gallia county newspaper obituaries
The following obituaries
are from the files of various
Gallia County Newspapers and other publications. They
are listed below in alphabetical order of the surname.
James Kail Dead
Well Known Farmer Has Gone To His Last Reward
James H. Kail, son of George and Nancy Kerr Kail, was born May 25, 1849, died Thursday, July 14, 1914, aged 65, years 2 months and 5 days. He was united in marriage to Harriett Coughenour on August 22, 1875. He is survived by his widow, one brother, John W. Kail, and one sister, Mrs. Mary Coughenour. Two brothers preceded him to the great beyond. Many relatives, neighbors and friends will mourn his death, especially his nephews and nieces, to whom he was greatly attached, and by whom he was dearly loved.
Mr. Kail had always made his home on the farm on which he was born. He was an obedient son, a kind and affectionate husband, a loving brother, a true friend, a good neighbor and a patriotic citizen. He had builded an unspotted character, always quiet, modest and sympathic, and deserves the good name his friends gave him. "A manly man, a man among men." He respected the opinions of others, was kind and patient with those who differed with him, and was always ready to make concessions rather than break the thread of friends.
He never united with any church, but gave liberally to its support. He once said to the writer, "I would not want to live in a land where there were no churches." He was a firm believer in a true and living God.
He hated evil in all its forms and loved the good with all his heart. He bore his afflictions with patience and greeted his friends with a smile until the last. All that loving hands and medical skill could do was done for him, but He who doeth all things well called and he is not, for God took him. He fully realized that he
could not get well and said, "I am not afraid to die."
The funeral was held late Sunday afternoon at his late home, the services being conducted by his life-long friend, Rev. W.J. Fulton. The large number present showed the high esteem in which he was held. The floral offerings were most beautiful. Burial was in the Gravel Hill Cemetery by undertaker De Maine. W.J. Fulton
Gallia Times
August 6, 1914
Transcribed by Henny Evans
Kennedy, Abigail
Mrs. Abigail Kennedy, wife of John D. Kennedy, of Mercerville, O., departed this life November 14, 1894, aged 80 years. Her remains were interred at the M.E. burying ground, Swan Creek, Ohio.
In all the relations of life as a wife, step-mother, neighbor and friend, she was, in a high degree, an example to her sex--meriting and retaining the love, esteem and confidence of all who knew her. To know her was to love her. She was lovely in disposition and possessed in an eminent degree all those qualities of heart and mind, which made every one her friend.
She was not afraid to die and when the hour of her departure drew near, she passed away without a murmur, through the dark shadow of death into the bright world beyond. No more will the sound of thy loving voice cheer our aching hearts. Their is an empty void that cannot be filled.
When the heart is first wrung with grief for dear ones whom it has pleased God to remove from among us, death seems to be an enemy; but when the agonies of grief have melted away into the gentle tear of recollection, there is something grand and consoling in the idea of death. So, friends, let us bow in humble submission to the will of God, remembering that her spirit is only another link in that bright, golden chain, binding you closer to heaven. Knowing something of the remorse filling the heart of the aged and stricken companion who has been called upon to part with her who has been the sharer of all his pleasures and sorrows in this life. Yet, think, dear father, that you are to travel the remainder of this life's road, only without her presence; for as you pledged yourself "To love and cherish her until death do us part," likewise pledge yourself to love and cherish her memory until death do you again unite in that bright home above.
Thus lived and died this excellent woman. May the blessing of heaven rest upon her sorrowing relatives and friends and lead them to her godly life and holy conversation.
| Jesus, while our hearts are bleeding O'er the spoils that death has won, We would, at this solemn meeting, Calmly say--Thy will be done. By thy hands the boon was given; Thou hast taken but thine own; Lord of earth and God of heaven, Evermore--Thy will be done. |
Gallipolis Journal
December 19, 1894
Transcribed by Henny Evans
Kerns, Henry
Mr. Henry Kerns, of Green Township, of whose serious illness we made mention last week, died Thursday night. He was about 76 years old. His disease at first was of the heart, but the immediate cause of his death was hemorrhage of the bowels. He leaves a widow and four children. He was a good natured kind man, and probably without an enemy in the world. He was always a resident of this county, and the good name he leaves behind makes him loss keenly felt by all.
