GUSTUS BLUMER DOUGLAS (1867-1884)- Obituary, Smith County, TX

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Obituary found in the files of the Smith County Historical Society
Archives. Source unknown.

DIED

At the family home in Tyler on September 4th, 1884, Gustus Blumer Douglas,
aged seventeen years, one month and twenty-two days.

The deceased was the second son of James P. Douglas and Sallie S. Douglas, 
nee White.  He was a youth of more than ordinary intellect; was an apt
scholar and a most exemplary boy, having never required parental 
correction.  He had suffered for more than two years with a disease of
the kidneys, for the cure of which medicine seemed inadequate.  He was 
during this long illness patient and cheerful, companion to his young 
friends who sought his society, by his pleasant manners; and ready wit,
for which he was noted.  He possesed the elements of usefulness and
success in life and was the pride and hope of his friends, but fatal, 
incurable disease disease having fixed itself upon him he sank away 
without a murmur or complaint.  Consious of his condition he met his 
fate like a philosopher, cheerful and contented to the last.  Life 
with him was a summer dreaam.  He escaped its scorching heats and 
chilling winds.  "Whom the Gods love died young," was said of your--

"And many deaths do they escape by this,
The death of friends, and that which slays even more,
The death of friendship, love, youth, all that is,
Except mere breath: and since the silent shore
Awaits at last even those who longest miss
The old aarcher's shafts, perhaps the early grave
Which men weep over may be meant to save."

Submitted by Mary Love Berryman   marylove@tyler.net