The Teague Chronicle - Feb. 22, 1918 edition

In memory of Sidney Thompson

Sidney is gone, how sad. Can I write it down and restrain teardrops from
falling? We are sad indeed because our home has been visited by the only reaper
that humanity cant lay hands on and say stop you must not. Could we have stayed
this reaper our home would not be sad we would have no vacant chair at our
fireside or a vacant place at our table or listen in vain for his footsteps we
never more will hear, nor wish for a glimpse of a form all loved so dear for he
is to be taken from us soon so soon. He was given to this home Jan 7, 1897 and
at 11:30 p.m. Feb. 2, 1918 the angel of death kissed his eyelids together and
then in silence took the spirit of the one we loved so well. It was hard to
stand by and see the life of one so young taken away. We are so powerless we
did all that lay in our power to keep him but helpless we were. How little
could we do when the death angel was hovering about his bed? We loved him and
wished him to stay but it's all in vain. Though we realize he is gone from us
we can't understand why Sidney was torn from us. He was so noble, so true. No
one possessed a more gentle spirit always ready to help the unfortunate ones
and lend a helping hand to one in need. None know him but to love him but his
work is not over. He only laid it down for someone else to take hold and carry
his good work on. But he is gone and we are left to grieve and pine for him.
Weep not dear loved ones. If he could only speak to us in our grief, he would
say grieve not. I am at rest and I will watch and wait for you my loved ones.
Then when you too have paid the debt I have paid we will all be united once.
There will be no more sorrow, sickness or suffering. Here everlasting spring
abides and never fading flowers. Death like a narrow seed divides an earthly
land from ours. Sidney is surveyed by his father, five brothers and a sister
besides many other relatives and friends.

One who loved him