The following obituary from an unidentified newspaper was found in the Lowell Public Library clipping files (LH--Vital Statistics, vol. 1, page 89):
Reason C. Kile died at his home one and one-half miles north-east of Sherburnville, on Friday February 10, 1899. The funeral was held at the residence, on Sunday, and interment took place at West Creek. Mr. Kile was born August 10, 1817, in Knox county, Ohio. He came to Kankakee county in 1837, and located on section 36, Yellowhead township, where he cleared a farm, and remained there about seven years. He then removed to the location which was his home when he died. He was married in 1840 to Miss Nancy Hayden, daughter of Nehemiah Hayden, one of the pioneer settlers of Lake county, Indiana. Five children came from this union, three of whom are still living -- Nancy, wife of James J. Kelsey, Mary Ellen, wife of George Vanalstine; and Flora, wife of William Hatton. Mr. Kile commenced for himself without anything, but through industry and economy has acquired a competency.
The following obituary from an unidentified newspaper was found in the Lowell Public Library clipping files (LH--Vital Statistics, vol. 1, page 68):
REASON C. KILE
The subject of this notice was born in Knox county, Ohio, August 10, 1817, and died at his home near Sherburnville, Ill., February 10, 1899, at the ripe age of 81 years and 6 months. He resided in Ohio until June, 1837, when he came west and settled in Kankakee county, Ill., and was one of its earliest pioneers. He has lived in that county ever since, and has lived to see it become one of the finest counties in the great state of Illinois. He was a man of very industrious and economical habits, and by this means became possessed of a large property. He was an honest, upright man; a good citizen and a good neighbor, and will be greatly missed by the community in which he has lived so long, and where he knew everybody and everybody knew him. His sickness dates back many years, and he has been a great sufferer. In March, 1841, he was united in marriage to Miss Jane Hayden. To this union five children were born. His wife and three children, Mrs. James Kelsey, of near Sherburnville, Mrs. George VanAlstine and Mrs. Wm. Hatton, both of Monticello, Ind., survive him, together with a large circle of relatives to mourn his departure to that better country. His funeral took place at West Creek church at 10 o'clock a.m., Sunday, February 12th. H.V. Weaver, of Lowell, delivered the discourse, after which interment was made in the West Creek cemetery. To the bereaved family and friends THE TRIBUNE extends its sincere sympathy in their great bereavement.
Last updated on April 6, 2009.
Go to Reason C. Kile, "Pioneer History Index," for further information