"A a sweet silent nun, to vespers going,
The shadow Twilight steals across the land--
Her somber robes about her softly flowing--
And from her rosary, at Love's command
Tells dewy hands, the shining pearls bestowing
On leaf and flower, with rev'rent,
Tender hand."
"Twilight" -- by Andrew Downing
Shadowy twilight, gathering for days deepened into darkness of night yesterday for Andrew Downing. To him it was not death but a passing into a slumber that means an awakening in the home of his Father. Not so much a brighter land, for he sensed the brightness of his earthly environments as few men do. Not so much in a better land for he appreciated in full the goodness in life and in his fellowman.
Andrew Downing needs no eulogy in this land of his adoption for he was probably better known through his wondrous verse and through his charming personality than is given to many men. Since he and Mrs. Downing came to Arizona in 1902 their activities until the time of Mrs. Downing's death about two years ago were along such lines of betterment that none thought of either but to admire and to praise.
Born in Mt. Carroll Township, Carroll County, Ill., on March 11, 1838 he fell but a few weeks short of rounding out a full four score years. It was in western Pennsylvania that he married Laura Chase (Case). Who came on down through the succeeding years, a loving companion and a devoted wife. It was from western Pennsylvania that he went forth at the call of his country to spend four long years as an infantryman that the cause of the Union and doctrine of Abraham Lincoln might prevail.
Soon after the close of the Civil War he engaged in newspaper work in Kansas and Iowa and later was named a special agent of the pension department. In that capacity he journeyed from one end of the United States to another. Particularly he was charged with the investigation of claims for pension and he succeeded in unearthing endless spurious applications. His success in this work won for him recognition from the hands of the department and he might have been continued as such special agent indefinitely had not bronchial inflammation made it necessary for him to come to the south-west.
About the time of his arrival here, Andrew Downing, always a bookman, and Mrs. Downing, also a woman of letters and literature, took a most active interest in the organization then in existence known as the Friday Club. As the interest of the members in general grew bookcases were secured and a small library begun. Soon it was seen that this small library had created a want not filled in Phoenix and the movement that followed, engineered by Mr. Downing to no small extent culminated in the naming of a public library board in 1903 and the ultimate securing for Phoenix of the handsome Carnegie library building. Mr. Downing was a member of the library board from the first and acted as its secretary. His work for the library consisted almost wholly in the selection of literature, biography, history and some fiction. He realized that the task of selecting all the reading for 50,000 people was more than a one-man task and he devoted himself to those branches with which he was particularly conversant. How well his work was performed is indicated by the fact that Phoenix today has one of the best balanced and most complete libraries in the use of smaller cities in the country.
During their residence here Mr. and Mrs. Downing distinguished themselves as writers of pleasing verses and some ten years ago these were collected and published. A subsequent edition of poems by Mr. Downing under the title of "The Trumpeters" was published and went to the third edition. This collection also represented his best Arizona verses. Since the death of his wife Mr. Downing had written much. (Note: Laura Case Downing's book is titled "Poem Pictures" and was published by The Gorham Press, Boston, in 1904.) Many of his verses, most of them in fact, especially those relating to Arizona have appeared in the Republican. This work of Mr. and Mrs. Downing has received favorable attention of the critics throughout the country. It is marked by grace and humor of a high order and seldom or never fell below a high level.
Since the death of his wife, Mr. Downing had not been in good health. But in spite of his bereavement and affliction his cheerfulness was unremitting. Two years ago he took an extended journey through the middle states visiting relatives and another last summer. He returned from the last, apparently benefited in health. A short time ago he suffered a recurrence of his bronchial trouble and he was removed to the Arizona Deaconess hospital where he passed away yesterday afternoon.
Mr. Downing was an active member of J. W. Owen Post G. A. R. And for several years had served as post adjutant. He was also closely identified with the First Methodist Episcopal church. No children came to bless the home of the Downings but some years ago they adopted a boy who is now living in the east. A sister from Kansas City and a brother, a prominent orchardist of Attica, Kansas will arrive here this morning to make funeral arrangements. His was a most lovable character. There were few men in Phoenix whose death would be so widely and sincerely mourned. In some of his later writings he seemed to feel that the end was coming. In one poem, written for Memorial Day, he said:
"But a little space, my brothers,
But a little time can lapse,
Ere the sweetvoiced, silver bugle
Shall for us be sounding Taps.
When we've passed earth's farthest outpost
When we've heard the sunset gun
May the Great Commander greet us
With His welcoming ‘Well Done.'"
