Albert John "Doc" Calkins (1830-1920)

Former Citizen Dead

Word was received here the latter part of the week of the death of A.J. (Doc) Calkins at his home in Greentown, Ind., last Thursday. Mr. Calkins resided here with his family for many years and formerly conducted a barber shop and confectionery store near the depot. He was past ninety years of age and had enjoyed his usual health until a few days before his death. He leaves his wife, one daughter. Mrs. Nola Chase, and two sons, Charles and Leonard, to mourn him. Their Lowell friends extend sympathy to them in their sorrow.

Albert John Calkins, son of Catherine and Daniel Calkins, was born in Canajahoree, N.Y., Mar. 15, 1830, and passed away at his late home, 1228 South Armstrong St., Kokomo, Ind., September 1920 at the age of 90 years, 6 months and 8 days. He was the eldest of ten children, three of whom survive.

In the spring of 1864 he came west, settling in Indiana. He taught school at Lowell, Ind., during the winter of 1868, later engaging in the mercantile business in Remington, Monon and Lowell, and finally being compelled through age to give up active business life. Together with his wife and youngest son moved to Kokomo in 1911 to be near his daughter.

August 29, 1869, he was united in marriage to Sarah M. Johnson. To this union were born four children, all of whom survive except one child, who died in infancy.

He was a man of kind disposition, honest in his business dealings and respected by everyone with whom he came in contact. Some ten years ago he suffered a stroke of paralysis which rendered him almost helpless. During the years of his helplessness he endeared himself to his wife and children and those who cared for him through his patience in bearing his affliction.

He possessed a quick sparkling wit and retained his keen sense of humor even during the last days of his illness.

He is survived by his aged wife, son, Charles, of Merrick, N.Y., son, Leonard, of Cassville, and daughter, Miss Nola Calkins, also two brothers, J.C. Calkins, of Jacksonville, Fla., and D.F. Calkins, of East Palatka, Fla., and a sister, Mrs. J.C. Baughman, of East Palatka, Fla. -- Kokomo Daily Tribune