Obituary: Henry Kifer, 1844: Bedford Co, PA

Copyright (c) 1998 by Cyndy Tabor. This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives.
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"BEDFORD GAZETTE" 1 March 1844

DIED - On the Morning of February 11th at 10 o'clock, at the residence of his son in North
Woodberry Township, Bedford County, Pa. HENRY KIFER a Revolutionary Soldier of 1776 who
had attained the astonishing age, in this our day and generation, of 102 years and six
months. Thus has another of the shining Patriots been numbered with the sheety (?) nations
of the dead. The deceased, was one of those who served in the war of 1776 - a war then
waging between the then colonies but now happy country and the combined powers of Great
Britain, and under the immediate auspices of the great and immortal Washington. The
deceased, was present in many of the most important campaigns, the Battle of Trenton, &c
&c.

The deceased was one of those whose undaunting Patriotism and love of our common country -
through the many trying scenes which characterized the various campaigns with the British
at that day and finally resulted in victory and honor to the American Flag - has won a
name that has endeared his memory to the hearts of the American people, and will be handed
down to succeeding generations with grateful remembrance. It has been deemed right and
proper as a just tribute of respect to the memory of the deceased to make pubblic these
facts.

That he was of a noble heart and genuine patriotism may be gleaned from the following
condensed statement of facts. He first entered into the service of this country at Little
York, Pa. After serving manfully for a time, he returned to his family and returned to the
society of his old friends for a brief period; he then volunteered his service and
re-entered the American Army. After quiting the war he returned to his family, struggled
manfully in the maintenance of the same and although in adverse circumstances in a
pecuniary point of view he never applied to the General Government for a pension which
would have been due him by every principle of honor and justice. The few last years of his
life, it is true he drew a state pension, though in reality a mere pittance. The deceased
was in full possession of his mental faculties up to the time of his death. He was fully
resigned to the will of his Heavenly benefactor, and was followed to his grave  by a large
concourse of friends. Peace to his ashes.