WESTER, Julinda Evaline (1861)

Tribute to Julinda Evaline Wester

The following was written by William Raleigh Clack. He and Eva were engaged to be married. The relationship must have been a strong one and recognized by their families, as descendants of each occasionally get in touch with each other to this day. She was 16 years old, going on 17, and he was 22. He recorded this in his journal.

Another Christian has gone to her reward. Another home smitten of God and desolate. Another well known footfall missed. Another family altar mantled with mourning. Miss Julinda Evaline Wester, died at her residence in Rhea Co., Tenn., August 2, 1861, of fever terminating in acute gastritis. She was born in Roane County, Tenn., Feby the 2nd, 1845, and was therefore in her 17th year.

The Christian character is a theme too lofty, too nearly allied to God to be ambrotysed in a memorial. It is a spiritual masterpiece beyond the province and limit of human description.

We may gather the most pleasing recollections from the shadows of memory for our structure, yet the image however vivid is dark compared to the original. No one can write a perfect obituary of a perfect Christian. It is only a form without life–a soulless statue whose unmeaning stare tells us little of the archetype. The presence of the departed is necessary to make it appreciated; without, it is callous, cold and empty.

This tribute of respect, therefore, can only be interesting to those whose memories are still replete with the recollections of the one who is gone; whose influence is still felt, and whose words are yet fondly repeated.

Those who knew not Miss Evaline Wester personally will never know her this side of the grave. She was a dutiful obedient child, possessed a remarkably amiable disposition. She had received a good education having more than ordinary intellect, possessing a combination of attractions of person, mind and manners rarely met with on this earth. She delighted much in books, but the Bible was always her main sheet anchor even from childhood.

Her character was woven of graces, which like jewels of rare worth lent a luster to her life. No discordant or jarring elements in her constitution of mind or soul, but always the same–kind, affectionate and noble. Her deportment in every relation in life was a continual display of blended virtues; a scene of practical religion, worthy the emulation of every Christian. Her humility and goodness recommended her everywhere, and secured to her the love of all.

She professed religion and joined the M. E. church in Roane County Tenn. in the year A. D. 1857 of which she remained a faithful efficient member until she was called to leave the church militant to join the church triumphant.

As the clock struck one on the night of the 2nd of August, she breathed her last calmly and serenely without a struggle or even a frown. By her own request her lifeless body was deposited in the cemetery in Roane Co., on the Tennessee River nine miles below Kingston (where she had saw some of her nearest relatives laid) to remain until the morning of the resurrection.

There was a long concourse of people at her burying. Many wept over her remains, for she had many friends. She has left a numerous host of friends together with a kind mother and three brothers to mourn her absence but thank God they mourn not as those who have no hope for they feel that their loss is her eternal gain, for she has entered into that rest which remains to the people of God. It has been my destiny to witness many scenes of death and suffering but never can I forget the words and features of this dying girl.

About six hours before she expired she asked “does the doctor think I am dying”. Not receiving a direct answer she said “do you think I will get well.” I told her I feared not. I then asked her if she was willing to die. She turned her eyes up towards me and replied in a mild and gentle tone; “I have suffered so much let me reflect two minutes then I will respond.

Then settled upon her countenance a calm serenity, a brilliancy entirely unearthly and beyond the power of language to describe. When she replied, “Yes, I am ready to go. I feel entire resignation and perfect reliance on my saviour. Jesus is with me.” Reaching her hand to me which was bathed in the icy dews of death she said softly “Will you meet me in Heaven.” I told her I would try and meet her there. “Farewell, then”, she said. She then prayed the Lord to be with her and strengthen her in faith in the trying hour of death and when her last breath was gone to receive her spirit in haven. And prayed him to have mercy upon her relatives and friends, who are left behind her, and to fit and prepare them for death and judgment so that when the last trump should sound that they would be enabled to meet where parting would be no more, around the eternal throne to rejoice and sing the praises of God forever.

She then turned to her mother and said Oh! Mother meet me in heaven. Tell all my relatives and friends I am gone home and to meet me there. Then there was a pause in her conversation. Turning her eyes toward heaven–with a brilliant but calm and serene countenance; she appeared like a heavenly bird about to take its everlasting flight standing upon the summit of the Mount of Faith, waiting her Master’s bidding and gazing with holy triumph on the shining prospect before her. No doubt angels and ministering saints was hovered nigh, watching the conflict, ready to escort her spirit home, when the summons come. There were no visible clouds of doubt lingered there. Discovering her mother weeping, she said, “Mother weep not for me” because I am called from this suffering world. Her mother then asked her if she felt prepared to go. She replied, “yes, I am ready and willing to go. Jesus is my friend.”

How near her kind friends were to her heart. How dear her heart broken mother. What faith but that of the Christian could break those strong ties. But it was the will of God; she bowed submissive, and in a few hours she passed the Paradise of God.

Let us all remember her dying request, “Meet me in Heaven.” I for one can never forget it while I am permitted to live. That last sad request will remain “Meet me in Heaven.”

Plant you an evergreen  Scatter the rose,

Where little Evaline  Takes her repose.

Dew-drops will glisten there  Zephyns will play,

Yet her immortal parts  Passed, passed away.

Gone to the Spirit land, Wafted above,

Joined to that happy band  Basking in love.

Meet her ye earthly friends  “Meet me,” she cried

Waving her icy hand, Calmly and died.

Go to that evergreen-  Kneel there and pray-

Where little Evaline’s  Spirit may stray.

Even in future life  Morning and evening

Remember her parting words,  “Meet me in Heaven.”

What can I say in conclusion, to soothe the anguish of the stricken mother in the hour of bitter trial. In this hour when she is, –called to part in helpless, hopeless, brokenness of heart, from her young, her beautiful and well accomplished daughter. Nothing, nothing. My own feelings forbid the mockery of an attempt. I can only pray that God in his providence may sanctify the distressing dispensation, and the bereaved mother may be comforted with the assurance that the “pure in heart shall meet again.”

Over the venerated remains of this servant of God and daughter in Israel may well be inscribed the glorious saying given to the apostle from heaven. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth; yea, saith the spirit, they may rest from their labors and their works do follow them.
Signed W. R. Clack Rhea County Tenn Oct. 15th., 1861, then this, a few pages later:

I know that thou art far away,

Yet in my own despite

My still expectant glances stray

Inquiring for the sight

Though all too sure that thy sweet face

Can bless no glance of mine,

At every turn, in every place,

My eyes are seeking thine.

I hope – how vain the hope, I know-

That some propitious chance

May bring thee here again to throw

Thy sweetness on my glance.

But loveliest one, where Oer thou art

What Oer by my despair,

Mine eyes will seek thee, and my heart

Will love thee every where,

Bye, Miss Eva.