Obituary - The (Gallipolis) Bulletin
Vo. XVI, No. 19, April 6, 1881, page 3, column 1
Transcribed by Sunda Peters
Kerns, Mary
Death of Mary Kerns
Mrs. Mary Kerns, widow of the late Henry Kerns, of Green township died this morning August 34th (sic) 1898, at 9:30, aged 88 the first day of last May. Her funeral services will be at Centenary conducted by Rev. J. W. McCormick Friday morning, at 11, the interment following at the same place.
Mrs. Kerns was born in Meigs Co. but spent the most of her life here. She became the mother of five children the surviving ones being Thomas Kerns, Mrs. John Smeltzer, and Mrs. Madeline Skinner, widow of John Skinner. She was a member of the M. E. Church and a splendid good woman with a host of friends.
Gallipolis Journal,
30 Aug 1898
Death of Mrs. Mary Kerns
The friends of Mrs. Mary Kerns, of Green Township, will be pained to hear of her death which occurred at 9:30 o'clock Wednesday morning, August 23, (sic) '98. She was dutiful to her God, a member of the M. E. church and highly regarded by her friends. Two weeks ago she fell out of a window, a distance of 14 feet, sustaining injuries which hastened and caused her death.
She was the relict of Henry Kerns and had reached the advanced age of 88 years. Three out of five children survive her, viz. Mrs. Louisa Smeltzer, Thomas Kerns, and Mrs. Madaline Skinner, with whom she made her home.
Transcribed by Sunda Peters
Kerns, Susannah
KERNS--At the residence of her daughter, in Gallipolis township, on the 6th of November, 1874, Mrs. Susannah Kerns. She was upwards of 87 years old. Mrs. Kerns was the mother of John, Henry, Jacob, George, and Adam Kerns.
Gallipolis Journal
12 Nov 1874, Col. 4
Transcribed by Sunda Peters
Kerr, John
Died...October 2d, 1858, at his residence in Green Township, Gallia county, John Kerr, aged about 86.
Father Kerr was born in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania; came to Ohio and was married to Christianna Nisewanger in 1804, and settled in Gallipolis. Father Kerr was a man well known in Gallia county. He filled the offices of Magistrate, County Commissioner and Prosecuting Attorney for several years. He was in the War of 1812, as a volunteer. Being one of the first settlers in this county he was well acquainted with frontier life, knew all its hardships, and its innocent and simple enjoyments. He joined the Presbyterian Church about thirty years ago and lived a member of the same until he was taken from the church militant to the church triumphant. His end was peaceful. He had his reason to the last, was heard to pray, and when interrogated in regard to his prospects, he replied, "All is well." He leaves an aged widow, five children, and a number of grand children to mourn but they mourn not as those without hope.
May they all seek the Saviour, live in the service of the Lord, that when done with the labors and trials of this world, they may die as their aged father, in hope of a happy life above.
The writer of this preached his funeral at Mount Zion, on Sabbath, Oct. 3d, to a large and attentive congregation, from 2d Corinthians, 5th chapt.
F.S. Thurston
Gallipolis Journal
October 18, 1858
Transcribed by Henny Evans
Kerr, Viola R.
Mrs. W.M. Kerr
Ironton Daily Republican, March 2d
Mrs. Viola R. Kerr, nee Mauck, was born at Cheshire, Ohio, June 27, 1846, and died at Ironton, Ohio, May 1st, 1889. She spent her childhood and youth at her birth place, receiving a finished education at Cheshire Academy and Hillsdale, Mich. College. On May 7, 1867, she married Wm. M. Kerr, then engaged in business in Cincinnati, and with him took up her home in Ironton twenty-one years ago. By culture of mind and graces of person she became influential in the social, literary and religious circles of Ironton. Blessed with comforts and luxuries herself, she lacked nothing in sympathy with the less favored, and was known as the friend of the unfortunate. She was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, at which place the funeral takes place. It is high but just praise to say that while neglecting no claims of the community at large, she devoted the best of her life to her family. A home of love and harmony is sorely bereft. Her husband, three children, mother and three brothers survive her, all of whom were with her when she died, except one brother.
