The Lowell Star, Aug. 17, 1872, page 5, column 3, had a list of soldiers who were supporters of Grant in that election. Among them was Ransom Kile of the 73rd Ind. Inf.
A photocopy of this obituary from an unknown source was found in the local history files at Lowell Public Library (LH -- Vital Statistics, v. 2, p. 15):
Ransome Kile, son of John and Sarah Kile, was born in Knox County, Ohio, on December 23, 1835 and died at Plainview, Nebraska, July 28, 1933, at the advanced age of ninety-seven years, seven months and five days.
His early life was spent on his father's farm near Lowell, Indiana where he, his mother and baby sister Nancy experienced the hardships of pioneer life after the death of his father which occurred when Ransome was two years old. He was educated in the public schools of Lake County, Indiana.
On October 18, 1856, he was married to Miss Mary Powers of Providence, Rhode Island. To this union six sons were born; twins, Allen and Alfred dying in infancy and Joda at the age of four years.
Three sons grew to manhood, only one of whom, Dr. M.L. Kile of Creighton, Nebraska, survives. Dr. W.T. Kile passed away August 31, 1912 at Plainview, Nebraska and L.E. Kile died Novenber 18, 1928 at New Raymer, Colorado.
When the Civil War broke out in 1860, Ransome Kile enlisted in Company A, of the 73rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry and served ten months. During this time he contracted typhoid fever with complications and was sent home to die; but under the providence of God and the tender care of his faithful wife, he recovered; and re-enlisted in Company E, 33rd Regiment, serving until the end of the war. His company joined Sherman on his march to the sea and was in Raleigh, North Carolina when news of Lee's surrender came.
He returned to Indiana and with his family moved to Cass County, Iowa in 1879. Later they homesteaded, four miles west of Plainview, moving to town in 1903, where Mrs. Kile died December 9, 1907.
Five years later, on April 17, 1912, he was married to Miss Flavia Felt at Hebron, Indiana, who survives him.
Three years ago, Grandpa Kile suffered a severe fall, since which time he has required almost constant care. His long life may be attributed to the loving care of his devoted wife and kind nurses.
He was converted during the war and later united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, remaining a loyal member until death. He dearly loved music and spent many hours singing war-time hymns.
Those who are left to mourn his death are his widow, one son, three daughters-in-law, eleven grand children, seventeen great grand children and eleven great-great grand children. Also two nephews, one niece and a host of friends.
Funeral services were held from the Methodist church on Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock, the pastor, Rev. E.T. Antrim officiating. The text "If a man die, shall he live again?" was selected by Grandpa Kile a few years before his death. Favorite hymns of the deceased were sung by a mixed quartette. Five grandsons, Wm. H. Kile of Osmond, Marvin W. Kile of Creighton, Odes Addington of Greeley, Colo., Samuel H. Wiegert and Harold Scranton of Plainview, acted as pall bearers.
Military honors were paid to Plainview's last civil war veteran by members of the American Legion at the grave.
Out of town relatives who attended the funeral were: Dr. and Mrs. M.L. Kile and family, Creighton; Mrs. L.E. Kile of Greeley, Colo., Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Kile and family of Osmond; Mr. and Mrs. Odes Addington, Greeley, Colo., and Leonard Black of Verdel, Nebr.
Friends from a distance who attended the funeral services were Mr. and Mrs. H.J. Steinhausen, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Hengstler, Mr. and Mrs. P.D. Crew, L.B. Crew and A.U. Schaun, of Creighton, John Collins of Verdel, W.W. Walton of Center, and Mrs. Carrie De Benham of Neligh.
Last updated on March 23 2009.
Go to Ransom "Rant" Kile, "Pioneer History Index," for further information.