Miami Union

September 26, 1868

McDOWELL, WILLIE H. - In Casstown, September 15, 1868, Willie H., infant son of H. P. McDowell, aged two years, five months and twelve days.

Dearest Willie, God has called you,

Called her sweetest, blooming flower;

Took you from these hearts that loved you,

Placed you in his heavenly bower.

Sweetest Willie! Heaven seems brighter,

For a crown of life you wear;

And its gold-paved streets seem wider,

Since your form hath entered there.

Stand by us, our angel Willie,

Let you spirit hover near;

Breathe sweet words of consolation

To our hurts, now sad and drear.

We loved to hear your footsteps coming,

Love to press your lips to ours;

Loved to draw you to our bosoms,

In our dark and lonesome house.

Farewell Willie, till we meet you,

In those realms of heavenly bliss;

Angels tune your golden harp strings

For the loved one whom we miss