For more information about Andrew Downing, including his Civil War letters and poems I've transcribed, refer to http://www.genealogytrails.com/ill/carroll
The shadow Twilight steals across the land--
Her somber robes about her softly flowing--
And from her rosary, at Love's command
Tells dewy hands, the shining pearls bestowing
On leaf and flower, with rev'rent,
Tender hand."
"Twilight" -- by Andrew Downing
Shadowy twilight, gathering for days deepened into darkness of night yesterday for Andrew Downing. To him it was not death but a passing into a slumber that means an awakening in the home of his Father. Not so much a brighter land, for he sensed the brightness of his earthly environments as few men do. Not so much in a better land for he appreciated in full the goodness in life and in his fellowman.
Andrew Downing needs no eulogy in this land of his adoption for he was probably better known through his wondrous verse and through his charming personality than is given to many men. Since he and Mrs. Downing came to Arizona in 1902 their activities until the time of Mrs. Downing's death about two years ago were along such lines of betterment that none thought of either but to admire and to praise.
Born in Mt. Carroll Township, Carroll County, Ill., on March 11, 1838 he fell but a few weeks short of rounding out a full four score years. It was in western Pennsylvania that he married Laura Chase (Case). Who came on down through the succeeding years, a loving companion and a devoted wife. It was from western Pennsylvania that he went forth at the call of his country to spend four long years as an infantryman that the cause of the Union and doctrine of Abraham Lincoln might prevail.
Soon after the close of the Civil War he engaged in newspaper work in Kansas and Iowa and later was named a special agent of the pension department. In that capacity he journeyed from one end of the United States to another. Particularly he was charged with the investigation of claims for pension and he succeeded in unearthing endless spurious applications. His success in this work won for him recognition from the hands of the department and he might have been continued as such special agent indefinitely had not bronchial inflammation made it necessary for him to come to the south-west.
About the time of his arrival here, Andrew Downing, always a bookman, and Mrs. Downing, also a woman of letters and literature, took a most active interest in the organization then in existence known as the Friday Club. As the interest of the members in general grew bookcases were secured and a small library begun. Soon it was seen that this small library had created a want not filled in Phoenix and the movement that followed, engineered by Mr. Downing to no small extent culminated in the naming of a public library board in 1903 and the ultimate securing for Phoenix of the handsome Carnegie library building. Mr. Downing was a member of the library board from the first and acted as its secretary. His work for the library consisted almost wholly in the selection of literature, biography, history and some fiction. He realized that the task of selecting all the reading for 50,000 people was more than a one-man task and he devoted himself to those branches with which he was particularly conversant. How well his work was performed is indicated by the fact that Phoenix today has one of the best balanced and most complete libraries in the use of smaller cities in the country.
During their residence here Mr. and Mrs. Downing distinguished themselves as writers of pleasing verses and some ten years ago these were collected and published. A subsequent edition of poems by Mr. Downing under the title of "The Trumpeters" was published and went to the third edition. This collection also represented his best Arizona verses. Since the death of his wife Mr. Downing had written much. (Note: Laura Case Downing's book is titled "Poem Pictures" and was published by The Gorham Press, Boston, in 1904.) Many of his verses, most of them in fact, especially those relating to Arizona have appeared in the Republican. This work of Mr. and Mrs. Downing has received favorable attention of the critics throughout the country. It is marked by grace and humor of a high order and seldom or never fell below a high level.
Since the death of his wife, Mr. Downing had not been in good health. But in spite of his bereavement and affliction his cheerfulness was unremitting. Two years ago he took an extended journey through the middle states visiting relatives and another last summer. He returned from the last, apparently benefited in health. A short time ago he suffered a recurrence of his bronchial trouble and he was removed to the Arizona Deaconess hospital where he passed away yesterday afternoon.
Mr. Downing was an active member of J. W. Owen Post G. A. R. And for several years had served as post adjutant. He was also closely identified with the First Methodist Episcopal church. No children came to bless the home of the Downings but some years ago they adopted a boy who is now living in the east. A sister from Kansas City and a brother, a prominent orchardist of Attica, Kansas will arrive here this morning to make funeral arrangements. His was a most lovable character. There were few men in Phoenix whose death would be so widely and sincerely mourned. In some of his later writings he seemed to feel that the end was coming. In one poem, written for Memorial Day, he said:
"But a little space, my brothers,
But a little time can lapse,
Ere the sweetvoiced, silver bugle
Shall for us be sounding Taps.
When we've passed earth's farthest outpost
When we've heard the sunset gun
May the Great Commander greet us
With His welcoming ‘Well Done.'"
