Obituaries

KEELE, Dolan -- (1921 - 13 Aug 1936)

Newspaper date and source unknown.

Dolan Keele, the fifteen-year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Levi Keele, of this community died August 13th, 1936 at the Lampasas Hospital where he had been taken for treatment. The body was interred the next day in the Odd Fellows Cemetery at Burnet. The Burnet Funeral Home had charge of the funeral arrangements. The service was conducted by Bro. L. V. Nobles, Church of Christ minister, of which the deceased was a member. The pallbearers were Bunk Gibbs, Frank Moreland, Buck Wolf, B. Pogue, Clen Shilling and C. E. Shilling.

Dolan is survived by his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Levi Keele, and one sister, and numerous near relatives. He was a sturdy upright lad, having the respect and friendship of every one that knew him. The sympathy of the people of this entire section go out to the heart-broken father, mother, and sister in their bereavement.

Burnet Bulletin, Jan 1, 1942; From Barry Caraway

Mrs. J. R. Keele Called

Mrs. J. R. Keele of Oak Hill community was called by death Monday, December 29th, 1941, following a stroke a few days previously. Her funeral service was held in the Burnet Church of Christ, conducted by W. E. Fry of this place and Silas Howell of Lampasas. Burial was in the Burnet cemetery, under the direction of the W. Northington Funeral home. The pallbearers were: Flody Frazier, Tom Frazier, W. A. Warden, Myron Greer, Jess Pogue and Lee Faubion.

Mrs. Keele is survived by her husband J. R. Keele, and six sons, L. G. Keele of Brownwood, J. M. Keele of Kempner, L. K. Keele of Camp Wood, J. R. Keele. Jr. of Uvalde, and Clint and Clyde Keele of Burnet. All of them were present when their mother died.

Mrs. Keele was born January 9th, 1880 in Nashville, Tennessee. The family came to this section many years ago and for close to a third of a century have lived in the Oak Hill community, a few miles north of Burnet where the parents and sons have been outstanding participants in the neighborhood. Mrs. Keele was a helpful and loving wife, a devoted mother, and neighbor, loved, honored and respected by all with whom she came in contact.

The Bulletin joins in extending sympathy to the bereaved family.

Lampasas Dispatch Record, page 10 Thursday, September 7, 1995; contributed by Susan Meders, medars @ attbi.com

Mrs. Kenan

Funeral services for Alice Louise Kenan, 99, of Lampasas were held Wednesday afternoon at Sheppard Memorial Chapel or Memories with the Rev. Stephen Holcombe officiating. Burial followed in Bethel Cemetery in Burnet County.

Mrs. Kenan died Monday at Rollins Brook Community Hospital.

She was born Sept. 7, 1895, in Sonora, the daughter of John Hugh and Minnie Lee Valentine McCoy. She was an 80-year member of First Baptist Church in Lampasas, and was a housewife and mother.

Survivors include a daughter, Johnnie Wilson, of Lampasas; two sons, James Kenan, of Lampasas, and Alton Kenan, of Belton; a sister, Lela Whitaker, of Burnet; a sister-in-law, Agnes McCoy, of Burnet; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Milton H. Kenan. Sheppard Memorial Funeral Home of Lampasas had charge of arrangements.

Burnet Bulletin, March 25, 1909; contributed by Barry Caraway (L.C. Kincheloe was an uncle)

L. C. Kincheloe Died

Grandpa Kincheloe died Tuesday morning, March 23rd, at 3 o'clock. He had been in feeble health for several months and his death was not unexpected. He leaves a wife, to whom he had been married 57 years, ten children, as follows: Mrs. J. T. Chamberlain of Burnet, Mrs. S. C. Lockett of Whitney, C. B. Kincheloe of Burnet County, Mrs. AM. Luckey of Utopia, W. J. Kincheloe of Burnet County, Mrs. S. H. Matthews of Hutto, L. E. Kincheloe of Bertram, Mrs. W. T. Cummins of Burnet County, Sheriff J. W. Kincheloe of Burnet County, Mrs. B. B. Chamberlain of Fairland, besides a large number of grandchildren and several great-grandchildren to mourn his death.

The body was interred in the Jennings Creek Cemetery, with in sight of the old homestead, where he lived for an ordinary lifetime, and scores of his old friends were present to pay their last respects to his memory. Bro. Rodgers, Methodist minister at this place, conducted the service.

Grandpa Kincheloe was born in Alabama, March 22nd, 1829, making him at the time of his death 80 years and one day old. When only a lad he moved to Texas, and has continually resided in the State since. In 1852, in Williamson County, Texas, he was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Bowmer, who with unfaltering courage joined him in combating and conquering the many hardship incident to frontier days in Texas. His principal avocation was raising horses and the Indians in their raids stole many hundred dollars worth of his animals, but undiscouraged he continued until success crowned a comfortable competency.

He served the Confederacy during the civil war, being engaged in delivering beeves to the Confederate Government. In 1865 he moved from Williamson to Burnet County, settling on the South Gabriel, a few miles east of Burnet and resided there until about 1900, when with his wife he moved to town.

He had been a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church for about twenty-five years, and always contributed liberally to its support. No suffering or needy person ever called upon him and was turned away empty-handed. When his children were young, the home of grandpa was noted. As a host he could not be surpassed. When a lad writer delighted in visiting his home. He always treated me with more courtesy and hospitality than the ordinary man treats guests of his own age. When he was sick during the fall, although helpless and suffering agony, never a night passed that that he did not insist upon those by his bedside having something to eat and lying down. His pain, which he bore with the courage of a stoic, was never so great that he did not think of the comfort of those attending him. He possessed a magnificent constitution and when in his prime, this section has had few men his equal in physical endurance and prowess.

For grandma our hearts bleed in sympathy, but the thought that will give her most comfort will be the knowledge that 'ere many years she will be united with grandpa through eternity when the fifty-seven years with the sorrows and joys they lived together upon this earth will be but a memory. For the righteous death is the beginning of life.

