Obituary for Henry Clay Duncan (d1929)
Uncited clippings from the "Mattie Davis Martin Collection" of Doris Martin Jablonski, 1998.

Obituary - Henry Clay Duncan

Henry Clay DUNCAN, son of Susan DAVIS and John Stevens DUNCAN, pioneer settlers from Virginia, was born in St. Charles County, Missouri, August 20, 1837. On January 23, 1862, at the age of 25, he was married to Mary Elizabeth DYER, also of Virginia parentage, and the years of their wedded life were lengthened by the hand of Providence to 61 years, she having preceded him in death six years ago.

To this union were born three children: W. L. DUNCAN, of Hawk Point: Mrs. Charles A. HOLMES, and Lilla May DUNCAN, of Troy, all of whom survive him. He also leaves seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. He died April 29, at one a.m., after a very brief illness. He was a Civil War veteran, having served in Companies A and G,. And in the 37th Enrollment of Missouri Militia.

He united with the Christian Church at Troy, about 40 years ago under the preaching of Rev. J. J. HALEY. He was elected elder in the church very soon after his conversion which post he has faithfully held through these years. His life was a benediction upon his posterity. He never tired of engaging in the Lord’s work, and found comfort and peace in a faithful attendance at worship even to the day of his death, when the gates of life lifted to pass the worn-out pilgrim into the land of eternal youth. As with the close of day-so with his life-a few scattering clouds (advancing years, pleasures fading, strength diminishing: yet a gain in richness and peace) a clear horizon-a beautiful evening. So we say with Longfellow:

"There is no death! What seems so is transition:
This live or mortal breath
Is but a suburb of life elysian
Whose portal we call Death"
"Weep not for death,
"Tis but a fever stilled,
A pain suppressed - a fear at rest,
A solemn hope fulfilled.
The moonshine on the slumbering deep
Is scarcely calmer. Wherefore weep?"
"Weep not for death!
The fount of tears is sealed, Who knows how bright the inward light
To those closed eyes revealed?
Who knows what holy love may fill
The heart that seems to cold and still?"
E.M.C

Note regarding clippings from the "Mattie Davis Martin Collection":   Mattie Davis Martin (1875-1943) lived all of her life in Lincoln County, MO.   She collected a large file of obituary clippings of Lincoln County residents' deaths.  The majority of the clippings were without citation, and kept stored in an old purse. Doris Martin Jablonski, beneficiary of the collection, has transcribed them for inclusion on our Lincoln County Heritage/Records Page.

File submitted to HERITAGE PAGES of LINCOLN COUNTY, MISSOURI by Doris Martin Jablonski, 5 August 1998.

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