John R. Skinner, Obituary/Death NoticePorter County obituaries and death notices . . . .
John R. Skinner
DIED,
At his residence in Valparaiso, Feb. 8, 1849, JOHN R. SKINNER, aged 41 years. -- He was born in Bakersfield, Vermont, studied law in St. Albans, and was admitted to the Bar at 22 years of age. He emigrated to this place in July 1846. The writer, by several interviews with him previous to his sickness, found his mind deeply impressed upon the salvation of his soul. On the first interview after his illness, he said he had not yet obtained as bright an evidence of his acceptance with God as would satisfy him, but that he had determined to dedicate himself entirely to the Lord, and wished to become a member of the church. Suggesting to him that these acts might be to some extent caused by present prospects, he promptly replied, "No, that cannot be, for these resolutions of joining the church and living religious were formed when in good health, since which time I have been praying and feel better in mind." A short time before he died he received in answer to his prayer, the desire of his soul, saying, "I feel that God for Christ's sake has accepted me. I feel that God loves me, I know not why." Calling his interesting family around his dying bed, in calm composure and Christian courage, he gave to each his parting blessing, then says he, "O the glorious thought -- we'll meet again." He then asked us to sing.
"O it's all glory, glory, O glory hallelujah, We're going where pleasure never dies." When we came to repeat these heavenly words, he joined and sung with us. Clasping the hand of his weeping wife, "O, says he, there will be no more parting there." -- Turning to his sister in Christ, "O, says he, this is a happy place. 'Thanks be to God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.'"
Jas. D. G. PETTIJOHN
PREAMBLE AND RESOLUTIONS,
ADOPTED BY THE SONS OF TEMPERANCE,
In Reference to the Death & Funeral of
W. P., John R. Skinner
At the regular meeting of the Valparaiso Division, No. 125, Sons of Temperance, held at their Hall on the 9th of February, 1849, the following preamble and resolutions were offered by James Russell, and unanimously adopted:
Whereas, It has pleased the Almighty Ruler of the Universe, in the plentitude of his infinite wisdom, to remove from among us, to another, and we foundly trust and hope, a better state of existence, our beloved and esteemed W. P., JOHN R. SKINNER: And whereas, it becomes us who were associated with him in the faternal bonds of love, not only to cherish his many virtues, but also to sympathize with the bereaved partner of his joys and sorrows, and his interesting and helpless family, in their deep affliction: therefore,
Resolved, that we record with mournful satisfaction, the many virtues and excellencies of our lamented brother, both as a Christian and a Son of Temperance, and though we sincerely mourn his departure we have the most abiding assurance that "our loss is his eternal gain."
Resolved, that this Division has sustained an irreparable loss in the decease of our brother -- one who was faithful and true to his obligations, and who while living, devoted his best energies to the advancement of our order.
Resolved, that we deeply sympathise with the bereaved friends of our brother in their affliction, and tender them the consolation afforded them by the precious promises of that gospel which, previous to his departure, he found to be the "power of God unto salvation," and in which "life and immortality are brought to light.
Resolved, that as a Division, we will show our respect for the deceased brother by attending his funeral on Sunday next, at 11 o'clock A. M., and assist in paying the last tribute to his memory.
Resolved, that the Worthy Patron of the Cadets of Temperance in this place, be requested to extend and invitation to the Cadets of his charge to attend with us the funeral of our deceased brother, and the Deputy Worthy Patron of the Valparaiso Section of Cadets.
Resolved that the members of this Division wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days, and also that the Charter and Emblems of our order be clothed in mourning for the same space of time.
Resolved, that a copy of the above preamble and resolutions be presented to the family of the deceased brother, and that a copy of the same be furnished the Editors of the Western Ranger, and Family Visitor for publication.
The following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted by the Cadets of Temperance of Valparaiso Section, at their regular meeting at the Temperance Hall, on Saturday evening February 10th 1849:
Whereas the mournful intelligence has been announced to us that our Deputy Worthy Patron, JOHN R. SKINNER, departed this life on Friday afternoon, 9th inst., and whereas an invitation has been extended to us from the Valparaiso Division of the Sons of Temperance, throught the W. P., to attend the funeral with them on Sunday, in the usual order of the Sons of Temperance:
Resolved, that the member of this Section are sensible of the loss we have sustained by the death of our beloved officer, and moved with sorrow to think that we will see him no more, nor hear his wise counsel again forever!
Resolved, that we heartily sympathise with the bereaved children, and their widowed mother, and extend to them our earnest wish for their comfort and welfare.
Resolved, that we will meet with the Sons of Temperance at this Hall to-morrow at 10 o'clock, to prepare, and join with them in the funeral ceremonies.
Resolved, that a copy of these resolutions be presented to the bereaved family, and that a copy also be furnished for publication in the Western Ranger, and Family Visitor.
Newspaper: Western Ranger
Date of Publication: February 14, 1849
Volume Number: 5
Issue Number: 29
Page: 3
Column(s): 1
Key to Newspaper Publication Locations:
Newspapers Published in Chesterton, Porter County, Indiana
Chesterton Tribune
The Tribune
Westchester Tribune
Newspapers Published in Valparaiso, Porter County, Indiana
Porter County Vidette
Practical Observer
Valparaiso Practical Observer
Vidette and Republic
Western Ranger
The obituaries and death notices appearing on this website have been transcribed exactly as they were originally published in the newspaper.
Please note that we do not provide photocopies or digital scans of obituaries and death notices
appearing on this website.
Obituary/death notice transcribed by Steven R. Shook