LaGrange County Biography Ref. Page  

Albert Hill –
Albert Allen Hill, 58, of R.R. 3, LaGrange, died Sunday, August 10, in the Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.  He was born in LaGrange, Indiana, Decembeer25, 1927, the son of Ledger and Venah (Hassinger) Hill.  Hill, a cabinet maker, was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in LaGrange.  He was married in LaGrange on April 19, 1947, to Ellen Church, who survives.  Also surviving are three daughters, Debra, Howe of Mongo, Mrs. Douglas (Becky) Perry of Sturgis, MI, and Mrs. Lance (Joan) Conrad of Burr Oak, MI; three sons, Charles of Brushy Prairie, Frank C. of Chicago, and Dan at home; a brother Wayne of LaGrange, and seven grandchildren.  A brother, Gerald, preceded him in death.  Funeral Services will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in LaGrange with the Rev. George Schroeder officiating.  Calling hours were held Tuesday from 3 to 9 p.m. with Rosary at 7:30 p.m. in the Carney-Frost Funeral Home in LaGrange.  Burial will be in Woodruff Cemetery.  Preferred memorials are to Lutheran Hospital Transplant Fund.

- LaGrange Standard, Indiana, August 13, 1986

Contributed by Charlotte Hill Edsall



“Alonzo Carl Hart Dies in Sturgis – Service Wednesday”

Services for Alonzo Carl hart, 90, retired farmer, who dies Sunday evening in Sturgis memorial Hospital were held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday in Caton and Frurip Funeral Home.  Rev. Arvin Taylor, pastor of Stroh Church of Christ, officiated.  Burial was in Beulah Cemetery Northeast of Topeka.  His death followed a year’s illness.  A resident of Stroh, Mr. Hart had made his home with a son Ralph in Sturgis the last two years.  Other survivors are four sons, Clark and Clarence of Goshen, David of Stroh and Earl of Topeka; Mrs. Emma Miller of Bryan, Ohio; 21 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; and two brothers, Allen of Kendallville and Alfred of LaGrange.  He was born in Eden Township, December 28, 1864, the son of James and Barbara (Seekles) Hart.

Correction: Maiden name of Mother probably Seedles.

-The LaGrange Standard, LaGrange, Indiana, September 29, 1955
 

Contributed by Charlotte Hill Edsall


Charles Levitz

Charles Levitz, 82, of Detroit, Mich., was found dead in his apartment Sunday, February 23.  He was born October 21, 1881 in Germany to Tony and Adeline (Caman) Levitz.  He came to the United States in 1897. He resided in LaGrange from 1914-1920.  He was employed at General Motors in Detroit and was a member of the American Legion there.  Surviving are three sons, Charles Levitz Jr. of LaGrange Route 2, Herbert Levitz of LaGrange and Carl Levitz of Elkhart; 25 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren; one brother, William Levitz of Jackson, MI, and one sister.  Funeral services were held yesterday afternoon in the Grange.  The Rev. Lawrence J. Beaver, pastor of the LaGrange Church of God officiated.  Full military rites were held at the graveside in Greenwood Cemetery.

– LaGrange Standard, Indiana, February 27, 1964

Contributed by Charlotte Hill Edsall


Danny A. Hill

Danny A. Hill, 33, LaGrange died Monday, November 18, 2002, at his residence.  He was born October 9, 1969 in LaGrange to Albert and Ellen J. (Church) Hill.  He was a factory worker in woodworking.  Surviving are three sisters and brothers-in-law.  Debra and Dan Gould, Mongo, Becky and Robert Smith, LaGrange, and Joan and Lance Conrad, Mendon, Michigan and two brothers and one sister-in-law, Charles and Roberta Hill, LaGrange and Frank Hill, Chicago, Ill.  He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Kathleen.  Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. Thursday at Carney-Frost Funeral Home in LaGrange.  Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in LaGrange with Father Paul Faroh officiating.  Burial will be at Woodruff Cemetery.  Memorial may be directed to donor’s choice.  Carney-Frost funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

