Monday 1 November 2021

Alexander Eagle, 1885-15/8/1905.


ST. BATHANS

OBITUARY. 

"With deep heartfelt regret I record the death on Saturday last of Master Alexander Eagle, second son of Mr John Eagle of this town. His age was a few months over eighteen years. About five weeks ago the unfortunate lad contracted a violent attack of influenza while pursuing his vocation at Ophir as assistant in the telegraph office. He gradually became weaker although able apparently to carry off his customary work in the office until Monday, the 3rd inst., when, on medical advice being obtained it was deemed advisable to bring him home to his parents at St. Bathans. Dr Lillie was called in on the lad's arrival here, and discovered alarming symptoms of "meningitis," and on Wednesday Dr Church, of Naseby, was telegraphed for. The doctors in consultation in the evening, held out no hopes of recovery and the poor lad slowly sank a'd passed away at 3 o'clock on the Saturday morning. Deep sympathy is expressed by all at the sad and untimely bereavement sustained by his parents, his brothers and sisters and all other relatives. Amongst the young people of the town, with whom he was always a great favourite, quite a wave of sadness was noticeable.

Alic had all along been a most studious boy, a credit to his parents; and an excellent example of goodness to his fellows. In 1897 he was the holder, at 13 years of age, of an Education Board's junior scholarship, and at the Dunedin High School, two years afterwards, was awarded a Governor's scholarship, after which he was appointed messenger in the local post post office. From here he was shortly after transferred to Invercargill, where he carried off first honours at an examination in telegraphy. He was then promoted to the Milton office, and about two years ago was sent to Ophir as cadet. A strong healthy looking young man, apt, intelligent and of a kindly disposition, everyone believed a most promising career lay before him, but such was not to be. Poor Alic was suddenly cut off amid the brightest of prospects. The funeral, which took place yesterday, was largely attended, the school children and his old classmates being included in the cortege. Four of these latter acted as pall bearers. The Rev. Mr Gellie, of the Presbyterian Church, officiated at the grave and spoke very impressively on the uncertainty of life even amongst the young and strong. Many letters and telegrams of condolence have reached the sorrowing parents, amongst them being one from the Chief Postmaster, expressive of deep regret at the loss of so capable and trustworthy an officer, and here for these little acts of kindness the parents would humbly return their deep thanks.  -Mt Ida Chronicle, 21/7/1903.


St Bathans Cemetery.


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