2/LT, Company A, 28th Pennsylvania Infantry, GAR
-
Hazleton Sentinel; Friday, March 6, 1885:
At fifteen minutes after three o'clock this afternoon William Airey, superintendent of the Stockton colliery of Linderman & Skeer, died at this home in Stockton after a very brief illness. On Sunday morning last he attended church and went home complaining of feeling unwell. A physician was called and it was found that Mr. Airey had contracted pneumonia and pleurisy. His condition rapidly grew worse and assumed a very grave form. The best of medical skill was brought to his relief and everything possible was done to save him. Last night and this morning it was evident that he was sinking and although hope was not altogether abandoned yet his family and physicians realized that the end was near. During his illness he suffered a great deal, but bore all with a heroic fortitude and patience.
At the time of his death Mr. Airey was about forty-three years of age. He was one of the best known miners in the region and held several responsible positions. He was at one time superintendent at Humboldt resigning his position there in the Spring of 1875 to accept the superintendency at Stockton, which he held until the time of his death. He was a man of most excellent character and had a host of friends in the region. He was a brother of Mrs. Robert Sinex of this place and leaves a wife and family of eight children. The time and place of funeral will be announced to-morrow.
-
Hazleton Sentinel; Tuesday, March 10, 1885:
William Airey, general superintendent of Stockton and Humboldt collieries, died at his home in Stockton on Friday, March 6th, 1885, at 3:10 p.m. and was buried yesterday afternoon at the cemetery at this place. Mr. Airey was born in Beaver Meadow, May 18th, 1842, and was therefore 42 years 9 months and 18 days old when he died. He was married August 6th, 1865, to Miss Elizabeth Simmons, of Stockton, the estimable lady he now leaves bereaved with eight children to mourn his sudden and unexpected decease. Mr. Airey was most emphatically a self-made man. Born to parents in humble circumstances he was early called upon to mourn the loss of a beloved mother which resulted in his being sent to a grandfather in the vicinity of Scranton, Pa., where he passed the next eight years of his life. His father having married again and going to Stockton to live the family was once more gathered together and in their companionship he passed the intervening years previous to the breaking out of the war.
In the memorable Spring of 1861, his heart beating high with the patriotism born of our noble and revered institutions, he hastened to give up his all to his country - that all, his youth health and strength, the latter above the average, he took with him into Co. A., 28th, Pennsylvania Volunteers, (Col. Geary's celebrated regiment) in which company and regiment he served with credit and distinction for over four most memorable years. Mr. Airey participated in all the engagements, skirmishes and hardships of his company terminating in the celebrated march from Atlanta to the Sea, and returned to his home bearing honorable scars (he had been badly wounded at Chancellorsville) and a commission in Co. A honorably won by bravery and long and severe service.
Shortly after his return from the army he was joined in wedlock to the lady who now mourns his irreparable loss, his marriage being hastened by the sudden death of the lady's father and his own generous desire to aid the bereaved family. He at once resumed his previous occupation of mining, taking up his residence at Stockton. In 1870 Linderman, Skeer & Co., having leased the mines at Humboldt, Pa., placed Mr. Airey in charge of the works at that place. He continued there some five years giving by his close attention to the business of the company such satisfaction that on the death of Wm. Carr, supt. at Stockton, which occurred about this time, Mr. Airey was promptly and without solicitation on his part promoted to fill not only the vacancy at that point, but made General Superintendent of the works of Linderman, Skeer & Co., at their collieries. His course since then has been such as to give entire satisfaction to his employes, he having by his energy foresight and executive ability raised Stockton from what it was at that time considered a worn out colliery to now the second place in the Lehigh coal region.
