ABERNATHY, Fred Sherman - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Fred Sherman Abernathy, son of John and Abbie Jane Richardson Abernathy, was born near Cates, Indiana, September 10, 1885 and died March 9, 1942 at his home in Cates after a six year illness,age 56Y5M27D. He spent his entire life in the Cates community, excepting 10 years in Veedersburg. He was married to Gertie Cates on June 24, 1905. To this union were born six children: Mrs. Wilma Banks of Danville, Ill; Hazel who died in infancy; Mrs. Wanda Summers of Cates; Mrs. Ruth Bever of Perrysville; Miss Dorothy A. of the home; and Frederick who passed beyond at the age of 4. Besides his wife and children who survive him, he has two half brothers and two half sisters. CE Hite of W. Terre Haute; JM Abernathy of Potomac Ill; Mrs. Lizzie Trobaugh of Veedersburg and Mrs. John Mitchell of Cayuga. Also 3 grandchildren, Frederick Leroy Summers, Diana Lou Bever and Richard Sherman Bever and a host of friends. He had rare ability to think things out for himself. This ability carried over into hiis later life. Fred served 27 years as section foreman on the Nickel Plate RR. He headed the grievance committee of his division of the Nickel Plate RR for 9 years a position held through a vote of confidence of his fellow workers, who wished for and appreciated their troubles being placed in such skillful and sympathetic hands. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Veedersburg and Modern Woodman of America Lodge at Cates. He was superintendent of the Cates United Bretheren SS for two years. During the 10 years spent in Veederburg he ably served on the city council where his honesty, frankness and ability made him many friends. He was elected Trustee of Fulton Twp, 1938 and was faithfully performing his duties as trustee at the time of his death. Probably the largest crowd ever to assemble at the Cates United Brethren Church attended the funeral service for Fred S. Abernathy, Trustee of Fulton Township. Services were held Thursday afternoon March 12, 1942 at 2 o'clock with Rev OW McGaughey, Veedersburg in charge. Pall bearers: Harley Rayphole, Guy Barker, Herschell Keller, Carl Kinneer, Fred Lindley, and J. Bryant Starkey. Honorary bearers were fellow employees of the Nickle Plate RR. 20 girls were required to carry the huge floral offerings. Burial is at Coal Creek Cemetery. Although having a fine record as trustee, Mr. Abernathy was probably better known as a rr man. He was a section for the Nickel Plate RR for 27 years. He will be greatly missed by his friends and no greater tribute could be paid a man than the words spoken by Rev McGaughey when he said, "Truly, Mr. Abernathy was a prince among men."

Source: 13 March 1942 Crawfordsville Journal? (not sure of paper)

Fred Abernathy, 56, a most esteemed citizen of Fountain County, died at his home in Cates at 8:30 o'clock Monday morning. He had been in failing health for the past 4 years. Mr. Abernathy and family formerly resided in Veedersburg, but had lived in Cates for the past 10 years. At the time of his death, he was serving as trustee of Fulton Twp where he had won a multitude of friends in his fair and honest dealings with all who came in contact with him. Although having a fine record as a trustee, he was perhaps better known as a rr man. For many years past he was section foreman for the Nickel Plate Road which place he had filled until recently when ill health forced his retirement. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Modern Woodmen of America. He was born Sept 10, 1885 near Veedersburg son of John and Abbie Richardson Abernathy. In 1905 he was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Cates, who survives. Surviving in addition to the widow are 4 daughters: Mrs. Wilma Banks, Danville, Ill; Mrs. Ruth Bever, Perrysville; Mrs. Wanda Summers, Cates and Miss Dorothy Abernathy at home. Besides the immed family is a 1/2 sister, Mrs. Lizzie Trobaugh, Veedersburg; two half brothers, CE Hile, W. Terre Haute and JN Abernathy of Potomac, Ill. Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon in the united Brethren church at Cates, with burial in Coal Creek cemetery.