Obituary - Willard Grant

Died at his residence in this city on Saturday, June 28th at 3 o'clock p. m.,

Willard Grant, aged 77 years.

Mr. Grant had been ailing for a time, and therefore his death was not unexpected, but it fell with no less a crushing weight upon the hearts of his aged companion, and surviving children who mourn his death. Mr. Grant was formerly from Wisconsin where in his younger days he had held many offices of trust, both in county and state, and was universally respected and beloved, and since coming to Nebraska, although much of the time confined to his bed had won for himself many friends, and the long line of citizens who followed the remains to the grave assert how sincerely his loss is felt. The funeral sermon was delivered by Rev. J. C. Lewis, of Prairie Union, which was an eloquent appeal to those present to prepare for that certain change, which shall come to them as it, had to the dead lying before them. After which the coffin was escorted to the cemetery by Pallbearers belonging to the Odd Fellows, of which he was a member.

Mr. Grant was the father of Mrs. H. L. Miner, Mrs. D. G. Palmer, and Mrs. George Dye. He also had three sons none of whom, however, were at the funeral. To the bereaved ones, the sympathies of the entire community are extended.

Stella Weekly Press

Friday

July 4, 1890

A Token of the Highest Respect

Written By: Willard Grant

February 1, 1847

To: Miss Sarah Dye

Can we be happy for life in each others society? Though this question has been duly entertained ad passed upon by us in a manner that will exist for life, still the inquiry to us cannot be without interest and we cannot be deceived but profited by uniting in a thorough examination proportionate to the magnitude of the subject involved in the question, for surely, of all others, it is pregnant with the most important results. How solemn; how full of expression; how big the meaning; how well calculated, to turn our thoughts inward and candidly and affectionately examining in the light of reason ad judgment, the permanency of the foundation upon which we build.

 And now are we sure that we have decided independent of expediency or mercenary considerations? Are we sure we know full well our our minds? Have we really weighed this matter as in a balance? Have we looked upon its diversified bearings upon life?  Have we carefully counted the cost, not over-rating nor under-rating, and have we duly considered the new relations and responsibilities that are to follow? Do we fully realize that the untried scenes of life upon which we are about to enter, has its sorrows as well as joys, and that it is not give to human lips to drink from the fountain of pure happiness? Can we meet the crises, and with a heart full of Christian benevolence and kindness, pass by each others imperfections and failings? Can we join hands ad willingly, freely, and mutually, bear our part in all the cares of life and love, and when the dark cloud of adversity overhangs, be the same? Are we prepared to meet the wants, the hopes, and the sorrows incident to human life, as well as to enjoy its blessings? Are we prepared to part with kindred and home and friends? Can we snap the silken cord that binds together kindred hearts?

If we can, there is most assuredly implanted deep in the heart, an attachment. A growing attachment, reciprocal, pure, ardent, and strong, that banishes and

out-weighs every consideration of inferior moments. I have evidence of this, and I assure you that it is a pleasing and tranquilizing thought to me to know, and to feel that no consideration was sufficient to induce you to receive my desires and wishes with coldness and indifference. I am fully assured by the frank, kind, and affectionate manner in which they have been entertained, that you cherish towards me the most kind and tender feelings, and I should be doing myself great injustice not to acknowledge that I feel within my own bosom a lively scene of your generosity and kindness and a full scene that I entertain towards your reciprocal feelings of attachment and affection. Moreover, my felicity is heightened in the pleasing anticipation that our most ardent hopes are to be fully realized. I look upon you as my companion and best friend. One in whom I delight to confide and on whom I delight to bestow the best affections of my heart. My own feelings bear testimony to this, and as you feel towards me the same purity of feeling and purpose, we cannot be be happy in each others society. When joined hand in hand, as we are now in heart, we shall labor for each others good, spiritual, temporal, and social.

Your happiness shall be my happiness, your joy my joy and your sorrow my sorrow. Banish, then, I beseech you, all discontent and sorrow from you mind, remembering that there is one that cares for you and loves you with a devoted and generous love and whose greatest and highest wish is to see you happy and to make you happy.