younger brother of Dr. John Hamilton Chew, our great grandfather

(transcribed from the El Dorado Eagle by Tommy Carter)

Thursday, 2 Jan 1878 Death is the common lot of all the universal sequence of life. To live, to die, nothing can exempt us from the fearful reality. When the old die it is natural, for they pass through a long and useful life. It is expected-it is right. But when death spreads his blighting arms over the young and promising; when the morning sun goes down early on youth; when life and health fade unexpectedly, and leave us nothing but cold memory, in place of the beloved son, the affectionate brother, the warm hearted and true friend, then, indeed, it is sad to think that, "Long shall we seek his likeness-long in vain."

The news of the death of W. D. Chew, of El Dorado, Union county, Arkansas, who died June 16th, 1866, aged 20 years, 3 months and 10 days, was a sorrowful blow to his kindred, and to his circle of many friends. Faithful in friendship, dutiful to his parents, affectionate to his sisters and brother; when Death came, he found Douglas calm and resigned to die-to meet his God. He, whom he reverenced and adored, and patiently submitted his life, without a murmur or or a sigh at parting from all which men hold dear, --mother, sisters, brothers, will surely reward him with a glorious immortality. Few deserve it better, for in him there was no guile.

Long before he was of the required age, he entered the service of his county, and held many responsible positions. The ceaseless attention to his duties, and devotion to the cause he espoused, won for him the respect and confidence of his officers, and the admiration of all who knew him.-When war's rude blast ceased, he was one of the last who laid down his musket; and commence to carve out for himself a name and a history. But alas! Rude death lopped the blossom before it came to maturity. The domestic circle has been broken, hopes destroyed, expectations disappointed. What a sad affliction-to be carried off just when the gloom which a desolating war cast around us was dispelled, and hopes brightest prospect before him-to die, and leave all, what a sad thought. But one hope is left us. One great truth is known, which cherishes the sluggish current of existence, and robs death of his bitterest sting-in death there is life.

Few who knew Douglas will soon forget him; to be acquainted with him was to like him; to know him intimately, was to love him. His manliness, generosity, and courtesy, will always keep his memory green in our hearts. But alas~ he is gone-the shaft is sped, death has called him away, and we must meekly submit to Him, who holds the destiny of all, in his hands. Truly, the world seems less attractive, when kindred and friends fade one by one away, and we are left on this side of that fearful bourne, which a separated us from all we love. Douglas is gone-gone home to receive the reward of a short but well spent life; where we shall meet him, if we do as he has done, and part no more.

A. FRIEND