Soper, Abram G.

When a young life, rich with promise and hope goes from this earth, it is difficult for tongue or pen to portray the feelings of sadness which fall upon those who are left to mourn. The death of Abram G. Soper, which occurred Saturday morning, is indeed a calamity to the community and the many staunch friends he enjoyed both in his native country and throughout the state. Of hi it might be said, he had hardly passed on life's pathway the stone that mark's the stern beginning, but weary for a moment, he lay down by the wayside and using his burden for a pillow, fell into that dreamless sleep that kisses down his eyelids still. While in love with life and raptured with the world he passed to silence and pathetic dust. He added to the sum of human fellowship; and were every one to whom he did some kind service, to bring a blossom to his grave be would, he would sleep beneath a wilderness of sweet flowers. He was a young man of sterling qualities, of noble ambitious and the high attributes of a pure and useful life. He was a friend to all, old and young alike, and being possessed of an affable nature, he won his way into the hearts of those with whom he associated. Abram G. Soper was born in Pontiac, and there he lived the greater part of his life. At on time he occupied a responsible position at lansing, but having a desire to be among his friends and at home, he returned to Pontiac and shortly afterward entered the First Commercial Bank. Faithful to duty and thoroughly responsible, he was soon promoted and at the time of his death occupied the position of book keeper Being compelled to give up his position he decided to go to Colorado, in hopes that the change of climate might prove to his benefit, but before his plan could be carried out, he was stricken down to his bed. while engage with the Commercial Bank, Anram also acted as a local correspondent for the Detroit Free Press. After his duties for the day, he could turn his attention to reporting and while in this field, won the respect of all classes, being always reliable and painstaking in his work. He was much interested in newspapers in general and just previous to his death, expressed his desire to get into the field permanently. At his funeral, which was held at Zion Episcopal Church, Monday, a large crowd of his friends were gathered to do his memory reverence. At the church and the grave, there were many beautiful floral designs from those who were there to mourn. Previous to the funeral, loving hands among a score of young associates had carefully strewn the grave with flowers and ferns. As this young life goes out, we strive in vain to look beyond the heights. We cry aloud and the only answer is the echo of our wailing cry. From the voiceless lips of the unreplying dead, there comes no word, but in the night of death, hope sees a star and listening love can hear the rustle of a wing. Of Abram Soper it may well be said, there was, there is, no gentler , stronger, manlier young man.