In disposition Mr. Airey was kind and generous to a fault, possessing social qualities which fitted him preeminently for a high place among his fellows. He was by them at all times hailed as a fellow well met, as many now living can testify. Never at any time, however, carrying his wishes for such enjoyment to an excess, he yet was every ready when disengaged to embrace the opportunity for a little harmless hilarity, and it was on one of those occasions some four years ago last August he met the fate which made him a changed man. In company with some companions, one of whom Mr. J.B. Skeer, of Bloomsburg, preceded him we trust to the home above only a few days ago, he went to Mountain Grove Camp Meeting intending like many others who go to have a good time, they did have, so good that they missed the train which was to bear them to their homes. What seemed just then a disappointment proved to be the means of his salvation, for while in the height of his enjoyment with his fellows he heard a voice, the voice of his brother in prayer. The supplication was for him. It reached his heart, carried conviction with it deep and lasting, and from that hour he was a different man. He returned to his home, went to class meeting and was there truly converted to the God whom he has so faithfully served ever since. Earnest in all his undertakings he now devoted himself to the service of his new Master. He was received into full membership in the Methodist Episcopal church at Stockton, March 6, 1881, just four years previous to the day on which he died. He was an indefatigable worker whether as class leader, building a church, giving his heart to the Sabbath school, driving many miles in the most inclement weather to participate and assist in revivals going on in neighboring villages, he was ever the same invariably finding time among all his other multitudinous duties to do his Master's work, and do it well, so well indeed that the Master has now seen fit in his wise provident to bid him "Well done thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful in that I gave thee to do, come now into the enjoyment of a most glorious reward."
To quote his own works to the writer only a few days prior to his going home, what a grand thing it is to live always in the certain hope of a blessed immortality. That he had a premonition of his death we would not pretend to say, though he certainly made many remarks which now lead us to believe that he did have. That he lived and died in the certainty of this blessed hope of immortality he spoke of, all who knew him can testify, and if anything for them were needed it is found in his own dying testimony. When recked with pain, every breath a torture, his lucid moments were given to praising the God of his salvation and in rejoicing at the prospect of going home. He asked us all to meet him there, insisted on our singing songs of praise to Him from whom all blessings flow, raised his eyes to heaven while a smile of ineffable peace and sweetness overspread his features and cried, "I'm going home,". His friends gathered at his house at 1 p.m., March 9, to pay the last sad tribute of respect to his remains, and a sad tearful gathering it was, for to many present the first intimation of his sickness was the news of his death. The Rev. Geo. Larned officiated at the house and paid a high tribute to the virtue and memory of the deceased. Among other things reading a recent letter form Mr. Airey to himself which in itself bore testimony to the deep religious interest felt in the church and its teachings by Mr. Airey. The remains were then carried to the church, that church he had so recently assisted so nobly to build, where an eloquent discourse was delivered by our pastor, the Rev. J.W. Buckley. The latter leaves at once for conference, terminating at this time his connection with his charge here and little did he think only one week ago that almost his last official act would be to preach the last sermon over the remains of his friend.
To the friends he left behind, and especially his beloved wife, we would say, sorrow not without hope for while we mourn with you in your affliction, while we sympathize with you most deeply in your present loss, yet we rejoice with you that your husband, your father and our friend, is now in the enjoyment of a crown of immortality, a treasure laid up where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt nor thieves break through and steal. R.B.
-
Hazleton Sentinel; Friday, March 6, 1885:
At fifteen minutes after three o'clock this afternoon William Airey, superintendent of the Stockton colliery of Linderman & Skeer, died at this home in Stockton after a very brief illness. On Sunday morning last he attended church and went home complaining of feeling unwell. A physician was called and it was found that Mr. Airey had contracted pneumonia and pleurisy. His condition rapidly grew worse and assumed a very grave form. The best of medical skill was brought to his relief and everything possible was done to save him. Last night and this morning it was evident that he was sinking and although hope was not altogether abandoned yet his family and physicians realized that the end was near. During his illness he suffered a great deal, but bore all with a heroic fortitude and patience.
At the time of his death Mr. Airey was about forty-three years of age. He was one of the best known miners in the region and held several responsible positions. He was at one time superintendent at Humboldt resigning his position there in the Spring of 1875 to accept the superintendency at Stockton, which he held until the time of his death. He was a man of most excellent character and had a host of friends in the region. He was a brother of Mrs. Robert Sinex of this place and leaves a wife and family of eight children. The time and place of funeral will be announced to-morrow.
