John W. Wescoat, one of the best known citizens of the county, died at his home at DeLassus at 6:42 o'clock on last Saturday afternoon after a very paintful illness of several weeks' duration from inflammation of the bladder. While he suffered intensely, he bore it patiently.
Mr. Wescoat was born in Obion County, Tenn., on October 26, 1834. He came to Missouri and settled in St. Francois county when but a young man. He was noted for his industry, integrity and frugality.
On August 16, 1886 [sic - should read 1866], he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Porter, who survives him. To them were born six children--five daughters and one son, all of whom were with him during his last illness.
Although he never united with any church, he loved the Methodist Church, and during his illness stated that if he was permitted to get well, he would certainly unite with that church at once. He also stated that he felt that he was going home to rest.
His funeral was conducted in the First M. E. Church at 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon by Rev. L. M. Thompson and the large church was filled almost to crowding with the friends of the deceased who had gathered to pay a last tribute of respect to him. The body was laid to rest in the K. of P. cemetery.
The family mourns the loss of a devoted husband and father and the community
one of its most stalwart citizens.
On the evening of August 29, 1908, at 6:42 o'clock just as the light of day was fading from the western sky, the spirit of John William Wescoat returned to Him who gave it.
For four weary weeks he suffered almost continuous pain. To a ministering friend he said: "Pray to my God to ease my pain a little."
He was a man of strong friendships and his hearty handclasp and cheery greeting will be missed by his friends. He took a strong stand on the leading issues of the day and when he had made up his mind he was right his convictions were unalterable.
Born in Obion county, Tenn., on October 26, 1833, he was at the time of his death 72 years, 10 months and 3 days old.
In 1852 he came with his parents to Dunklin county, Mo., where he lived until 1868, when he settled in St. Francois County, where he spent the remainder of his life.
He served through the Civil War on the Union side and was afterwards a member of Picket Post, G.A.R. of Farmington.
On August 16, 1866, he was married to Mary J. Porter and for 42 years they walked the path of life together, lovers to the end. Only two days before his death, he told his wife that when she saw he was dying, he wanted her to kiss him and hold his hand as he went out into the Great Beyond.
To their home as years passed came children, six in number: five daughters and one son. They are Mrs. A. H. Akers of Flat River; Mrs. C. J. Ferguson, and Mrs. E. C. Roberts of Farmington; Mrs. J. D. Howell and Mrs. J. A. Overall of DeLassus, and Dr. W. H. Wescoat of Oran, Mo. Those who knew him know how tender was his love for his children and how great was his devotion to them. Their welfare was ever on his mind, their interests were his interests.
Mr. Wescoat never made a formal profession of faith, but none had greater love and reverence for the Heavenly Father than he. The lessons of piety and morality he early sought to instill in the minds of his children are to them today a precious heritage. Shortly before the end, he said he felt death approaching and asked that the members of the family be summoned, that he might bid them farewell. To each one, as he embraced them, he gave words of loving counsel and besought them to "mourn not as those who have no hope." A daughter leaned over him and in a low voice repeated the beauthful Twenty-third Psalm. "Yes." he said "O yes, the Lord is my Shepherd." Into God's care he committed the afflicted brother, who is only waiting till the shadows are a little longer grown.
May the tender love and compassion of the Savior enfold and comfort the bruised heart of the dear wife and mother, who as eventide falls, waits and listens for the sound of a step that will come no more.
"Some day, some time, a new sweet rest
Shall blossom flower-like in each
breast;
Some day, some time, our eyes shall see
The faces kept in
memory;
Some day their hands shall clasp our hand,
Just over in the
morning land."
The funeral services were conducted by Rev. L. M. Thompson in the M. E. church at Farmington, after which the body was laid to rest in the Knights of Pythias cemetery to await the resurrection morning. A.A.
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