TORR, Niles - Putnam

Niles H. Torr died July 25, 1876 at his residence in Lena, Parke County, aged 41 years 10 months 5 days.  He was twice married.  His first wife, whose maiden name was Nancy Mullis died some years since leaving two children, Florence and Albert.  His second wife, formerly Miss Emma Stone is still living as are also his aged mother and several brothers and sister, to all of whom his death, though long expected was a severe blow.  When a good man has the affection of his kindred and friends demands some enduring tribute to his memory.  As one who knew him well and tried to cheer him in his last illness with the promises of the Savior, I tender this imperfect sketch to those who mourn him.  Niles H. Torr was born in Putnam County. When 8 years old he was prostrated by a severe attack of measles. A lung trouble dating from this period was by the vicisituless ? of soldier life in the war for the Union, deepened into pulmonary consumption and the last years of his life were filled with suffering.  But suffering of the body, great though it be cannot be the greatest suffering to one who dies in the summer of his life.  There is a greater mental anguish felt by all minds – and keenest by the nobles – at the near approach of the great shadow that rests upon the grave.  In its presence the ennobling aspirations of his life the emulations of earth are laid aside as a harp whose music still travels through the chambers of the soul but whose chords are broken forevermore.  At this period of his life when the scenes of earth were receding and the shadows of death were gathering around him, he tried to pierce their gloom and see a brightness beyond.  11 years before, Bro. Torr was received into the communion of the ME Church and now the resolves and efforts he had made to walk in Christian paths were all his support.  The promises of the Savior strengthened his hopes. Resentment was dead within him and he prayed for all.  To his children he talked of the beauties of a holy life with an earnest depth of feeling that touched the heart.  But the shadows still hung around him and I feared for his passage of the dark river. “Niles,” said I after urging him to fix his soul on the Redeemer, “Niles, if your prospects brighten, give me a sign. If you can not speak, raise your hand or press mind.  I watched him closely and as the final moment approached my anxiety deepened.  Suddenly a light, the light of heavenly peace and joy, settled upon his face, he waved his hand repeatedly and his spirit passed from the sorrows of the life which is, to the unending gladness of the life which is to come.  W. Peach, Lena, Ind Aug 20, 1876. - kbz