Walden - Fred Lewis
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Friday, 9 October 1896
Fred Lewis Walden, the only child of Dr. C. H. Walden and wife, was born Dec. 17, 1880, and died Oct. 3, 1896, at New Market, aged 15 years, 9 months and 16 days. He joined the Baptist Church Jan. 19, 1893, under the pastorate of Rev. Kendall, and has been a faithful member, always ready to do his duty. Fred was an obedient boy to his parents and loved by all who knew him. He will be missed by his teachers and schoolmates but not forgotten.
The funeral services occurred Monday at 10 o’clock at the family residence conducted by Rev. Kendall and Rev. Henson. The casket was covered with beautiful flowers furnished by Minnie Kinkle, Anna Dickerson, Nancy Lynn, Mrs. Henson, Dora and Mary Hicks, B. Y. P. U., who have the thanks of Mr. and Mrs. Walden. -s
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Friday, 16 October 1896
When our hearts are sad, when the morning breeze in the branches of the trees sing only funeral dirges, when the morning sun comes only to increase the darkness about us, we naturally seek solace somewhere. In giving public expression to my pent up sorrow, I have hoped in two directions. First, that I might induce some tear to mingle with mine—some heart to share the burden that mine might be lighter. Second, that I might say some word that would encourage some stricken heart—that some life might be brighter.
Freddie Waldon was as dear to me as it was possible for the ties of nature to make one dear to another. He was dear to me not only because of the relationship but because of the endearment peculiar to his own nature. From his infancy he was as nearly a model of perfectness as it was possible to find incarnate in human flesh. Never did he say a word, or do an act, that in any way disturbed the feelings of his parents or those with whom he mingled. He was light hearted and kind with a smile for everyone. His intellectual ability was far above the average. With the proper care and training,
which he would doubtless have received, he might have stood, so to speak, among the tall cedars of Lebanon. But alas, death ends all, and yet not all. The darkest cloud may have a silver lining; to this dark picture there is a brighter side. Freddie was not indifferent to the heavenly message. God had said, “Seek first the kingdom of heaven and its righteousness.” This he did at the early age of thirteen, when he gave his heart to Jesus and by faith inherited that righteousness which endures forever. In the midst of our sorrows we forget that God deal with us—with reference to eternity, not to time.
God who sees the end from the beginning knows best. When we see things aright we will humble bow to the behest of the king of kings and kiss the rod that smote us, saying all the while, “Thy will be done, not mine.” -s