Obituaries for James Henry Pedigo [#136-141-2]

ANOTHER PIONEER SUMMONED

James Henry Pedigo, who was one of Kiowa County's early settlers and well known citizens, answered the final summons at nightfall Sunday, April 1, 1928, at the ripe old age of nearly 87 years. His death occurred at the home of his son D.B. Pedigo of this city. Though Mr. Pedigo had been in ill health for a number of years, it was only two weeks ago that he became bedfast when stricken with pneumonia.

Mr. Pedigo left his native state, KY, 43 years ago, coming to Kiowa Co. KS and settling on the farm which he owned until just a few years ago when he sold it to Wm. Fulton. He lived on this farm for over 22 years, when he was forced to give up active farm work because of ill health. He was a skilled blacksmith and kept a shop on his farm where he handled much work for his neighbors in that early day.

From his older friends and neighbors who knew Mr. Pedigo in that earlier day when he took an active interest in affairs of the day, we learn that he was a man of honest convictions, industrious, generous and a friend to all who sought and justly used his friendship. No one questioned his good intentions and his honorable dealings with his fellowmen. We of the later day knew him as an always pleasant gentleman, one with whom it was a pleasure to converse, not alone of the past but also of the present for he kept well abreast of the times through his reading. These sterling qualities and long residence here gave him a wide acquaintance and many friendships.

Since ill health forced him to leave the farm over 20 years ago, he had made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Chas. Tanner in this city, until four months ago when he moved to the home of his son D.B. Pedigo, where he resided at the time of his death.

Funeral services were conducted at the United Brethern Church on Tuesday afternoon by Rev. Guy Olmstead. Rev. Olmstead brought a practical, comforting message to the living, pointing out that this world is not our resting place, and that those who die in the Lord enjoy Eternal Rest in the Glory World Beyond. Two beautiful selections were sung by a double quartet. A large concourse of friends attended the services. The floral offering was profuse and beautiful. Interment was in the Mullinville cemetery.

[Ed. Note: The following obituary was read at the funeral service. Ovie Pedigo Sypher is source of researcher's copy. Specific newspaper was not named.]

James Henry Pedigo was born in Warren Co. KY, 23 Jul 1841 and passed away 1 Apr 1928, aged 86 yrs, 8 mos and 9 days.

He was united in marriage to Malinda Francis Holman, 18 Jun 1871. To this union were born six children, one daughter and five sons. His wife and two sons, Charles Leslie and an unnamed infant, preceded him in death. The surviving children are Mrs. Ovie Tanner and D.B. Pedigo of this city, L.T. Pedigo of Greensburg, and James Pedigo, Hooker OK. One brother, five sisters, fifteen children, two great-granchildren, and hosts of other relatives and friends mourn his passing.

Mr. Pedigo confessed his faith in Christ and was baptised in early manhood. He was a member of the United Brethren Church for more than 20 years. For many years his health has not permitted him to attend church services, but he spent much time reading the Bible, and has lately repeated his hope and reward from the Good Master. His faith was also manifested by his cheerfulness during his last illness. He never made himself a burden to those caring for him, but bore his suffering uncomplainingly.

And thus another name is stricken from the ever lessing toll of our early settlers in Kiowa County, and another of the 'old guard' has passed on to that World Beyond.

CARD OF THANKS

To all those kind friends who so kindly assisted in any way during the last illness and death of our father, our appreciation of the many expressions of sympathy and for the beautiful floral offerings.
-- Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Tanner and family, D.B. Pedigo and family, L.T. Pedigo and family, James Pedigo and family.