The Obituary of Inez Hedge, 1886

Preserved By Dorothy Hedge McKinney © 1990

Issue: April, 1990

Editor's Note: The following was sent to us by Mrs. Dorothy Hedge McKinney. Inez Hedge was her father's sister. Charles Hedge was only one year old when his sister died in 1886, but she left him a little white knife which he carried all his life. It is a good example of the writings of the times on such matters. It was probably published in 1886.

Obituary
Inez Hedge

"Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!" Numbers 23:10.

Dear Bro. Gold, - It has been my privilege to witness the death of a little girl, twelve years old, who died July the 1st 1886.

A Scene Which I Think Worthy Of Publication.

Little Inez was the daughter of James and Maritta Hedge, who lived in the county of Montgomery, Virginia. Of five children, Inez was the oldest, and an obedient child she was to her parents and teachers, gentle and kind to her playmates, esteemed and loved by all who knew her.

But God, who has said, "Suffer little children to come unto me," saw fit in his Divine and wise arrangement to take her beyond the skies. The cause of her death was diphtheria, which is very fatal in this country at this time, robbing parents of their children, and friends of their loved ones.

Little Inez lingered nine days, gradually growing worse each day. Many were the friends who visited the dying child, and sad were the hearts of those who received the sad intelligence that little Inez must die. Dr. A.B. Smith used all his skill to save the life he saw was so near ended but alas! All efforts failed, human skill was of no avail, death had come for his victims; and all living must face the monster. But with what resignation little Inez entered the Jordan of death, none can tell. She knew she must go. God had come to take her. David said, "When my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up." - Psalm 27:10.

She knew she must go, and began to arrange for leaving. She told her parents where she wanted to be buried, and divided her toys among her little brothers and sisters; then said she wanted Elders Amos Dickerson and George E. Wilson to preach her funeral. After a few loving words to her father, she began to bid them all an affectionate, but final farewell. She asked what time it was, and when told it was late in the evening, she said, "Well then, I will get to Heaven tonight." Her father told her I had come. She said she wanted to tell me good bye, I went and took her little slender hand in mine, and said, "Good bye." I asked her if she felt like she was going home? She said, "Yes." She shook hands with her playmates as they would come in, and gave them some words of admonition.

When the sands of life were rapidly ebbing away, and her eyes were sunken in their orbits, her Grand Pa came, and with parental tenderness called, "Inez! Inez!", but no reply. Her father then whispered loudly in her ear, "Grandpa's come!" then she raised her little hand to his and said, "Good bye, Grandpa," then turned over and died without a struggle. Now while parents and friends mourn the loss of little Inez, her spirit is basking in the Son's bright Clime, where, with Seraphic millions, she will praise the God who saved her by His own mighty power. May we all meet little Inez where parting will be no more.

G.A. Reid