RICHARD R. REDFIELD GRAVESTONE PHOTO
The Humboldt Union, Saturday, Feb. 29, 1908
Died: Feb. 23, 1908
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USEFUL LIFE GONE FROM
US FOREVER.
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A Musician All His
Life—Perhaps He
Has Found the “Lost
Chord”
in the World Beyond.
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R. R. Redfield died at his home in this city Sunday evening, Feb. 23rd, at six o’clock, and his death was not unexpected, as his vitality had been rapidly failing for a few days before death relieved him of his earthly ailments.
He had been on the decline in health since he returned from the Soldier’s Home last summer, and when not confined to his home by weakness he could be seen about the streets and in the park, looking it seemed, always, for some of his old familiar scenes of his earlier days in Humboldt. He seems to be living in the past, and when spoken to answered as if he was awakened from some dream of the olden time.
Richard R. Redfield, best known to everybody as “Dick”, was born in Twinsburg, Ohio, and was reared on a farm and worked in a sawmill. Later he moved to Coldwater, Mich., and was engaged in the photograph business. He then removed to Hillsdale, Mich. He came to Humboldt in 1866 and for a few years was clerk in a mercantile establishment, after which he entered into the musical merchandise and sewing machine business.
Mr. Redfield was a musician and was the “father” of the Humboldt band, being the leader in the early days and a member of the band until about three years ago. He was known all over Allen county, having taught singing school in every town and village in the county and also at many country school houses, which he kept up until his health failed. He was very fond of music, and it seemed a great trial to him when he had to lay aside the instruments and roll up the scroll, but was always an interested listener when the younger band boys were giving park concerts. And when death closed his eyes to earthly scenes they no doubt were opened where the music of celestial bands was heard, and he could be with music throughout all eternity.
He was a member of Co. H, 177th Ohio Vol., and served in the war as a musician. He belonged to Vicksburg Post, No. 72, G. A. R., of Humboldt, and the Post had charge of the funeral services, assisted by Rev. M. A. Camp, at the Presbyterian church, Tuesday, Feb. 25th, at 10 a. m. The Humboldt Band was present and furnished some appropriate music for the occasion.
The deceased was highly esteemed by a large circle of friends and will be missed greatly from the life in which he has been so prominent a figure for forty-two years. He leaves a wife and son, a brother, and many other relatives to mourn his departure.
Interment in Mt. Hope cemetery.