(From the scrapbook of Eddy C. [1857-1944] & Helen White Gilbert [1855-1929]. Clippings may not be dated and newspaper may be unknown, unless noted. Most dates supplied were handwritten and initialed by the collectors.) In most cases, these clippings were from Rushford Spectator/The Spectator
Transcribed by Joseph Damiano
Daniel Clark Woods
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Entire Life of Over Eighty-five Years Spent in the Town of Rushford
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Last week Tuesday D. Clark Woods fell on the icy walk and broke his hip. The shock and pain proved too much for his feeble constitution and Friday, shortly after noon, his death occurred. Mr. Woods was born is Rushford Nov.22, 1826, and always lived here. In 1860 he married Miss Armona Peck who died Jan. 29, 1889. Seven children were born to them- Mrs. Myron Claus of Rushford, Charles Woods of Anderson, Indiana, Mrs. Fred Gordon, Jason M. Woods, Miss Laura Woods, who died April 9,1900, Grant and Will H. Woods. March 4, 1891, Mr. Woods married Miss. Augusta Ames who survives. Mr. Woods experienced religion when he was ten years old and has always lived a fateful Christian life. He assisted in the erection of the M. E. church and come near losing his life when a timber del from the steeple and struck close beside him. Mr. Woods was always loyal in his attendance and in his work for the church. His everyday life was entirely in keeping with his profession and his long life was filled complete with honor and usefulness. Mr. Woods is survived by one sister, Mrs. Edwin Weaver of Podonque who is the last of the family. The funeral at the M.E. church Sabbath afternoon was largely attended. Rev. Johnson officiated and his remarks were very appropriate. A quartette composed of Robert Warren, Mrs. Sterner, Mrs. Will Bush and Eben Haynes, with ,rs. Lena Werries as accompanist, sang very sweetly three hymns chosen by the family. The burial took place in the Rushford cemetery beside his first wife.
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In the death of D.C Woods, Rushford M.E church has lost a most loyal member. Brother Woods was converted at ten years of age since which time he has been faithful. A lifelong member of the church, he has filled many of the responsible offices, invariably serving with fidelity and zeal. He was of the old type of Methodists. As a class leader he abounded in warnings and encouragements to those under his care. God gave him a gift of song, even in extreme old age he could be depended upon to lead the singing of any of the older hymns of the church. His Christian testimony was always clear cut for he “knew in whom he believed." Everyday life backed up his confession. Respected and beloved he has passed to the better land, ripe and ready “come u higher". He often told the story of his becoming a Christian in the following words : " I remember when a little boy, ten years old, we lived in the east part of town, my cousin and I came over to revival meetings they were holding in the church. The minister preached a sermon and invited sinners to come to the altar. I went and sought the Lord with all my heart and found him precious to my soul. He has been living with me ever since and the way grows brighter and better. I expect if faithful a little while longer He will say it is enough, come up higher."
The funeral was held from the church he loved and served so long, on Sunday afternoon, the pastor officiating. Four stalwart sons bore the body to rest in the village cemetery to await the resurrection of the just. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord