The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-07-14
DEATH OF MR.. JOHN KIBBE.

Mr., John Kibbe was born Oct. 25,
1872, at York, State of New York, and
died at Burr Oak, Mich, June IA, 1888.
He was consequently about seventy six
years OF age. He was married Sept. 30
1854, to her who mourns the departure
of a faithful husband to-day. Seven
children blessed their home, six of whom
have grown up to manhood and woman
hood. For twenty five years he has re-
sided in this town, conspicuous figure
among his fellow citizens, one who will
be missed from their counsels and by
humanity for the good done to them, and
no less in the circle OF loving home
His early manhood was spent in his nat
i've State, following the fortunes of the
Universalist ministry, and portion OF
his life thus here, preaching in school
houses, at funerals, as occasion offered.
He is remembered as an earnest, able
and faithful expounder of the doctrines he
preferred. These later years his attention
has been occupied by the cares of his
estate and by thoughts and works for the
public good. Firm and inhexible for
what he deemed the right and true, pay
ing every man his dues, and yet giving
and lending, expecting no thing in return;
foe to evil in every form, yet with his
might helping to raise the fallen; hating
vice and intemperance, yet plying and
forgiving the erring; an advanced theo-
rist as to public reforms and all social
and religious problems, SO much SO as to
be deemed almost visionary and obstin-
ate by those who Jagged behind his ideas
yet in practical matters vice and pru-
dent. AS such he has passed before us
until summoned to leave this earthly
stage.
That he had faults is probable, for to
err is human, but all will agree that
even his failings leaned to virtues side,
By instinct and preference he must fol-
low the highest truth he knew whether it
was successful this year or the next or,
not until the next decade or century.
Hence, if in the affairs of public or pri-
vate opinion, of politics or religion, he
often seemed to talk apart from men, it
rather reflected credit than dishouor
upon his nature. He saw the blows fall
ing on hundreds OF hearts all around
him. Look at his kindly face and you
will see that the sympathy must shine
through.
But how, after these later years, has his
kindly nature teen tested. How often
in public exhibitions and for temperance
and charitable purposes has hall been
opened and lighted and warmed free of
expense. Who will ever know what oil
of JOY he has poured into crushed and
bruised wounds whom others may have
passed by. And then, too, that match
less courage with which he met difficult
ties which were his own, and yet had
to help many OF you and yours.
And all this he did, of late, as if he had new
or had any time to say, II am weary, 1 am
growing old, am sick '"And I heard
voice saying write, and what shall writer
Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord,
for they rest from their labors, for their
works do follow them"
The funeral services we're held beneath
the shade of the trees near his residence,
Friday afternoon, the 18th inst, conduct
ed by Rev. Il. Shepard; assisted by
Rev. Mr.. Mstttox. A large conoourse of
citizens attended the services and attest
ed to the respect with which he was held
by the community.
The world may be the poorer for all
such who leave it but heaven is richer
and the cause of truth still lives for
which he did valiant service.