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Dr. Alexander W. Humphreys Obituary
Died on Tuesday the 27th inst. At his residence in Carlisle, Dr. Alexander W. Humphreys, aged about 28.
Source: Spirit of Democracy August 30, 1844
Mr. Editor: I noticed the announcement of the death of Dr. Alexander W. Humphreys, of Carlisle, in one of the September numbers of your paper. Feeling myself nearly allied to him as one of the most intimate friends, I deem it due of respect to his memory. He was a native of Greenbrier county, Virginia. The last four years of his life were spent in the study and practice of medicine. Having been intimately acquainted with him, I can say that I never knew a more ardent devotee to his profession. He was particularly characterized for his untiring industry, and I doubt whether his superior for medical acquirements, could be found in he county where he resided. By his death the profession has lost one of its devoted friends, the community a good citizen, and the Church on acceptable member. He was an ardent and devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and gave evidence of his attachment to Christianity by his daily walk. He bore his last illness, which was extremely severe, with that fortitude and calmness which is particularly characteristic of the Christian. A short time previous to his death, some of his friends surrounded his bed to sing and pray with him for the last time. He joined in singing, and was frequently heard to warmly respond “amen”, giving his assent to their prayers. He has left an affectionate and devoted companion to mourn his departure. His warm and ardent feelings as a husband made him to her doubly endearing. Truly may she say:
“Our sweetest hopes here vanish all,
And fade like hues at even;
Our brightest hopes like meteors fall,
There are no tears in heaven.”
He died of Heptetis, complicated with a low grade of Erysipelatous fever. He has gone to that bourne from whence no traveller returns- - May his virtues be imitated by all who feel his loss.
“What though afflictions be our lot, Our hearts with anguish riven; Still, let it never be forgot, There are no tears in heaven.
“The mourner sad, who, drowned in grief, Hath long in sorrow striven, Shall find at last, a sweet relief, Tears wiped away in heaven.
“Thou, God, our joy and rest shall be, And sorrow far be driven; And sin and death forever flee, There are no tears in heaven.
“There, from the blooming tree of life The healing fruit is given; There, there shall cease from the painful strife; There are no tears in heaven”.
A Friend
Source: Spirit of Democracy November 3, 1844