Stone Co., AR - Obituaries - JULIUS RICHARD LANCASTER *********************************************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Date: 19 Aug 2001 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgenwebarchives.org *********************************************** JULIUS RICHARD LANCASTER April 13, 1913 It seems to be but yesterday when three little boys near the same age, bright, intelligent, healthy and happy: the pride of three humble homes; the hope of three doting fathers; the joy of three loving mother's hearts were here, playing together, day after day. They were inseparable; as close as brothers. Winfield Nelson, Julius Lancaster and Hugh Williamson. They grew up together and on the completion of their education, each chose for himself his lifework; Winfield clerical work in railroad circles, Julius commerce and Hugh the law. It seemed that nothing could be in the way of the success of either; but, how sad to say that two of those dear boys are in eternity. Winfield answered the call Dec. 29th 1910 and Julius on April 13, 1913; just as life semed to hold it's brightest hopes and promises. On Thursday morning of last week Julius bade his young wife and sweet baby girl good bye and started for Calico Rock to buy material for his new residence. Little did Julius think then that he was taking the last look at his darling, golden haired baby girl. From Calico Rock he went to Batesville on the evening train to purchase the finishing materials and fixtures for his new house. He made all his purchases after supper, and went to his room on the second floor of the Arlington hotel. A few hours later, Mr. Lon Hix, a commercial traveler, and a close friend of the Lancaster family heard groans on the side walk below, and on going down to investigate, he found Julius in intense agony and unable to rise. He was taken to his room and a doctor summonsed immediately, and while all that medical skill and loving hands could do was done for him, he suffered intensely until 1 o'clock Sunday morn when he passed away, aged 23 years 3 months and 6 days. At the time of his death he was surrounded by his father, mother, wife, brother, sisters and other relatives, but to none of them could he explain the cause of the awful tragedy. Those who know him best are inclined to the opinion that he fell from the window during an attack of sonambulism or heart trouble, to both he was said to be subject. His remains were laid to rest in the Mountain View cemetery on Monday evening, April 14th, 1913, in the presence of about five hundred people, everyone of whom he could count his close friend. Rev. J. G. Parker conducted funeral services, assisted by Rev. L. O. Vermillion. Julius was a member of the Modern Woodmen and carried a life policy for $3,000.00 for his wife and baby girl. Julius was not a member of any church, but his heart "beat for other's woes" and he loved his fellow man; the last words he ever uttered was a plea to God for mercy, and if that plea was uttered in faith, that dear boy's soul is safe with God this day in paradise. To all the bereaved ones we offer the deep sympathy of hearts that have been torn with the same awful experience. Humanity can sympathize; it is a duty; but remember - God only can help.