Brief funeral services were held for the late John L. Sanders last Saturday afternoon, conducted by Rev. G. B. Mayfield, at the family home in Stockville, and his remains were laid to rest in the Arbor cemetery near Stockville.

Mr. Sanders had been sick for several weeks, suffering from heart trouble and old age complications, and finally passed away Monday evening of last week.

Mr. Sanders came to Frontier county August 8, 1874, and has bade it his home ever since. He was one of the pioneer settlers of the county and owned the first saw mill, the first grist mill and the first flour mill in the county. He also helped to build and made the furniture for the first school in the county. He was agressive as well as progressive, taking an active part in politics and for many years was a leader in the republican party in the county. He held several county offices during the early days, the most important of which was county treasurer, which office he held for several years. He was a member of the Methodist church for over fifty years and was a 32d degree Mason of many years standing, and was in the Union army over three years.

His wife preceded him to the grave several years ago, and he leaves one son and five daughters, viz: W. C. Sanders of Kearney, Mrs. H. W. Woodring and Miss Gertrude Sanders of Stockville, Mrs. E. B. Cline of North Dakota, Mrs. L. H. Flint of Denver, Col., and Mrs. L. A. Larson of near Curtis, Neb. All were at the funeral except Mrs. Cline, who was unable to be present on account of sickness.

The sympathy of the community is extended to the children of the deceased and the other relatives and friends, and especially to we sympathize with his daughter Gertrude, who since the death of her mother has made the home for her father, aiding and comforting him in his declining years.

The following words express Mr. Sanders’ wishes in regard to his funeral, and he had requested that his daughter, Mrs. Cline, read them in public at the grave, but as she was unable to be present we have been asked to publish them:

“I do not want a curious crowd to come with lamentations loud, when life has fled; nor would I have my words or ways rehearsed, perhaps, ‘mid tardy praise, when I am gone.

“I do not want strange, curious eyes to scan my face, when still it lies in silence dread; nor do I want them if they would to tell my deeds were ill or good, when I am gone.

“I only want the very few, who stood through good and evil too; true friendship’s test: Just they who sought to find the good; and then, as only true freinds could, forgive the rest.

“They, who with sympathetic heart, sought hope and comfort to impart, when there was life, not keeping all the tears and sighs till weary, worn out nature dies and ends the strife.

“I’d have them come, the friendly few and drop perhaps, a tear or two, by kindness led. Not many tears I’d have them shed, nor do I want much sung or said; when I am gone.

“To have them each come in alone and call me in the old sweet tone, would suit me best; and then, without a sob or moan, go softly out and leave alone, the dead to rest.

“Just as I’ve lived, almost unknown, a life unmarked, obscure and lone, so let me go; just one who lived and loved and died; a mound of earth and nought beside, tells where I lie.”

(John Louis Sanders was born in Edinburg, Ind., February 8, 1844. Entered the Union army March 26, 1862, in company D, 17th Iowa infantry, and was discharged April 15, 1865. Married to Elizabeth Ann Lockwood December 31, 1866, at Agency City, Ia., and to this union was born eight children, six of whom are living. Came to Frontier county August 8, 1874. Died at Stockville, Neb., September 28, 1920.)

The Faber 37(1):1 Thursday, October 7, 1920