COTTLE, Eddie

OBITUARY

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We do not realize the real meaning of death until its black wings have wrapped our own once happy home in gloom; but we can understand it to some extent, and feel a deep sympathy in our hearts for those who have gone from us, and for those who mourn their loss deepest. So it is with a keen re­gretful sorrow that we hear the death knell tolled for one, who, eighteen years ago, first saw the light of day in our midst. The death of Eddie Cottle, son and only child of Hiram J. Cottle and wife, Rebecca, occurred Tuesday Oc­tober 18, at Paris, Illinois after a week’s serious illness. It was very sud­den.

A little more than a week ago and death was the last thing connected with thoughts of Eddie Cottle. It was the result of a serious internal injury caused by lifting a heavy trunk. Eddie was a mail-carrier in the town where he lived, receiving ten dollars a month for his services. At the time of his accident he was employed in checking baggage at the Paris depot. After the injury he was immediately taken to a physician where he was first found by his mother, who became uneasy at his unusually long absence from home. The case was soon found to be one of a very grave nature, and six physicians and surgeons were called in consultation. The deceased underwent a most painful operation at their hands with a heroism and coura­geous presence of mind worthy [of] the highest praise and admiration. But it was impossible for him to recover; death had set its seal upon the fair young son, and at eight o’clock, Tues­day night, one week from the time of his injury, the grief stricken parents saw their only child pass away. Like a bright ray of sunshine, that is never missed till it is gone beyond recall, the light of their household went out. He was dearly beloved by all that knew him. What better can be said?

Eddie was born, March 5th, 1874 at Trafalgar, where his childhood was spent; and the youth of our little town remember him as one of their happiest and dearest playmates. From here Mr. Cottle took his family to Charleston, Illinois, living there until about two years ago, when they removed to Paris, in the same state, where Eddie’s death occurred. He was brought to his old home for burial, and the sympathies and deep regrets of many warm friends followed the corpse; they will always remember him as a noble hearted youth, well thought of by all his acquain­tances. Funeral services were held in the Baptist church, Thursday, October 20th at one o’clock, where the many sympathizing strangers gathered to hear, and followed the remains to Lick Spring, where now they repose in their last resting place. The kind attention and respectful services of their many friends both here and at their present home, have not passed unmarked by the bereaved father and mother; they will always live in their memory, and in after years will shed a gently brightness around that dark episode in their lives.

Link to Eddie Cottle’s grave

Submitted by Mark McCrady and Cathea Curry