She suffered poor health for over two years. Her malady was of a cancerous nature, which
baffled the highest skill of surgeons and physicians. She was confined to her bed nearly a year, and her friends and physicians testify to a rare fortitude and patience in all her intense
suffering.
"In her tongue is the law of kindness. She looked well to the ways of her household.
Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Let her own works praise her in the gates."
[Note: She is buried in Gravel Hill Cemetery in Cheshire Township, but her husband is buried in Ironton, Ohio.]
Gallipolis Journal
May 8, 1889
Transcribed by Henny Evans
Kincade, Nimrod
Nimrod Kincade died at his home in Cheshire Township November 13, A.D. 1884, after a short illness.
He was born in Mason County, W.Va. April 3rd 1807 and was 77 years 7 months and 13 days of age. He was married in 1832 to Catherine Yeager , who still survives him. They moved to Gallia County,Ohio shortly after their marriages and settled on the farm where he has since lived and where he died.
He was the father of 14 children, 11 of which are living, six reside in Ohio, five in the West. He was a worthy citizen, and by his upright, every-day life had made many warm friends. He professed the christian religion in 1840 and united with Campaign Freewill Baptist Church of which he remained a faithful member till the close of life. His aged companion, children, grandchildren and a large number of friends mourn their loss, but not as those who have no hope. For they believe that "those who sleep in Jesus, will God bring with Him".
His funeral was attended by a large circle of interested friends. Services were conducted by Rev. W. J. Fulton.... FJW.
Gallipolis Journal
Novemeber 20, 1884
Mr. Nimrod Kincaid died of spinal affection last Thursday morning about three o'clock; he was buried Friday afternoon by undertaker John A.Hicks in the family graveyard and was aged about eighty....
Gallipolis Tribune
Novemeber 20, 1884
Contributed by Cheryl Enyart
Kinder, Charles Richard
Died In Hospital
While not entirely unexpected, the community was shocked last night to learn of the death of Charles Kinder, well known local man who passed away at 10 o’clock in the Memorial Hospital, Monongahela City, after a short illness. Early this year he was forced to relinquish his duties as storekeeper at the National plant of the American Sheet & Tin Plate mill here, suffering from an abscess of the ear. After a two weeks siege, during which he suffered great pain, he seemingly secured relief and was about for a day when he was seized with an attack and rushed to the McKeesport hospital, where after a few days he was discharged and again returned to this city but following another attack he was taken to the St. Francis hospital, in Pittsburg, only to return later and Saturday night, he was rushed to the memorial hospital at Monongahela City, where he passed away last night. Physicians were unable to give him any relief and it was believed that poison from the abscess had saturated his system finally causing his death.
The deceased was 56 years of age and one of the pioneers of this city, as well as an honored employee of the Tin Mill, he recently having been awarded a medal for 25 years of honest and faithful service with the company. Fraternally he was active in the local lodge of Elks and was beloved by his brother lodge men and a large circle of friends throughout the city. He was also a veteran of the Spanish-American War.
Besides his wife and four children at Eureka, O., he is survived by three sisters, Mrs. Cina Fletcher of Eureka, O., Mrs. Helen Kuhn of Eureka, O., and Mrs. Bell Smith of Akron, O.
The body was brought to the Wright morgue here last night and prepared for burial. The remains will be taken to Finleyville this evening and placed aboard the B. & O. train leaving there at 6:59 tonight for Eureka, O., where funeral services will be held and the body interred in the family plot.
Monessen Daily Independent
Feb. 8, 1927
Transcribed by Lewis Casey
Kinder, Elizabeth Margaret Overall
Death of Elizabeth M. Kinder
Elizabeth Margaret Overall Kinder died Thursday, Nov. 15, 1923, aged 91 years and 21 days. She was married July 18, 1848, to Noah R. Kinder, who departed this life Feb. 28, 1882. There were nine children born, four of whom are deceased. The living are: Mrs. Belle Smith of Akron, Mrs. Helen Kuhn, Eureka, Mrs. Cina Fletcher, Eureka, W. J. Kinder of Aldrich, Missouri, and C. R. Kinder, Nonessen, Pa. She is also survived by 23 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren, and one great, great grandchild.
