Kepler, Alfred (1839-1902)

KEPLER, DURHAM

Posted By: Janelle Martin (email)
Date: 10/26/2014 at 13:29:07

The Saturday Mailer, Stanhope, Iowa, Saturday, March 22, 1902

This community was greatly shocked last Saturday morning by the news that Alfred Kepler, one of our oldest and most highly respected citizens, had passed away at nine o’clock the evening before. Mr. Kepler had been in very poor health for several weeks, but few realized his condition.

Alfred Kepler was born in Summit County, Ohio, April 20, 1839. In early life he moved to DeCalb county, Indiana, and on March 13, 1864, he was united in marriage to Eliza Durham, who still survives him. In 1868 he came with his family to Iowa and settled in Hamilton county where he spent the rest of his life. Eight children were born to them, of whom three are dead. He leaves a wife and five children to mourn his loss. A number of years ago he united with the Methodist Episcopal church of which he has been an earnest member ever since. For several years he has been a great sufferer, but through it all has lived a straightforward, upright life and tried to be a consistent Christian.

The funeral services were held on Monday afternoon at the Methodist church, Rev. N. E. Hotchkiss preaching the sermon, after which interment occurred at the cemetery southeast of town. Despite the stormy weather the funeral was an unusually large one, attesting the respect in which deceased was held by everyone. The entire neighborhood will sympathize with the family and relatives in their affliction.