Nathan Draper

Payette Independent
Friday, April 29, 1904

In Memoriam

Nathan Draper, son of Nathan and Mary Draper, was born in Bartholomew county, Indiana, April 16, 1829. His death occurred April 21, 1904.

He was married to Sarah E. Field March 11, 1851. There were born to them three children, Marion, Eva and John, the latter dying in infancy. Mrs. Draper also died about the same time.

On May 11, 1860, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Jane Elliot, nee Howe, with whom he had lived happily for about 44 years. There were born to them eight children, James, Adam, Mary, Lodemia, Charles F., David H., Antoinette, Nathan L., Joseph F., Alta B., and Rosetta. Mr. Draper also left a stepson, Cyrus W. Elliott. All but James A., David H., and Nathan L. survive him and mourn his departure.

His death was exceedingly sad, sudden and unexpected, it having been caused by his being struck by a train which he did not hear approaching, owing to his deafness, as was told in last week's issue of the Independent.

The family are almost overcome with grief. A host of kind neighbors and friends deeply sympathize with them.

The funeral services were conducted at the home of the deceased at 2:30 p.m., April 22. The grief of the family was so intense that the minister was compelled to omit giving the usual biographical sketch or to make mention of the many excellent traits and sterling virtues which characterized this good and useful citizen. Psalm 103:13, "Like a Father Pitieth His Children, so the Lord Pitieth Them that Fear Him," was the text of the funeral discourse.

The minister endeavored in a short talk to say only such things as would be of special comfort to the bereaved family. He gave special emphasis to the fact that in the midst of overwhelming sorrow, God tenderly pities every one who fears Him.

Those who knew Father Draper best were impressed with his kindly disposition and courteous manner. He was diligent, honest, generous and conscientious and endeavored to lead an upright life. For a man seventy-five years of age, he was unusually strong and active. He celebrated his seventy-fifth birthday on Saturday, five days before his death; his children living in the vicinity of Payette being present. His greatly enjoyed the day, said he expected to live to be eighty-five or ninety years of age, that they would not celebrate his birthday any more for five years when they would then have a big celebration.

The day before the fatal accident, he wrote out the family record upon the blank pages in his bible, and then closed the book. His life's work was done.

A large number of friends followed the funeral procession on Thursday afternoon to Riverside Cemetery, where his remains were tenderly laid to rest.

Mr. Marion Draper and daughter Ethel and Mrs. McBride arrived from Deadwood, South Dakota on the early train Monday morning. A telegram was promptly sent them after the accident but appears to have laid in the office at Deadwood for seventeen hours before it was delivered. The family receiving no reply, proceeded to burial. On returning from the funeral, a telegram was received from Deadwood to hold the body, that the son, daughter and granddaughter were coming, but it was too late.

T. S. Dulin, Baptist Pastor

Mrs. N. A. Draper and children wish to thank the many friends for their kindly assistance and sympathy during this time of bereavement and sorrow.