– LaGrange Standard, Indiana, Friday, November 22, 2002

Contributed by Charlotte Hill Edsall


David D. Hart

Stroh – David D. Hart, 83, of rural Stroh, died at 11:20 p.m. Wednesday at his home.  Born February 25, 1901 in LaGrange County, he married Zelma Firestone in Albion December 8, 1928.  Mr. Hart was a retired McCray Refrigeration Co. employee.  Other survivors include one daughter, Ramona Slabaugh of Wolcottville; one son, Teddy Hart of Stroh; two brothers, Ralph Hart of Topeka and Earl Hart of Garrett; 11 grandchildren, one step grandchild, and 22 great-grandchildren.  Three brothers preceded and one sister preceded him in death.  Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Frurip-May Funeral Home, LaGrange, with Rev. Paul Register officiating. Friends may call from 2-9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Brushy Chapel Cemetery, west of LaGrange.

– LaGrange Standard, Indiana, October 18, 1984.

Contributed by Charlotte Hill Edsall


CLINE - August 26, 1881, Mrs. Ellen (Gibney) Cline, relict of William Cline, died after a short illness, at the residence of B. Davidson, in the 83rd year of her age. The deceased was born in Richland County, Ohio, and removed to this State at an early day, and has made her home in this Township (Bloomfield) since. She was not a professed Christian, but strongly advocated the doctrines of the Presbyterian Church and lived a consistent life. A large circle of relatives and friends followed her remains to their last resting-place Brushy Cemetery. The funeral took place from the old Homestead, Rev. T.E. Hughes officiating.

-The Standard, LaGrange, Indiana, September 1, 1881

Contributed by Charlotte Hill Edsall


Ellen (Church) Hill

Ellen (Church) Hill, 66, LaGrange, died Thursday, May 2, 1996 in Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne.  She was born September 6, 1929 in Mishawaka, to Frank and Eva (Helvey) Church.  She was a homemaker and a member of the Rosary Society.  She attended St. Joseph Catholic Church, LaGrange.  She married Albert A. Hill in LaGrange, April 19, 1947.  He died August 10, 1986.  Survivors include three daughters, Mrs. Robert (Becky) Smith, LaGrange, Mrs. Dan (Debra) Gould, Mongo, and Mrs. Lance (Joan) Conrad, Burr Oak, Mil; three sons Charles Hill and Danny Hill both of rural LaGrange and Frank Hill, LaGrange, two sisters, Mary Mecklenburg, Brighton, and Nancy Lewendowski, Pueblo, CO; two brothers, Frank Church, Goshen, and Tom Church, Tampa, FL; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.  The funeral was held Saturday in St. Joseph Catholic Church, LaGrange with Father Paul officiating.  Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery, LaGrange.  Carney-Frost Funeral Home in LaGrange was in charge of arrangements.

– LaGrange Standard, Indiana, May 10, 1996

Contributed by Charlotte Hill Edsall


“Ethan Allen Hassinger Called By Death Wednesday P.M.”
 “Former Trustee of Johnson Township Dies After Short Illness”
 
Ethan Allen Hassinger, aged 69 years, passed away at his home in Wolcottville Wednesday afternoon following a few days’ illness with paralysis.  Funeral services will be held from the home at 2:00 o’clock Saturday afternoon followed be services at he Woodruff Evangelical Church at 2:30 with the Rev. F. C. Wacknitz of Indianapolis officiating.  Burial will be made in the Woodruff Cemetery.  Mr. Hassinger was one lf LaGrange County’s well known men, successful as a farmer and a businessman, former trustee of Johnson Township and a public spirited citizen, who will be sorely missed by all.  He was a member of the Masonic Order and a member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church of Woodruff.  Mr. Hassinger had been a resident of LaGrange County his entire life with the exception of tow years that he lived in Rome City.  He was the son of Anthony and Margaret Hassinger and was born on a farm near Woodruff.  On October 14, 1884, he was married to Miss Jennie Needham.  Those who survive are the wife; a son, George, who lives on the old homestead near Woodruff, a daughter, Mrs. Ledger Hill of near Woodruff, two sisters, Mrs. George Cobbs of Cedar Bluff, Kansas, and Mrs. Homer Spidle of South Milford, and one brother, Lewis E. Hassinger, of Wolcottville, and four grandchildren.

