“To every man upon this earth death cometh soon or late.” Yet when a man dies in the very height of his mental power, just as he has reached middle age, death seems untimely. So it was with Dr. Elden M. Price. He died just as he had reached his goal, just as he was satisfied as a physician in a community where he had practiced his profession since the day of his graduation.
In the death of Dr. Price the community has suffered a loss that is keenly felt. He was recognized as a physician of ability and in the years that have followed the people have learned to have a sincere regard for his sterling manhood and fine character.
Elden Maxwell Price was born December 2, 1876, in McDonough county, Illinois, Eldorado township. He lived there until sixteen years of age, after which he moved with his mother to Rushville, Illinois, where he graduated from the Normal College in Rushville. He then entered the Rush Medical College of Chicago, graduating there in 1899. After the completion of his course, he began the practice of medicine in Astoria where he has since resided.
Dr. Price was united in marriage July 18, 1900 to Miss Beulah Greer of Rushville. His death occurred on February 2nd, a victim of pneumonia. Besides his wife, he is survived by one brother, John W. Price of Vermont and one nephew, Perry Price of Clayton, Illinois.
In his memory, the Editor of The Argus-Searchlight contributes the following beautiful poem from Whittier’s “Eternal Goodness”:
“I bow my forehead in the dust,
I vail mine eyes for shame,
And urge, in trembling self-distrust,
A prayer without a claim.
“I know not what the future hath
Of marvel or surprise,
Assured alone that life and death
His mercy underlies.
“And if my heart and flesh are weak
To bear and untried pain,
The bruised reed he will not break,
But strengthen and sustain.
“No offering of my own I have,
Nor works of faith to prove;
I can but give the gifts he gave,
And plead his love for love.
“And so beside the Silent Sea
I wait the muffled oar;
No harm from him can come to me
On ocean or on shore.
“I know not where his islands lift
Their fronded palms in air;
I only know I cannot drift
Beyond His love and care.
“And Thou O Lord, by whom are seen
Thy creatures as they be,
Forgive me if too close I lean
My human heart on Thee!”
* * *
The many friends throughout this and adjoining counties were greatly shocked and grieved to learn of the death of Dr. E. M. Price, which occurred at his home in Astoria, Sunday afternoon at [film scratched … illegible] after a week’s illness of influenza and pneumonia. He was aged 53 years and two months.
Dr. Price had not been in good health for sometime. His vitality was lowered as a result, and when he contracted pneumonia, his strength was unable to overcome the disease. All that medical skill and loving care could suggest was done and nothing was spared to stay the progress of the disease. But all proved futile and while tender loving hands were ministering to him, his spirit took its flight.
Dr. Price’s place in Astoria will not be easily filled in the days to come. His loss will be keenly felt by not only his wife, but the people of the entire community in which he had practiced his profession for so many years. The memory that will out live the hurrying years, will not be of the man administering to the sick, but rather his loyalty in friendship, his intelligent sympathy and his public spirit.
Hundreds gathered at his home from far and near to pay their tribute of respect. Their presence manifested their love for him. It was a silent offering of public [illegible].
Besides his wife, he is survived by one brother, John, of Vermont.
Dr. Price was a member of the Masonic, Knights of Pythias and Elk lodges. He also was a member of The American Legion, having served as a lieutenant in the medical corps during the World War. He was a past commander of Astoria Legion post No. 25 and a past chancellor commander of the Knights of Pythias lodge. He was also a member of the Fulton county and Illinois medical societies.
Funeral services were held at the home Tuesday afternoon at two o’clock, conducted by Rev. Fred Wilson, pastor of the Christian church, Rushville, assisted by Revs. W. H. Day, W. T. Nichols, W. R. Seitzinger and E. O. Norris.
The members of the American Legion, the Masonic and Knights of Pythias lodges attended in a body. Interment was made in the Astoria Memorial Mausoleum.
Current Obituaries in the Astoria South Fulton Argus