For more information about Andrew Downing, including his Civil War letters and poems I've transcribed, refer to http://www.genealogytrails.com/ill/carroll
"A a sweet silent nun, to vespers going,
The shadow Twilight steals across the land--
Her somber robes about her softly flowing--
And from her rosary, at Love's command
Tells dewy hands, the shining pearls bestowing
On leaf and flower, with rev'rent,
Tender hand."
"Twilight" -- by Andrew Downing
Shadowy twilight, gathering for days deepened into darkness of night yesterday for Andrew Downing. To him it was not death but a passing into a slumber that means an awakening in the home of his Father. Not so much a brighter land, for he sensed the brightness of his earthly environments as few men do. Not so much in a better land for he appreciated in full the goodness in life and in his fellowman.
Andrew Downing needs no eulogy in this land of his adoption for he was probably better known through his wondrous verse and through his charming personality than is given to many men. Since he and Mrs. Downing came to Arizona in 1902 their activities until the time of Mrs. Downing's death about two years ago were along such lines of betterment that none thought of either but to admire and to praise.
Born in Mt. Carroll Township, Carroll County, Ill., on March 11, 1838 he fell but a few weeks short of rounding out a full four score years. It was in western Pennsylvania that he married Laura Chase (Case). Who came on down through the succeeding years, a loving companion and a devoted wife. It was from western Pennsylvania that he went forth at the call of his country to spend four long years as an infantryman that the cause of the Union and doctrine of Abraham Lincoln might prevail.
Soon after the close of the Civil War he engaged in newspaper work in Kansas and Iowa and later was named a special agent of the pension department. In that capacity he journeyed from one end of the United States to another. Particularly he was charged with the investigation of claims for pension and he succeeded in unearthing endless spurious applications. His success in this work won for him recognition from the hands of the department and he might have been continued as such special agent indefinitely had not bronchial inflammation made it necessary for him to come to the south-west.
About the time of his arrival here, Andrew Downing, always a bookman, and Mrs. Downing, also a woman of letters and literature, took a most active interest in the organization then in existence known as the Friday Club. As the interest of the members in general grew bookcases were secured and a small library begun. Soon it was seen that this small library had created a want not filled in Phoenix and the movement that followed, engineered by Mr. Downing to no small extent culminated in the naming of a public library board in 1903 and the ultimate securing for Phoenix of the handsome Carnegie library building. Mr. Downing was a member of the library board from the first and acted as its secretary. His work for the library consisted almost wholly in the selection of literature, biography, history and some fiction. He realized that the task of selecting all the reading for 50,000 people was more than a one-man task and he devoted himself to those branches with which he was particularly conversant. How well his work was performed is indicated by the fact that Phoenix today has one of the best balanced and most complete libraries in the use of smaller cities in the country.
During their residence here Mr. and Mrs. Downing distinguished themselves as writers of pleasing verses and some ten years ago these were collected and published. A subsequent edition of poems by Mr. Downing under the title of "The Trumpeters" was published and went to the third edition. This collection also represented his best Arizona verses. Since the death of his wife Mr. Downing had written much. (Note: Laura Case Downing's book is titled "Poem Pictures" and was published by The Gorham Press, Boston, in 1904.) Many of his verses, most of them in fact, especially those relating to Arizona have appeared in the Republican. This work of Mr. and Mrs. Downing has received favorable attention of the critics throughout the country. It is marked by grace and humor of a high order and seldom or never fell below a high level.
Since the death of his wife, Mr. Downing had not been in good health. But in spite of his bereavement and affliction his cheerfulness was unremitting. Two years ago he took an extended journey through the middle states visiting relatives and another last summer. He returned from the last, apparently benefited in health. A short time ago he suffered a recurrence of his bronchial trouble and he was removed to the Arizona Deaconess hospital where he passed away yesterday afternoon.
Mr. Downing was an active member of J. W. Owen Post G. A. R. And for several years had served as post adjutant. He was also closely identified with the First Methodist Episcopal church. No children came to bless the home of the Downings but some years ago they adopted a boy who is now living in the east. A sister from Kansas City and a brother, a prominent orchardist of Attica, Kansas will arrive here this morning to make funeral arrangements. His was a most lovable character. There were few men in Phoenix whose death would be so widely and sincerely mourned. In some of his later writings he seemed to feel that the end was coming. In one poem, written for Memorial Day, he said:
"But a little space, my brothers,
But a little time can lapse,
Ere the sweetvoiced, silver bugle
Shall for us be sounding Taps.
When we've passed earth's farthest outpost
When we've heard the sunset gun
May the Great Commander greet us
With His welcoming ‘Well Done.'"
