The Oxford County Citizen (Published at Bethel, Oxford Co., Maine) 1909 - 1910 November 11, 1909 In Memoriam William Oliver Straw The sad announcement of last week that our respected and widely trusted citizen, the loyal friend, affectionate relative, and above all, the devoted husband, had [closed] his kindly eyes upon things of earth, transformed our village into a band of mourners. Lips trembled, as faltering words voiced the irreparable loss. Eyes unused to tears were frankly wet; young and old looked their sorrow that this friend of us all was to be missed through so many channels of loss. The whole village was weighted with a feeling of desolation. That one modest, unassuming, quiet-voiced man could leave such a sense of bereavement among all classes calls for a recognition of the qualities that endure. William Oliver Straw was born in Guilford, Maine, July 10th, 1841. His father and mother were both fine representatives of old New England families. After completing the educational courses in the grammar and high schools, and upon attaining his majority, he engaged in stock growing. In November 1862 he was married to Miss Agnes Hastings, the only daughter of an old and influential family of Bethel. In 1885 Mr. and Mrs. Straw went to Montana, and there he became an unusually successful ranch owner, and was highly valued as a progressive and liberal citizen. But the hills of Maine, with their early associations, called irresistibly, and six years ago the homes of Bethel opened wide doors to receive back this husband and wife, whose inseparable lives linked them as one in the hearts of their friends. Since then how many generous and helpful associations have grouped themselves around their stately home, which has grown in beauty and charm, year by year. How many interests have been generously, wisely, and faithfully served by this rarely united husband and wife? Their church, the library, the academy, together with the many local needs and charities, have all felt the force of their lives as they have unitedly worked for the best good of the best causes. No one entered that home without receiving so gracious a greeting that old friends and new ones instantly felt the sincerity and warmth that can only come from hearts at leisure from themselves. But all through the last year those who loved him best were conscious of a change in his physical condition. No word of complaint, no rebellious murmur, and no lack of the tenderest consideration for others betrayed what we now know he was consciously facing. The appealing look in those expressive eyes, the clinging hand-clasp, the pathetic tones in the voice, now tell us that he was passing through the lonely experience of weaning himself from earth. Who can overestimate the unselfishness and courage that upheld his spirit through those weary months of physical misery, borne without one betrayal of feeling. Never willing to refuse to see the little children who begged permission to visit him, and always ready with words of gratitude for the slightest courtesy or attention shown him, his tender solicitude for the comfort of his wife was expressed even close to Death's portal. When the brave heart ceased to beat, we who loved him could say: "He bore his cross! Not in rebellion, nor in sullen submission, but with a loving patience (which made that sacred symbol which hung above his casket seem a fitting floral emblem) did that uncomplaining man accept the will of his God." The wealth of exquisite flowers that came as messengers of sympathy and love, were wonderful in their perfection. They came from the Congregational Church, the Congregational Club, from the Masons and the Eastern Star, as well as countless blossoms from personal friends, and formed a background of rare beauty as he lay in loving state in his home. The impressive burial service of the Masons at the home and at the flower-strewn grave lent the solemn dignity of a ceremonial to the hour. There were loving words from his pastor, whose personal love showed itself by the most fitting and comforting words of appreciation and sympathy. It must have been of such a man as our friend, that Wardsworth wrote: "That best portion of a good man's life- His nameless unremembered acts Of kindness and of love." Mr. Straw's best legacy to this village lies in the quality of his heart-life. He loved, and will therefore forever live among us. For "whether there be knowledge it shall vanish away," but Love faileth never.
Contributor: Jane Foster (46837378)