Burnet Bulletin, 6 Oct. 1927

Mrs. Lewis Kincheloe died Monday night near Bertram. She had been ill for several months of cancer. All that medical skill could offer was done for her relief, but to no avail. She is survived by her husband, several children, a large number of relatives and many friends. Her name was Stewart before her marriage and she was born and reared in the lower Oatmeal community. The Bulletin joins others in extending condolence to the bereaved husband and children.

Burnet Bulletin. August 13, 1903; From Barry Caraway (Cousin)

"Leaves have their time to fall. 
And flowers to wither at the north wind's breath, 
And stars to set-but all, 
Thou hast all seasons for Thine own, 
O death. 
Youth and the opening rose
May look like things too glorious for decay. 
And smile at thee-but thou art not of those
That wait the ripened bloom to seize their prey. "

Death, the cruel implacable foe, visited our community on the 4th of this month, this time taking Robert T. Kincheloe, the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Kincheloe, who was stricken down with that dread disease appendicitis. He was only sick about a week and never during that time did he express any fear of death or the hereafter, remaining conscious up until within a few moments of death, expressing himself as having no fear but what his future was right with God, (having obeyed Christ's teachings during the meeting which had just closed at Mt. Zion) and bidding all to meet him in Heaven.

And now to the sorrowing relatives, we would say weep not as those who have no hope. We deeply sympathize with you in this, your sad bereavement, not only the writer but the entire community. But sympathy will not heal your sorrow, none but the Divine Healer can do that and He will do it. You have only to trust in Him. God giveth and He taketh away. Bob, as he was familiarly called, was a good boy, obedient in all things to his parents, kind to his brother and sisters, courteous to every one, and will be sadly missed by all of us. But our loss is his eternal gain. All that human power could do, was done for his recovery but it seems the call of our Master was "Come up higher. "

"We watched his breathing through the night, 
His breathing soft and low, 
And in his breath the wave of life
Kept heaving to and fro. 
So silently we seemed to speak
So slowly moved about, 
As we had lent him half our powers, 
To eke his living out. 
Our weary hopes belied our fears
Our fears our hopes belied, 
We thought him dying when he slept, 
And sleeping when he died. "

And 'tis but a sleeping after all, for there shall be a glad awakening some day, when Bob, with all the dead in Christ, shall take his place on the right hand side of Him who came to redeem from sin, all who will trust in Him. A long good-bye to you, Bob, and may we all meet you in that "City not made with hands." where shall be no more good-bye, no more troubles, pain, or parting, where all is joy and happiness forever.

 "Good-bye Robert, thy work is all done, 
Thy beautiful soul into glory game, 
Glorious life with its crown now won, 
God giveth the rest. 
Rest from all sorrow, and watching and fears, 
Rest from all possible sighing and tears, 
Rest through God's endless, wonderful years, 
At home with the blest
Beautiful spirit, free from all stain, 
"Ours the heart ache, the sorrow and pain, 
Thine is the glory and infinite gain
Thy slumber is sweet. 
Peace is the brow and the eye-lids so calm, 
Peace is the heart neath the white folded palm, 
Peace dropping down like a wondrous balm
O'er slumber so sweet. 
It was so sudden our white lips said, 
How we shall miss him, the beautiful dead, 
Who take the place of the precious one fled?
But God knoweth best. 
We know he watches the sparrows fall, 
Hear the sad cry of the grieved hearts that call, 
Father, mother, brother, sisters, He loveth them all, 
We can trust for the rest. "

-J. L. M.

Burnet Bulletin, June 9, 1909; From Barry Caraway, Nephew

Grandma Kincheloe dead

Grandma Kincheloe died Tuesday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. W. T. Cummins. She had been in very feeble health since grandpa's death nine weeks ago, but with unfaltering courage had not given up until about ten days ago, when her illness became so acute that she was forced to take to her bed. Her body was interred in the Jenning's Creek Cemetery, by the side of grandpa. The pastor Rev. Griffith, in a beautiful tribute to her memory, performed the funeral service. An obituary will be published next week.
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Burnet Bulletin, June 16, 1909

Ruth Kincheloe

The Subject of this sketch was born in Johnson county, Missouri, March 13th 1834; died Tuesday, May 25th, 1909, having reached the ripe old age of seventy-five years, two months and twelve days. With her father's family she moved to Texas in 1849, settling in Williamson county. On April 13th, 1852, she was married to L. C. Kincheloe, and their married life together extended over a period of fifty-seven years, 1 month and twelve days. To this union thirteen children were born, ten of whom are still living, as follows: Mrs. J. T. Chamberlain of Burnet, Mrs. S. C. Lockett of Whitney, C. B. Kincheloe of Burnet county, Mrs. S. J. Luckey of Utopia, W. J. Kincheloe of Burnet county, Mrs. S. J. Matthews of Hutto, L. E. Kincheloe of Bertram, Mrs. W. T. Cummins of Burnet county, Sheriff J. W. Kincheloe of Burnet county and Mrs. B. B. Chamberlain of Burnet county. Two of the children died in infancy and the other, Mrs. B. F. Warden, died at her home in Bertram less than two years ago.

Grandma joined the church when quite young and remained a consistent member of the church of her choice, the Cumberland Presbyterian, until her death. In their active days the home of decedent and husband was noted for miles around for its hospitality. Many citizens of this county can testify to pleasant hours in the past spent beneath the roof of the old homestead on the Burnet and Austin road, where they lived for many years and where most of their children grew to manhood and womanhood.

Her life in Texas in the early days inured grandma to hardships of frontier life. The Indians frequently depredated upon their stock and annoyed them in other ways, she took care of several little children during the Civil War, with her husband she faced many adversities and discouragements, but with Spartan courage never gave up, and as a consequence the last years of her life were spent surrounded by her husband and children, in the midst of plenty and happiness, the result of a long life lived right.

