An illness of but two days terminated the life of John F. Kinsman, at his home in the city last Thursday morning at an early hour period he was taken suddenly ill Tuesday while dressing, and became unconscious, from which state he never recovered and gradually sank in the long sleep from which one never wakes. From the beginning of his brief illness, but little hope was entertained for his recovery, when the final summons the little city was bowed in sorrow over the death of this young man. Those who knew him, held him in high esteem, which only increased as the years passed by. His kindly smile and friendly greeting made friends of mere acquaintances. He is one of Platteville's noble young men. His was the soul of honor and his friends and friendships were sacred to him.
A little more than a year ago, he was married to Miss Freda Lang of this city. Their home life has been happy and joyous, and this sudden rending of ties makes this death unusually sad. The grief-stricken wife has a heartfelt sympathy of all.
John Kinsman was born in Lafayette Co., April 10, 1880, being but 34 years of age when death came. In 1893, he came to Platteville with his parents, and this city has since been his home. His education was received here, and he graduated from the high school, in 1901 after which he entered the normal and was about to complete the course, when his health failed and he went south for a year, after which he returned home very much improved. He was never very robust, so he gave up higher work in the educational line that he had planned and took up work which gave him an outdoor life. For some time, he has been local manager of the Galena Ironworks, which position he occupied at the time of his death.
The deceased was a member of the K.P. Lodge and also of the Masonic order. His cheerful, helpful life, his devotion to his wife and family, and his kindness to all, will long linger a sweet memory in the home with which his presence brightened and which death has now darkened.
The floral offering surpassed in profusion and beauty anything imagined by the dear ones at home. Beautiful in the expression of sympathy, they but indicated in a small measure the esteem in which the dead was held. They mutely speak of peace, purity and immortality.
Funeral services were held on Sunday afternoon at the residence, Rev Kundert conducting the ceremony. Monday morning, the body was taken by train to Darlington, then to Fayette for burial, where the Masons who accompanied the body took charge of the last rites. He was laid to rest beside his mother who died in 1904.
He leaves to mourn his loss his widow, father, two brothers, Prof. Delos Kinsman of Whitewater and Thomas of Potlach, Idaho and three sisters, Mrs. Darrow of Argyle, Mrs. Batterman of Chicago and Etta of Potlatch, Idaho, all of whom were present at the funeral.
The pallbearers were: C.W. Snow, E.W. Dana, H.A. Robinson, Homer Snow, J.P. Palmer and J.H. Robertson, all from this city.
The Platteville Journal and Grant County News 4 Mar 1914
Contributor Audrey Quinn Porter Fag#47005894