Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1912-08-15
J. w. CREECH LAID 10 REST
IN HEiINOTON cEMErERri


Herington. Aug. i0.-Aii the peo-
pie OF this city paid their last tribute
OF respect to the memory OF John
w. Creech yesterday afternoon when
funeral services we're held at the
Creech home. The stores were clos
ed. The Masonic order, including
many from Hope. Abilene and other
towns, conducted the service at Sum
set Hill cemetery. Nearly 100 Knights
Templar In full uniform, including
forty from Abilene. took part in the
ceremonies. Rev. @. b. Smith off,
ciated and the floral tributes were
many and beautiful. Among the
flowers we're remembrances from
Isis Temple and the Wichita Consis-
tory.
Mr.. Creech has been resident OF
Herington since 1885, at which time
he took the contract OF building the
Salina extension OF the Rock Island.
Prior to this, and after, as we'll, he
built many miles Of railroad. Among
his first contracts was the Rock Is
land from st. Joseph to Topeka. He
also built the Union Pacific from
Salina to Oakley, the Kansas City
Southern to Port Arthur, the c. r.
I. & G. from Fort Worth to Dallas.
and some $50 miles of line for the
Rock Island in New Mexico. His
last contract was the building OF
some 200 miles of line in Louisiana.
Aside from his early adventures, he
was very successful in railroad build
ing. The building of the Salina
branch netted him something like
$4,000. One of his earlier con-
tracts, however, reduced him almost
to poverty. But being a man full
of energy he soon had the upper
hand of reverses and started new,
In 1888 Mr.. Creech became presi- /
dent of the State Bank Of Herington,
which position he held at the time
of his death. A few years ago he
entered politics and was twice elected
representative of Dickinson county,
serving both terms as chairman OF
the ways and means committee. Two
years ago he entered state politics
and was candidate for the nomina-
ton of lieutenant governor on the
Republican ticket, being Tom Wag-
staffs running mate. Upon several
occasions he was urged to become a
candidate for governor but he always
declined, tearing that his health
would not Withstand the hardships
of an active campaign. He serv---- as
mayor of Harrington three terms, and
was elected councilman from the
ward in which he lived, two years
ago by a unanimous vote.
Mr.. Creech had been in poor health
for several years. Five years ago
his condition became serious and ne
made a trip to the Mayo. hospital at
Rochester, Mimi, where he underT
went most serious operation. After
his operation his health improved
but lately he began to
fail.
Mr. Creech was born November
"a, 1849, in Lee county, Virginia,
but was reared in Kentucky. His
father died when he was but three
years of age, leaving his mother with
limited means. His early education
was received by working for his
board and attending the common
school. After leaving school he was
thrown entirely upon his own re-
sources and became acquainted with
The various phases Of life. April
}. 1881, he was united in marriage
o Prudence HOWE, at Carlo, Hi
lois, who with relatives and friends
s left to mourn his death.
Mr.. Creech was 32nd degree =
Mason and a members of the Elks,
lolding life membership in. the !
Kansas City lodge. He was an active
.hurch worker, being a member OF
he Christian church of this city.
Last year he contributed $4,000
oward the building Of new church.
This fact alone, will give an insight I
o his character. He was at all times !
LIBERAL and sympathetic. His faults I
we're few, his virtues many, and these o
hine out like stars in the dark can
'py of night.