-
Hazleton Sentinel; Tuesday, March 10, 1885:
William Airey, general superintendent of Stockton and Humboldt collieries, died at his home in Stockton on Friday, March 6th, 1885, at 3:10 p.m. and was buried yesterday afternoon at the cemetery at this place. Mr. Airey was born in Beaver Meadow, May 18th, 1842, and was therefore 42 years 9 months and 18 days old when he died. He was married August 6th, 1865, to Miss Elizabeth Simmons, of Stockton, the estimable lady he now leaves bereaved with eight children to mourn his sudden and unexpected decease. Mr. Airey was most emphatically a self-made man. Born to parents in humble circumstances he was early called upon to mourn the loss of a beloved mother which resulted in his being sent to a grandfather in the vicinity of Scranton, Pa., where he passed the next eight years of his life. His father having married again and going to Stockton to live the family was once more gathered together and in their companionship he passed the intervening years previous to the breaking out of the war.
In the memorable Spring of 1861, his heart beating high with the patriotism born of our noble and revered institutions, he hastened to give up his all to his country - that all, his youth health and strength, the latter above the average, he took with him into Co. A., 28th, Pennsylvania Volunteers, (Col. Geary's celebrated regiment) in which company and regiment he served with credit and distinction for over four most memorable years. Mr. Airey participated in all the engagements, skirmishes and hardships of his company terminating in the celebrated march from Atlanta to the Sea, and returned to his home bearing honorable scars (he had been badly wounded at Chancellorsville) and a commission in Co. A honorably won by bravery and long and severe service.
Shortly after his return from the army he was joined in wedlock to the lady who now mourns his irreparable loss, his marriage being hastened by the sudden death of the lady's father and his own generous desire to aid the bereaved family. He at once resumed his previous occupation of mining, taking up his residence at Stockton. In 1870 Linderman, Skeer & Co., having leased the mines at Humboldt, Pa., placed Mr. Airey in charge of the works at that place. He continued there some five years giving by his close attention to the business of the company such satisfaction that on the death of Wm. Carr, supt. at Stockton, which occurred about this time, Mr. Airey was promptly and without solicitation on his part promoted to fill not only the vacancy at that point, but made General Superintendent of the works of Linderman, Skeer & Co., at their collieries. His course since then has been such as to give entire satisfaction to his employes, he having by his energy foresight and executive ability raised Stockton from what it was at that time considered a worn out colliery to now the second place in the Lehigh coal region.
In disposition Mr. Airey was kind and generous to a fault, possessing social qualities which fitted him preeminently for a high place among his fellows. He was by them at all times hailed as a fellow well met, as many now living can testify. Never at any time, however, carrying his wishes for such enjoyment to an excess, he yet was every ready when disengaged to embrace the opportunity for a little harmless hilarity, and it was on one of those occasions some four years ago last August he met the fate which made him a changed man. In company with some companions, one of whom Mr. J.B. Skeer, of Bloomsburg, preceded him we trust to the home above only a few days ago, he went to Mountain Grove Camp Meeting intending like many others who go to have a good time, they did have, so good that they missed the train which was to bear them to their homes. What seemed just then a disappointment proved to be the means of his salvation, for while in the height of his enjoyment with his fellows he heard a voice, the voice of his brother in prayer. The supplication was for him. It reached his heart, carried conviction with it deep and lasting, and from that hour he was a different man. He returned to his home, went to class meeting and was there truly converted to the God whom he has so faithfully served ever since. Earnest in all his undertakings he now devoted himself to the service of his new Master. He was received into full membership in the Methodist Episcopal church at Stockton, March 6, 1881, just four years previous to the day on which he died. He was an indefatigable worker whether as class leader, building a church, giving his heart to the Sabbath school, driving many miles in the most inclement weather to participate and assist in revivals going on in neighboring villages, he was ever the same invariably finding time among all his other multitudinous duties to do his Master's work, and do it well, so well indeed that the Master has now seen fit in his wise provident to bid him "Well done thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful in that I gave thee to do, come now into the enjoyment of a most glorious reward."
