CHARLES L. BEARD
Death Chronicle - in the Steuben Republican, Wednesday, February 13,
1884,
page 8.
We are pained to chronicle the sad death of Charles L. Beard. He
died on
the 9th inst., after one week of painful suffering. Our
neighborhood has
lost an examplary young man, our school a studious and hard working
pupil,
and his bereaved parents, a dutiful son. As we view his sad case,
that his
mind had become diseased from some unknown cause, that caused him to
commit
the rash act. He had a good home and a bright prospect before him
when we
consider his natural abilities. As there has been various rumors
in
circulation about what his letter that he wrote the night before he
took the
poison contained. His parents request publication, as follows:
Hamilton, Ind., February 1st, 1884. - My Dear Parents, Brothers and
Sister: - My time to leave this world is at hand. Why should I
remain here
any longer when there is no more pleasure for me? I have lived
long enough.
Life is but a burden to me, and then I am not as healthy as people
suppose.
I am not well. If I were strong and healthy my life would appear
different
to me than it now does. Whatever way I leave this world, that is,
whatever
way I take my life, which I intend to do before long, you will find it
our
before I close this letter. I tell you life in this world is not
pleasant
to me, but I hope to meet that brother of mine which has gone before and
crossed the dark river of death. To all my friends and relatives
and
schoolmates dear, I can say to those all farewell. I have no hard
feelings
toward any one, and to my folks, I will say, I do not regret the step
that I
am about to take. To my folks I hope that you will all be good to
one
another - pa be good to ma and to the rest of you. I hope that
you all will
be good to her. Oh, I hope you all will be good to one
another. May your
hearts be bound together in christian hope. I shall either take
poison or
take my life with some instrument of death - probably the old
rifle. As to
my future state of existence, I hope to meet all of the loved ones who
have
crossed over to that beautiful land. My funeral I want preached
by A. C.
Bartlett, if possible. If he cannot be got, get some other
Disciple
preacher. I say to my folks, farewell. To the rest of folks
of our family
who are not of Christ, I hope that you will seek an interest in him
before
it is too late. So good bye to you all, my folks and
friends. Charles L.
Beard.
Note: Charles is the son of Luman H. and Jane (Rummel) Beard.
Submitted by: Loren Beard
rootsnwings@mindspring.com