-– LaGrange Standard, Indiana, Thursday, June 18, 1931

Contributed by Charlotte Hill Edsall


Eva Church

Eva H. Church, 73, of R.R. 3, Howe died Monday night, January 20, in the LaGrange County Hospital following an illness of one month.  She was born in Roann, March 9, 1901, the daughter of Robert Sherman Helvey and Ida (Lindzy) Helvey.  She was married in Goshen February 16, 1927, to Frank Church, who preceded her in death July 1965.  The Church’s lived in the Howe area 31 years moving from New Haven.  The resided in California from 1951-1963, when they returned to the Brighton area.  She was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in California.  Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Albert (Ellen) Hill of LaGrange, Mrs. Mary Wood of Howe and Mrs. John (Nancy) Lewandowski of Pueblo, CO; two sons, Frank R. of Fairbanks, Alaska, and Thomas of Seattle< Washington; 18 grandchildren; four great grandchildren and a brother Howard Helvey of South Bend.  Private services were held Thursday in the Frurip-May Funeral Home in LaGrange with Rev. John Long officiating.  Burial was in the Greenwood Cemetery in LaGrange.

– LaGrange Standard, Indiana, Wednesday, January 29, 1975

Contributed by Charlotte Hill Edsall


"Death of Frank C. Harris

Frank C. Harris, tenant on the Orlando C. Basset farm near Brushy Prairie died Wednesday morning from pneumonia following a sickness of only a few days. Mr. Harris was sixty-two years old and leaves a widow, six daughters, and one son. His funeral will be held this afternoon from the Dunkard church at Brighton with burial in the nearby cemetery. Mr. Harris was born in the county and most of his life he had lived in Springfield Township.

- The Standard, LaGrange, IN., Feb. 22, 1929

Contributed by Charlotte Hill Edsall


Frank Church

LaGrange – Frank Church, 67, Rte. 2, LaGrange, died at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, July 4, in the LaGrange County Hospital, where he had been a patient for three days.  He was born in St. Joseph County, Mich, October 17, 1898, a son of Roy M. and Della (Johnsonbaugh) Church.  He was married Feb. 16, 1927 to Eva Helvey in Goshen.  Mr. Church retired in March of 1963, as an employee of Rohr Aircraft Co., in San Diego =, California.  He was a veteran of WW I.  Surviving are his widow, three daughters, Mrs. Hugh (Mary) Wood, of Brighton, Ind., Mrs. Albert (Ellen)Hill of Plato, Ind., and Mrs. Andy (Nancy) Jamieson, of Pueblo, Colorado; two sons, Sgt. Frank Church and Thomas Church, both in the United States Air Force, and both staioned in Spokane, Wash.; 15 grandchildren; three sisters. Mrs. Earl Garr of Evansville, Ind., Mrs. Howard Atha of Angola, Ind., and Mrs. Lee Gilmer of Jacksonville, Fla.; and two brothers, Maurice of Lake James, Ind., and Roy, of South Bend.  Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Frurip Funeral Home in LaGrange, with the Rev. William Yanney, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in LaGrange, officiating.  Burial will take place in Greenwood Cemetery, in LaGrange.  American Legion Post 215, of LaGrange County, will conduct military rites at the grave.  Friends may call at the funeral home.

