Barber County Kansas
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Barber County Kansas |
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Captain David Nation's career on earth came to a sudden close in this city last saturday, October 3rd at 1:35 p.m. The announcement of his death came as a great surprise to most of the people of this city. He was sick less than a day. On Friday afternoon he was about town, got his mail as usual but when he got to his boarding place - Mrs. Morris's boarding house on second Avenue - he complained of a distress in the abdomen and in the night he became very sick. Dr. Moore was called and attended him but could do nothing more than partially relieve pain until the end came. The cause of death was complicated stomach trouble. He was terribly and abnormally bloated and suffered beyond expression.His brother at Neosho, Kansas, and sons and daughters in Ohio and Texas were notified. On account of the distance, they directed his burial here, and the members of the G. A. R. made arrangements for holding the funeral on Sunday afternoon. None of his relatives could be here to attend it.
The services were held at the Morris house and they were very largely attended. More would have been present but for the short notice which under the circumstances could not be avoided. Elder A. O. Walker, pastor of the Christian church, preached the sermon and a selected choir furnished music. The G. A. R. preceded the body of their comrade to the grave in Highland cemetery where a ritualistic service was held. On account of the absence of everybody acquainted with his life's work, the index is, unable to outline Captain Nation's career. He was 75 years of age last June.
Many of his years have been full of unrest and trouble, more especially his recent ones. He was twice married. His first marriage was a happy one and a number of children from that union survive him. But his second marriage was full of strife and unhappiness which finally ended about two years ago in a decree of divorce. His famous former wife is now in New York. She was not notified of his death. During her smashing crusade she was the most widely advertised woman in the United States and on account of this, he shared in public prominence. He often expressed a dislike for this kind of advertising and he and Mrs. Nation had many quarrels on account of it. Finally it ended in divorce and Mr. Nation went to Ibers, Ohio, to visit a daughter. He returned here a little over a month ago and died a Kansan.
In his early years Captain Nation was a lawyer of prominence in Indiana, later a commissioned captain in the Civil War and when he came to Kansas he was a minister of the gospel. He could well be said to have been a man of varied moods. Whether his unhappiness in his domestic affairs was due to his own conduct or that of the now famous Carrie, or both of them, the public does not know but certain it is that he has surrendered to the last and final enemy - Death.
It is very unfortunate that he could not be surrounded in his last hours by his relatives of whom he always spoke in words of kindness and affection.
The members of the G. A. R. have adopted the following memorial resolutions.
Once more taps have been sounded and the light which illuminated the earthly tabernacle that contained the patriotic spirit of our comrade in arms, David Nation, late Co. B. 69 Reg. Indiana Vol. Inf. of the war of 1861-65, has been forever extinguished while we are left to mourn his departure till we again meet on that resurrection morn where the last rehearsal shall summon all to appear before the Great Commander for final report of words spoken and deeds performed during the long march and extended campaign of this, our Elred Post No. 174 G. A. R. , submissively bow to the will of an allwise providence who doeth all things well, ever and reverently recalling that His way, not ours, be done.
To the bereaved children and mourning relatives and friends, we unite in extending our sincere sympathy and heartfelt condolence in the great loss they have sustained by the death of a father, friend and patriotic soldier of the war of 1861 to 1865.
Barber County Index, October 14, 1903. A Brief Visit.
O. O. Nation publisher of the Velassco (Texas) World, and son of the late Captain David Nation was in the city last Friday and settled up the expenses growing out of his father's illness and death. Mr. Nation was very much affected on account of the sudden death, but was glad to learn of the kindness of Medicine Lodge people in laying his beloved father to rest. He speaks in words of great praise of the old soldiers especially in this connection. Later, possibly in January or February, he will move the remains to Holden, Mo., where his mother, Captain Nation's first wife, was laid to rest many years ago. Speaking of the numerous harsh reports which appeared in many papers since his father's death, concerning his being tied and whipped, run out of the country, etc., Mr. Nation said the reports are all a fabrication without even the shadow of foundation, and he felt very much grieved that a Medicine Lodge paper picked the stories up and published them for the truth.
Captain Nation is survived by a son, three daughters and two brothers, O. O. Nation being the only living son. A few weeks ago Mr. Nation had intended to come to Medicine Lodge to visit his father but was detained by some pressing business matters, and he expressed deep regret that he did not come.
The mourning relatives certainly are entitled to much sympathy on account of the sad circumstances surrounding this death.
Also see:
Biography: Carry A. Nation (Carrie Amelia Nation)
NEW BAR INSTALLED:
The one in Wichita, Smashed by Mrs. Nation, is Taken Out of Service.
Barber County Index, January 15, 1902.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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