For more information about Andrew Downing, including his Civil War letters and poems I've transcribed, refer to http://www.genealogytrails.com/ill/carroll
The shadow Twilight steals across the land--
Her somber robes about her softly flowing--
And from her rosary, at Love's command
Tells dewy hands, the shining pearls bestowing
On leaf and flower, with rev'rent,
Tender hand."
"Twilight" -- by Andrew Downing
Shadowy twilight, gathering for days deepened into darkness of night yesterday for Andrew Downing. To him it was not death but a passing into a slumber that means an awakening in the home of his Father. Not so much a brighter land, for he sensed the brightness of his earthly environments as few men do. Not so much in a better land for he appreciated in full the goodness in life and in his fellowman.
Andrew Downing needs no eulogy in this land of his adoption for he was probably better known through his wondrous verse and through his charming personality than is given to many men. Since he and Mrs. Downing came to Arizona in 1902 their activities until the time of Mrs. Downing's death about two years ago were along such lines of betterment that none thought of either but to admire and to praise.
Born in Mt. Carroll Township, Carroll County, Ill., on March 11, 1838 he fell but a few weeks short of rounding out a full four score years. It was in western Pennsylvania that he married Laura Chase (Case). Who came on down through the succeeding years, a loving companion and a devoted wife. It was from western Pennsylvania that he went forth at the call of his country to spend four long years as an infantryman that the cause of the Union and doctrine of Abraham Lincoln might prevail.
Soon after the close of the Civil War he engaged in newspaper work in Kansas and Iowa and later was named a special agent of the pension department. In that capacity he journeyed from one end of the United States to another. Particularly he was charged with the investigation of claims for pension and he succeeded in unearthing endless spurious applications. His success in this work won for him recognition from the hands of the department and he might have been continued as such special agent indefinitely had not bronchial inflammation made it necessary for him to come to the south-west.
About the time of his arrival here, Andrew Downing, always a bookman, and Mrs. Downing, also a woman of letters and literature, took a most active interest in the organization then in existence known as the Friday Club. As the interest of the members in general grew bookcases were secured and a small library begun. Soon it was seen that this small library had created a want not filled in Phoenix and the movement that followed, engineered by Mr. Downing to no small extent culminated in the naming of a public library board in 1903 and the ultimate securing for Phoenix of the handsome Carnegie library building. Mr. Downing was a member of the library board from the first and acted as its secretary. His work for the library consisted almost wholly in the selection of literature, biography, history and some fiction. He realized that the task of selecting all the reading for 50,000 people was more than a one-man task and he devoted himself to those branches with which he was particularly conversant. How well his work was performed is indicated by the fact that Phoenix today has one of the best balanced and most complete libraries in the use of smaller cities in the country.
During their residence here Mr. and Mrs. Downing distinguished themselves as writers of pleasing verses and some ten years ago these were collected and published. A subsequent edition of poems by Mr. Downing under the title of "The Trumpeters" was published and went to the third edition. This collection also represented his best Arizona verses. Since the death of his wife Mr. Downing had written much. (Note: Laura Case Downing's book is titled "Poem Pictures" and was published by The Gorham Press, Boston, in 1904.) Many of his verses, most of them in fact, especially those relating to Arizona have appeared in the Republican. This work of Mr. and Mrs. Downing has received favorable attention of the critics throughout the country. It is marked by grace and humor of a high order and seldom or never fell below a high level.
Since the death of his wife, Mr. Downing had not been in good health. But in spite of his bereavement and affliction his cheerfulness was unremitting. Two years ago he took an extended journey through the middle states visiting relatives and another last summer. He returned from the last, apparently benefited in health. A short time ago he suffered a recurrence of his bronchial trouble and he was removed to the Arizona Deaconess hospital where he passed away yesterday afternoon.
Mr. Downing was an active member of J. W. Owen Post G. A. R. And for several years had served as post adjutant. He was also closely identified with the First Methodist Episcopal church. No children came to bless the home of the Downings but some years ago they adopted a boy who is now living in the east. A sister from Kansas City and a brother, a prominent orchardist of Attica, Kansas will arrive here this morning to make funeral arrangements. His was a most lovable character. There were few men in Phoenix whose death would be so widely and sincerely mourned. In some of his later writings he seemed to feel that the end was coming. In one poem, written for Memorial Day, he said:
"But a little space, my brothers,
But a little time can lapse,
Ere the sweetvoiced, silver bugle
Shall for us be sounding Taps.
When we've passed earth's farthest outpost
When we've heard the sunset gun
May the Great Commander greet us
With His welcoming ‘Well Done.'"
For more information about Andrew Downing, including his Civil War letters and poems I've transcribed, refer to http://www.genealogytrails.com/ill/carroll
