Momence High School - Monesse Yearbook (Momence, IL)

Page 3 text:

THE JUNIOR YEAR BOOK Page Number 3 Jtt iWmmiam SPLENDID EULOGY ON LLOYD CROSBY. In a famous monument by Daniel French, a young Sculptor, full of life and vigor, is absorbed in his work. At his side stands the Angel of Death, holding out the sleep-giving poppies toward the young man, who looks up from his work with the eternal question on his face—“Why? Why?” When such a life as that of Lloyd Crosby’s is cut short, that question is very pertinent, for in his sturdy, earnest make-up were some of the finest qualities men possess. He was manly, upright, eager to see the right and prompt and fearless in doing it. If he made mis¬ takes they were of judgment, not of purpose. He had a great thirst for knowledge, and a genuine delight in the beauties of literature and the wonders of science. He was full of ambition, and longed to be of use in the world. He did not stop for longing, he WAS of use in the world, for he took hold of the work nearest him and and did it with all his might. Perhaps two of his prom- nent qualities were a patience that counted no amount of time or labor too much to expend in accomplishing a desired end, and a dauntless persistence that simply would not admit of such a thing as defeat. Take these two qualities coupled with such a strong Christian man¬ hood as his, what could they not have accomplished for the betterment of the world! Although reserved in manner he made strong friend¬ ships, and no one was more appreciative of little kind¬ nesses than he. As a student of the high school he was earnest, studious and full of spirit, interested in every¬ thing, and no one more loyal to the school a,nd its best interests than he. Whether we have an answer for the great “Why?” or not, surely we must admit that the world is better for even the few years of his life. Not HOW MUCH, but HOW WELL. ALICE GRAY KALLANDER. Lloyd Crosby was born in St. Anne, Ill., Oct. 25, 1882, and died at his home in Momence, Ill., Dec. 2, 1909, be¬ ing at the time of his death 27 years, 1 month and 1 week old. He lived on the farm with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Crosby, until he came to town to attend the high school in 1901, and graduated in 1904, with highest honors of his class. He attended three terms at Normal school at Normal Ill., taught one year at the’ Mathers’ school, two years at Miner school, and was teaching in the eighth grade of the Momence schools at the time his last illness began. -o- DEATH OF EZRA B. PORTER. While we have no special tribute written for Mr Por¬ ter, we feel that every word of the tribute given to Mr. Crosby might be applied to Mr. Porter. The trend of their lives, and their ambitions were very much alike. Ezra B. Porter, son of Mr. and Mrs. Carson C. Porter, was born on a farm near Momence, Feb. 2, 1883, and grew to manhood on the home place. He attended the public schools and graduated from the Momence High School in the class of 1902. He first taught in the coun¬ try schools, but soon entered the Indiana State Normal School at Terre Haute, where he passed two years at hard study. He then returned to Momence, and taught in the Loraine School for a year, then re-entered the Normal School, from which he graduated in June 1909, having completed the course, however, at Christmas. At the first of the year he was elected as teacher of the mathematics in the Terre Haute High School, but after a few weeks was compelled to give up the work on ao count of his health. Mr. Porter passed away at the home of his parents in in Morocco, in Nov. 4th 1909, aged 26 years, 4 months and 2 days. The news of his death saddened the hearts of his many friends, and especially of his former pupils.