Sentimental Sunday: Eulogy to Brother Charles Steen

My great great grandfather Charles F. Steen was a member of the Perkins Grange for over fifty years. Recently I found this eulogy written for him in May of 1934 by Imogene C. Dauch.

A transcription of the Eulogy reads:

EULOGY TO BROTHER CHAS. STEEN
May 17, 1934

Patrons, again the time has come for us to pause in sacred memory of our brothers and sisters who have been called to their Heavenly Home during the past year.

First let us turn to Ephesians, 5th chapter, 14th verse, where it is written, Wherefore he saith, Awake them that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give the light.

Brother Chas. Steen, was truly a Granger. When we can visualize belonging to one organization for more than fifty years, certainly there must be a strong bond of Fraternal fellowship to hold to.

My very first recollection when we joined Perkins Grange 20 years ago is connected with Brother Steen, having been seated at the table next to him and listening to his humor, and in all the years since that time I can recall very few meetings when he was not present, until his last illness.

Perkins Grange might well be proud of the class of "Golden Sheathes" that was honored two years ago, having had five at that time, among them Brother Steen.

Almost the entire life of Brother Steen was spent in Perkins Township and few men were more widely known throughout the County than he, having been affiliated with the Agricultural Society for years.

The entire Steen family have belonged to Perkins Grange. Sister Steen was honored at our Sixtieth Anniversary having been a Charter member and continued her membership throughout the entire time. Mrs. Ada Parker has been a member for more than thirty years. Mrs. Martin and Rollin Steen having joined Perkins Grange, but are no affiliated at the present Time.

Our Heavenly Father, saw fit to call  Brother Steen home on August 12, 1933, there to await the coming of those he held most dear to him.

Christian Organizations who hold their Memorial Service at this season of the year are truly blest, for all around we see god's wonders speaking to us in ones of love and  faith,

May we

So live that when thy summons comes to join
The innumerable caravan that moves
To that mysterious realm, where each shall take
His chamber in the silent halls of death,
Then go not, like the quarry-slave at night,
Scourged to his dungeon, but, sustained and soothed
By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave
Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch
About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.

                          Imogene C. Dauch


What a lovely tribute to Great Great Grandpa Charlie! I so wish I could have known him in person! I appreciate the reference to his sense of humor, as several of his descendants also have a wonderful sense of humor.