Mrs. Kinder joined the M.E. church at the age of 14 and always lived a consistent member.
Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Nov. 26, 1923
Transcribed by Henny Evans
Knox, William
Died
At his residence in Centerville, August 13th, 1876, William Knox, in the 82d year of his age. Mr. Knox was a native of North Wales, and emigrated to this country about 15 years ago, and settled at Pittsburg, Pa. He has been for 39 years a resident of Gallia county. He was highly esteemed by all who knew him, as a kind neighbor, good citizen, and Christian man. He was a faithful and consistent member of the Baptist Church for upwards of 44 years. His last sickness was long--lasting nearly four years--and at times very painful. He leaves an aged widow, five living children, and a large circle of friends to lament for him. But they mourn not as them who have no hope. W.
Gallipolis Journal
August 24, 1876
Transcribed by Henny Evans
Kraus, Clyde F.
Clyde F. Kraus Is Killed In Fall From Train En Route To Ohio
Had Been In Army 55 Months – Body To Be Sent Home
VALPARAISO, IND., Oct. 4 – (UP) – An Army private identified as Clyde F. Kraus of Gallipolis, O., was killed yesterday when he apparently fell from a Pennsylvania Railroad train west of here. Authorities based identification on a railroad ticket, which showed the soldier was traveling from San Francisco to Columbus, Ohio.
About the time the foregoing message was received by the Tribune, Indiana authorities telephoned Sheriff Hatfield about the tragedy. It was then learned that Clyde’s neck had been broken in his fall and that his face was badly bruised and scratched; and that the accident occurred at or near Kouts, Porter County.
Pfc. Clyde Frederick Kraus was in his 31st year, having been born here on August 9, 1915, the only son of Lewis and the late Pearl Broyles Kraus.
The body will be shipped at once, Funeral Director Frank Wetherholt ascertained by telephone, and is expected to arrive here on the Chesapeake & Ohio train Friday afternoon.
Young Kraus is survived by, besides his father, these three sisters: Mrs. Hencle (Mary) Persinger, Gallipolis; Mrs. Charles (Marie) Ames, Worthington, and Mrs. Robert (Grace) Edwards, Columbus.
Pfc Kraus had served his country for nearly five years, having enlisted in February, 1941, and having spent most of the long period since then in Iran (Persia). He was with the railroad engineers. Before he entered the armed service, he spent three years with the Civilian Conservation Corps and for a time he assisted his father when the latter was in business on Court Street.
The news of his death came as a shock to his loved ones, who were naturally hoping and expecting for his return soon to his old home and to civilian life.
Gallipolis Tribune
1946
Transcribed by Lew Casey
Kuhn, Wm. J.
Wm. J. Kuhn, 87, Died Last Night In Green Twp.
Funeral Is Set For 2 Friday At Centenary
William J. Kuhn, who was 87 years old on Feb. 11, died at 8 o’clock last night at his home in Green Twp. (Gallipolis R. 2.). His illness dated back about five weeks and death resulted from a heart condition and complications.
Mr. Kuhn was born in Clay Twp. in 1858 and spent his whole life in this county. He was a son of William and Letitia Thorniley Kuhn and the last of his generation of the family.
On Dec. 11, 1881, he married Helen Kinder. They lived on Teens Run and in Eureka and 16 years ago moved to the farm of his son Charles N. Kuhn, where he died.
Mrs. Kuhn died Feb. 8, 1942, and Mr. Kuhn and his son, Earl, kept up the home thereafter.
Surviving besides these two sons, who were devoted to their parents, are six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Two of the grandsons, William and Vernon, sons of Charles N., are in the armed forces. William is with the Ninth Army on the western front and Vernon was with the Seabees in New Guinea when last heard from.
The elder Kuhn was a member of the Providence Baptist Church, which was near his birthplace.
Funeral services will be held at 2 o’clock Friday at Centenary, with Rev. Earl Cremeens in charge. Burial in Mound Hill Cemetery by G. J. Wetherholt and Sons. Friends may call at the Wetherholt funeral home after 1 o’clock Thursday p. m.
Gallipolis Tribune
1945
Transcribed by Lew Casey