All who knew grandma will testify to her loving constancy as a wife, devotion as a mother, kindness as a friend and neighbor, and consistency as a Christian. Few better women have lived, and her influence will reach many -------------. The death of her husband nine weeks ago was a blow from which she could not recover, and her loved ones had realized for some time that her days were numbered. Surrounded by her devoted children and other relatives, the summons came that called her to the home above, where today with grandpa she is reaping the reward of a life well spent upon earth. Beside the fresh mound of her life's helpmate, her body was laid to rest Tuesday afternoon in the Jenning's Creek Cemetery. Her pastor, Rev. Griffith of Liberty Hill, paid a beautiful tribute to her life, the truth of which will be attested by all who know her. The sons and daughters should grieve not; their mother had passed the scriptural span of life; she deserves the rest that is promised the faithful; she is reunited with grandpa. Rather let them view with gladness the fact that heaven holds treasures for them that cannot now be taken away.

In the 16 Jan 1902 Burnet Bulletin:

AUNT BETSY KING DEAD

Last Saturday morning Aunt Betsy King died very suddenly at the home of her daughter, Mrs. W. B. Johnson on Council Creek. She was very old, and while her death at this time was unexpected, it could not have been a great surprise. Her body was interred in the Oatmeal Cemetery, her nephew, Rev. L.S. Chamberlain, conducting the service. She leaves a number of children and one sister to mourn her death. An obituary will be given later.

Burnet Bulletin, 18 Dec 1881

Mr. J. H. King, living on Morgan Creek, died of typhoid pneumonia yesterday morning.  He was a hard working farmer and a good citizen.

Contributed by Teresa Shands, 14 May 2000, From the Burnet Bulletin - Dec 6, 1920

JAMES C. KING DEAD

Saturday morning, December 4th, 1920, at his home in Burnet James C. King, following a short illness, departed this life. He was sick only a short time and seriously for only a few days.

The body was interred Sunday afternoon in the Mt. Zion community, by the side of his wife, who preceded him to the Great Beyond some two years ago, and in which community he lived for many years and reared his family. Notwithstanding the very threatening weather, many friends of deceased and family from this place and hundreds from Mt. Zion and Bertram gathered to gathered to pay their last sad rites of respect. The funeral service was conducted by Rev. A. S. Broaddus of Bertram.

The active pallbearers were S.E. Guthrie, Herman Schnabel, Geo. Lamon, Willis Smith, Jesse Root, and Walton Christian. The honorary pallbearers were Gen. Johnson, James Guthrie, Sr., W.T. Cumins, D.T. Munn, J.C. Lamon, R.B. Potts, L.D. Ater, Geo. W. Pierce, H.F. Yoe, and Dr. Howell.

Deceased leaves five daughters, as follows: Mrs. Lon Gothcher of Falfurrias, Mrs. F.W. Jennings of Bertram, Miss Clara King of Dallas, Mrs. Stanley Demand of Oklahoma, Mrs. Bob Reed of Bertram; sons Wat King of Arizona, Tecumseh King of (New) Mexico, and Ben L. King of Burnet. With the exception of Mrs. Gotcher, Wat and Tecumseh, all reached this place in time for the funeral.

Mr. King had been a resident of Burnet County for almost 40 years, the greater portion of this time being spent in the Mt. Zion community. When very young he moved to Texas from Missouri and settled in Karnes County, Texas, where he grew to manhood. When war was declared between the states he promptly volunteered and served under General Tom Green. He made a splendid soldier and was justly proud of the part he played in the Civil War. He attended many of the Confederate Reunions and enjoyed them as few men could.

Shortly after the close of the war he moved to Louisiana, where he remained for several years, and where he married his late companion, a woman of rare gifts and intelligence. J.C. King had the intellect of a Gladstone and in his youth had he been blessed with the educational advantages of the present day, he would have left behind him a great name as a lawyer, educator, journalist or in some field of endeavor. He was a great student of history and current events, and one of the most fascinating talkers and recounter of incidents that had come under his observation that this writer has ever known. I have known him since I was a small boy and King was the only man that by his conversation could completely captivate my attention and make me forget to want to got out and play. He had a rare vein of humor that would give added interest to his descriptions of men and events.

People not well acquainted with him might have thought him gruff and indifferent, but such was not the case. He had a heart as tender as a woman and few men surpassed him in genuine love for his family, friends and neighbors. If he did not like a man, he avoided him, but was never ungracious.

In his death Burnet County loses a spendid citizen, and one who will be missed by scores of warm personal friends. The daughters and sons will mourn a father whom they truly venerated and loved. Especially will he be missed by his younger son Ben who had never left the parental roof and who in his declining years and last days was so tender and faithful in administering to his comfort.

The sympathy of the entire community goes out to the children in the loss of their loving and faithful father. &endash; Burnet Bulletin.

============================

notes: James Carmichael King, born June 15, 1842 in Johnson Co. MO., was the son of John Lewis King and Elizabeth Barton. He married 1874 in LA, Susie Matilda MILES, who preceded him in death Apr 1, 1918.

Burnet Bulletin, 2 April 1918

MRS J.C. KING DEAD

The entire community was deeply shocked Monday night when it was learned that Mrs. J.C. King was dead. Very few of our people even knew that she was ill. She was sick only three or four days. The body was interred Tuesday afternoon in the Mt. Zion Cemetery, seven miles east of Burnet. The funeral service was conducted by Elder Morgan Morgans, Christian minister, of which church decedent had been a consistant member for many years. A very large number of sorrowing relatives and friends were present to pay their last act of respect to the departed dead.