– LaGrange Standard, Indiana, July 1965

Contributed by Charlotte Hill Edsall


Geraldine Hart

Geraldine G. Hart, 73, of SR 9, Wolcottville, died Wednesday, January 20, 1993 in Vencor-LaGrange Hospital.  She was born in LaGrange County December 17, 1919, the daughter of Edward and Hattie (Harris) Firestone.  She was married in Topeka December 24, 1937, to Ralph C. Hart, who died March 24, 1987.  Mrs. Hart lived most of her life in LaGrange County except from 1953-1968 when she lived in Sturgis, Mich.  She was retired from Kirsch Company of Sturgis.  Surviving are her niece, Ramona Slabaugh, Wolcottville, with whom she made her home, several other nieces and nephews, and a sister, Margaret Slone of South Milford.  She was preceded in death by a sister Zelma Hart, and a brother, Robert Firestone.  Calling hours are Friday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Frurip–May Funeral Home in LaGrange, where services will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Carldean Merrifield officiating.  Burial will be made at Greenwood Cemetery.  Preferred memorial are to LaGrange County Cancer Society.

– LaGrange Standard, Indiana, January 22, 1993.

Contributed by Charlotte Hill Edsall


John Calvin Hill
Memorial Tribute - By: Dr. John H. Rerick

LaGrange Standard, Indiana – April 11, 1907

Photo Caption Included
 
John Calvin Hill was born December 20, 1840 in Oakland Co., Michigan and died at LaGrange, Indian, April 4, 1907, in his sixty-seventh year.  Dates of birth and death number of years lived are of little moment.  How he lived and what he did tell the story that interest and benefits the surviving.  The humblest life well lived is ever worth consideration and grateful remembrance.  No such life is lived in vain.  Though Mr. Hill may not have achieved distinction outside the neighborhood and immediate circle of family and neighborhood, the life he lived and the works he did are among the unrecognized forces that helped encourage and sustain the best influences in family, community , and country.  Born in a farm house, raised on a farm, educated in the neighborhood school, he reached young manhood vigorous in health and ambitious to enter at once upon the duties of domestic and civil life, and in 1860 was married to Lucinda Baker near Wright’s Corners, Johnson Township, where he with his parents had moved some seven years before.  But in 1861 came a crisis that changed all his plans of life.  His country was involved in a terrible strife, and the unity of the states was seriously imperiled.  He believed the Union should be preserved, and for that purpose, was willing to shoulder a musket and give his life, if need be, to maintain its integrity.  He stepped into the ranks of Company H, Forty-Fourth Indiana Volunteer regiment, in September, 1861, went with it under command of Captain W. B. Bingham, into camp of organization at Fort Wayne, and in November 1861, went with this noted command to the front in Kentucky, and  participated with it in all its movements in western Kentucky, Tennessee, northern Mississippi and Alabama in the great battles of Fort Donnellson and Shiloh, in the movement on Corinth, the march eastward some tow hundred miles to Battle Creek, Tennessee, near Chattanooga, thence on the great foot race with the enemy northward to Louisville, thence eastward to Perryville, and the mountains of eastern Kentucky and then southward, back to the vicinity of Nashville, Tennessee.  This marching from Battle Creek covered about seven hundred miles, every soldier carrying his musket and ammunition, three days rations and a blanket, his only shelter.  After a short rest he went with his company in the great campaign embracing the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga, and Missionary Ridge.  He was in the thickest of the fight wherever his command was engaged but strangely escaped unhurt.  Then the three years service for which he and all the men of the regiment had enlisted was about to expire the government, feeling the need of experienced and well disciplined men, importuned those who had served three years to reenlist for three more years as veterans, in organizations to de designated as veteran commands.  Mr. Hill with a majority of the Forty-Fourth regiment accepted this second call to duty and became officially known as a “veteran” and served until the close of the war, serving in the Army three years and ten months, traveling in all over five thousand miles, fifteen hundred of which was on foot.  These four years of his life came under my observation as a medical officer of the regiment.  He was a model private soldier, brave, always ready for duty, cheerfully obedient, uncomplaining, manly and exemplary in personal deportment.  He was of the stuff that is indispensable in making and saving republics.
            After the war he came home, rejoined his family, cleared up a farm, built a comfortable home, and reared a large family, nine in all.  His faithful wife and three sons, John, Charles, and Frank, and one daughter, now Mrs. Margaret Wright, survive him, and deeply mourn their loss.
            A few years ago he retired from his farm and moved to LaGrange, where he was soon enjoying the hearty friendship of new neighbors, as he had for years at his old farm home.  He was elected as a member of the town board in 1906 and served as such up to his decease.  He was a faithful member of J. H. Danseur Post, G. A. R., and held in high esteem by his comrades.
 

