Jacksonville Courier, May 23, 1917

Funeral services for John F. Jordan were held Tuesday morning in charge of the Rev. J. O. Kirkpatrick. Brief services were held at the residence at 9:30 o'clock and services at Ebenezer church at 10:30 o'clock. Music was furnished by Charles A. Rowe, Edward Williamson, Gus Waltman and W. W. Gilham. The flowers were cared for by Orris Jordan, Mabel Jordan, Nora Jordan, Florence Jordan, Alvin Jordan, William Jordan and Blanche Turley. Burial was in Ebenezer cemetery the bearers being, Charles Black, Frank Masters, C. E. Patterson, Arch Bridgman, John Hadden and C. W. Martin.

The following obituary was read by Rev. J. O. Kirkpatrick:

John Fletcher Jordan was born in Jacksonville, Ill., January 22nd, 1834, and passed away from this life May 21st, 1917; aged 83 years, 2 months and 29 days.

He was born and died in Jacksonville. His birthplace was on the plot of ground whereon the Passavant hospital stands, part of the old house is still extant. At the age of 2 years his parents moved to a farm home six miles north and west of Jacksonville where the deceased grew to manhood. Thus spending almost all of his long life on the same farm.

He was united in marriage to Cynthia Ann Williamson January 1, 1857. There were five children born of this union, who are as follows: Lydia, William of Chandlerville, Harriet B., John B. and Charles who is deceased.

He was a man of strength of purpose and loved and cherished his family. He was diligent in business and tho in these later years handicapped by the loss of a hand, he accomplished much on the farm, putting many a two handed man to shame. Even up to the last months on the farm, he performed many tasks.

He was one of the oldest members of the Ebenezer Sabbath school. His name appears as far back as the records go. He was not only faithful to Sunday school but was a reader of the Word of God and helped to make the Sunday school worth something not only to himself but to all.

Having been reared in a loyal Methodist home surrounded by Christian influences, he deeply imbibed the ideals of Methodism and was ready at all times to defend her policy. In his infancy he was offered unto the Lord by his parents and in baptism was dedicated to his service so from a child he has known the Scripture.

A few days prior to his death his mind was back to other days and he was attending the services conducted by Bro. McElfreth and when in his lucid moments he said he felt that it was all well with him.

On Tuesday last the pastor called to see him and found him trusting in God for his salvation.

All the many fine qualities of the deceased could not be told at this brief service. It is enough to say, He in his life was an honorable and respected citizen, loving and devoted to his family, ever ready to succor the needy and help a neighbor. In his death he is honored by eulogums from the many who knew him. He has passed from our vision yet may the aroma of his life and character be shed around us as the perfume of flowers.

We lay him to rest in the beautiful cemetery which for many years he was proud to care for. The deed to the property he held as very sacred and kept it in his possession until the day of his death. For 30 years he was treasurer of the cemetery association. It is fitting then that he should be laid to rest among so many of his loved ones.

He leaves in his death to mourn his departure, his two sons and two daughters. The daughters especially will miss him for they have lived with him and cared for him and nursed him thru these years since his loving companion went away to live with God. There are two brothers and one sister left of a family of ten children. Besides these there are nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. All of whom will miss and mourn the loved departed.