Deceased is survived by her husband, J. C. King, and eight children, as follows : Mrs. Lon Gotcher of Falfurrias, Watkins King of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Tecumseh King of El Paso, Mrs. F.W. Jennings of Bertram, Mrs. Bob Reed of Bertram, Ben, Misses Clara and Grace of Burnet. At the time of her death Mrs. King was in her sixty-eighth year. She was married to J. C. King on the 11th day of February, 1874, in Louisiana, the state of her nativity. They moved to Burnet County in 1879, and a short time thereafter settled on the head of South Gabriel, in the Mt. Blanc neighborhood, where they resided until a few years ago, when they moved to Burnet, where they have since been living with the exception of a few years spent in South Texas.

Decedent possessed a mind of unusual brilliancy, which with a splendid education, made her one of the most interesting women it has ever been the good fortune of this writer to be associated with. She has many friends in every section of Burnet county who sincerely mourn her death. The heart-broken husband and children have the sympathy of all in this, the greatest hour of bereavement any of them have ever before been called upon to suffer.

From the Burnet Bulletin, 19 Oct 1995, [transcribed by JM]

Larry Fletcher King, "The Magicman", 81, passed away Friday, Sept. 29, 1995. He was born Apr. 14, 1914 to Esther Eliza and William Thomas King in Graford Texas, in Palo Pinto County. He was one of four brothers, Clarence, Marshal and James.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 30 years, Juanita A. Hargrove King of Houston, and Flora Tindell King of Burnet, his wife of 10 years.

He is survived by

his son, Fred A. Moritz, and daughter-in-law Cathy
a grandson, Fred A. Moritz, Jr., of St. Inigoes, Maryland
daughter, Shirley E. Kasper and son-in-law Ronald C. Kasper of Old Town, Idaho
four grandchildren,
Anita M. Honsuick of Newport, WA
Michelle D. Gibbs of Priest River, Idaho
John D. Kasper of Salina, Kansas,
Anthony C. Gibbs of Houston
14 great-grandchildren.

Larry was a butcher for 15 years in his early days and later became an active member of the Independent Order of the Foresters until he retired in the early '70s. He was president of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Ring 39, in Houston from 1967-69. He was also an avid chess player. You could find him on most any Saturday at Storm's [hamburger place on Hwy 281 in Burnet] playing chess with the best of players. He was a student of knowledge and felt that laughter is the best medicine to a long life.

A memorial service was held Fri. Oct 13 at the First Baptist Church of Silver Creek, the Rev. Paul Flanders officiating.

From The Burnet Bulletin, Thursday, June 5, 1924

John A. Kinkead departed this life in a Temple hospital last Wednesday afternoon, May 28th, 1924. The body was brought back to his home in Burnet and interred Friday afternoon in the Odd Fellows Cemetery. Rev. O. O. Moore, pastor of the Methodist Church conducted the funeral service, assisted by Rev. W. P. Crow, Baptist pastor. Both ministers pronounced glowing tributes to deceased as a man and citizen. As tokens of respect to deceased every business house in town closed during the funeral, District Court recessed and the Grand Jury adjourned. One of the largest funeral processions ever seen at this place gathered at the residence and cemetery to pay their last respects to their departed friend and neighbor. The grave was literally smothered with lovely flowers.

Mr. Kinkead is survived by his wife, and eight children, as follows: Mrs. Clarence Wallace, Leander; Mrs. Harry Laue, Ft. Worth; Allen Kinkead, Wichita Falls; Mrs. Earl Foulds, Burnet; Mrs. John Piper, Ft. Worth; L. D. Kinkead, Wichita Falls; and Misses Helen and Grace, Burnet. All the children, the sons-in-law and the daughter-in-law were present at the funeral.

John A. Kinkead was born at Shelbyville, Kentucky, March 6th, 1870, making him at the time of his death in his 54th year. He came to Burnet in 1883, and resided here continuously since that time until his death. In 1892 he was united in marriage to Miss Mattie Nichols, and they have reared one of the most interesting families this writer has ever known&emdash;seven of them being graduates of the Burnet High School, which is a splendid record that perhaps few families possess. We doubt if any husband and wife anywhere, with as large family, can point with pride to seven graduates out of eight children, and the youngest, still in the low school following in the footsteps of her sisters and brothers.

This writer cannot say what he wants to about John Kinkead without speaking in the personal of him. I know that outside of his family, I knew him more intimately than any other living person. For fifteen years, our shops were in adjoining buildings, his in the rear of Churchill's Store and mine in the rear of the County building, where each of us remained until the fire of 3 1/2 years ago. Unless he was busy out of his shop, I do not believe a day during this time passed, that he failed to visit me, or I visited him. I learned to love him like a brother, and in all my life, with the exception of the death of some near and dear relatives, no one's death has caused me the regret and sorrow that John Kinkead's has. For twenty years he has told me his troubles and joys and always had a sympathetic listener, whose pleasure it ever was to encourage and when possible to extend a helping hand. This place never had a more patriotic citizen, and every public movement for the good of the community, received his encouragement and aid. Especially was he interested in the welfare of the school, and for years he has been giving a medal to one of the grades. He carried this interest for education into his home, with the result that every grown child of his, as stated above, is a graduate of our high school. All of his married children have married well and he was justly proud of these new additions to his family circle.

Many of the most pleasant hours I have spent within the past twenty years have been in John Kinkead's company. Although he was a staunch Republican, and we did not agree at all in politics, this furnished a source of additional pleasure to the two of us upon many occasions, in comparing the relative merits of our respective parties. Under some of the Republican administrations in recent years, he has been County and Precinct Chairman and was often consulted by the state leaders. Had he not been handicapped by partial deafness I am sure he would have gone high in the Republican Counsels of this State. He was a man of intelligence far above the ordinary, and always kept abreast of current events and was an intelligent talker and splendid reasoner. He had his convictions and could not be swerved from them, but was liberal in premitting others the same privilege of thought and action that he claimed for himself. He was a close student of human nature and despised sham and hypocracy wherever found. He was what he was to all men, at all times, which was one of the qualities that endeared him to those who knew him best.

