Name/Title
Obituary of Leverett Judson CahoonEntry/Object ID
2000.FIC.02.351Scope and Content
Obituary of Leverett J.Cahoon
Leverett passed away August 16, 1886 at Rose Hill at the age of 40 of typhoid fever.
To the Editor of the Leader:
Leverett Judson Cahoon, fifth son of the late Joel B. and Margaret A. Cahoon, was born at Dover, O., November 14, 1845. Here, on Rose Hill farm, he lived the length of his useful life, and here, when unable to battle with disease, he rendered up that life. As a youth, he was very promising, possessing rare mental ability, and improving his time at study at the district and select schools of his native place. When seventeen years of age and preparing to enter college, the severe illness of his father compelled him to resign all thought of a higher education, to take charge of the farm and his father's business. With the unselfishness and cheerfulness which ever characterized him, he entered upon the duties pressed upon him. How nobly he performed them with the assistance and advice of his younger brother, Marshall, his friends well know. Lying upon the bank of the lake and possessing the proper qualities of soil for the culture of grapes, the farm gradually was devoted to that branch of fruit growing until eighty acres of beautiful vineyard attest to the work he did in that line. The location also was propitious for fisheries, and with energy of purpose, he entered into that industry, never faltering in any branch of business which previously occupied his attention. He spent several winters in the schoolroom, where he was the object of the admiration of his pupils, the trusted teacher of many who now live in this vicinity. He seemed to feel that a great trust was given into his keeping when his honored father felt the hand of time resting heavily upon his snowy head, and with tenderness almost exceptional the strong son cheered the declining years of his life and helped to lay him to his final rest. Then he accepted as his most sacred duty the care of his grieving mother, who has always shared his home. For her and the four sisters who gathered around him for counsel, he had nothing but affection and support. All these years of his manhood he had been unconsciously working himself into prominence by his excellent habits, his great mental strength and public spirit, as well as his utter thoughtlessness of self when someone else or his town would receive benefits. He planned much for the future, more even than the past can show, but it was not to be. In the fall of 1884 he dislocated his knee while stepping from a train, and before he could again use his limb, contracted a severe cold, causing pleura-pneumonia. From this illness, which was long and serious, he never fully recovered. Still he could not rest, but was ever busy with both head and hands planning improvements, executing the plans already formed. Not till Saturday, August 7, did he place himself in the hands of his physician, so anxious was he to be at his business and reluctant to accept the situation. Disease had tank a firm hold, and, after one week of suffering from the dread typhoid fever, he was taken from us. At 8 o'clock, Monday, August 16, a thrush came and sang at the open door of the sick chamber a sweet song of morning praise. At the same time the feeble breathing ceased, leaving the home full of grief at the sudden loss of a noble son and brother. Three days later, at 11 o'clock, hundreds had gathered from near and far, some from other States, and many from distant parts of Ohio, to perform the last rites of a true friend. Within the quiet sitting-room, so dear to him, surrounded by the beautiful flowers, lavishly laid by loving friends near him, lay the form of him who have He lay in a rich black casket showing the full figure, in dress suit of black with the nobleness of his character depicted upon his face. Mrs. J.C. Fitzpatrick began the service by sweetly singing, "Come, Ye Disconsolate," and was followed by Rev. R.B. Pope in fervent prayer. The Arion Quartet then sang impressively, "Lead Kindly Light." Many beautiful, consoling selections from the Scripture were then read, after which Dr. Pope, simply, eloquently, and with comfort in his words, spoke of the mysteries God hid from us the lesson to be learned thereby. General J.J. Elwell, in a few well spoken sentences, spoke of the dear friend who in the prime of his early manhood, had been so mysteriously taken from his usefulness. He spoke of his cheer, his hospitality, his generous nature, his great business ability, his progressive thought, and his manliness. He referred to his strength in health, the fine robust figure, calling him a giant in form as well as in mind. He spoke of Leverett as taking the work from the hand of his worthy father, the settler of this town, who founded the home at beautiful Rose Hill. Now life's labor o'er, they form a grand trio, Joseph, Joel, and Leverett, three generations of noble men.
"Thy Will be Done" was sweetly sung by the "Arions," which was the last exercise before leaving the cemetery. At the vault the Dover Lodge of F.&A. Masons conducted the services. Mr. Josiah N. Hurst, with feeling, read the beautiful service, the order responding with reverence. The quartet three times lent the charm of their beautiful voices to the services, which made them complete. The eight trusted friends bore him within the structure which is to shelter him. There, with the perfume of blossoms which covered him and the tears of those who mourn fresh upon his narrow home, we left him, carrying in our sad hearts the memory of a life, short but well lived, loving, true and kind.
"Speak no more of his renown;
Lay all earthly fancies down;
God accepted him. Christ receive him."Collection
Early Family Papers: CahoonRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Cahoon, JoelPerson or Organization
Cahoon, JosephPerson or Organization
Cahoon, LeverettPerson or Organization
Elwell, J.J., GeneralPerson or Organization
Hurst, Josiah N.Person or Organization
Pope, R.B., Rev.Person or Organization
FitzPatrick, J.C., Mrs.