. Rev. J. M. Mayall, in his memorial sermon on Prof. Widney, says that the latter once said to him, "I do not feel bound to think like any man, any farther than he thinks like the Bible. I am to be governed in my opinion and conduct by mj^ own reasoning and by Scripture. I am to make up my own opinion independently, as far as possible, of the whole world. I shall try to be bound by noth- ing but truth, and to throw off all the shackles of falsehood and prejudice." I believe that Prof. Wid- ney did not make any conspicuous professions, for he was too modest and sensitive to do this, but his close communion with his Master, and his pure, upright walk, told more than mere words the depth of his earnestness, and it was this, perhaps, more than an}' other thing, which gave him his remark- able influence. That influence on his associates could not but be elevating. The writer of this sketch, for one. can truly say that he is a purer and better man from his intercourse with Prof. Widney. His amiable, social nature was another marked characteristic. His disposition was sunny, cheerful, buoyant, and even playful. He had a deep vein of genuine humor. He was a most entertaining com- panion, always ready for any social enjoyment, always abounding in jokes and puns, many of them showing the finest and subtlest wit, the real 'Attic Salt." His conversation was sparkling with brilliant expressions, spontaneous and unstudied. He had read so much, and his memorv was so 'tenacious, and so stored with valuable information, that it was a real pleasure and instruction to hear him converse. His personal magnetism was remark- able, and accounts for much of his popularity. The very tones of his voice, musical and kindly, insen- sibly won others to him. He had the most engaging and easy manners, and cultivated tastes. His personal appearance, too. was of a kind to attract others. His noble and imperial nature, erect lorm, animated countenance, kindly eve. lofty brow, and cordial manner, all revealed the honest, gener- ous, pure-minded, loving soul within. There was no dissembling or concealment about him. Frank- ness and sincerity were leading characteristics, while his lack of the element of suspicion of others, very often led him to be imposed on. 20 He was Jis modest and shrinking as a woman, yet underneath this quiet and calm exterior he h<'id the heart of a lion, and no one was ever more courageous and firm in the support of" right. Fre- quently his strong opposition to the saloon element drew upon him threats of vengeance, but he never swerved from his purpose. Always self-denying and careless of his own gain, in a noble spirit of altruism, his main thought seemed to be to make others happy, and he would cheerfully sacrifice himself for this purpose. He was tenderly considerate of others' feelings, and had a keen sympathy with any form of sorrow or suffering. He was always mind- ful of the little kindnesses of life. Yet, though courageous and light hearted, he had his trials too, but always refrained from wearying others by exposing them, and endured them in quiet. Always patient and serene, his calmness and equanimity were never ruffled by passion. His self control was one conspicuous trait. His industry was another of the ]jromincnt mer- its of Prof. Widney. Whatever his hands found to do, he did with all his energy. He was always engaged at something useful. No time was lost or misspent ; odd moments and half-hours were all util- ized in a systematic manner. He was always either working, studying, teaching, conducting meetings, or praying. In fact, he often overdid his strength, and his friends were com])ellc(l to chide him for it. Forgetting himself always, he would cheer and encourage others, when he himseh' was fainting or depressed. He was a hard student, and all his books (annotated by his hand) show careful study and intelligent use. His eagerness for self-culture, never relaxed from his boyhood. He learned easilv and quickly. His mind seemed to look through ever}- subject at a glance. Harvey S. Widney may indeed be said to have been a man true to all the obligations of life. He was a dutiful son, a loyal friend, an affectionate husband, a kind parent, an earnest Christian, an upright citizen, a conscientious pastor, a faithful instructor. Cut off untimely as he was, his works do live after him. His influence and the good results of his teachings will yet bear fruit, and many will, in the life to come, thank Harvey S. Widney for the noble example of uprightness which he gave them, and for his good advice. His memory will long be enshrined in our hearts. I LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 022 159 051 P V • i