Between Mr. Kinkead and his sons, Allen and L. D., there was a sympathy and understanding rare between father and sons. He was proud of his two boys, and had reason to be. I do not believe I have ever seen more loyalty from sons to father than these two possess. I have seen them together, planning fishing trips and other outings, and had it not been for the streaks of gray in Mr. Kinkead's hair, one could not have told which was father and which the sons. I hope that when my boy has reached the age of Allen and L. D. that he will have the same love for my companionship and association that these young men had for their father.

Mr. Kinkead was a splendid, dependable workman, and since he established a shop of his own several years ago, has built a wide patronage from all sections of the County, and extending into other counties. Some three years ago he purchased property upon which he erected a commodious building for his growing business and was enjoying prosperity and a lucrative trade. This to me, is one of the sad features of his death. Always a hard working man, looking closely to the comfort and welfare of his family, the grim reaper came just when he had reached the milestone in life where he could begin to take things easier, but it seems to be often this&emdash;when the days we have been looking forward to come, the Grim Reaper is ready to call.

Another bond that drew me to John Kinkead, was his love for clean, manly sports, and the encouragement he gave other boys as well as his own. I know that I have been criticized by some for the interest I take in such pastimes, and I suspect my departed friend has suffered the same experience, but when the school boy games in this town occurred he followed my example or I followed his, and our shops were closed. The boys knew he was their friend and supporter and they appreciated him as they have few other men that have resided in Burnet.

Goodbye, old friend&emdash;never more upon this earth shall we roam the rugged hills of the Colorado together; never again shall we enjoy our almost daily tilts upon public issues and men, that endeared us to one another as our heads turned gray. I cannot realize that you are gone and that never more shall we meet again. No one knows the hereafter, but if you can look down upon me, I want to tell you that if your boys&emdash;your loved ones, ever need a friend, they may count upon me as long as life lasts. Goodbye, old friend!

L. C. Chamberlain.

Marble Falls Messenger, 19 December 1957

contributed by BARRY CARAWAY, barrycaraway@hotmail.com, Aug 2002

CENTENARIAN DIES HERE LAST SATURDAY

This section lost a centenarian last Saturday in the death of Mrs. A. M. Kinser. Mrs. Kinser was born February 11, 1857, and passed away last Saturday at her home here with her daughter, Mrs. Kate Lyda, after 100 years and 10 months. Up until a few years ago, Mrs. Kinser was in good health and much of the history of the county could be related by her stories of the early settlers of this area. She could remember when the Indians frequently visited this section, driving away horses and other livestock belonging to the settlers.

Funeral services were held last Sunday afternoon at two o'clock in the Edgar Funeral Home in Burnet with Bro. W. M. Hoover and Bro. Cliff McDougal officiating. Burial was in the Toby cemetery. Survivors include: three daughters, Mrs. Goldie Walker, Morton, Texas; Mrs. Nora Carter, Oregon City, Oregon; Mrs. Kate Lyda, Marble Falls; three sons, W. C. Kinser, Levelland,Texas; C. L. and G. A. Kinser, both of Marble Falls.

Friends extend sympathy to the relatives in loss of this loved one.

Marble Falls Messenger, Thursday, April 5,1923; Contributed by Barry Caraway

J. H. KINSER, DEAD

Word came to relatives here last Monday morning that John H. Kinser had shot himself at home near Gorman in Eastland County. Details concerning the tragedy are meager. Two shots were fired from a shot gun. The first went wild and the second took effect in the left arm, tearing away the muscle and a part of the bone. An artery was severed and he bled to death before medical aid could be summoned.

This is one of the saddest tragedies we have heard of in a long time. Deceased is survived by his wife and six children, two of whom are married besides a host of other relatives.

J. H. Kinser was a son of the late "Uncle Andy" Kinser and a brother to Mrs. Geo. Whitman, Mrs. A. L. Askew, Mrs. Will Heinatz, and Price, Newt, and Dan Kinser. He was reared in Pleasant Valley and enjoyed the respect esteem of the citizenship of that community. Only recently he sold his farms in Pleasant Valley and moved to Eastland County where he invested in real estate.

Interment took place in Eastland County last Tuesday and was attended by a number of relatives from this section.

The Messenger extends sympathy to those who mourn this sad death. May they take comfort in the promises recorded in the Holy Book.

Marble Falls Messenger, Thursday, Feb. 5, 1920; Contributed by Barry Caraway

Mrs. A. J. Kinser of Pleasant Valley, a pioneer citizen of this county, died at her home last Monday afternoon.

Mrs. Kinser was born in Greene County, Tennessee, April 13th, 1834. On January 23rd, 1853 she was married to Mr. A. J. Kinser. In the early sixties, she came with her husband to Texas and located in Pleasant Valley, where she lived up to date of her death.

Mrs. Kinser was the mother of eleven children,nine of whom are still living. They are: Newt Kinser of Pleasant, Price of Mormon Mill, George of Louisiana, John and Dan of Pleasant Valley, Mrs. A. L. Askew and Mrs. Dee Thompson of Pleasant Valley and Mrs. Lela Heinatz of Leander. There are 52 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.

In 1873 Mrs. Kinser made a profession of religion and united with the Methodist Church. From the day of her profession to the date of her death, she lived a faithful, consecrated, Christian life.

Interment took place in the Roper cemetery in Pleasant Valley, Tuesday morning. Rev. F. S. Cornelius conducted the funeral.

The editor joins the many friends in extending sympathy to the grief stricken family. We would admonish those who mourn the death of this good woman, to look to Him who doeth all things well, for comfort in this hour of sadness.

Burnet Bulletin, June 24, 1925; From Barry Caraway

In Memory Of Laban A. Kirkpatrick

The gates of time, swinging forever between the pillars of eternity, have closed again and another life has passed on into that world beyond. Strange it is, that of the myriads who pass through none returns to tell us of the road, which to discover, we must travel too. Death is at all times solemn, and at all times wonderful, and in our anguish and sorrow, we are apt to regard it as a calamity, but we must realize that the apparent closing of a Christian life, is really but a pause-a turning of the leaf.

