A Good Man Gone.

Seneca Winters was born in St. Lawrence county, N.Y., April 4, 1817, son of Nathan and Grace Winters, of English origin. He came to Menard county in 1854; tarried awhile at Athens, thence to Oakridge, where he finished his personal career on earth; died at his residence after a short illness March 20, 1880, leaving an affectionate wife, five children, and many kind friends to mourn his loss. The writer being personally acquainted with him for a great many years feels impressed to give a brief sketch of his manner of living. He lived a life worthy of imitation. Well may his neighbors say one of their best men have fallen. He was a man ready for every good work. His life was characterized by industry, charity, sociability and a strong attachment for the home circle. He was a true brother and affectionate husband, a devoted Christian and a good citizen. He embraced the Christian religion when he was young; united with the Methodist Church and lived a consistent member up to the hour of his dissolution. He lived to see each one of his children converted to the religion of Christ, and will doubtless meet them in heaven. He never was so busy or confused but what he kept up family worship. His home was the home of preachers. The membership of his church where he lived was small, and the greater portion of the preacher's salary he paid himself; yet he was never known to murmur about it. He was one among the most thorough working Sunday School men we had in our community, and gave largely to its support. He took a great pride in trying to instruct the young. He strove to make himself useful in every department in life. He loved his Bible better than pure gold, and was well versed in it. He was not a man of assuming disposition and often complained of his weakness and unworthiness, and was ready to say others were better than himself. He would worship with Christians wherever he found them. Often did he come to her the writer preach and with him spent many pleasant hours. The writer shall never forget him. But, alas!! He is gone to his reward in heave. We will converse with him no more on earth, but the fruit of his labors will be gathered by many. He reared up a family of children I consider to be an orament in society. But children, you will miss your kind father; he was a safe counselor, but remember the instruction he has already given you. Weep not for the death, but rather for the living. A word to the bereaved wife: You afflictions doubtless are great, but cast now away your confidence in the Lord, which has great recompense of reward. Remember what the Saviour suffered for you. Cast all your care upon Him who careth for you, and when the short and troublesome journey of life is done you will meet with loved ones that have gone before.

Dear father's gone to his reward,
And we are left behind,
But still our heart goes out for him,
He was so very kind.
To reconcile our lot 'tis hard,
But we should not complain,
For He who gave us all we've got,
Will never call in vain.

Then to the Lord we will repair,
And ask Him for His grace:
He will supply our every need.
And show His smiling face.

And when our work is finished here,
And we'd be called to die:
Then may we have sustaining grace,
And meet our friends on high.
A tender father this was too true,
But God was fit to call him hence.
P.G. Clark