Kendall, Justin Warner, 1861-1901

KENDALL, PROPST

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 5/21/2011 at 19:50:04

The Grinnell Herald; July 9, 1901

OBITUARY.

JUSTIN WARNER KENDALL.

Justin Warner Kendall was born at Newton, Iowa, Oct. 31st, 1861, and died in a R.R. wreck near Geneva, Iowa, July 4th, 1901. At the age of nine he removed with his parents to Grinnell where he has made his home since. He attended the public schools of Grinnell during his early youth and at the age of 18 entered the employ of S.S. Preston in the grocery business on Broad St. and later was in partnership with H.B. & B.W. Preston inthe same business. Still later he went into business with the late W.A. Propst which partnership continued a number of years. In 1886 he was married to Minnie Belle Propst the fruit of which union was three daughters, one of whom died at two years of age, the other two, Vera and Edie survive their lamented father.

In 1889 the deceased received an appointment as mail clerk of the Austin and Ottumwa Railway Mail service and he continued in the discharge of his duties in this capacity up to the very moment of his death.

As a mail clerk "Jud" held the best record of any on the line. In the examinations his standing was always high. Two weeks before his death he took an examination on Minnesota, throwing a letter for every postoffice in the state, with a percent of 99 6 10.

As a business man and a citizen his conduct was always characterized by courtesy and honor. His word was beyond reproach and he was always to be depended on to the fullest limit of his ability. He was a man who could well serve as a mode to the best of us. Tho' not osentatious in his religious life, yet he regulated his conduct by the teachings of Christ. He was as regular in church attendance as his duties would permit.

Altho the manner of his death was inexpressibly sad, yet he would have preferred it rather than to be maimed and broken and unable to work. His motto was industry. His last act was to open the valve of the air brake, in obedience to emergency instructions.

The funeral took place Saturday, July 6th, at his late home, Rev. E.M. Vittum conducting with comforting, appropriate words. The Masonic Lodge escorted the remains to the final resting place in Hazelwood where their beautiful and uplifting ritual was used.

To the mother, sister, brothers, wife and children the community extends a tender sympathy. To him we bid a joyful farewell, believing that his life was a preparation for his death.