MEAFORD EXPRESS (1912) - On Friday night last at 10:30 there sank peacefully to rest an old and esteemed resident of Meaford in the person of Ann Johnson, relict of the late John Kerchin, who will be remembered by the older citizens of the town. Mrs. Kerchin's death was due to pluro-pneumonia which developed from a cold contracted a few weeks previously and which confined her to her bed for about a week. An active woman all her life by reason of her ambition and wonderful vitality, Mrs. Kerchin never knew an idle moment, not even after the shadows of declining years began go fall across her pathway. With the poet she believed that Life is real, life is earnest, and grave is not the goal, for to her no obstacle seemed unsurmountable or no difficulty so great that it could not be overcome.
   The deceased was born in Leicaster, England, where, 45 years ago, she married to Mr. Kerchin. The husband came to Canada in 1886, settling at Meaford, where he was joined by Mrs. Kerchin the year following. Mr. Kerchin was a carpenter by occupation and worked at his trade until 1892, when he was called away by death. The widow lived alone until 12 years ago, when she went to reside with her daughter, Mr. Wm. Cooper, also of this town, where she breathed her last.
   Mrs. Kerchin, who was in the 78th year of age, was a woman of deep religious conviction, and one whose zealous, consistent life bore silent testimony to the genuineness of the faith that she professed. To her it was ever a delight to worship her Maker in the beauty of holiness. At the age of 18 years she joined the Baptist denomination; in the Old Country, and from that day until the time of her death her life was that of a beacon light shining more and more unto the perfect day. Rain or sunshine always found her early in her accustomed pew in the church, with her Bible in hand, reading the words that gave her so much spiritual joy and comfort and which she figuratively represented to others as Streams of mercy springing up into everlasting life.
   The deceased is survived by three daughter; Mrs. W. Cooper, already mentioned, and Emily and Ethel of Toronto. There also survive one sister and one brother in Leicester, Eng., and one brother in Utah, Salt Lake City. The funeral took place to Meaford Cemetery on Monday afternoon, a large number of friends accompanying the remains to their last resting place. In the absence of the Rev. H.A. Reid owing to illness, the services at the house as well as at the grave were conducted by the Rev. Herman Moore, pastor of the Methodist church. The pallbearers were: Messrs. John Durant, Joseph Cooper, Wm. Jenkins, Wesley Duxbury, John Alcox and George Gugins, all person friends of the deceased.