Contributed by Charlotte Hill Edsall


Ledger C. Hill

 LaGrange – Services for Ledger C. Hill, 85, of Rt. 2, who died at noon Sunday in the LaGrange Hospital, will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Carney –Frost Funeral Home.  Rev. Carldean Merrifield, pastor of the Plato United Methodist Church, will officiate.  Burial will be in the Woodruff Cemetery, north of Wolcottville.  Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the LaGrange County Cancer Society.

He was born on Feb. 26, 1897, I n LaGrange Co.  He had been a broom maker.  On August 11, 1919, in LaGrange, he married Venah Hassinger, who survives.  Other survivors include two sons, Albert and Wayne, both of LaGrange; 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.  A son, Gerald, died on Feb. 28, 1982.

South Bend Tribune, Monday August 30, 1982

Contributed by Charlotte Hill Edsall


Margaret Ellen Gushwa

 Margaret Ellen Gushwa, the daughter of Joseph and Ellen Gushwa born September 19, 1868, departed this life on March 18th, 1951 at the age of 82 years and 6 months.  She was united in marriage to Frank Harris in February 24, 1885.  To this union were born 12 children with only 6 living children surviving with three living in Michigan and 3 in Indiana. They are Mrs. (Ella) Malone of Sturgis, Mrs. Stella Lawrence at whose home she passed away at in Sturgis, Mr. Dora Harris of Sturgis, Mrs. Charles (Martha) Stebbe? Of Brighton, Mrs. Edward (Hattie) Firestone of Elmira, Mrs. Frank (Frankie) Horner of near Brighton.  3 died in infancy.  Mrs. Iva Chupp passed away in 1927.  Mrs. Ina Mettert passed away in 1935. Mrs. Letta Audus passed away in 1937

Obituary in Bible/Notes of Hattie Harris Firestone

Contributed by Charlotte Hill Edsall


Margaret Gushwa Harris

Mrs. Edward Firestone received word Sunday of the death on that day of her mother, Mrs. Margaret Gushwa Harris at the home of Mrs. Firestone's sister, Mrs. Stella Lawrence in Sturgis.  Mr. and Mrs. Firestone, Mrs. David Hart and Mr. and Mrs. Teddy Hart called in the Lawrence home in Sturgis Sunday evening.

May 22, 1951 - LaGrange Standard, LaGrange, Indiana

Harris

LaGrange, March 19. - Mrs. Margaret Ellen Harris, 82, formerly of near here, died Sunday at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Stella Lawrence, Sturgis.  She was the widow of Frank Harris.  Five daughters, one son, and several grandchildren survive.  Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Caton & Frurip Funeral Home, LaGrange, the Rev. Donald Koontz officiating.  Burial will be in the English Prairie Cemetery.
 

Contributed by Charlotte Hill Edsall


"Death Claims Life of Mrs. Charles Hill"

Mrs. Charles Hill, 79, died Tuesday afternoon at one o'clock at the family home farm northeast of Plato, following a long illness. Funeral services will be held at the Caton and Frurip Funeral Home Friday afternoon at three o'clock with the Rev. C. L. Robinson in charge and burial will be made in the Woodruff Cemetery. Nellie E. Cline was born February 16, 1868, in the community of the present home, the daughter of William and Eliza (Spears) Cline. Survivors besides the husband include one son, Ledger Hill, of near Plato, and three grandsons Gerald, Wayne, and Albert Hill. The late Frank Cline of east of LaGrange was a brother.

