Death of Rev. O.S. Bulkley
“The Maples” Feb. 24. “91 Dear Ollie:-
God came last night and claimed one of His own – Today our dear Father is in Heaven where he will never know any more pain or sorrow. His face shows what perfect rest he is enjoying.
Hard as it is to give him up we must feel his infinite gain. He suffered very little during his sickness and his mind was perfectly clear and calm. “At peace with God and man.”
Yesterday morning he told us he did not fear death – that his Faith was strong in Christ. Then too he said “When I die – I wish nothing but the burial service.”. His strength was wonderful and he took his nourishment willingly and regularly.
He began failing yesterday afternoon and spoke seldom after two o’clock. Last night about twenty minutes after ten he had a slight coughing spell and passed away very quickly. He died with very little pain.
Mr. Lytton read the commendatory prayer and he was with God. Mother bears her sorrow bravely and thinks not of herself. Poor Charlie! It comes hardest upon him. Remorse is doubly hard when we can not show our regret. It was such a comfort to be with Pa and that he knew us. We had no one but Mr. Lytton until last night.
Marshall Blackburn was here and Mr. Davis and Mr. Spencer came over to help lay him out. Those dear hands that have borne so much pain are lovely in their pure restfulness.
When I think of his mental suffering the last few years and his grief in giving up the old home, I can but bless God that he has passed to that “Home Eternal in the Heavens.”. we that passeth not away. God help us all to be a united family in that other world – and may our end be as peaceful as Father’s has been.
I try not to think of the loneliness in the future – to miss him from the table and his room – never to think of little pleasures and surprises for him.
His letter to you was the last he ever wrote. I’m glad you have that as you could not be near him – treasure it and follow his parting advice.
He will be buried tomorrow at 11A.M. in the new cemetery. Strange that just three years ago Brother was taken sick the same day Feb. 17th and died the night of the 23rd – only a few hours later.
God comfort and bless you and sanctify this sorrow to our good. All join in deep sympathy and love –
Your loving sister Nettie Bulkley.
[Added by Anne Elizabeth Bulkley?]
Dear Ollie – Would that we cd help you bear yr first great sorrow. God will trust you can lay old on the promise “as thy day so shall thy strength be” – Pa looks so beautiful in his new sleep.
I write will you soon.
