DEATH OF WILLIAM M. KAIL

(Gettysburg Herald--April 29, 1897)

Another old settler and well known citizen of Potter County has gone to his long home. William M. Kail was stricken with paralysis last Friday afternoon under the following circumstances: An entertainment, "The Slave Concert," was advertised to occur at the Cong'l Church that evening and those participating were assembled at 3 o’clock for rehearsal, Mr. Kail among the number apparently in his usual health. He and Mr. Hughes were sitting in the back part of the room away from the stage listening to certain renditions upon which they were expected to pass a criticism. Suddenly Mr. Kail appeared as if in a half faint and asked that the door be opened.  This being done and other attentions given him, and seeing that his recovery was not immediate, a physician was brought to his aid in a few minutes and he was found to be entirely helpless on the right side.  He was carried to Mr. Hughes' buggy and driven home a few blocks away, by which time he spoke with difficulty.  He recognized those about him until about 9 o'clock when he lapsed into unconsciousness and died at 1:30 the following morning, April 24th.

William M. Kail lacked a few months of being fifty years of age.  He came to this county with his family in 1883 from Upper Sandusky, Ohio, in which state he was born and raised.  He located on land in Elida township (which township, by the way, bears the given name of his wife,) where he ever after claimed his residence, although during

the past winter he resided temporarily in town. Mr. Kail was a member of the first board of commissioners elected in Potter County, in which capacity he served the county well; he also served acceptably a four-year term as postmaster at Gettysburg.

A man of even temper and kindly disposition, a fine vocalist, he will be missed in this community where for many years on every public occasion and in many social gatherings his voice has been accustomed to our ears.  His family relations were noticeably tender and affectionate; he leaves a wife and two daughters, aged 17 and 9 years respectively, who will especially mourn his loss.  It was about eighteen months ago, during Rev. Fish's pastorate here, that the deceased united with the Cong'l Church, since when, up to the day of his death he has taken unusual interest in church work.

The funeral, largely attended was conducted from the residence last Sunday at 2 p.m., under the ministrations of Rev. W. H. Thrall of Huron. He was laid in the cemetery southeast of town, beside his daughter who died some years ago at the age of 12.