To quote his own works to the writer only a few days prior to his going home, what a grand thing it is to live always in the certain hope of a blessed immortality. That he had a premonition of his death we would not pretend to say, though he certainly made many remarks which now lead us to believe that he did have. That he lived and died in the certainty of this blessed hope of immortality he spoke of, all who knew him can testify, and if anything for them were needed it is found in his own dying testimony. When recked with pain, every breath a torture, his lucid moments were given to praising the God of his salvation and in rejoicing at the prospect of going home. He asked us all to meet him there, insisted on our singing songs of praise to Him from whom all blessings flow, raised his eyes to heaven while a smile of ineffable peace and sweetness overspread his features and cried, "I'm going home,". His friends gathered at his house at 1 p.m., March 9, to pay the last sad tribute of respect to his remains, and a sad tearful gathering it was, for to many present the first intimation of his sickness was the news of his death. The Rev. Geo. Larned officiated at the house and paid a high tribute to the virtue and memory of the deceased. Among other things reading a recent letter form Mr. Airey to himself which in itself bore testimony to the deep religious interest felt in the church and its teachings by Mr. Airey. The remains were then carried to the church, that church he had so recently assisted so nobly to build, where an eloquent discourse was delivered by our pastor, the Rev. J.W. Buckley. The latter leaves at once for conference, terminating at this time his connection with his charge here and little did he think only one week ago that almost his last official act would be to preach the last sermon over the remains of his friend.
To the friends he left behind, and especially his beloved wife, we would say, sorrow not without hope for while we mourn with you in your affliction, while we sympathize with you most deeply in your present loss, yet we rejoice with you that your husband, your father and our friend, is now in the enjoyment of a crown of immortality, a treasure laid up where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt nor thieves break through and steal. R.B.
2/LT, Company A, 28th Pennsylvania Infantry, GAR
-
Hazleton Sentinel; Friday, March 6, 1885:
At fifteen minutes after three o'clock this afternoon William Airey, superintendent of the Stockton colliery of Linderman & Skeer, died at this home in Stockton after a very brief illness. On Sunday morning last he attended church and went home complaining of feeling unwell. A physician was called and it was found that Mr. Airey had contracted pneumonia and pleurisy. His condition rapidly grew worse and assumed a very grave form. The best of medical skill was brought to his relief and everything possible was done to save him. Last night and this morning it was evident that he was sinking and although hope was not altogether abandoned yet his family and physicians realized that the end was near. During his illness he suffered a great deal, but bore all with a heroic fortitude and patience.
At the time of his death Mr. Airey was about forty-three years of age. He was one of the best known miners in the region and held several responsible positions. He was at one time superintendent at Humboldt resigning his position there in the Spring of 1875 to accept the superintendency at Stockton, which he held until the time of his death. He was a man of most excellent character and had a host of friends in the region. He was a brother of Mrs. Robert Sinex of this place and leaves a wife and family of eight children. The time and place of funeral will be announced to-morrow.
-
Hazleton Sentinel; Tuesday, March 10, 1885:
William Airey, general superintendent of Stockton and Humboldt collieries, died at his home in Stockton on Friday, March 6th, 1885, at 3:10 p.m. and was buried yesterday afternoon at the cemetery at this place. Mr. Airey was born in Beaver Meadow, May 18th, 1842, and was therefore 42 years 9 months and 18 days old when he died. He was married August 6th, 1865, to Miss Elizabeth Simmons, of Stockton, the estimable lady he now leaves bereaved with eight children to mourn his sudden and unexpected decease. Mr. Airey was most emphatically a self-made man. Born to parents in humble circumstances he was early called upon to mourn the loss of a beloved mother which resulted in his being sent to a grandfather in the vicinity of Scranton, Pa., where he passed the next eight years of his life. His father having married again and going to Stockton to live the family was once more gathered together and in their companionship he passed the intervening years previous to the breaking out of the war.
