In Memoriam: Death of Apostle Woodruff

N MEMORIAM.

The death of Apostle Abraham Owen Woodruff was startling news to the Latter-day Saints. Scarcely had they been informed of the sad death of his wife, Helen Winters, when the news that he had died from the same dread disease, contracted while caring for her, came as a distinct shock to the people. Apostle Woodruff was the youngest and one of the most ac- tive men of his quorum — constantly traveling among the people. His wife on one occasion said: "I count the days for his return, but I am always counting!" — so much was he away from home and family. There was a simplicity and kindness about Brother Woodruff that won men to him. There was a willingness to do that made him a leader whom men would readily follow; and in his nature was the touch of sympathy that won all classes to his bidding. He was active as a colonizer, and possessed that broad nature so predominant in the pioneer. His speech, clear, simple, logical and deliberate, was like soothing music to the irritable, and its ofttime humor turned anger into jovial pleasantry. His sympathies were with the nether dog, and his pleading in high places went straight for justice to the struggling. He minced no words where chastise- ment was due, but when repentance came to the heart of the chastened, he was first to sooth with words of love and acts of consideration. The characteristic spirituality, the unparalleled energy, and the trusting faith of his revered father, had received lodgment in his heart, and well may the youth of Israel weep when we think of what might have been, if these had found full fruition in mature manhood, instead of being cut short in the very budding. Considering his labors, his youth and strength, and the pros- pects before him, and contemplating the need of his help among the Saints, and especially among the young men of Zion, who