Etc. -- Charles O. Duncombe's 1899 Death and Funeral
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A lightly edited transcription of a page 1 article in the 14 Sep 1899 Waterford Star newspaper.  

Deeply Mourned by All
Death Yesterday Morning of 
Mr. Charles O. Duncombe.

Death has dealt hardly with us and yesterday morning about 11 o'clock a break was made in the ranks of one we had learned to love and honor.

The message came to Charlie after being confined to his bed for three weeks and it is hard for us to realize that the cheery sunny face of Charlie Duncombe, as his friends loved to call him, will no more be seen in his accustomed place.

Charlie has been going down grade for some months, being afflicted with a disease of the liver. He bore his suffering bravely and with seldom if ever a murmur, and for this reason his case was not thought to be as serious as it really was.

He was compelled to go to bed three weeks ago and has since that time gradually weakened until at last the end came and he slept peacefully away.

Drs. Digby of Brantford, Duncombe of St. Thomas, Trotter of Buffalo, and all the resident doctors examined Charlie and held consultations, but without any apparent relief to his sufferings.

He remained conscious to the last and talked with the loved ones around him, and during the past week he more than once stated that he was ready to leave his friends, although he loved them all. He realized that he could not get better.

Charlie leaves behind to mourn his lost a loving wife, a sister, a brother and a father, all of whom have the heartfelt sympathy of a large circle of friends.

His relatives have been in constant attendance over him since he was taken to his bed, and watched the progress of his disease almost day and night until the last spark of life had flicked away.

Charlie was a member of our town council in 1898, received the largest number of votes polled. 

He proved himself to be a capable businessman and was ever looking out for the welfare of the business interests of the village.

He was a consistent member of the Baptist church, taking an active part in all church work, and also in the B.Y.P.U. He was church treasurer and usher. He was also a beloved brother of the Odd Fellows lodge in this place.

It is too common, we know, to speak well of the dead, but it requires no stretch of liberality to tell of the kind heart, the open hand, and the generous disposition of Charlie Duncombe. 

Hospitable, benevolent, sympathizing, he was a friend to every person, and there is not one in this section but what admired Charlie for his many good qualities, and deeply mourned his demise.
 



C. O. Duncombe    

 

 

An edited and abbreviated transcription of a page 1 article  in 
the 21 Sep 1899 Waterford Star newspaper. 
 

A Large Funeral

The funeral of the late Charles O. Duncombe, which was held on Friday afternoon last, was one of the largest ever held in the village.

There were friends present from all over the county and from many distant points.

The funeral took place from his late residence to the Baptist church, where service was held.

The church was crowded to its utmost capacity and many were unable to get into the building.

The flowers were numerous and beautiful and served to show the high esteem in which the deceased was held by his friends.

The services were conducted by the pastor, Rev. Dr. Murdoch, assisted by Revs. Haviland, Mann and Deacon, pastor of the Methodist church.

Dr. Murdoch said: "... I suppose that all churches have upon their rolls the names of those that are no help or credit to them. At best they have to be borne with and helped as best we may. But brother Charlie Duncombe was not one of these.

"I do not know of a member of the church who manifested a greater interest in the church than he. His brethren associated with him on the Finance Committee will bear unanimous testimony to his devotion to all the interests of the church.

"As church treasurer, as an officer in the S. School, as a member of the Young People's Society, he proved himself a true and loyal servant of the Master.

"Then this death of one so young, and yet one as prominent in the business of the community, should be an impressive lesson to the business men who are here today.

"You knew Charlie. You knew him to be a true man. You knew that a high sense of honor was the guiding star in all his transactions. He asked alone 'Is this right?'

Charles O. Duncombe was an out and out honest man. Perhaps one of his distinguishing qualities was kindliness, gentleness. Who ever saw him ruffled?

"In a position that was trying, meeting every day many men of many minds, yet Charlie had the same engaging manner, and the same sweet smile for all.

"Charlie seemed to realize from the first that his days were numbered. Yet he felt no fear and expressed no regret."

The relatives and friends from a distance were: --
James McMichael, Toronto;
Wm. H. Corrie, St. Thomas;
Lyman Chapin and wife,
Mrs. John Wallace,
Mr. Wesley Serles and wife,
Robert Clark and Charlie Benedict of Brantford;
Hod Elmer, Hamilton;
Misses Tufford, Paris;
Wm. Sutton and wife, Simcoe;
Dr. R. Trotter, Buffalo; and
Mrs. Frank McKerlie, Hamilton.
 


C. O. Duncombe    

 
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