The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1904-07-06

KEFFER.-A great life, because it
w.ss good life, found its beginning
on October II, 1925. when Michael
K,sffer was born in Ligonier town
ship. On Monday morning at S.45 the
death angel bore away the soul Of HIM
who had lived q years. s months
aud 8 days, who had been husband
for so years, a towing father for 48
years and deyout, earnest christian
foi so years and an office bearer in
the church for about 40 years-a
record not padded with the mere
routine of living and existence, but
filed with the worth aud wOrthiness
of y man who had triea faithfully to
do his duty both to God and to man.
1t can truly be said Of Mr.. Keffer
that he was ''hlameless and harm
less, a son of God without rebuke. -
Meek, gentle and patient, winning in
manner aud kind in spirit, his use
fu,nt IS in the church and in the
community was marked, Neighbor-
IL ate ntions where sickness or be-
reayement were known or where any
help OF comfort might be offered,
SdN0 1ldf q w css liz pt0S0 III SEO q ASS-
tiops of the community, His life was
bes.atiful-a spirit-filled life-and it
made other lives brighter and better.
His strongest affections aud sweetest
Joys clustered about his home life, in
which he was peculiarly fortunate.
Through struggle and hardship he
labore6 for his loved ones, triumph
ing over every obstacle, until he had
the Joy of seeing each child, whom
God spared, attain its majority in
noble manhood or womanhood, and
each dedicated to God loyal mem
Der of Christ's church, and to. day
his children rise up and call him
blessed
He has lived in this valley of his
birth for nearly 70 years, always
loved and revered. He was. a manly
man. We all honor, respect and
love him. Few men attain to his
balance and poise of character. He
was. not eccentric, neither was he
diff.dent nor uninteresting. He at
taiued 10 fulness Of christian virtue
rarely seen in a single character.
He was meek, humble and wise, but
never rash. He possessed good
executive ability and good common
sense, and was therefore wise coun-
sellor. He never boasted of his
christian experience, bat was Away
satisfied to put his trust in the Lord
Jesus Christ, and he succeeded in an
unusual degree in living the Christ
life. He lived, worked and died in
the fullness of the blessing Of the
gospel Of Jesus Christ. The closing
years Of his spotless, exemplary life
were gently and beautifully prepara-
tory to glorious end. His break
ing down had been slow, but con.
slant, until within a few days of his
release. When the fact that he must
die was made known he faced the
inevitable with calmness and forii-
tude, and passed into the heavens,
leaving behind him clean, pure
record that will be JOY to his friends
and an inspiration to the church.
He died in the full assurance Of faith
and passed into the eland of uncioud-
ed day. Rnt his presence will live
with his friends and loved oues who
will not let his memory die.
Michael Keffer was born October
IL, 1925. died June 20. 1904, aged 78
years, 8 months and 9 days. He was
married By The Rev. Jonas Mechling
October 10. 1854, to Maria G.. Waugh,
who survives him. TO them were
born eleven children-eights sons and
three daughters-Jacob f., of Lieo-
nier township; Margaret E. Laugh
cry, Of Ligonier; William Albert,
dead; Catharine Ramsey, Ligonier
township; Harry Luther. dead;
Joseph w. Of New York CITY; Alex.
g. and Michael A.. of Pittsbure :;
Matilda f. Stuhbs. of Sumter. $. c.;
Frank, dead; Rankin. He is also
survived by sisters, Mrs. Catharine
Blair, Of Peoria, H.. and Mrs. Eliza
bath Br-niser. of Scottdale.-The
jrnuier (Pa0 Echo. June 90