Life and death are both necessary and are corollaries of each other. It is God's way-not ours. Our Heavenly Father alone can know when the limit of life is reached, and the experience of mankind has demonstrated the universal dominion of death. It is the common lot of all, and sooner or later must overtake us all. If it has its woes, it has likewise its delights, and when the overwhelming burst of grief is calmed into the gentle tear of recollection, and we see that death id but a cloud between our souls and paradise, we lift up our voices in thanks to our Father in Heaven, for His watchful care and the promise of a glorious reunion. "Where Heaven's morning breaks and earth's rain shadows flee. "

This time the silent traveler along fate's invisible road, is Laban A. Kirkpatrick, born near Waterloo, Blackhawk County, Iowa, May 25th, 1852. He died at his home in Burnet County, May 12, 1925, lacking only a few days of reaching his seventy-third anniversary. Born of virtuous parents, who watched with great care over his early moral training, he joined the Methodist Church when a very small boy and from this early beginning to the close of his life, he took advantage of every opportunity to show his love and loyalty for the cause he had embraced.

His death marks the passing of another Texas pioneer. He moved to Texas with his father in 1878 and settled in Llano County, where he engaged in freighting from Austin to Llano and other points. Two years later he moved to Burnet County, where he and his father each settled a homestead on Rocky Creek, and where he spent the remainder of his life. The heritage of the pioneer was in his blood. He had seen this country emerge from almost primitive conditions to amazing ease and prosperity and already his eyes beheld a vision of an even greater future.

On February 17, 1880, he was married to Miss Mattie C. Dennis. To this union were born four children, two girls and two boys, all of whom lived near him and were able to be with him a great part of the time during his illness. He had been sick for some time. Friends and love ones hoped and all was done for him that medical skill and careful nursing by friends and relatives could do to stay the disease that was taking away his life, but of no avail-his spirit was wafted to its home beyond the tomb.

He realized that the end was near but death held no terrors for him. Though his illness was long and painful he never complained, gaining courage, and hope, through the words of our Lord and Master. In his life he honored Christ, he did not lose faith in him. He was his strength and inspiration.

All that was mortal of him was laid to rest in the Cauble Cemetery, May 13, 1925. The funeral service was conducted by Rev. F. A. Banks, pastor of the Church at Briggs, who spoke words of consolation and encouragement to the sorrowing family. Kind and loving hands placed many beautiful floral offering in and upon the grave.

He leaves behind to mourn their great loss a brokenhearted wife and four children, namely, John R. Kirkpatrick, Alva S. Kirkpatrick, Mrs. W. A. Cole and Mrs. Myrtle Wallace, also a sister, Mrs. Steele of California. Our hearts go out in sympathy to them, and bid them think of the world beyond this where there will be a perfect union of friends and loved ones, and the things that now seem mysterious will be plain and clear as the day and the tolls of the road will seem nothing when they get to the end of the way.

And so with faith and hope and love we leave our loved ones in the guardianship of God knowing them to be safe in His Almighty care. "For up there the tears of earth are dried. "

Burnet Bulletin, 21 Jan 1909, "Naruna Locals"

There is lots of sickness; never before has the like been known at Naruna. Our community has been saddened by the death of Mr. John Landers. He had been in feeble health for a long time.

Burnet Bulletin, April, 1923; From Barry Caraway

Mrs. Belle Snead Laurence

Mrs. Belle Snead Laurence was born in Rutherford County, Tennessee, May 26, 1842, and died at East Bernard, Texas, April 9, 1923, making her 80 years, 10 months, and 14 days old, at the time of her death. She came to Texas in 1850 and married James Laurence Jan. 10, 1866. To them were born seven children, three of whom survive her: Oscar Laurence of San Antonio, Gregg Laurence of East Bernard, and Mrs. Maggie C. Stephens of Chicago, Ill. Seven grandchildren and one great grand child also survive her.

She united with the Christian Church about 45 years ago, and has, since that date, been a consistent, loyal, zealous, follower of the meek and lowly Nazarene. She was an invalid for many years, and during all those years, she bore her suffering patiently, heroically and with great fortitude.

She possessed a cheerful, lovable and charitable disposition, which endeared her to all with whom she came in contact. She was especially fond of children, and children all loved her. She will be kindly remembered by Burnet friends, as she, with her husband, lived here six years, with her niece, Miss Willie I. Pearson. Her husband preceded her to the grave two years and five months ago. A Friend.

Burnet Bulletin, 8 March 1906, in "Sage Siftings"

Friday evening, Feb 23, at about 10 o'clock, death visited the home of Mr. Nelms and took from their midst, Grandpa Lewis, father of Mrs. Nelms. Mr. Lewis had not been well for some time, when that dreadful disease, lagrippe, laid hold of his already feeble body. All that physicians, children and kind friends could do was of no avail. God willed that he should go. He was a consistent member of the Christian Church-truly a light to those who came within his presence. Weep not, his loved ones, grandpa is not dead, but only gone before to draw you nearer heaven. His body was laid to rest in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, there to await the resurrection morn. Rev. Ed Fry conducted the funeral services.

From the Burnet Bulletin, Thursday, 28 Nov. 1935

J.M. LIVINGSTON, OLD CONFEDERATE SOLDIER, CALLED BY DEATH. (By His Granddaughter)

A valiant old soldier has marched up to stand at attention before the throne of God. He was a true patriot, a loyal citizen. It can be said of him as of those who fell at Gettysburg, that he gave his full measure of devotion to his country. He voted in the last election and electioneered with all his heart for his chosen candidate. He wanted to help to others, and to exert his influence on the government of the nation that helped his brave old heart to last so strongly and long.

He was not a man of middle flights. He was a friend to his friends and a foe to his foes, yet he was always fair minded and distributed his generosity to the extent of denying himself to those who needed it. It has been said of him, and truly, that he was too good natured and open handed to prosper.

