Person:William Weeks (3)

This Poem was written by Daniel T. Griffen, brother of Thomas Griffen,Jr., on the death of william Henry Weeks, Jr., who was drowned June17, 1838. aged 18 years, 5 months, and 20 days. In Elba town there lived of late A lad who met an awful fate It was in June, the 17th day He and his playmates went to play.

He washed himself in a pond Not thinking there he would be drowned But in the sequel I shall tell He bid thhis world and all farewell.

One of the boys, as I was told, Went out into the water bold And then defied that Henry could Come to him in a waiting flood.

He was of a courageous mind To be outdone was not inclined And then he tried to go to him Alas! poor Henry could not swim.

He in the water then went down Which brought his playmates all around They being small, they could not save Poor Henry from a watery grave.

A messenger then quick did go To tell the tale of grief and woe Which filled his parents hearts with grief So much so they could not find relief.

His father said, "Can this be true? How can I bid my son adieu?" His mother wept with heavy heart To think she with her son must part.

His sisters came and wept full score That he was gone for evermore. His brothers mourned with broken heart That they with him so quick must part.

This was a solemn time indeed Which caused my very heart to bleed To see the aguish and distress That filled each heart with bitterness.

Then with his father we did go To ascertain if it were so And to the place we did draw near A solemn sight did then appear.

His body now was carried home His friends and neighbors quick did come To sympathize and with them mourn For the loss of their dear son.

His coffin being qickly made And into it he then was laid When a numerous crowd was gathered round To see him laid in the cold ground.

His funeral rites attended were In solemn worship and in prayer He then into the ground was laid Where awful silence must pervade.

The funeral sermon being done His frends and neighbors all returned Never more his face to see Until they meet in eternity.

His friends are now returning home And with a sigh move slow along All nature speaks and seems to say, "This is to them a gloomy day."

By this we see we do not know How long we are to live below Oh, that all prepared might be To enter into eternity.

May this a warning be to all To old and young, both great and small, That we may be parepared to die And ever dwell with Christ on high.

1. ↑ Scott Benz. Elba, NY Town Historian, Family group sheets, photos, wills, andnewspaper clippings..
2.   Donald Fox. Wicks family History.