ABNER M. FORD SUDDENLY CALLED
PROMINENT CITIZEN SUFFERED STROKE OF APOPLEXY TUESDAY EVENING AND SUCCUMED IN SEVERAL HOURS
Ford - Died at 1:15 o’clock a. m. Wednesday, December 9th, 1914, at the home of his sister, Mrs. H. E. Dickerson, Abner M. Ford, aged 47 years.Tuesday evening Abner Ford came to town to attend a convocation of Illiopolis Lodge No. 521, A.F. and A. Masons. After the proceedings of the meeting had gotten well under way it was noticed that Mr. Ford looked pale and he complained of pains in the back of head and shoulders.
Those present thought perhaps the room a little too warm and the closeness of the air had caused him to become nauseated, so he was taken in the reception room, placed on the davenport and after a few moments said he felt better. However he expressed a desire for Dr. Mayes, who was called and came at once.Upon the arrival of the physician Mr. Ford said he felt nauseated and after his stomach had been washed he seemed greatly improved, except for very severe pains in the back of his head, his neck and shoulders. These pains came spasmodically and were followed by a few minutes of ease.
All during this time he remained conscious and when not in pain conversed with Dr. Mayes and H. J. E. Knotts. The pains seemed to get farther apart eventually and about ll:15 he lapsed into what seemed to be a refreshing sleep following the exhaustion of the severe pains.At about 11:30 his breathing showed signs of trouble and indicated a pressure at the base of the brain. It was then that a serious condition had arisen and about 12 midnight he was removed on a stretcher to H. E. Dickerson’s residence where he passed away at about 1:15 o’clock Wednesday morning - on the 47th anniversary of his birth.
Abner M. Ford was one of the finest men it has even been the editor’s pleasure to know. As a citizen he was exemplary, always standing for the highest interests of the community. As a neighbor he was always ready to do more than his share toward the duties that devolve upon one man and another. As a man he was in that enviable class that all strive to reach - that class where men do absolutely as their consciences dictate, regardless of personal gain or loss, or pleasure or sorrow.He had a marvelously kind disposition pleasingly coupled with a strong character. He never made an enemy because he was too considerate of his fellow man’s feelings. He would favor a friend anytime and many times at a great inconvenience to himself.
As a friend Abner Ford filled all the qualifications embodied in the broadest meaning of that word. No more need be said of any man.He is survived by his wife; one daughter, Miss Hester Ford; his father, Aaron C. Ford; two brothers, Geo. E. Ford and Charles Ford of San Jose, Calif; four sisters, Mrs. Emma Stengle of Rantoul, Ill., Mrs. Aliff Tartar of Portland, Ore., Mrs. Minnie Garvey and Mrs. Gertrude Dickerson, both of Illiopolis. He was a member of the Christian Church, the Masonic fraternity and the M. W. of A.
Abner M. Ford was the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Aaron C. Ford and was born near Illiopolis on December 9, 1875. He grew to manhood here and on February 17, 1890 was united in marriage to Lucy Gassaway who with a daughter, Miss……..(missing text).Funeral services will be held at 1:30 o’clock p.m. Friday, December 11th at the residence of his brother, Geo. E. Ford, the Masons in charge and at 2:00 o’clock p.m. at the First Christian Church, Rev. B. H. Sealock officiating.
Interment will be made at Riverside Cemetery.The pall bearers will be W. M. Close, Chas. E. Fait, H. J. E. Knotts, O. T. Myers, Thos. Chamberlain and Harry N. Warren.