One had to read between the lines to understand and appreciate his character. I knew him only after he was old, but despite the disparity in our ages I was a close friend of his, and I'm proud of the friendship and of the many hours I've spent in listening to him and studying him.

He was born on September 11, 1839 on a plantation in South Carolina. He moved to Americus, Georgia early in life and that was his home. He was the fifth child of sixteen brothers and sisters and outlived them all by ten years. He was Holmes' "last leaf"; with his passing the last of the old Livingston line expired.

At the beginning of the War Between the States, he enlisted in Company A of the Twelfth Georgia Regiment and served under Stonewall Jackson until he was wounded in the Battle of the Wilderness. He and the two brothers who served with him were messmates. He has told the story of when they used to sit together in the dark, eating whatever they could get, the boys would talk if (sic) what they were going to do after the war was over. He would say in the telling, "Brother George vowed he would never again, eat corn;" Brother William said he would always keep a table set for anyone who came to eat; I promised myself I would always have plenty of light to eat by. Brother William and Brother George kept their word; I was the only one who didn't." He was blind and deaf for a good portion of his life after that, but he bore his afflictions like the good soldier he was.

He was a staunch Confederate and served the Confederacy without reserve. But many times he has told me that he did not want to kill men but it was his duty and he could not and would not shirk it. One of his stories of the battlefield shows his attitude. When they were charging breastworks in the wilderness, he was shot, and fell by the side of a wounded Yankee. After the battle was over, a Confederate soldier came by and seeing a watch on the Yankee, stopped to take it. Grandpa raised up as far as his broken leg would permit, and leveling his shotgun with his one good arm said, "Now take this Yankee's watch". Later when the Yankee doctor was dressing the wounds of the maimed Yankee, the man told him to dress Grandpa's wounds. The doctor said he would be glad to, but there were untended Yankees dying all over the battlefield. The wounded Yankee hastened to tell the incident of the watch, and when he had finished the Yankee doctor said, "I'll dress this rebel's wounds if I don't get to another Yankee on the battlefield." He was glad of the fact that he had friends in both the blue and the gray uniforms.

He went through the war not under the name of Jim nor Mr. Livingston, but as "Pine Know", and it was one of his prides, never failing to bring a proud (smile) to his lips whenever he pronounced it.

After he was wounded, he served as assistant enrolling officer at Americus. In 1866 he came to Texas and stopped at Cameron. Here began a new phase of his life when he followed the old Chisholm trail as a cowboy.

In 1869 he came to Burnet, and in 1871, he married Josephine Catharine Chamberlain, daughter of James and Sarah Chamberlain.

He was a man's man. He always faced toward the front. People felt confidence in his confidence and relied on his courage. His philosophy was definite, original and had continuity of direction. He did his own thinking. When I think of him, I think in terms of epics and conquerors. Although he was not a man of creeds, he recognized the Bible as the path to right living, and accepted Jesus as the perfect leader. God welcome his gallant old soul.

He is survived by his wife, eight children, nineteen grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Tom Livingston of Waxahachie, Mrs. C.M. Compton of Portales New Mexico, Mrs. Angie Ernest and daughter of Cameron, Louis Livingston of Burnet and Mr. and Mrs. Lawson N. Livingston and children of Burnet were present at the last rites. John Livingston of Gadsden, Arizona, Mrs. R.R. Ricketson of Amistad, New Mexico, and William N. Livingston of Burnet could not be present.

The pall bearers were: Mud Gibbs, Tom Johnston, John Clements, John L. Chamberlain, Bunk Gibbs and Brad Warden.

The Reverend G. T. Hester of the Burnet Methodist Church held the funeral services, with Jones-Manor Funeral Home in charge of the body.

From the Burnet Bulletin, Thursday, 30 Sep 1948

MRS. JOSEPHINE LIVINGSTON CALLED

Mrs. Josephine Livingston, Burnet County's oldest citizen was called home Friday, September 24, 1948. Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon in the Edgar Funeral Home and burial was in the Mt. Zion Cemetery with James E. Rice of the Christian Science Society of Lampasas reading the burial rites. Pallbearers were J. L. Chamberlain, Morris Chamberlain, Woody Chamberlain, Bunk Gibbs, Melvin Kincheloe, Acy Gibbs, Landon Proffitt and Pete Merchant.

Aunt Jo was born in Travis County, August 8, 1851, but had been a resident of Burnet County for 84 years, and was loved and respected by all who knew her.

Those left behind to mourn the passing of this loved one are three daughters; Mrs. Raymond Ricketson, New Mexico; Mrs. G. C. Earnest, Austin; Mrs. C. M. Compton, New Mexico; and four sons; T.B. Livingston, of Waxahachie; L. M. Livingston of Arizona; Louis and W. N. of Burnet.

Burnet Bulletin, May 4, 1899; From Barry Caraway

Coleman, Tex., April 14, 1899. Mrs. Kate Livingston died at her home, March 25, 1899, near Coleman City where she resided seven years. She left a husband and eight children to mourn her loss, besides a host of friends. God is good to us in the gift of His Son whose life and doctrine is both the inspiration and hope of the world.

Mrs. Livingston embodied in her life, much of the spirit of her Saviour. She was sincere and candid in her relations in her life, her character was transparent, her faith in Christ was complete; her devotion to her cause without reserve. Her home was a Christian home. She was prepared for her change; yes, she was expecting it daily. Her only concern was for her husband and children. Her husband is full of faith and will realize her reward, but what shall I say about the children? Almost all of their whole lives are before them. Happy that child whose life is linked God by faith and prayers of a Christian mother. May the memory of her confidence in them restrain them from evil and save them to that which is good.

Mrs. Livingston formerly lived in Burnet county seven miles north of Burnet. Her father and mother are pretty well known in this county--old Grandpa and Grandma Dodds, besides brothers and sisters. She visited this country and relatives last fall and when she came home, she was not able to get out of the house very much more. She was in bed about four months. Oh! she suffered seventeen deaths every day for the last month, but she is at rest now. Her son, Lumon.

