HALL, Finley M. - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Died in Paxton November 25, 1871, of consumption, Finley M. Hall, aged 25 years.

"With malice towards none, and charity to all," it is not strange that the death of this young man should bring sadness and mourning to our whole community. He was a general favorite-possessed by nature with a good mind a large warm heart, a rich fund of anecdote, and an exuberant and irreprehensible vein of wit-he was the life in every circle in which he moved. But how consoling to his family and friends, the evidence he gave that their loss is his unspeakable gain. A few weeks before his death, he sought and found peace in Christ-a peace that continued unbroken to the last.

His funeral was attended by a large concourse of people at the Congregational Church, where he usually attended, as a member of its choir, and where he will be greatly missed. A sermon was preached by the pastor, from words which he himself selected a few days before he died. "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out." John 6:36. It was his wish, also, that the hymn "Just as I am without one plea" should be sung at his funeral, which was done. In the same conversation he left a message with his pastor, for his unconverted companions.

"Seek Christ Now." His room was frequently thronged with sympathizing friends, anxious to administer to his comfort-every one of which he gave a smile, or word, or sign, usually pointing his finger towards Heaven. He retained his mind ??? to the last and died without a struggle.