In the memorable Spring of 1861, his heart beating high with the patriotism born of our noble and revered institutions, he hastened to give up his all to his country - that all, his youth health and strength, the latter above the average, he took with him into Co. A., 28th, Pennsylvania Volunteers, (Col. Geary's celebrated regiment) in which company and regiment he served with credit and distinction for over four most memorable years. Mr. Airey participated in all the engagements, skirmishes and hardships of his company terminating in the celebrated march from Atlanta to the Sea, and returned to his home bearing honorable scars (he had been badly wounded at Chancellorsville) and a commission in Co. A honorably won by bravery and long and severe service.
Shortly after his return from the army he was joined in wedlock to the lady who now mourns his irreparable loss, his marriage being hastened by the sudden death of the lady's father and his own generous desire to aid the bereaved family. He at once resumed his previous occupation of mining, taking up his residence at Stockton. In 1870 Linderman, Skeer & Co., having leased the mines at Humboldt, Pa., placed Mr. Airey in charge of the works at that place. He continued there some five years giving by his close attention to the business of the company such satisfaction that on the death of Wm. Carr, supt. at Stockton, which occurred about this time, Mr. Airey was promptly and without solicitation on his part promoted to fill not only the vacancy at that point, but made General Superintendent of the works of Linderman, Skeer & Co., at their collieries. His course since then has been such as to give entire satisfaction to his employes, he having by his energy foresight and executive ability raised Stockton from what it was at that time considered a worn out colliery to now the second place in the Lehigh coal region.
In disposition Mr. Airey was kind and generous to a fault, possessing social qualities which fitted him preeminently for a high place among his fellows. He was by them at all times hailed as a fellow well met, as many now living can testify. Never at any time, however, carrying his wishes for such enjoyment to an excess, he yet was every ready when disengaged to embrace the opportunity for a little harmless hilarity, and it was on one of those occasions some four years ago last August he met the fate which made him a changed man. In company with some companions, one of whom Mr. J.B. Skeer, of Bloomsburg, preceded him we trust to the home above only a few days ago, he went to Mountain Grove Camp Meeting intending like many others who go to have a good time, they did have, so good that they missed the train which was to bear them to their homes. What seemed just then a disappointment proved to be the means of his salvation, for while in the height of his enjoyment with his fellows he heard a voice, the voice of his brother in prayer. The supplication was for him. It reached his heart, carried conviction with it deep and lasting, and from that hour he was a different man. He returned to his home, went to class meeting and was there truly converted to the God whom he has so faithfully served ever since. Earnest in all his undertakings he now devoted himself to the service of his new Master. He was received into full membership in the Methodist Episcopal church at Stockton, March 6, 1881, just four years previous to the day on which he died. He was an indefatigable worker whether as class leader, building a church, giving his heart to the Sabbath school, driving many miles in the most inclement weather to participate and assist in revivals going on in neighboring villages, he was ever the same invariably finding time among all his other multitudinous duties to do his Master's work, and do it well, so well indeed that the Master has now seen fit in his wise provident to bid him "Well done thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful in that I gave thee to do, come now into the enjoyment of a most glorious reward."
To quote his own works to the writer only a few days prior to his going home, what a grand thing it is to live always in the certain hope of a blessed immortality. That he had a premonition of his death we would not pretend to say, though he certainly made many remarks which now lead us to believe that he did have. That he lived and died in the certainty of this blessed hope of immortality he spoke of, all who knew him can testify, and if anything for them were needed it is found in his own dying testimony. When recked with pain, every breath a torture, his lucid moments were given to praising the God of his salvation and in rejoicing at the prospect of going home. He asked us all to meet him there, insisted on our singing songs of praise to Him from whom all blessings flow, raised his eyes to heaven while a smile of ineffable peace and sweetness overspread his features and cried, "I'm going home,". His friends gathered at his house at 1 p.m., March 9, to pay the last sad tribute of respect to his remains, and a sad tearful gathering it was, for to many present the first intimation of his sickness was the news of his death. The Rev. Geo. Larned officiated at the house and paid a high tribute to the virtue and memory of the deceased. Among other things reading a recent letter form Mr. Airey to himself which in itself bore testimony to the deep religious interest felt in the church and its teachings by Mr. Airey. The remains were then carried to the church, that church he had so recently assisted so nobly to build, where an eloquent discourse was delivered by our pastor, the Rev. J.W. Buckley. The latter leaves at once for conference, terminating at this time his connection with his charge here and little did he think only one week ago that almost his last official act would be to preach the last sermon over the remains of his friend.
