PERRY COUNTY OHIO - OBIT: COSTIGAN, Jacob (d. 1885)
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From the Somerset Press, May 21, 1885 (Ohio)

IN MEMORIAM

Jacob Costigan, Born in Baltimore, Md., April 16, 1809, died of 
dropsy of the heart at his residence in this place, May 13th, 
1885, at 9 o’clock P.M.., aged 76 years, and 27 days.  The 
deceased was one of the most honest and useful men that ever 
rendered public service in the community.  He held many offices 
of public trust.  Having been County Recorder for 9 years. 
 He studied law under the late T. J. Maginnis, and was admitted 
to the bar in 1843, and was Prosecuting Attorney of the county 3 
years, was Mayor of Somerset several terms, and also served as a 
juror in the United States District Court at Cincinnati some two 
or three terms -- was a justice of the Peace nearly, if not all 
the time for the last 35 or 40 years, and was Township Trustee 
nearly all that period of time.  He was faithful, diligent, and 
conscientious in the discharge of his varied duties, and 
presenting a clear perception and sound judgement, his business 
was always satisfactorily conducted.  He first came to Ohio and 
Perry county when but quite a young man.  In his early life he 
intended to devote himself to the service of the church and to 
that end entered upon his studies for the Priesthood at St. 
Roses’s Convent, in Kentucky, from which he was subsequently 
removed to St. Joseph’s Convent near Somerset.  Becoming 
convinced that he had not wisely chosen his vocation he abandoned 
it, and returned to his native City and State, where on the 4th 
of May, 1830, he married Ceclia Elder, and soon thereafter 
returned to Perry county, where he located in Rehoboth, removing 
to Somerset in 1831, where he remained until his death, with the 
exception of the time that he was Prosecutor he domiciled in New 
Lexington.  He leaves the wife who had been the companion of his 
life in all its joys and sorrows for 55 years and 9 days; 7 
children; 23 grandchildren and a large circle of relatives and 
friends to mourn their loss.  He was a devout Christian being 
most of his life an exemplary member of the Catholic church, a 
devoted husband and father, a faithful friend, kind neighbor, and 
a just and upright citizen.  His funeral services were held at 
Holy Trinity church on Saturday, the 16th inst., and were 
largely attended by our citizens generally.  A solemn High 
Requiem Mass was celebrated by Rev. Father Dirkin being the 
celebrant with Brothers Raymond as deacon and Dominic Rush sub-
deacon , from St. Joseph’s, a choir of novices assisted in the 
ceremonies and added much to the solemnity and impressiveness of 
the occasion.  The old Court House bell toiled its requiem as the 
cortege passed from the house to the church.  The burial was 
under the charge of the order of the "Holy Name" of which 
society the deceased was a member, Rev. Father Dirkin being the 
President of the same.  (it is proper to add here that the object 
and aim of this society is to overcome, and prevent so far as is 
in their power the sin of blasphemy by taking the name of our 
Lord and his son Jesus Christ our Savior in profane use) Mrs. 
Hon. W. E. Finck and Miss Mary Darst presided respectively at the 
organ, two beautiful Solo’s - One being "Angels Ever Bright and 
Fair" the other unknown to the writer were finely rendered by 
Miss Cora Blakeney.  Prof. Wm. Blakeney added to the harmony with 
the rich great tones of his violin.  At 11 o’clock on that 
beautiful May morning the remains were laid to their final rest.  
The places that once knew him will know him no more forever, 
except as his good deeds will recall him in the hearts of his 
family and friends.  A good man has gone to reap the reward of 
the faithful servant.  Requiescat In Pace.  We learn that Mrs. 
Costigan will go to Cincinnati this week with her daughter 
Josephine, Mrs. Thomas Shay, to remain some time.  Her once happy 
home is left unto her desolate, and she with all her family have 
the deep and heartfelt sympathy of this community in these sad 
hours of their affliction and sorrow.

Note:  Jacob married Cecelia in Emmitsburg, Frederick Co. MD, not 
Baltimore.