Person:John Gantz (4)

Obituary - Owen Co. Democrat (31 Oct 1901)

John Gantz, son of DR. Thomas and Mary E. Gantz, of Freedom, Ind., died Oct. 27, 1901. On the last day of the year 1897, he met with an accident in a coal mine near Brazil, Ind. When the full extent of his injuries were known, his life was thought to be a question of a few days or weeks at mose. To prolong this brittle thread of life, all that the trained skill of the father could do and all that the love of the mother, for an afflicted child could suggest were freely given. For almost four long years the battle went on to keep the precious life without its feeble tenant of clay. But at last nature was exhausted and unable to bear up longer under the strain, yielded to the demands for dissolution, and the spirit freed from its earthly fetters went to God who gave it. The example of his life after his injury is well worthy of note. In a manner dead to the world with every hope crushed so far as worldly activity was concerned, and every plan shattered concerning life's occupation, yet no cloud of lgoom rested upon that sick chamber. Aside from the bible and religion, which was the comfort of the soul, he interested himself in art, science, literature and the political problems of the day. When he was able he delighted in conversing upon these and kindred themes. There were times when his nerves were in such condition that the least noise caused him intense pain, but when he could see us at all, he always had a smile and a pleasant word of greeting. He was a member of the Presbyterian church of Brazil, Ind., and with a faith in the Lord Jesus Christ which did not falter; he was upheld comforted in all his sufferings and affliction. For months he had looked forward to the time of his deliverance, and with his work all done gladly heard the summons of the Master. He quietly and peacefully passed away Sunday afternoon, Oct. 27, 901.