The funeral services of Cyrus Hoag, which were conducted by Henry Parr, were held at the home of his parents in Serena, at 10 A. M., Thursday, Oct. 17. The sermon being preached by Rev. Hilster, of Sheridan.

Only a few months ago one could have seen a bright young man, just in the bloom of youth, bidding the last farewell to parents, to brothers and sisters, and as he boards the train, he casts one lingering look upon the faces of his friends and companions from whom he is carried far away to try the stern realities of western life. If the veil of futurity could have been lifted, and one could have read the pages of a few coming months, we would have hardly believed that one so vigorous in health, in so short a time, with scarcely a moment’s warning, would be brought back cold in death.

Although the family had been informed of his illness, no serious thoughts were entertained until Monday morning, when a telegram was received, informing them that he was rapidly growing worse. Mrs. Hoag commenced making preparations at once, intending to take the first train. But ere it arrived the second message was received saying that Cyrus was beyond all earthly help.

He had crossed the dark river of death and entered, we trust, the bright haven of rest, where there is one bright summer always and storms do never come. One, and the most consoling thought, is that he was known as one whose character was beyond reproach, and was respected by all who knew him. Our eulogy is too feeble to give due honor to his memory, but those who knew him well say they never knew him to do a wrong act. Notwithstanding the short notice there was a long procession which followed the remains to its last resting place in Dayton cemetery.

Were we to offer an epitaph we might write —-
“Breath soft ye winds, ye waters gently flow,
Shield them ye trees, sweet flowers round them grow;
Ye sons of men in silence pass them by,
For ‘neath this sod our loved asleep doth lie.”

At the time of his death he was 22 years, 6 months and 6 days old.¹

Cyrus Hoag was the son of Charles H. and Mary (Wells) Hoag who married November 5, 1857, in La Salle County. They are also buried in the Dayton Cemetery.

1. Ottawa Republican, 25 Oct 1889, p. 4.