To the friends he left behind, and especially his beloved wife, we would say, sorrow not without hope for while we mourn with you in your affliction, while we sympathize with you most deeply in your present loss, yet we rejoice with you that your husband, your father and our friend, is now in the enjoyment of a crown of immortality, a treasure laid up where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt nor thieves break through and steal. R.B.
-
Hazleton Sentinel; Friday, March 6, 1885:
At fifteen minutes after three o'clock this afternoon William Airey, superintendent of the Stockton colliery of Linderman & Skeer, died at this home in Stockton after a very brief illness. On Sunday morning last he attended church and went home complaining of feeling unwell. A physician was called and it was found that Mr. Airey had contracted pneumonia and pleurisy. His condition rapidly grew worse and assumed a very grave form. The best of medical skill was brought to his relief and everything possible was done to save him. Last night and this morning it was evident that he was sinking and although hope was not altogether abandoned yet his family and physicians realized that the end was near. During his illness he suffered a great deal, but bore all with a heroic fortitude and patience.
At the time of his death Mr. Airey was about forty-three years of age. He was one of the best known miners in the region and held several responsible positions. He was at one time superintendent at Humboldt resigning his position there in the Spring of 1875 to accept the superintendency at Stockton, which he held until the time of his death. He was a man of most excellent character and had a host of friends in the region. He was a brother of Mrs. Robert Sinex of this place and leaves a wife and family of eight children. The time and place of funeral will be announced to-morrow.
-
Hazleton Sentinel; Tuesday, March 10, 1885:
William Airey, general superintendent of Stockton and Humboldt collieries, died at his home in Stockton on Friday, March 6th, 1885, at 3:10 p.m. and was buried yesterday afternoon at the cemetery at this place. Mr. Airey was born in Beaver Meadow, May 18th, 1842, and was therefore 42 years 9 months and 18 days old when he died. He was married August 6th, 1865, to Miss Elizabeth Simmons, of Stockton, the estimable lady he now leaves bereaved with eight children to mourn his sudden and unexpected decease. Mr. Airey was most emphatically a self-made man. Born to parents in humble circumstances he was early called upon to mourn the loss of a beloved mother which resulted in his being sent to a grandfather in the vicinity of Scranton, Pa., where he passed the next eight years of his life. His father having married again and going to Stockton to live the family was once more gathered together and in their companionship he passed the intervening years previous to the breaking out of the war.
In the memorable Spring of 1861, his heart beating high with the patriotism born of our noble and revered institutions, he hastened to give up his all to his country - that all, his youth health and strength, the latter above the average, he took with him into Co. A., 28th, Pennsylvania Volunteers, (Col. Geary's celebrated regiment) in which company and regiment he served with credit and distinction for over four most memorable years. Mr. Airey participated in all the engagements, skirmishes and hardships of his company terminating in the celebrated march from Atlanta to the Sea, and returned to his home bearing honorable scars (he had been badly wounded at Chancellorsville) and a commission in Co. A honorably won by bravery and long and severe service.
