Kessel, J. M.

Passed: 1916-07-25

Age: 79

Source:

Death Notice: 1916-07-25

Obituary Date:

Information: MR. J.M.KESSEL DEAD - J. M. Kessel is dead.  His light has gone out, his voice is heard no more.  All that medical science and care could accomplish were done to stay the pale horse and his rider.  In 1914 he was operated upon twice by Dr. Bloodgood at Baltimore for cancer of the face.  The operations could not cure him but his life was lengthened two years.  To write a tribute to grandfather Kessel is difficult, for, to catch and note the characteristics of an individual is not easy, but to to catch and note the qualitites that distinguished a fine spirit if almost impossible.  Then too, grandfather would not wish for the warm phrases or the fulsome flattery that we so often use to honor those who have left us.      J. M. Kessel was born October 1, 1836 and died July 26, 1916.  He was married to Mantilla Harpold, daughter of the late Soloman Harpold, November 18, 1860.  To them were born three children, Mrs. Dora Pinnell, Mrs. Ida Parsons and D. E. Kessel.  She departed this life January 16, 1869.  He was married to Flora Jane Parsons, daughter of the late Alexis F. Parsons, September 16, 1869.  To them were born eleven children, C. R., Mrs. Clara Sayre, Mrs. Laura French, E. D., Mrs. Myrtle Casto, Dr. J. E., O. V., Mrs. Belle Bibbee, Mrs. Bessie Frey, Mrs. Delia Lewis and Mrs. Delsie Davis. He lived to see his fourteen children married and settled in life.  During his life time seventy-six grandchildren and one great-grandchild were born.  He leaves, besides this large family, three sisters, Miss Nancy Kessel, Mrs. Sidney Sayre, Mrs. Elizabeth Taber, and one brother, J. B. Kessel.      For three quarters of a century grandfather Kessel's life has been as a great beacon to guide the unfortunate, cheer the weary and comfort the distressed.  Being the son of a pioneer, he was schooled in pioneer life.  At an early age he set himself to work and earned money enough to prepare for teaching school.  From that time until within the past few years he was constantly serving the public.  He was the first president of the Board of Education of Ripley district, Jackson county.  Many years he served on this board and the public school has seldom had a warmer or more ardent worker.  He was deputy assessor at various times.  He was the first Notary in the southern end of his county and hundreds of his writings are recorded in the County Clerk's office. Grandfather stood unmistakeably on the side of honesty, soberiety and industry.  He attributed his sound memory, amazing health and long life to his total abstinence from alcoholic beverages and tobacco in all forms.  He was often heard to relate that one drink would kill a man.      He united with the Methodist Episcopal church, South, at the age of eighteen.  He was not converted, however, until twenty years later.  During his life he helped build and establish the Pleasant Hill church and gave freely of his means to support it.  He lived very piously.  His children grew up around the family altar.  His great faith was as pure and childlike that he never doubted there was a heaven to gain or a hell to shun.  ""The elements were so mixed in him that nature could rise up and say he was a man, he was a man"".       Grandson, C. R. Kessel.