Samuel P. Hutchings
Obituary

Lewiston Teller
Lewiston, Idaho, September 6, 1888

Died.

Hutchings - In this city August 31, 1888, at 2:45 p.m., Samuel P. Hutchings, aged 83 years, 7 months and 29 days. Funeral services at the residence of Jasper Rand at 2 o'clock, p.m., Sept. 1st, 1888


Lewiston Teller
Lewiston, Idaho, September 6, 1888

A tribute of Love.

On Friday last the walks of our little city lost a beloved pilgrim. "Grandpa" Hutchings had, perhaps, more that (sic) any other man thoroughly enthroned himself in the hearts of the Lewiston people; and like a monarch, unambitious and gentle of disposition, he swayed the wills of those hearts to do him reverence. It is true he did not impress the energies of his life upon public affairs; but if greatness of soul and loftiness of heart are to determine what a man is, Grandpa Hutchings was a truly great man. And I take it for granted that greatness of soul holds its own inestimable worth whether it be impressed on the material environments of earth or linger, like a contented king, in the celestial palaces of the heart and mind.

The simplicity of his life; the unimpassioned flow of its activity; its gentleness, its purity and its attachment to things sacred have already spoken his eulogy. He was patriotic, loving his country with all the ardor of one who cherished the pathetic memory of its many struggles. He beheld with the seeing eye; on every leaf and flower he saw written a diving message. I heard him say a little while before his last illness that he doubted if there were any practical Atheism. He loved the common people. All he asked was, "are you a man, loving righteousness and hating iniquity?" His days were many and full of sunshine; and his death bed, though accompanied with suffering, might be sought by kinds who find it harder to give up the world than to die. And may the memory of his good life remain a part of our own lives shedding on them a benign influence making us purer and better.

[Signed] L. F.


Contributed by Natalie Huntley


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