Obituaries

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 6, 1913

WHEELER.— Lee Wheeler was born at Fish Creek, Wis., in 1892, and died at Laona, Wis., Nov. 27, 1912. His parents, four brothers, and four sisters are left to mourn, but they sorrow not as those who have no hope. The funeral was conducted in his home church at Clearwater Lake, Wis., by the writer, assisted by Elder F. Stebbels. L. E. WELLMAN.

AUSTIN.— Lydia T. Austin was born Dec. 30, 1839, and died in St. Paul, Minn., Dec. 9, 1912. She united with the Seventh-day Adventist Church about twelve years ago, and was a consistent Christian until she fell asleep in the hope of life beyond the grave. One daughter and three sons are left to mourn their loss. The writer preached the funeral sermon. A. W. KUEHL.

JEWELL.— Charles Claton Jewell was born in Hamburg, N. Y., June 4, 1844, and died Nov. 28, 1912. During the civil war he served for three years in the Third Ohio Cavalry. About 1877 he came to Michigan, and on Oct. 29, 1883, was married to Mrs. Helen Frank, of Tyrone. Brother Jewell believed the third angel's message for a number of years, but did not fully yield himself to God and openly confess his Saviour until about two months before his death. His companion, one sister, and one brother are left to mourn. We laid him to rest in the firm belief that he will come forth in that glad day when death shall have no more victory. The writer conducted the funeral service, assisted by the pastor of the Baptist Church. HOMER H. PERKINS.

SWANSON.— Died Dec. 6, 1912, at Hillesden, Saskatchewan, Canada, after an illness of only six days, Gustaf Edward Swanson, aged 19 years, 2 months, and 21 days. He was born in Warren, Minn., and about nine years ago moved with his parents to the province of Saskatchewan. A little over four years ago he gave his heart to the Lord and was baptized. He was a consistent Christian, and had an ardent desire to engage in the work of the Lord. He had begun a preparation for this work, having spent last year at the Alberta Industrial Academy. During the past summer he did successful colporteur work, but died during the very week in which he had planned to return to the school. His death came as a sad blow to his parents, three brothers, and two sisters, but they sorrow in hope. A. C. GILBERT.

OWEN.— Gardner Kellogg Owen, who for the past eleven and one-half years was a missionary in India, died at Lucknow, in the United Provinces of India, Oct. 18, 1912. Father Owen was born in Monroe County, Michigan, Sept. 19, 1838, and spent his early years mostly in Michigan. In early manhood the reasonableness of the Holy Scriptures and the message of present truth appealed to him. He embraced the truth in 1865, thereafter making it the chief concern of his life. Thirty-five years ago he undertook pioneer evangelistic work in Tennessee and Kentucky, under the appointment of the General Conference, and believers were added to the faith. Later he began work in the city of New Orleans, where a church was raised up. He and his wife, Sister Julia Owen, devoted several years to evangelistic work in California and Nevada, where their labors were blessed of God and many souls embraced the message. In 1901, in company with his daughter, Mrs. J. L. Shaw, and the writer, Elder Owen came to India. The need of India appealed to him, and he worked untiringly for the interests of the cause which was near his heart until, old age coming on, life's forces seemed to have been spent, and he was called to his place of rest. Father Owen possessed a remarkable memory and a clear and logical mind. Sermons prepared in verse and other selections could be reproduced on a moment's notice. In Biblical argument he was clear and convincing, and it was through this means that thoughtful people were led to investigate and embrace the faith. His manner of life was an example to all who knew him. Since his death many—Mohammedans, Hindus, and Christians—have spoken of his evenness of temper, calmness of mind, and integrity of purpose. A heathen cook, on learning of his death, said, “He knew no sin and thought no evil.” There were placed on his casket the following words: “An Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile,” waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” We believe his life of piety has left behind him a fragrant remembrance that witnesses still for the kingdom of Christ. In our home he left a vacant chair, which points us forward to the day when Jesus the Life-giver will bid his sleeping servants to arise and enter upon their eternal reward. J. L. SHAW.