Shortly after his return from the army he was joined in wedlock to the lady who now mourns his irreparable loss, his marriage being hastened by the sudden death of the lady's father and his own generous desire to aid the bereaved family. He at once resumed his previous occupation of mining, taking up his residence at Stockton. In 1870 Linderman, Skeer & Co., having leased the mines at Humboldt, Pa., placed Mr. Airey in charge of the works at that place. He continued there some five years giving by his close attention to the business of the company such satisfaction that on the death of Wm. Carr, supt. at Stockton, which occurred about this time, Mr. Airey was promptly and without solicitation on his part promoted to fill not only the vacancy at that point, but made General Superintendent of the works of Linderman, Skeer & Co., at their collieries. His course since then has been such as to give entire satisfaction to his employes, he having by his energy foresight and executive ability raised Stockton from what it was at that time considered a worn out colliery to now the second place in the Lehigh coal region.
In disposition Mr. Airey was kind and generous to a fault, possessing social qualities which fitted him preeminently for a high place among his fellows. He was by them at all times hailed as a fellow well met, as many now living can testify. Never at any time, however, carrying his wishes for such enjoyment to an excess, he yet was every ready when disengaged to embrace the opportunity for a little harmless hilarity, and it was on one of those occasions some four years ago last August he met the fate which made him a changed man. In company with some companions, one of whom Mr. J.B. Skeer, of Bloomsburg, preceded him we trust to the home above only a few days ago, he went to Mountain Grove Camp Meeting intending like many others who go to have a good time, they did have, so good that they missed the train which was to bear them to their homes. What seemed just then a disappointment proved to be the means of his salvation, for while in the height of his enjoyment with his fellows he heard a voice, the voice of his brother in prayer. The supplication was for him. It reached his heart, carried conviction with it deep and lasting, and from that hour he was a different man. He returned to his home, went to class meeting and was there truly converted to the God whom he has so faithfully served ever since. Earnest in all his undertakings he now devoted himself to the service of his new Master. He was received into full membership in the Methodist Episcopal church at Stockton, March 6, 1881, just four years previous to the day on which he died. He was an indefatigable worker whether as class leader, building a church, giving his heart to the Sabbath school, driving many miles in the most inclement weather to participate and assist in revivals going on in neighboring villages, he was ever the same invariably finding time among all his other multitudinous duties to do his Master's work, and do it well, so well indeed that the Master has now seen fit in his wise provident to bid him "Well done thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful in that I gave thee to do, come now into the enjoyment of a most glorious reward."
To quote his own works to the writer only a few days prior to his going home, what a grand thing it is to live always in the certain hope of a blessed immortality. That he had a premonition of his death we would not pretend to say, though he certainly made many remarks which now lead us to believe that he did have. That he lived and died in the certainty of this blessed hope of immortality he spoke of, all who knew him can testify, and if anything for them were needed it is found in his own dying testimony. When recked with pain, every breath a torture, his lucid moments were given to praising the God of his salvation and in rejoicing at the prospect of going home. He asked us all to meet him there, insisted on our singing songs of praise to Him from whom all blessings flow, raised his eyes to heaven while a smile of ineffable peace and sweetness overspread his features and cried, "I'm going home,". His friends gathered at his house at 1 p.m., March 9, to pay the last sad tribute of respect to his remains, and a sad tearful gathering it was, for to many present the first intimation of his sickness was the news of his death. The Rev. Geo. Larned officiated at the house and paid a high tribute to the virtue and memory of the deceased. Among other things reading a recent letter form Mr. Airey to himself which in itself bore testimony to the deep religious interest felt in the church and its teachings by Mr. Airey. The remains were then carried to the church, that church he had so recently assisted so nobly to build, where an eloquent discourse was delivered by our pastor, the Rev. J.W. Buckley. The latter leaves at once for conference, terminating at this time his connection with his charge here and little did he think only one week ago that almost his last official act would be to preach the last sermon over the remains of his friend.
To the friends he left behind, and especially his beloved wife, we would say, sorrow not without hope for while we mourn with you in your affliction, while we sympathize with you most deeply in your present loss, yet we rejoice with you that your husband, your father and our friend, is now in the enjoyment of a crown of immortality, a treasure laid up where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt nor thieves break through and steal. R.B.
Family Members
Advertisement
Records on Ancestry
Advertisement
