Obituary of W C Pinnell, Edgar County, Illinois Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives Copyright 2000 Cindy McCachern Obituary of W. C. Pinnell Thursday, 6 May 1926, Kansas (IL) Journal The entire community was shocked last Saturday afternoon on learning of the sudden death of W. C. Pinnell, president of the First National bank of this city, and one of the most highly respected and influential citizens. Mr. Pinnell had been in failing health for several months, but it was only a short time ago that the seriousness of his condition was realized. He had been able to attend to his usual bank duties only a few hours before his death. Shortly after the noon hour, Mr. Pinnell complained of feeling ill, but his condition was not alarming until he suddenly grew worse and passed away about three o'clock, his death being the result of a heart attack. W. C. Pinnell was born on a farm in Oldham county, Ky., May 11, 1853, and at the time of his death lacked ten days of being 73 years of age. He was the son of Willis O., and Margaret Wilhoit Pinnell. His mother died when he was quite young and his early training necessarily depended on his father. He attended school in Kentucky for a few years and when about 12 years old came with his father to Kansas. The country was then practically unsettled and the hardships of pioneer life which he endured, helped to make him the noble man that he was. His first business enterprise was in the First National bank of this city, which was founded by his father in 1872. At this time the deceased was only 19 years of age and he remained with the institution for 54 years, or until his death, serving in the various official capacities. In 1896 he organized the Kansas Building and Loan association and had been its treasurer for many years. He has also served two terms as mayor of kansas and one term as postmaster. Mr. Pinnell has been senior partner for many years in the dry goods store of Pinnell and Hutton, one of the oldest business establishments of the city. The deceased was a member of the Order of Odd Fellows, being a member of the first class initiated into the local organization. Mr. J. M. Bull of this city, is the only other surviving member of the same class. In the year 1876, Mr. Pinnell was married to Nellie Wilhoit, who preceded him in death about ten years ago. Since that time Mr. and Mrs. F. H. Hopkins have made their home with him. He is survived by one half-brother, B. H. Pinnell, who is county supervisor and cashier of the First National bank, one sister, Mrs. Hopkins, and one step-brother, Pope Wilhoit, all of Kansas; also one niece, Miss Barbara Pinnell, of this city and a nephew, Willis Hopkins of Milwaukee, Wis., besides many more distant relatives. Mr. Pinnell's exemplary life was especially to be noted in his interest of the Christian church of this city, where he had been a most faithful and loyal worker for many years, and a member of the official board. As a business man, public benefactor, member of the home, community builder and church official, he was unsurpassed. As was said of a man of old, "Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel." Mr. Pinnell will not only be greatly missed in his home, his business home and his church, but also in all business and social circles of the community. Several were heard to say, "By the death of Mr. Pinnell, I have lost my best friend." He was a friend to all. Quiet and unostentatious in manner, retiring and modest in disposition, he possessed a strength of character which was unswerving. The funeral service, which was held at the Christian church Monday afternoon, was one of the largest ever held in this city, the church being filled to overflowing. The The profusion of beautiful flowers showed the high esteem in which the deceased was held. All of the business houses of the city were closed during the service. The banks of the city of Paris were also closed. Rev. S. F. Spainhower, pastor of the church, had charge of the service and in paying tribute to the Christian life of Mr. Pinnell stressed the point that a tree is known by its fruit, and Mr. pinnell, as a business man, a public benefactor, as a member of community, church and home, was known as an outstanding and upstanding citizen. He used John 8:12 as his text, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall see a great light." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations or persons. 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