- The Standard, LaGrange, Indiana, June 5, 1947

“Nellie E. Cline Hill Obituary from Hill Family Bible”

Nellie E. Cline, the daughter of William and Eliza (Spears) Cline was born in Bloomfield Township, LaGrange County on February 16, 1868, and departed this life June 3, 1947 at the age of 79 years, 3 months, and 15 days. Her entire life was spent in LaGrange County. She received her early education in the public schools and later attended Angola. She taught at various schools for nine years. On December 3, 1895 she was untied in marriage to Charles Hill, to this marriage was born one son Ledger. They began their life together on a farm and lived their entire life there with the exception of eight years they lived in Mongo. She and her Husband enjoyed fifty-two years of married life together believing that the home was the center of society and to be a good citizen was the highest duty of all. Her great love for her family caused her every effort to have them near her, and every thought was to serve and make those comfortable about her. In the last few months of failing health, she was ever anxious and hopeful that relief might come, realizing that her work was finished she resigned herself to her maker. She leaves to mourn her departure her loving husband, one son and his wife (Venah Hassinger), Mr. and Mrs. Ledger Hill, her grandchildren, Gerald, Wayne and Albert Hill. Also, a sister-in-law Mrs. Mary Wright of White Pigeon who tenderly cared for her during her illness, one brother-in-law Joseph Smith, a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends and neighbors, two sisters Mary Anderson and Rachel Smith, two brothers Frank Cline and Milton Cline proceeded her in death. Thus the life of a Good Mother and companion will be held in tender memory to all.
"Mourn not the dead who calmly lie by God's own hand composed to rest.
For hark, a voice from yonder sky proclaims them blest, supremely blest.
With them the toil and strife are o'er, their labors end, their sorrows cease.
For they have gained that blissful shore where dwells serene, eternal peace."

Contributed by Charlotte Hill Edsall



"Mrs. Alonzo Hart Dies At Home of Son at Stroh

Mrs. Pheby S. Hart, wife of Alonzo Hart , died at the home of a son, Ralph Hart, at Mongo, Wednesday afternoon at 4:30 o'clock succumbing to old age infirmities. She had been ill for a long period. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock at the Beulah Church with Rev. Donald Koontz in charge and burial will b at the cemetery near by. Caton and Frurip have charge of the arrangements. Pheby S, Caldwell was born in Clearspring Township arch 13, 1875, the daughter of John and Sarah Caldwell. She lived in the Topeka vicinity during her life until she and Mr. Hart came to the home of their son at Stroh ten and one-half years ago. Surviving are the husband and six children. Clark and Clarence of Wawaka; David and Ralph of Stroh; Earl of Topeka and Mrs. Emma Miller of Bryan, Ohio. There are 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

- The Standard, LaGrange, Indiana, December 2, 1948

Contributed by Charlotte Hill Edsall



Valentine Hassinger

HASSINGER - At the residence of Mrs. Margaret Hassinger, near Wright's Corners, April 15, 1882, Valentine Hassinger died aged 89 years, 2 months, and 15 days. The deceased was born in Oppenheim, Germany, January 30, 1793. He emigrated to America in the year 1817, and took up his residence in the state of Pennsylvania, from thence he removed to LaGrange County, Indiana, being a resident of this county for thirty-five years. He married Miss Christina A. Dollinger, in 1821, with whom he lived happily for fifty -six years. She died in 1877. He was the father of eleven children five of whom are still living. He was a Christian, a good citizen and a true friend. He went down to his grave like a shock of corn, fully ripe, cheered with the blessed hope of a glorious immortality beyond the tomb. His funeral services were held at Wright's Corners, April 17, Rev. L. Rice officiating.

