George W. Handley (1824-1896)
Golden Wedding.
Few can fully realize the pleasure to be derived from a golden wedding anniversary unless they are participants, and then they know nothing of the prayerful gratitude which the aged persons, in whose honor they are given, are nursing. Wednesday, May 29th, annunciated the 50th year of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Handley's married life and, accordingly it was celebrated in an appropriate manner. The children had previously planned a surprise party on their father and mother; so about 10 o'clock a.m. they all walked in on them, with lots of good things to eat and a few presents. The house was thrown open to the large family of children and grandchildren and all had a good time. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. B.W. Davis of Englewood; Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Crawford and family; Mr. and Mrs. R.G. Babcock and family of Crown Point; Mr. and Mrs. E.H. Handley and family, and Mr. and Mrs. W.L. Handley of this city. The time seemed too short when all parted once more and started for their respective homes, bidding father and mother good bye and wishing them to see many more years of happy life together.A copy of the following unidentified newspaper article was found in a scrapbook owned by Town Historian Richard Schmal:
- With the keenest sense of sorrow we record the death of our beloved brother, George W. Handley, who departed this life on Thursday evening, January 9th, 1896, at 9:30 p.m., at the age of 71 years, 10 months and 9 days.
For months our brother's health has been gradually failing, all through which he has been a patient sufferer. In death he passed away quietly and calmly and in a manner befitting the quiet purity of his life and character.
While a young man Bro. Handley, was converted and trained by Godly parents, and became an earnest worker in the Master vineyard. His life was a standing rebuke to sin wherever found, and all those who knew him felt instinctively that Bro.Handley was a man of stern principles on the side of right while his way of working for the Lord was quiet and unobtrusive it was the effective way for him. He was a faithful member of the M.E. church for over fifty years and was for many years superintendent of the Sunday School, class leader and trustee; in all of these positions he was faithful to duty and loyal to the church. Our brother was born in Richland County, February 22nd, 1824. He was married to Sarah Gambrill* on May 29th, 1845*; their union, which proved to be a happy one, covered a period of over fifty years and God crowned this marriage by the gift of ten children, three of whom entered upon their reward while quite young and one living to be a noble woman, who in her late years was ever ready to the work of her Heavenly Father till called to the haven of rest at the age of thirty-five years. A wife and six children and other relatives are left to mourn his death, and to patiently labor on until their work is done and then join their loved one in a better world. He leaves to his children a rich heritage -- an honored name. His great desire was to honor God and to build up his cause. He was a noble Christian man and citizen and is held in long remembrance by a host of friends in this community.
- Tis our father and brother,
We list to the strain
As we catch the last words:
"Meet me there."
The funeral service was held from the M.E. church in Lowell, Rev. J.B. Sites preaching the sermon from the text John XVII -- 24: "Father I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory."
* NOTES
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