Last Sunday evening, Feb. 3rd in the church at Bordertown, a memorial service was held in honor of Robert L. Lydic, a former resident in this vicinity, who with his family moved to Farnam, Neb., about five years ago, where he lived until the latter part of Dec. last when he went to his brother’s J. R. Lydic, of Meriden, Kan., where he died in the 51st year of his age. The memorial sermon was preached by Rev. G. W. Richardson, from Ps. 89:15.

A preliminary service was conducted by C. P. Rank, consisting of favorite hymns of the deceased, among which were “O, happy is the m an who hears Instruction’s warning voice” and Children of the Heavenly King,” and remarks by the following persons:

Peter Wassam spoke of deceased’s boyhood and said he never was heard to swear and that the community is better for his Christianity.

S.K. Rank related incidents showing the Christian zeal of our subject in seeking the conversion of sinners.

W. H. Buterbaugh, a playmate of Robert Lydic, attested his honor and integrity even when a boy.

Abner Barrtlebaugh spoke of his church work when he and deceased were brothers in Pine Grove class.

Mrs. Charlotte Bostic recalled his many excellent traits of character as a near neighbor.

Chapman Lydic, our subject’s half-brother, said that Robert had family worship when in charge of a lumber camp, a thing never before known.

Robert Connor gave what he knew of his war record, and told of meeting him one Sunday morning at Chancellorsville. Subject was a brave, true soldier.

George Rank related how deceased had been known to kneel in prayer, in the woods, when at work and how during service at church, he was always foremost in taking part.

Many were the tributes of respect paid to this old friend and neighbor, which in our opinion were short of doing justice to the subject, but which we pray God may spread our influence among the hearts of the large audience present, causing them to emulate his virtues, the most important and prominent of, which was his praise to for full and free salvation” and a devout interest in the welfare of precious souls.

clipping probably from Bordertown, Indiana newspaper

ROBERT L. LYDIC, youngest son of Jas. and Rebecca Lydic, was born April 10, 1844, and died December 28, 1894, of pyaemia, in Shawnee County, Kansas. At the age of fourteen his father died.

In 1861, he enlisted in the 84th Regiment, Pa., Volunteers. In 1865, he was honorably discharged. In May, 1864, he married Miss Anna Rank, of Hillsdale. Pa. In the early part of his married life he became a Christian, and ever afterward lived a life that told to the honor and glory of God. He united with Pine Grove Church, (Pa.) class, of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, and became a strong advocate of its principles. In Sunday school work none were more energetic or untiring than he.

In 1889, he removed, with his family, to Frontier county, Neb. There being no Wesleyan church near he was asked to unite elsewhere but considering the principles and governments of the churches, he said it would be a backward instead of a forward step. He hoped to have a Wesleyan church formed some time near.

During his last illness, which lasted over a week, he was at the home of his brother, J. R. Lydic, near Meriden, Kansas, where he was very tenderly cared for. His wife and daughter were with him for a few hours before he died. When asked if he had any preparation to make, he replied, “My preparation was all made, long ago.” A few days before his death he sang, in a strong voice, “Blessed be the name of the Lord,” and “I need Thee every hour.” His wife asked him if he “were trusting in Jesus,” a smile lit up his face as he replied, “Oh, yes.” His end was very peaceful. His remains were laid to rest in Farnam, Nebraska, cemetery. He leaves a wife, children and many friends to mourn his death, but we “sorrow not even as others which have no hope.” ! Thess. iv:13. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord.” Rev. xiv:13.

newspaper clipping (unknown)

Death of R. L. Lydic (for the Republican)

Robert Lydic died of rheumatism and blood poisoning, at the home of his brother, J. R. Lydic, of Meriden, Kans., on Dec 28, 1894, aged 50 years, 8 months, and 18 days.

Mr. Lydic had been a resident of Frontier county for almost six years, having arrived here in March of ‘89, from Indiana county, Pa., where he left many relatives and friends. For twenty-five years he had been a consistent Christian and and a faithful member of the Wesleyan Methodist church, being a strong advocate of its principles.

He was an old soldier, having served almost four years in the 84th Regiment Pa. Vols.

Mr. Lydic was always a strong republican, having voted that ticket for almost thirty years.

On Dec. 7, ‘94, Mr. Lydic, in company with a friend, started on a pedestrian tour to Ark. When near Dephos, Kans, he hurt his foot, which so disabled him that he took the train for his brother’s, where he received the most tender care and best medical attention possible. After a week’s illness his physician told him that he could not live. They then, telegraphed for his wife, who, in company with her daughter, Hattie, arrived there five hours before he died.

His remains were brought home and laid to rest in the Farnam cemetery, on Dec. 31, ‘94.

He leaves a wife and six children and many friends to mourn his loss.

Oh, how sweet it will be
In that beautiful land,
So free from all sorrow and pain,
With crowns on our brows
And with harps in our hands,
To meet with this loved one again.

newspaper clipping (unknown)

We are indeed sorry to chronicle the death of Robert Lydic, brother of J. R. Lydic, who died this morning at four o’clock from rheumatism with blood poisoning. Mr. Lydic arrived here last week to see his brother from Farnam, Neb., where he and his family resided on a farm. He left his family a few weeks ago in good health and in search of employment so as to enable him to put in his next year’s crop, crops having failed there the last two years. He took sick on his journey and reached here in a critical state. Medical care and every attention was given in the hope of recovery but death was the only relief. His wife and daughter arrived last night and will accompany the remains home for burial. He was 50 years old. The sympathy of community is expressed for the relatives.

newspaper clipping, assumed from a Meridan, Kan. newspaper

Robert Lydic died Dec. 28th, 1894. He was a few hundred miles aways from home when he died. He was brought home and the funeral services were held by Homer Pontius at the house near Farnam, Neb., on the 31st.

newspaper clipping (unknown)