ISAAC LANEHART SPLAWN, M.D. OBITUARY--KAUFMAN COUNTY, TEXAS
----
Died, at his office, in this place, on Sunday Evening, 25th instant, of
typhoid fever, Dr. I.L. SPLAWN; aged thiry-one years. Dr. Splawn was born
and raised in Catahoula parish, Louisiana, where he resided for twenty-seven
years, and so consistent and upright was his course as a child, a youth and
a man, he had not a single enemy among an acquaintance which extended
throught the entire parish, but all who ame in contact with him became at
once warm and admiring friends. In 1872 he commenced the study of medicine
at the Medical University of Louisville, Kentucky, where he graduated with
the highest honors in 1874.  During the period of his college life he was
noted for his ardent attention and close application to studies. After
graduating, Dr. Splawn came to Elmo and commenced the practice of medicine,
and although a perfect stranger, it was but a short time until he displayed
such ability in his profession that he soon classed as one of the most
eminent and successful practitioners of the South. During the past four
years his popularity as a physician has gradually increased, and the people
of this section had a decided preference for his services, notwithstanding
there were other able and experienced physicians among them. As a citizen,
and in all his dealings with his fellow man, he was scrupulously honest and
upright, and liberal to a fault.  He was energetic and enterprising not only
in his profession, but an all matters that would redound to the good of the
public. Dr. Splawn, in all probablility, sacrificed his life in performing
what he conceived to be his bounden duty as a physician, for even after he
had been stricken down with the fever from which he died, he continued to
respond to the calls of suffering humanity and to ameliorate affliction so
long as his weak health and worn constitution would permit him to do so. In
his death, society is bereft of a cultured, refined and polished gentleman;
the poor a noble and freehearted benefactor, and the medical fraternity one
of its most useful and skillful members. On Monday evening his funeral
services were conducted by the Odd Fellows of Elmo, Terrell, Lawrence and
Wills Point, of which order he was an influential and useful member.  The
procession was the largest ever witnessed in this place.  Rev. J.W. Brice,
who preached the funeral sermon, paid a deserved tributed to the many
virtures and kind deed of the deceased. Tuesday morning, the remains were
temporarily buried in the yard attached to the office of the deceased, and
will be removed to Louisiana at some future day. The death of no citizen,
however, prominent, could have occasioned such universal regret as that of
Dr. Splawn, and his many virtues and consistent course will ever live in
memory of the people of this vicinity, and wherever he was known.
--------------------

At a regular meeting of Elmo Lodge, No. 215, I.O.O.F., held August 26th,
1878, the following preamble and resolutions were unaniously adopted:
WHEREAS it has pleased the Great Ruler of the Universe to remove from our
midst our late Brother, I.L. Splawn, and whereas, it is but just that a
fitting recognition of his many virtues should be had-- therefore be it
Resolved, by Elmo Lodge, No. 215, I.O.O.F., on the register of the Grande
Lodge of the State of Texas of I.O.O.F., That while we bow with humble
submission to the will of the Most High, we do not the less mourn for our
Brother who has been taken from us.
Resolved, That in the death of I.L. SPLAWN this Lodge laments the loss of a
Brother who was ever ready to profer the hand of aid and the voice of
sympathy to the needy and distressed of the fraternity; an activie member of
this society, whose utmost endeavors were exerted for its welfare and
prosperity; a friend and a companion, who was dear to us all; a citizen
whose upright and noble life was a standard of emulation to his fellows.
Resolved, That this Lodge wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days.
Resolved, That the heartfelt sympathy of this Lodge be extended the family
of the deceased Brother in their sad affliction.
Resolved, That the resolutions be spread upon the records of the Lodge, and
a copy thereof be transmitted to the family of our deceased Brother, and
the ELMO BEACON for publication.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE ELMO BEACON, August 31, 1878, Kaufman County, Texas
vol. 2, page 3, cols.2-3.

(Original edition of newspaper donated to the Barker History Center,
University of Texas, Austin, Texas, by Patricia E. Ezell;
Obituary contributed to USGenWeb Archives  by  PatEzell@worldnet.att.net)

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