p. 16 | The Death of Dr. F. A. Washburn by J. S. WASHBURN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 11, 1909

The Death of Dr. F. A. Washburn

By J. S. WASHBURN

My only brother, Dr. F. A. Washburn, was born April 24, 1869, at Waukon, Iowa. His father, Elder C. A. Washburn, and his mother, Mary A. Washburn, née Butler, in childhood were in the great advent movement, and his grandparents on both sides were pioneers, with Wm. Miller, Elder James White, and others, in that great prophetic awakening.

Until the year 1875 the family home was at Waukon, Iowa, where, at one time, one of the strongest Adventist churches was located. For a year the family home was in Paris, Maine; then, until the year 1903, at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. After completing the high-school course there, my brother was graduated from the college in Battle Creek, Mich. For a time he taught successfully. For years he was engaged in ministerial labor in Iowa, where he brought a number of persons into the truth, some of whom have since become successful workers.

Having a desire to study medicine, that he might become a medical missionary, he entered a medical school, completing his course in June, 1903, at Iowa City, Iowa. For two years he did successful work as a physician and surgeon in Boulder, Colo. He then took a post-graduate course in New York City, in order to fit himself for greater usefulness and responsibility.

He believed that the Lord had called him to labor in the South, and from the first part of the year 1906 till January, 1908, he was the medical superintendent of the sanitarium in Nashville, Tenn. He had always been subject to malaria, and suffered from this in Nashville. In addition to this there developed a mysterious disease of the blood and the glands, known as lymphatic leukemia, which caused his death after an illness of more than a year, on Jan. 16, 1909, at the age of 39 years, 8 months, and 22 days.

In January, 1908, he left Tennessee for Colorado, hoping that a change of climate might be a benefit. Apparently with excellent prospects of success, he started sanitarium work in Grand Junction, Colo. Here he cheerfully ministered to others, while slowly dying himself. We believe that his life has been prolonged for months by the earnest prayers of his many friends.

Dr. Washburn was married to Flora Mabel Strickler, June 18, 1902, at Emerson, Iowa. She died at Boulder, Colo., Feb. 4, 1905. Their little daughter Genevieve survives both her parents.

At Blair, Neb., on Jan. 1, 1907, he was married to Miss Emma Jensen, who, herself a professional nurse, had the sad privilege of nursing him most faithfully in his last sickness.

A younger sister, Mrs. Grace Gosmer, went to Grand Cayman Island as a missionary teacher several years ago, and now sleeps the last sleep on that island in the Caribbean Sea. The father, Elder C. A. Washburn, died in Iowa in 1905, and now Dr. F. A. Washburn, the third of the family to die, leaves his mother, one brother, and three sisters to mourn their loss. But we sorrow not as those who have no hope. Naturally of a most sunny and cheerful disposition, he was patient and hopeful to the last. Earnestly desiring to live, yet realizing that unless the Lord wrought a special miracle, he must die, he often said, ‘The Lord will do right with me.’ The end came quite suddenly, and the last words that could be understood were, ‘Jesus saves.’

After appropriate farewell services in Grand Junction, Colo., the remains were taken to Emerson, Iowa, where the final services were held in the Presbyterian church. Words of comfort were spoken by Elder Wm. Kennedy, president of the Western Colorado Conference, from the great resurrection chapter, 1 Corinthians 15. J. S. WASHBURN.