Vitals: Obits: Empfield, Jackson B. , Indiana Co, PA SUBJECT: Obituary for Jackson B. Empfield, March 23, 1904 SUBMITTER: Frances Empfield Teresczuk EMAIL: Bethcakes@msn.com DATE: Mar 07, 1999 SURNAMES: EMPFIELD, PITTMAN, BOWERS Jackson B. Empfield, born August the 1st, 1832 in Indiana County Pennsylvania. His mother died when he was one half hour old leaving nine children ; his father did not get married again; the children were raised by strangers except the deceased, he was raised by his father's sister, Mrs. Peter Bowers. He was married to Miss Jane Pittman, December 25, 1858. The Father of ten children, four girls and six boys all living, twenty Grandchildren, eight of the children are now living in Custer County Nebraska, Chalmers G.- Ryno P.O., McKee- Ryno, Levi S.- McKinley P.O., Benjamin F.- Callaway, Laura McClure - Callaway, Bertan C. - Anselmo, Gracie D. Owens - Oconto, Nellie F. - Ryno, Salena E. Campbell - Colorado Springs, Elmer E. Empfield - Big Lake, Washington. He emigrated from Pennsylvania March 15, 1887, arriving in Custer County Nebraska, March 27, 1887 after visiting his daughter at Hastings, Nebraska. He became an abolitionist at the age of 8 years old and a life long Republican. United with Church of the United Brethren in Christ in Nov, 1853. Preached for that denomination eleven years with a degree of success. Postmaster at Ryno Custer County since June the 1st. 1889. Died at Ryno, Nebraska, March 23, 1904, aged 71 years 7 months and 22 days. Became lame at the age of 19 having had his knee cap broken. Had a severe siege of Typhoid fever 17 years ago; the fever setting in the lame leg. Since that time was very lame much of the time, almost helpless when not aided by his cane. Has been suffering for many years with Brights disease of kidneys. With this disease he died being the first and only death in the family. The deceased lived on his homestead until last Spring with his son C.G. Empfield and was postmaster at this place for many years and was always courteous and obliging to the patrons of the office. Having endeared himself to each and all and having the love and respect of the entire community for his faithful service. He and his companion and youngest daughter moved last spring to the home of his son McKee Empfield and the post office was moved there too. He was a well posted man, a great reader, a pleasant and entertaining conversationalist and possessed a wonderful memory. He has been an invalid many years and largely confined to his home but has been able to cast his vote on election day for the principles of Government that he so honestly and conscientiously believed was right. The funeral services was conducted by Rev. L.L. Epley of the U.B. Church at Broken Bow choosing as a text the 116th. Psalm and 15th. verse. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints." A beautiful, tender and impressive service was rendered from the text and some of his favorite songs were sung, "Shall we gather at the River", "Watchman tell as of the night", "Death is only a Dream" and "Resignation". The funeral was attended by a large gathering of neighbors and friends. All the children being present when he died except the two oldest, they being so far away were not permitted to be present at the funeral. That loving form whose eyes were permitted to see the beautiful flowers of earth for many long, long years whose lips was permitted to speak the many kind words to those for whom he toiled and loved while passing through life, whose voice proclaimed with power and effect, the sweet message of life and salvation to sinful man, now lies silent, cold and still, where loving hands and bleeding hearts so tenderly laid it in the home of the beautiful dead in Callaway Cemetery. But rest assured sorrowing ones, the spirit has taken its flight and now rests in the Sweet Eden of love in the Paradise of God, and will wait and watch the coming of loved ones as they cross the river one by one. The deceased leaves and aged companion, ten children, 20 grandchildren to mourn their great loss. They have the sympathy of a large circle of friends in their sad bereavement. Source: Custer County Republican: Issue dated March 31, 1904. ----------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free genealogical information on the Internet, data may be freely used for personal research and by non-commercial entities as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may not be reproduced in any format or presentation by other organizations or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for profit or any form of presentation, must obtain the written consent of the file submitter, or his legal representative and then contact the listed USGENWEB archivist with proof of this consent.