Gentry Man Saw Life Cut Tragically Short in 1908

Life was much shorter in 1908 than it is now. The September 4th, 1908 Albany Ledger recounts the sad story of Rollie Todd, a young man whose life was prematurely cut short:

“Rollie Todd, youngest son of William and Guesta Todd, was born April 27, 1883 six miles north of Albany, where he spent most of his life. In school he was studious, prepared for the duties of life, he filled various positions with credit and respect. Intellectual and ambitions, his life was marked with bright hopes and anticipation. He spent most of the year of 1906 in the far west viewing the country, after which he located in Shenandoah (IA).

In March, 1908, he and his relatives realized his health was failing; he went to Roswell (NM) with the hope that the change of climate would prove beneficial. Receiving no relief, he returned to his country home 3½ miles east of Gentry in June, where he remained until the time of his death, which occurred August 24th, 1908 at 4 pm.

Everything that medical skill and kind hands could do was of no avail. He leaves father, mother, one brother, Edward Todd, two sisters, Lida Dills and Roxie Korn, with a host of relatives and friends to mourn their loss.

The funeral and burial was conducted August 27th by Rev. Kirby at the New Friendship Baptist Church and Cemetery near his home. The beautiful and impressive ritual was read by the Gentry Lodge I.O.O.F., of which he was a faithful member. The large attendance, the flower laden casket, the tears and sympathy manifest on the occasion were, to the bereaved relatives, a touching testimonial of the high esteem and deep affection with which he was regarded by all of his friends and acquaintances.

He was loved by all who knew him, being of a happy and loveable disposition. He realized his condition and was willing and prepared to go. To his immediate relatives, he said, “You have done all you could.” His last moments were filled with appreciation and happiness.

Young in years, he had not plunged into the depths of sin. He realized fully the help and support of a Higher Power.

He has been taken from his home on earth, only to find a brighter home above. “Eye hath not seen, nor the ear heard, nor hath the heart conceived of the things,” of which he now enjoys.