Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Horton, of Woodland received a telegram Wednesday morning from Utan, Nebraska, stating that their son, Ray, had died late Tuesday night of small pox.
Ray had gone several weeks ago to visit with relatives, and on May 4, was taken sick at the home of his uncle John Horn near Utan. Later, it developed to be small pox and a trained nurse and skilled physician were employed. Last week word was received that his case was dangerous. Later, he was reported improving and the physician in charge had hopes of his recovery. Word was received every day by the family and everything indicated that he was improving. The telegram Wednesday morning is a sad blow to the parents and Ray’s many friends here. He was a young man of quiet disposition and good habits. The remains cannot be brought to this state and in all probability the funeral has already been held.
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This community feels keenly the death of Ray Horton, son of Thomas and Laura Horton of Woodland township, which occurred at the home of his uncle, John Horn, near Yutan, Nebraska, Wednesday morning, May 23, 1900, at 7:30 o’clock.
Ray’s age was 18 years, 2 months and 26 days. He was born on the Nathaniel Shields farm in Woodland township, and leaves his parents, brother and sister and countless relatives and friends to mourn his loss. He was a young man of good habits, ambitions and eager to make his own way in the world. This last fact led him to go west and while enroute was exposed to smallpox that resulted in death.
The following letter regarding his death will no doubt interest our readers:
Yutan, Neb., May 24, 1900.
Mr. T. J. Horton, Astoria, Illinois.
Dear Sir: — As Mr. Horn and family are not allowed to send any mail at this time I will extend to you their sympathy in this your hour of bereavement in the death of your son. I wish also to express for myself and family our sympathy, and I assure you that you have the sympathy of the entire community. May God sustain you and your family in this your sad bereavement. I think everything was done for Ray that could be for his comfort and recovery. From what I can learn it was the Very worst form of small pox. Two men were employed to take care of him the one I know to be a good nurse.
He died May 23, 7:30 a.m. and was buried in the afternoon at 3:30 o’clock in the old cemetery here on the bluff. I had his name printed on a board to put at the head of the grave.
Mr. Horn’s family were all well yesterday. I hope they will not get the dreadful disease. If they do not they must be kept under quarantine for some time yet. I would advise you not to come here for some time until we are sure that it will spread no further. If there is anything that you wish to know further than I have stated write to me and I will answer all questions to the best of my ability.
May our Blessed Lord Saviour Jesus Christ, bless and sustain you all in this your grief.
With kind regard to you all,
J. Hendee.
Current Obituaries in the Astoria South Fulton Argus