-The Standard, LaGrange, Indiana, Thursday, April 20, 1882

Contributed by Charlotte Hill Edsall



"William A. Cline"

*Photograph Included in Obituary

William A. Cline was born in Richland County Ohio, August 8, 1830, and after having suffered more or less for four years, he quietly, peacefully passed away from the home near Plato, Indiana, June 7, 1907 at the age of 76 years, nine months, and 23 days. In 1854 he came with his parents to Indiana and in 1858 he was happily marries to Mary E. Spears and settled on this farm where they wrought and labored for 49 years. Thus for most a half a century they, like two veritable pilgrims, have been trudging down life's weary way, bearing it's burdens, dividing equally it's cares and toile and sharing unitedly in all it's triumphs and defeats. To this union there were born 5 children, two sons and three daughters, the eldest whom died in infancy while four, Frank B., Mary J. Anderson, Nelllie E. Hill, and Rachel L. Smith survive. He also had eleven grandchildren. Mr. Cline belonged to a hardy race, having a vigorous constitution which served him well when hardships, much labor and rough usage constituted the heritage of the early settler but as a reward for all of these years you only need look around and behold the present environments. Mr. Cline was a man of unswerving integrity, sterling worth with a pure and stainless character and having lived in the same community on the same farm for 49 years, he won and held the respect of all who knew him. He was a faithful and devoted husband, and affectionate father, and a noble citizen. He bore his afflictions and suffering so patiently that no murmur was ever heard and no complaint escaped his lips. While he was not a member of any church, he was a believer ad is private life was in harmony with that belief and he expressed himself to a friend that he was ready and willing to die. Last Friday morning, surrounded by his loved ones, the taper of life gently extinguished. He reached the end of his pilgrimage and his spirit sped away to that land from whence no traveler returns. The dissolution of this marital union leaves his companion of many years- this devoted wife - a lone pilgrim who in "only waiting until the shadows have a little longer grown" when she will be reunited with all her loved ones in the land of the blessed. She with four children, two brothers, George Cline of Angola, Indiana and Samuel Cline of Bloomfield Township, and Mrs. Hannah Davidson and Mrs. Sarah Cornell of this vicinity, together with many relatives and friends, will miss and mourn this kind husband and father and noble citizen. He always greeted his friends with a bright smiling face. He was ever cheerful and hoped that each day would bring him relief from his sufferings. When all had been done for him that loving hands could do, he quietly and peacefully passed away. The last hour, although expected for many days, was none the less painful for the loved ones remaining. His helpfulness and dependence on the family for so many years has all the more endeared him to them and their sorrow at his departure is keenly felt.

"How strange it seems, with so much gone of life and love, to still live on!

O Mother, only then art left of the home circle now.

The dear home face whereupon that ______ firelight paled and shown;

Henceforwards, listen, as we will.

The voice of that hearth is still, Look where we may the wild earth o'er,

That bright face will smile no more.

Relatives from abroad in attendance at the services were: William McNutt, Samuel Gage and wife, Ashley, Indiana; Albert Hoyarter and wife, Silas Helmer and wife, Charles Helmer and wife, Helmer, Indiana; Albert Cline and wife, Mrs. Nancy and Clara Cline, William More, wife and son, William Topping, Angola; Judson Mabie and wife, Arthur Mabie, Mount Pigsah; Mrs. Sarah Cornell, Albert and Delbert Cornell, Stroh; R. Butler and wife, Salem Center; Calvin Cline and wife, Mrs. William Gripe, Lansing, Michigan; Ray McKee and wife Emma, Salem Center; Mrs. Huldah Williams, Grand Rapids, Michigan; George Ousterhout, Fred Spears and wife, Abijah Emerson and wife, Salem Center; Fred Miller and wife and john and Henry Spears, Brushy Prairie; James Larue and wife, Valentine; and Charles Schindler, wife and son, LaGrange. Internment at Brushy Prairie Cemetery.

- The Standard - LaGrange, Indiana, June 13, 1907

Contributed by Charlotte Hill Edsall


Email: Patti Norton