29 September 2010

Obituary--Justin Hindes

Occasionally when going through the obituaries we find some that are heart-breakers.  The ones involving children and young adults are the ones who are most likely to do it to me.  This obituary is of a young man with a promising future, who was cut down far to early. 


From the 15 April 1915 Fremont TimesIndicator:

NORMAL STUDENT TAKEN BY DEATH


Justin Hindes Passed Away Last Thursday After Brief Illness from Peritonitis

Justin Hindes passed away last Thursday noon at the home of Mrs. J. Brace after a brief illness of peritonitis.  Mr Hindes was taken with a severe attack of appendicitis a week ago Sunday and an operation was deemed advisable.  The operation was performed on Monday at the home of Mrs. Brace and the case soon developed into peritonitis which caused the death of the young man on Thursday.  Justin Hindes was the son of Mr. and Mrs. J. O. Hindes who live near Brunswick.  He was born nearl Spring Arbor, Jackson county, on December 18, 1896, and since 1911 has lived with his parents near this city.  In 1911 he entered the Fremont high school and graduated with the class of 1914.  Last fall he entered the Newaygo County Normal school and was the president of the class.
He was converted when seven years of age and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, having joined the local church last year.
He is survived by his parents, two brothers, Howard and Walter, no attending Mt. Pleasant Normal college, and two sisters, Frances and Winnie, living at home.
Justin was a young man of splendid christian character and high ideals.  He was ambitious to secure an education and made many sacrifices toward that end. He made friends easily and was held high in the esteem of all who knew him.  His untimely death was a severe shock to his associates.
The funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at 1:00 from the Methodist church, Rev. J. F. Bowerman officiating.  The services were largely attended by the pupils of the school and many beautiful floral pieces that were the gifts of his young associates.  The body was interred in Clark cemetery, west of the city.

So typical of obituaries of this era, with its eulogy-like tribute to his character.  The lack of specifics though is particularly maddening.  What was the parents names?  Neither is the exact date of death, although you could perhaps calculate that out.  Who was Mrs. Brace?  A relative?  Someone he boarded with while at the Normal School?  Details!  I want Details!

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