TILLEY - John
Source: Greencastle Banner-Times, 7 Dec 1894 p 5
John C. Tilley who had been ill for several months died Sunday at his home near the old fair grounds at the east end of the east Washington Street extension. Mr. Tilley was an old soldier and an ex-Baptist Minister and was a good citizen. The exact nature of his disease was determined Monday when Dr. GC Smythe assisted by most of the other physicians of this city, held a post mortem examination. The cause of death was cancer of the stomach and bowels. Deceased was 56 years of age. The funeral exercises occurred at the family residence at 8 o’clock Tuesday, the interment occurring at Deer Creek cemetery. – kbz
Source: Greencastle Star Press, 5 Jan 1895 p 8
In Memorium – John C. Tilley, after a lingering illness passed from all human sight, care and anxiety; and has entered into his rest: It only remains for those who are left behind, to reflect on the beauty of his life; and then to take up again our respective burdens, toiling on to the end of the journey. John C. Tilley was born in Owen County, Indiana on August 1st, 1838 and died from cancer of the stomach at Greencastle Ind on December 2nd, 1894, aged 56 years 4 months and 1 day. He was united in marriage to Mary Z. Turner in 1863 who died in November 1864 leaving the father, one child Ida and a host of friends. Mr. Tilley was again united in marriage to Virginia Logan on the 28th day of June 1867; to them were born five children: Cora A; Hattie J; Laura M; Oscar and Ella, who with their mother now make up the heart broken family. He received a hope in Christ when about 20 years old and united with the regular Baptist Church at Deer Creek in the year 1859. He was licensed to preach in 1878 and ordained in the year 1882. His ministerial life was one of great devotion and it was his earnest desire to lead as many as possible to the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world. His Breathern can but deeply feel the loss of one so consecrated to the divine master. He was kind, affectionate and ever faithful to his family, always exhibiting manly and Christian virtue, ever faithful zealous, industrious, the charm of his home and pride of his family and friends. During his protracted illness, his mind retained its brightness, its cheerfulness, and its disposition passed from its usual moods of hopefulness and sunshine to resignation and perfect hope of the better life. He frequently conversed with his family and friends, about the great future, saying all was well; his only lament was the parting from his family and other earthly friends; realizing he could not remain here long, otherwise all was joy; often praying the Lord to remove him from this world of sorrow and pain to a home of sweet repose. His voice will be heard no more by his family and sorrowing friends, his kind and familiar appearance we shall see no more, except on the pictured screen of tearful memory; but the recollection of his life, of his examples of his devotion and purity and truth, will remain with all who know him, as an inspiration and vision, which will not fade away. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Cyrus Tabor and Rev. William Skelton at the Deer Creek Church on the 4th day of December 1894, and after short services by Rev. Skelton at the grave the body was laid to rest; in the cemetery near the church … A friend.