Burnet Bulletin, Jan 8, 1881; contributed by Barry Caraway

Died in Burnet, Texas, January 4, 1881, Little Florence, daughter of J. G. and Emma Lock, age 13 months. Little Florence was a bright child and was the joy of the fond parents who cherished her with that love which only parents can feel, but the Lord saw that it was best for her to be taken now. The junior of the household has became the senior in heaven. How appropriate the lines of Coleridge:

Ere sin could blight or sorrow fade,
Death came with friendly care.
The opening bud to heaven conveyed and bade it blossom there.

Burnet Bulletin, Jan 26, 1899; From Barry Caraway

Death of Rev. A. Lockett

Many an old citizen of Burnet will hear with sadness of the death at Wichita Falls, on Jan'y 13, 1899, of Rev. A. Lockett, for many years a resident of this county. He died at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. J. B. Sisk, at the advanced age of 77 years, having been born in Virginia in the year 1822.

Rev. Lockett was a preacher of the Methodist faith, zealous in the cause. The writer remembers him most kindly as an ardent coworker in the next noble cause of Temperance. May he rest in peace. "His works do follow him."

From the Burnet Bulletin, 7 May 1908

Mrs. Sarah E. Long, wife of W.L. Long, died at her home near Lake Victor April 22, 1908. She was born in Fayette County, Alabama. The family moved to Burnet county when she married, December 27th, 1868. Eleven children were born to her, eight boys and three girls. All save one boy, whom God called in infancy are grown and living.

Beside her husband and children, she leaves a father, Mr. G. R.R. Berry, and five brothers to mourn her death.

She gave herself to God in 1874, uniting with the North Gabriel Baptist church. The last public act her strength permitted was typical of her loyal service through life. Though in weakness and pain, she was driven to the church of her faith that she might be enrolled as a follower of the Lord. For over six months she was confined to her bed, a constant sufferer, yet cheerful and uncomplaining. Trusting and waiting, she entered quietly and peacefully into rest.

The body was laid away in Cobble Cemetery to await the final call.

--A Friend

Publication unknown - 23 July 1936. (found in the Howell file, Burnet library)

Wife of Robt. Dickson Love, pioneer of Williamson County, was born March 17, 1846 and departed this life May 15, 1936, at her home near Florence.

She was a beloved Christian mother and grandmother, a typical pioneer woman and widely known. She was a charter member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church which was organized at the Stapp School House, near Andice, in pioneer days. She lived and died loyal to her church.

She was the daughter of Rev. William and Mary Rebecca Hutchison. She came to Texas when quite a small child where in later life she met and married Robert Dickson Love in 1863. To this union were born six children, two of whom have preceded her in death--Nora Love and Mrs. W. J. Pigott. Surviving are J. M. Love, Miss Lizzie Love, J. H. Love, and R. M. Love, all of Florence, and twenty grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren; also three half-sisters, Mrs. R. A. Tucker of Florence, Mrs. Alex Conaway of San Antonio and Mrs. J. L. Pool of Georgetown, and one half-brother, G. W. Matsler of Shelby County, Texas.

The funeral services were conducted by the rev. W. G. Griffiths of Austin, Texas, who was her former pastor for a number of years, in the presence of a large sympathetic audience.

Truly, one of God's hand-maidens has been called to her rest.

Rev. W. G. Griffiths.

From the Burnet Bulletin: Thursday, 23 January 1941

Aaron Low Dies of Heart Attack

Aaron Low, former citizen of Burnet county, was called by death in a Brady hospital last Sunday, January 19th, 1941, where he had been under treatment for a few days. He apparently had greatly improved and it was thought that he could be taken home within a short time, but he suffered a heart attack from which he could not rally and succumbed within a short time. The body was interred in the Stacy cemetery in McCollock county, with a very large delegation of relatives and friends present. His home was in Concho county, near Salt Gap.

Mr. Low was born August 8th, 1877, in the town of Burnet, at the old Low place, now owned and occupied by a brother, S.E. Low. He moved west from this place in 1906, but occasionally visited this section to keep alive the friendships of his earlier days. His wife preceded him in death, in 1928. He is survived by five children, Mrs. Carmen Sides of Doole, Texas, Carl Low of Doole, Tommie Low of San Saba, Odes Low of Alpine, Mrs. Velma Thomas of Brownwood, two brothers, S.E. Low of Burnet and Tom Low of Edwards county, and one sister, Mrs. Henry Hill of Burnet. All of them were present at this funeral.

Aaron Low was a good man in the strongest sense of the term. The writer had known him ever since we were boys together and valued his friendship very highly. He was an outstanding figure of that fast disappearing, romantic race, the Texas cowboy, and only a few years ago, about the time he had reached his three-score years, he was an entry in the calf roping contest at the Stamford Roundup, and although he suffered a broken leg, he won the prize in his class of ropers.

The Bulletin extends heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved relatives.

Burnet Bulletin, Oct 4, 1881; From Barry Caraway

Death Of A Good Citizen

From all sides we hear the universal expression-Burnet has lost one of her best men! Saturday night, Mr. Jno. B. Low became unwell, and the following Wednesday afternoon he was dead. The disease seems to have been congestion, and it overcame his powerful frame and all the untiring efforts of physicians and nurses to relieve him. He appears to have had a presentiment of death, for Wednesday night he called his little ones to the bedside, and told them "to help their mother when he was gone-to be good children, and above all, to be honest. " It must have been a sad scene. Mr. Low was an industrious farmer, had attained his 43rd year, and leaves a wife (daughter of the venerable Wm. Daugherty) and five children, who have the sympathies of their many friends. If ever a man deserved for his epitaph the sentiment so often quoted from the poet, Jno. B. Low does: "An honest man's the noblest work of God. "

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